Independent Bookshops: A Writer’s Greatest Ally

There are very few things in the world that bring my heart more joy than an independent bookshop. The personality and love of reading that they’re filled with is almost infectious.

It’s a joke in my household that I literally can’t walk past a bookshop without going into it. At least one day of any holiday I go on will be completely dedicated to book shopping. I’ll traipse all over the city to fit in as many independents as I can, and will leave with at least one book and a tote bag from each (and yes, I often have to buy an extra suitcase to bring everything back home).

Bookshops, especially independent bookshops, are cultural sanctuaries. While there are lots of stores and online retailers that sell books, they’re not book shops. And even many book chains simply can’t match the curated, personal experience you get in an independent bookshop.

As writers, independent book shops and the booksellers who work there are our champions. They read our work and recommend us to anyone and everyone. They’re our biggest supporters, so it’s important that we support them in return.

A Personal Touch in an Increasingly Digital World

Independent bookshops often serve as more than just retail spaces. They are community hubs where passionate booksellers share their love of reading. An independent bookshop elevates the community it’s in, and will often tailor what they offer and recommend to their audience.

Independent bookshops know their stock intimately. They take pride in bringing great reads to the people who frequent their stores. They host events, they big up local writers, and hand-sell books to their customers. Written a local history? That bookseller will champion your work to tourists. Are you a local author who has written a romance novel? If you hook that bookseller’s interest, they’ll personally start recommending you.

Curated Collections That Tell Stories

Unlike the algorithm-driven recommendations you see so often through online retailers, independent bookshops offer thoughtfully curated collections that reflect local interests and the booksellers’ expertise. Each shop has its own personality, shaped by the community it serves and the people who run it.

I have two independent bookshops near me who both have very different styles and vibes. One has a brilliant selection of new release genre fiction and even gets in signed and special editions of a lot of titles (did you know in the UK there are often independent-exclusive editions?). They carry works by local authors, and unlike many other stores, they shelve their self-published stock in with the trad published books. Neither is considered better or more important. So someone browsing is just as likely to pick up a book by a local indie author as they are the newest bestseller. I love that approach.

My other local caters more to non-fiction and literary fiction readers. I’m in a seaside coastal town, so they know they have an audience of nature lovers who are interested in local history. They have dedicated displays showcasing the work of local writers, artists, and historians.

Both my locals are unique. But this uniqueness lends itself to new discoveries. A smaller, carefully curated collection lets every writer shine, rather than being lost in the crowd.

Events That Build Communities

Independent bookshops are natural gathering places for literary communities. From author readings and book launches to writing workshops and book clubs, these spaces foster connections between writers and readers that can’t be replicated online.

For emerging writers, these venues often provide their first platform for sharing their work with an audience. When I last visited the USA, I made a pilgrimage to a dedicated romance bookshop that was hosting an event with a small-press author. The event was fantastic, and you could really feel the passion in the room.

One of my locals is too small to host events, but they act as a hub that facilitates them. They have a community noticeboard and will happily champion local events and gatherings to anyone who asks. I even run a writing group locally that they will send people to if they make enquiries. They support writers and readers alike.

A Testing Ground for New Ideas

Browse the shelves of an independent bookshop and you’ll often find titles from small presses and local authors alongside bestsellers. Independents are often willing to take chances on unique voices and experimental works that might not find shelf space in larger chains. Indie bookshops help to nurture literary diversity and will support writers at all stages of their careers.

The Value of Expert Recommendations

Independent booksellers are often voracious readers themselves and will offer informed, passionate recommendations based on actual reading experience rather than sales algorithms. For writers, professionals with this knowledge can become valuable allies in understanding market trends and reader preferences in their genre.

No one spots the trends better than booksellers. And they’re always happy to talk about books. Want to know about predicted future publishing trends? Need some recommendations on comp titles for your agent query? Just ask an indie bookseller? They need to know what’s current and what readers are buying and why. They’re a great resource on your writing journey.

Supporting the Literary Ecosystem

When we support independent bookshops, we’re investing in the health of the entire literary ecosystem. These stores often partner with local libraries, schools, and writing groups, creating a network that sustains and grows reading communities.

They’re also more likely to stock books from independent publishers and emerging authors, helping to maintain diversity in publishing. They ensure we continue to see a range of voices, instead of just the same handful of bestsellers that are fed to you by an algorithm.

Why Your Support Matters

In an age of online convenience and digital reading, independent bookshops face significant challenges. But the role they play in nurturing literary culture and supporting writers is irreplaceable. By choosing to support independent bookshops, whether through buying books, attending events, or promoting them to others, you can help ensure these spaces continue to thrive.

For writers, independent bookshops aren’t just places to buy books. They’re partners in creativity, community builders, and champions of literary culture. They deserve our support not just because they support us, but because they make the whole literary world richer, more diverse, and more human.