Best-selling author James Patterson is giving away $US1 million ($A1.11 million) of his own money to independent bookstores.
On Wednesday, Patterson announced the first round of 55 stores to receive over $US267,000 in funds. The remaining $US750,000 will be given out in stages throughout the year.
Patterson's publisher, Hachette Book Group, released a statement saying the author feels that bookstores are vital to communities and that they leave a lasting love of reading in children and adults.
The bookstores can do whatever they want with the grants, which range from $US2,000 to $US15,000.
Patterson's books have sold more than 300 million copies worldwide, making him among the world's most prolific and popular writers.
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