There’s a new online bookstore in town—and this time it’s helmed by RuPaul.
Yes, that RuPaul. (Reading being, after all, fundamental.)
Allstora is a membership-based bookstore that offers a profit-split to authors.
Founders and Vision
RuPaul serves as Allstora’s Chief Creative Officer and co-founder, alongside bestselling author Eric Cervini and his partner, drag performer and actor Adam Powell.
Additionally, RuPaul will run a book club through the platform, sharing “the books that helped him become the world’s most legendary queen.”
Membership and Discounts
While you can buy any traditionally distributed book on Allstora, the store has “a focus on uplifting the voices of underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ people, women, and communities of color.”
Membership costs $5 a month, entitling shoppers to a 30% discount.
Allstora Author Program
Authors of books sold on Allstora can sign up for the Allstora Author Program, which pays out a 10% commission (in monthly direct payments) on every book sold—in addition to whatever profit they might earn through regular channels.
RuPaul’s Statement
“We all benefit from stories that give us a different perspective or take us to another world,” said RuPaul in a press release.
“Creatives—whether drag queens, philosophers or authors—are driving our culture forward, and should be properly compensated for their work.
I’m passionate about uplifting the voices of underrepresented groups, and I’m proud of what Allstora offers to both authors and readers: a community.”
Rainbow Book Bus Initiative
Allstora will also be sending a Rainbow Book Bus across the country to distribute books to communities affected by queer book censorship.
Considerations
While it’s great to see promotion and visibility (and money) for underrepresented authors, questions remain about the impact on the bookselling community.
The 10% kickback might incentivize authors to direct readers to buy their titles from Allstora, potentially affecting brick-and-mortar bookstores.
However, the aim is to chip away at monopolistic practices while ensuring the continued popularity of bookselling.
About RuPaul
RuPaul Andre Charles, born on November 17, 1960, is an accomplished American figure known for his multifaceted talents. As a drag queen, television personality, actor, singer, producer, and writer, RuPaul has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
He is the driving force behind the widely acclaimed reality competition series, RuPaul’s Drag Race, where he not only produces and hosts but also serves as a discerning judge.
His contributions to the show have garnered him an impressive array of awards, including 14 Primetime Emmy Awards, three GLAAD Media Awards, a Critics’ Choice Television Award, two Billboard Music Awards, and a Tony Award.
Recognized as the “Queen of Drag,” RuPaul holds the distinction of being the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States.
His influence extends far beyond the realms of drag, with Fortune magazine dubbing him “easily the world’s most famous drag queen.”
RuPaul’s pioneering spirit and undeniable talent have solidified his legacy as an icon of pop culture.
