It was only two weeks ago that they announced their business is for sale, but Carla Cohen and Barbara Meade, the owners of Politics and Prose, have already been approached by about 20 prospective buyers, reports the New York Times.

Among the interested parties are local literary agent Raphael Sagalyn, editor of the New Republic and Sagalyn client Franklin Foer, and national correspondent for the Atlantic Jeffrey Goldberg. Together, the three are members of a larger group of prospective buyers.

Nicholas Kittrie, a law professor at nearby American University, is leading another group of interested buyers. The group of 10 or so people includes publishing, radio, and electronic communications professionals.

Busboys and Poets’ Andy Shallal initially considered buying Politics and Prose, but said that his business model, which derives the majority of profits from restaurants, would require expansion of the basement coffee shop.

Cohen and Meade founded the Forest Hills bookstore 26 years ago, and have since become a vital presence in the community and on the national publishing scene. They are now both 74 years old, and Cohen is seriously ill.