As gloomy sales predictions mount, booksellers and authors are fighting to save the holiday season. To that end, science fiction author John Scalzi and Jay and Mary's Book Center hit on an innovative, simple way to sell some books.

Scalzi has built a thriving online community on his personal blog, and he used that digital platform to sell some paper copies. He outlined the plan: "You call my local independent bookseller, Jay and Mary's Book Center, located in scenic Troy, Ohio ... You tell them which of my books you would like to order from them, and how you would like those books personalized ... I come in within a few days to sign and personalize your books."

This kind of hyper-local coordination between authors and bookstores could be quite helpful during a penny-pinching holiday season. Are more authors and bookstores working together this holiday season? Sound off in the comments.