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UK Distribution & Retail Guide

How to Get Your Book Into UK Bookshops & Libraries

The definitive guide to UK book distribution — from Gardners and Ingram to Waterstones, WHSmith, independent bookshops, public libraries, school libraries, book fairs, and online retail channels.

35 min read Updated January 2026 🇬🇧 UK-Specific Guide
Ash Davies
Ash Davies
Founder of Books.by · Helped 20,000+ authors self-publish since 2014

Why UK Bookshop & Library Distribution Matters

Every author wants to see their book on a real shelf. And in the UK, it's more achievable than you might think. There are over 4,000 bookshops (including 280+ Waterstones branches), 3,000+ public libraries, and a wholesale distribution system that self-published authors can actually access directly.

But here's the reality: bookshop placement doesn't happen by magic. It requires understanding how the UK book supply chain works, setting the right trade terms, having a professionally produced book, and approaching the right people in the right way.

This guide walks you through every channel available to UK self-published authors — from the giant wholesalers (Gardners, Bertrams) to approaching your local independent bookshop, from registering for Public Lending Right to getting stocked in school libraries.

Distribution is the unsexy part of publishing that most self-published authors overlook. You can have the best book in the world, but if it's not orderable through Gardners, no UK bookshop will stock it. Get your distribution infrastructure right first, then approach retailers.

If you're new to self-publishing in the UK, start with our complete guide to publishing a book in the UK. You'll also want an ISBN and a clear understanding of UK self-publishing costs before tackling distribution.

What this guide covers

Understanding UK Book Distribution Infrastructure

The UK book supply chain is well-organised and relatively straightforward once you understand the key players. Here's how books flow from publisher to reader in Britain:

"In the UK, distribution is everything. A book that isn't in the Gardners catalogue might as well not exist as far as most bookshops are concerned."

The Supply Chain: Publisher → Distributor → Wholesaler → Retailer

For traditionally published books, the chain typically runs: publisher → distributor (e.g., Grantham Book Services, Macmillan Distribution) → wholesaler (Gardners, Bertrams) → bookshop. Self-published authors can access this chain through Ingram, which feeds directly into the UK wholesale network.

Gardners Books — The UK's Largest Wholesaler

Gardners Books, based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, is the single most important entity in UK book distribution. They are the UK's largest book wholesaler, supplying:

Gardners don't work directly with individual self-published authors. Instead, they source books from Ingram (the world's largest book distributor). This means: if your book is listed on Ingram, it automatically becomes available to order through Gardners — and by extension, virtually every UK bookshop and library.

💡 The critical insight

Getting into Gardners = Getting into UK retail. You don't need to contact Gardners directly. You need to get your book into the Ingram catalogue — either through IngramSpark directly, or through a platform like Books.by that distributes via Ingram. Once in Ingram, Gardners picks it up automatically, and any UK bookshop can order your title.

Bertrams (Now Part of Gardners)

Bertrams was historically the UK's second-largest book wholesaler, based in Norwich. In 2020, Bertrams' book wholesaling business was acquired by Gardners, consolidating UK book wholesaling. The Bertrams brand still operates for some library supply functions, but for practical purposes, Gardners is now the dominant UK wholesaler.

Some older guides still reference Bertrams as a separate entity — be aware that for trade distribution purposes, Gardners is the key player.

Ingram Content Group — The Global Connector

Ingram is the world's largest book distributor, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with UK operations through Lightning Source UK (their print-on-demand facility in Milton Keynes). Ingram is the bridge between self-published authors and the UK wholesale/retail network:

Other Distributors

Several other distributors serve specific segments of the UK market:

For self-published authors, Ingram is the only viable route to UK-wide wholesale distribution. The other distributors work with established publishers, not individual authors.

Entity Role Why It Matters
Ingram / IngramSpark Global distributor & POD printer Your entry point into UK retail. List here → available everywhere.
Lightning Source UK UK print-on-demand facility Prints books domestically in Milton Keynes for fast UK fulfilment.
Gardners UK's largest wholesaler Supplies 3,500+ bookshops, libraries, and retailers. Fed by Ingram.
Bertrams Wholesaler (now part of Gardners) Primarily library supply. Acquired by Gardners in 2020.
Askews & Holts Library supplier Major supplier to UK public libraries. Sources from Gardners/Ingram.
🔑 Bottom line
  • Gardners is the UK's dominant wholesaler — they supply virtually every bookshop and library
  • Ingram (via IngramSpark) is your route into the Gardners catalogue
  • Lightning Source UK prints books domestically in Milton Keynes for fast UK fulfilment
  • Once in the Ingram/Gardners system, your book is orderable by any UK retailer

How Books.by Distributes to UK Retail

Books.by operates primarily as a direct-to-reader platform — you create your own bookstore and sell directly to readers, keeping 100% of your royalties. But Books.by also connects to the UK retail ecosystem through Ingram.

Direct Sales via Books.by

Your primary sales channel on Books.by is your own branded bookstore. For the UK market, this offers significant advantages:

💡 The UK advantage

The UK is Books.by's fastest and cheapest domestic market. A UK reader ordering from your Books.by store receives their book in 3–5 days total (2–3 days printing + 1–2 days shipping), which is often faster than Amazon Prime delivery. Combined with the lowest shipping cost of any Books.by market, the UK is ideal for direct-to-reader sales.

Wholesale Distribution via Ingram

For bookshop and library distribution, many Books.by authors also list on IngramSpark separately. This is the recommended approach for maximum reach:

  1. Books.by — for direct-to-reader sales (highest margins, fastest delivery, customer data)
  2. IngramSpark — for wholesale distribution to bookshops, libraries, and online retailers via Gardners

This "direct + wholesale" strategy gives you the best of both worlds: maximum royalties on direct sales, plus wide availability in physical retail.

Setting Up IngramSpark for UK Distribution

When listing on IngramSpark for UK retail, pay attention to these settings:

📝 In short
  • Use Books.by for direct sales (highest margins, fastest UK delivery)
  • Add IngramSpark for wholesale distribution to bookshops and libraries
  • This "direct + wholesale" approach maximises both revenue and availability

Getting Into Waterstones

Waterstones is the UK's largest bookshop chain, with over 280 branches across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Having your book on a Waterstones shelf is a major milestone for any author. Here's how to make it happen.

How Waterstones Buys Books

Waterstones has two main routes for stocking books:

  1. Central buying team — Based at head office in Piccadilly, London. They select titles for nationwide display, promotions, and "Book of the Month" campaigns. This is extremely competitive and primarily serves traditionally published titles with significant marketing budgets.
  2. Individual store managers — Each Waterstones branch has significant autonomy to stock local authors and titles that suit their community. This is your best route as a self-published author.

The Local Author Programme

Many Waterstones branches run informal local author programmes. These vary by store but generally work as follows:

How to Approach Waterstones

  1. Ensure your book is in the Gardners/Ingram catalogue — This is non-negotiable. If a store manager can't order your book through their standard system, it won't happen.
  2. Visit your local branch — Go in person. Browse, buy a book, and ask at the till if they have a local author programme. Ask for the store manager's name.
  3. Bring a copy of your book — Let the manager see the quality of your production. A professional cover and clean interior are essential.
  4. Bring a one-page sell sheet — Include: title, ISBN, price, genre, 2-line blurb, your local connection, any reviews/awards, and ordering information.
  5. Be professional and gracious — Store managers are busy. Be brief, be polite, and don't be pushy. If they say no, thank them and move on.
  6. Offer to do an event — Waterstones loves in-store events. A book signing, reading, or talk dramatically increases your chances of being stocked.
ℹ️ Waterstones online

Even if you don't get physical shelf space, your book will appear on waterstones.com if it's in the Gardners/Ingram catalogue. Waterstones' website pulls from Gardners stock data, so any book with a proper ISBN and Ingram listing will have a product page on their site. Online orders are fulfilled via Gardners.

Requirements for Waterstones

✂️ The short version
  • Approach individual store managers, not head office
  • Your book MUST be in the Gardners/Ingram catalogue first
  • Offer consignment terms and in-store events
  • Professional production quality is absolutely essential

Getting Into WHSmith

WHSmith operates over 500 high street stores and 600+ travel retail locations (airports, train stations, motorway services) across the UK. Huge brand, massive footprint — but honestly, it's one of the hardest retailers for self-published authors to crack.

WHSmith High Street

WHSmith high street stores stock a relatively narrow range of bestsellers, with buying decisions made centrally by the head office team. They work with major publishers and distributors, and shelf space is often paid for through co-operative marketing agreements (publishers pay for front-of-store placement).

Realistic assessment: Getting into WHSmith high street stores as a self-published author is extremely difficult. The buying team focuses on proven bestsellers and titles with significant marketing spend behind them.

WHSmith Travel

WHSmith Travel (airports, train stations, hospitals) is a slightly different proposition. These stores have:

Your best route to WHSmith Travel is building sales evidence elsewhere first — a strong Amazon.co.uk rank, media coverage, or a viral social media following can attract the attention of their buying team.

How to Get Noticed by WHSmith

  1. Build sales evidence first: Strong Amazon rank, Waterstones sales, and media coverage
  2. Ensure Ingram/Gardners availability: Your book must be orderable through standard trade channels
  3. Contact the buying team: WHSmith's book buying is handled centrally. You can reach them through the WHSmith corporate website
  4. Consider a publicist: A book publicist with WHSmith contacts can be invaluable for getting your title in front of buyers
  5. Target travel-appropriate genres: Thrillers, romance, self-help, and travel books perform best in WHSmith Travel locations
⚠️ Consignment caution

Some WHSmith locations offer consignment arrangements for local authors, particularly in tourist areas. Be cautious with consignment terms — ensure you have a written agreement specifying the split (typically 60/40 or 65/35 in your favour), the review period, and what happens to unsold stock. Always keep records of how many copies you've supplied to each location.

📋 Quick summary
  • WHSmith high street is centrally bought — very difficult for self-published authors
  • WHSmith Travel is slightly more accessible, especially for genre fiction
  • Build sales evidence elsewhere first, then approach WHSmith
  • Focus your energy on Waterstones and independents first — far higher success rate

Getting Into Independent Bookshops

Here's where it gets exciting. The UK has over 1,000 indie bookshops across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, many of them members of the Booksellers Association. And they're often the most receptive to self-published authors — far more so than the chains.

Independent bookshops are your best opportunity for physical retail placement. Unlike chain stores with centralised buying, indie shop owners make their own stocking decisions — and many actively champion local authors and unusual titles that the chains overlook.

Finding Independent Bookshops Near You

How to Approach an Independent Bookshop

The golden rules for approaching indie bookshops:

  1. Visit first, pitch second. Go to the shop. Buy a book. Get a feel for what they stock. Note any local author sections.
  2. Ask, don't assume. Politely ask if they work with local/self-published authors. Some do actively, others don't. Respect their policy.
  3. Bring a physical copy. Let them hold your book. The production quality speaks for itself — or against you.
  4. Offer consignment. Most indie shops won't buy stock upfront from unknown authors. Consignment (they pay only for copies sold) removes their risk.
  5. Suggest an event. A book signing, author talk, or reading gives the shop a reason to stock your book and creates a win-win.
  6. Follow up professionally. Send a thank-you email. Check in monthly on sales. Restock promptly when copies sell.

Typical Consignment Terms

Term Typical Range Notes
Split 60/40 to 70/30 (author/shop) 60/40 is most common. Some shops want 50/50.
Initial stock 3–5 copies Start small. Restock based on sales.
Review period 2–3 months Shop returns unsold copies after this period.
Payment frequency Monthly or at collection Agree this upfront in writing.
Invoice Required Create a simple consignment invoice. Keep copies for tax records.

Pitch Email Template

If you can't visit in person, or as a follow-up to an in-store conversation, here's an email template that works:

Subject: Local author — [Book Title] for [Shop Name]?

Dear [Owner/Manager Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I'm a local author based in [Your Town/City]. I recently visited [Shop Name] and loved your [specific observation — e.g., "curated fiction selection" or "wonderful local interest section"].

I've just published [Book Title], a [genre] about [one-sentence description]. It has a proper ISBN ([ISBN number]), is professionally edited and designed, and is available through Gardners/Ingram for standard trade ordering.

[One sentence of social proof — e.g., "It's received 5-star reviews on Goodreads" or "I was featured in the [Local Newspaper]" or "I've sold 500+ copies through my online store."]

I'd love to supply a few copies on consignment (standard 60/40 split, you pay only for copies sold). I'm also happy to do an author event — a signing, reading, or talk — at a time that suits you.

I've attached a one-page sell sheet with all the details. Would you be open to stocking a few copies?

Thank you for your time, and thank you for supporting local authors.

Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your website/Books.by store URL]
[Your phone number]

💡 Create a sell sheet

A sell sheet is a one-page PDF with: cover image, title, author, ISBN, price, genre, 2-3 sentence description, author bio, ordering info (Gardners/Ingram), and any reviews or press coverage. This is the standard tool used by publishers' sales reps. Having one immediately signals professionalism to bookshop owners.

Building Long-Term Relationships

Independent bookshop relationships are built over time. Tips for the long game:

💡 Worth knowing
  • Independent bookshops are your best opportunity for physical retail — approach them first
  • Always offer consignment to remove risk for the shop
  • Visit in person when possible; follow up with a professional email and sell sheet
  • Build long-term relationships — be a customer, not just a supplier

Foyles, Blackwell's & Daunt Books

Beyond Waterstones and WHSmith, several specialist bookshop chains offer opportunities for self-published authors with the right titles.

Foyles

Foyles operates flagship stores in London (Charing Cross Road, Waterloo, and Royal Festival Hall) plus a few other locations. Foyles is known for its extraordinarily deep stock — they carry far more titles than a typical Waterstones, including niche and specialist titles.

Blackwell's

Blackwell's is the UK's premier academic bookshop chain, with branches in major university cities including Oxford (their legendary Broad Street flagship), Edinburgh, and London. They also have a strong online presence at blackwells.co.uk.

Daunt Books

Daunt Books is a London-based chain of nine beautiful bookshops, known for their travel-focused organisation (fiction and non-fiction shelved by country/region) and impeccable curation. The Marylebone High Street flagship is one of London's most photographed bookshops.

ℹ️ Other specialist retailers

Don't overlook specialist bookshops that focus on your genre or subject area: Persephone Books (reprints of forgotten women's writing), Forbidden Planet (sci-fi, fantasy, horror), Gay's The Word (LGBTQ+ literature), Housmans (radical/political), Stanfords (maps and travel). These specialist shops can be the perfect home for a niche title — and their customers are highly targeted.

⚡ TL;DR
  • Foyles: deep stock, excellent events — good for literary and specialist titles
  • Blackwell's: academic focus — ideal for non-fiction and university-adjacent books
  • Daunt Books: highly curated — prestigious placement for beautifully produced literary titles
  • Don't overlook genre-specialist shops that perfectly match your book

Amazon.co.uk — Tips for UK Authors

Like it or not, Amazon.co.uk is the UK's largest online book retailer — an estimated 50%+ of all UK book sales happen there. If you've published through Amazon KDP or IngramSpark, your book is already listed. Here's how to make the most of it.

Optimise for Amazon.co.uk Specifically

Amazon Author Central UK

Set up your Amazon Author Central UK profile (separate from your US profile). This lets you:

Amazon Advertising for the UK

Amazon Ads work on amazon.co.uk just as they do on amazon.com. Key differences:

💡 Don't rely solely on Amazon

While Amazon dominates UK online book sales, diversifying your sales channels is crucial. Direct sales through Books.by give you 2–5× higher royalties per book, plus you own the customer relationship. Use Amazon for discoverability and your Books.by store for maximum profit. Many successful UK authors drive traffic from Amazon to their direct store using their author website.

🎯 Practical takeaway
  • Set up Amazon Author Central UK separately from your US profile
  • Use British spellings and UK-specific categories/keywords
  • Amazon Ads are cheaper on .co.uk — start with £5–10/day
  • Diversify: use Amazon for discoverability, Books.by for maximum royalties

UK Public Libraries & Public Lending Right (PLR)

The UK has over 3,000 public libraries serving millions of readers. Getting your book into the library system means reaching readers who might never buy your book — but who can become lifelong fans. It also means you get paid for every loan through the Public Lending Right scheme.

How UK Libraries Acquire Books

UK public libraries acquire books through a structured procurement process:

  1. Library suppliers: The major library suppliers are Askews & Holts (now part of the EBSCO group) and Peters Books (specialist children's supplier). These companies supply the majority of UK public libraries.
  2. Standing orders: Libraries place standing orders for books matching certain criteria (e.g., all new fiction, all local interest titles). If your book matches their criteria and is in the supplier catalogue, it may be automatically ordered.
  3. Individual selection: Library staff review new titles and select based on community needs, reader requests, and professional reviews.
  4. Reader requests: Library users can request specific titles. If the book has a proper ISBN and is orderable, most libraries will acquire it.
💡 Getting into the supplier catalogues

Library suppliers like Askews & Holts source from Gardners and Ingram. If your book is listed on IngramSpark with proper bibliographic data (ISBN, subject classifications, description, cover image), it will appear in library supplier catalogues automatically. This is another reason why Ingram distribution is essential for UK authors.

Approaching Your Local Library

Your local library is your first and easiest target:

  1. Visit your local library. Speak to a librarian about their process for stocking local authors.
  2. Contact your library authority. Each council has a library service with a stock team. Find your library authority at gov.uk.
  3. Offer a donation copy. Many libraries accept donated books for their collection, especially from local authors.
  4. Request your own book. Use the library's reader request service to suggest your own title. If it's in the Ingram/Gardners catalogue, they can order it.
  5. Offer to do events. Libraries love author events — readings, talks, workshops. This is a fantastic way to build your local readership and ensure your book gets stocked.

Public Lending Right (PLR) — Get Paid for Library Loans

This is one of the UK's best-kept secrets for authors. Public Lending Right (PLR) is a government-funded scheme that pays authors every time their book is borrowed from a UK public library.

💰 PLR pays you for every library loan

The current PLR rate is approximately 11.29p per loan (2024/25 rate). If your book is borrowed 1,000 times across UK libraries in a year, you receive approximately £112.90 — for doing nothing beyond registering. Popular authors can earn up to the maximum payment of £6,600 per year from PLR alone.

How to Register for PLR

  1. Visit plr.uk.gov.uk — the official PLR website
  2. Create an account — you'll need your personal details and bank information for payments
  3. Register your books — add each title with its ISBN. You can register both print and ebook editions.
  4. Eligibility: You must have a UK or EEA address. The book must have an ISBN and be available in at least one UK public library.
  5. Registration is free — there are no fees to register for PLR

PLR Key Details

Detail Information
Current rate per loan ~11.29p (reviewed annually)
Minimum payment threshold £1 (you must earn at least £1 to receive payment)
Maximum annual payment £6,600 per author
Payment date February each year (for loans in the previous July–June period)
Sampling method PLR estimates total loans from a sample of libraries across the UK
Registration deadline 30 June each year to be included in the next sampling period
Eligibility Authors, illustrators, translators, editors, and compilers with UK/EEA address
Tax status PLR payments are taxable income — declare on your Self Assessment return
⚠️ Don't forget to register!

PLR registration is not automatic. Even if your book is in every library in Britain, you won't receive a penny unless you register at plr.uk.gov.uk. Registration is free and takes about 10 minutes. There is no reason not to do this. Register every book you publish, including new editions.

For more on UK author tax obligations including how to declare PLR income, see our UK author tax guide.

⚡ The upshot
  • UK libraries acquire books through suppliers who source from Gardners/Ingram
  • Register for PLR at plr.uk.gov.uk — you get paid ~11p for every library loan
  • Approach your local library directly — offer donated copies and author events
  • PLR registration is free, takes 10 minutes, and there's no reason not to do it

School Libraries & the Educational Market

The UK school library market is a significant opportunity, particularly for children's and young adult authors. There are approximately 24,000 schools in England alone, many with dedicated libraries or book collections.

How Schools Acquire Books

School book acquisition works differently from public libraries:

Getting Your Book Into Schools

  1. Ensure proper metadata: Include age-range metadata, reading level, and subject classifications when listing on IngramSpark. This is critical for educational buyers.
  2. Get reviewed: Educational publications carry enormous weight:
    • Books for Keeps — the UK's leading children's book review journal (booksforkeeps.co.uk)
    • The School Librarian — the SLA's journal, read by school librarians nationwide
    • Teach Primary / Teach Secondary — reviewed titles get recommended to teachers
  3. Attend educational events: The SLA runs conferences and events where you can meet school librarians and promote your books.
  4. Offer school visits: Schools frequently invite authors for assemblies, workshops, and reading sessions. This is one of the most effective ways to sell books to schools — many purchase class sets after a successful visit.
  5. Contact local schools directly: Email the school librarian or English department head. Offer a free copy for review and a school visit.

School Author Visits

Author visits to schools are a UK tradition and a lucrative opportunity:

💡 Reading programmes to know about

Several national reading programmes drive school library acquisition in the UK: The Summer Reading Challenge (run by The Reading Agency, reaches 700,000+ children annually), World Book Day (every March, massive exposure), Carnegie Medal and Kate Greenaway Medal (the Oscars of UK children's books, run by CILIP). While these primarily feature traditionally published books, awareness of these programmes helps you time your marketing and understand what school librarians look for.

💬 Our take
  • Peters Books and Brown's Books are the main school library suppliers
  • Getting reviewed in Books for Keeps or The School Librarian is invaluable
  • School author visits are both profitable and the best way to sell books into schools
  • Include proper age-range metadata when listing on IngramSpark

Book Fairs & Literary Events

The UK has one of the world's most vibrant literary event circuits. From the industry-focused London Book Fair to hundreds of regional literary festivals, there are opportunities for self-published authors at every level.

London Book Fair

The London Book Fair is the UK's premier publishing industry event, held annually at Olympia London (usually in March/April). It's primarily a trade fair — publishers, agents, rights managers, and distributors doing business — rather than a consumer event.

Regional Literary Festivals

The UK has an extraordinary density of literary festivals — over 300 annually. These are consumer-facing events where readers attend author talks, panels, and signings. Key festivals include:

Getting Involved in Literary Festivals

  1. Start local: Search for literary festivals in your region. Many smaller festivals actively seek local authors.
  2. Apply early: Most festivals programme 6–12 months in advance. Check their websites for submission deadlines.
  3. Offer specific events: Don't just say "I wrote a book." Propose a specific talk, workshop, panel topic, or reading that would appeal to their audience.
  4. Attend first: Visit festivals as a reader before applying as an author. Understand the vibe, meet organisers, and build relationships.
  5. Sell at the festival: Many festivals have associated bookshops where participating authors' books are sold. Ensure your book is orderable through Gardners/Ingram so the festival bookshop can stock it.

Other Events

👉 What this means for you
  • London Book Fair is essential for industry networking; attend Author HQ seminars
  • The UK has 300+ literary festivals — start local and build up
  • Apply 6–12 months in advance with a specific, audience-focused event proposal
  • Ensure your book is in Gardners/Ingram so festival bookshops can order stock

Online Sales Channels

Beyond Amazon.co.uk and your own Books.by store, several UK-specific online channels can drive meaningful sales.

Bookshop.org UK

Bookshop.org UK launched in 2020 and has rapidly become the go-to alternative to Amazon for readers who want to support independent bookshops. A percentage of every sale goes to a customer's chosen local indie bookshop.

Hive.co.uk

Hive.co.uk is a UK online bookshop that shares profits with local independent bookshops. Readers choose a local bookshop to support, and Hive splits the revenue.

Waterstones.com

Waterstones' online store is the UK's second-largest online book retailer after Amazon. As mentioned earlier, any book in the Gardners catalogue appears on waterstones.com automatically.

Blackwells.co.uk

Blackwell's online store is particularly strong for academic and non-fiction titles. If your book is in the Ingram catalogue, it will appear on blackwells.co.uk.

Foyles.co.uk

Foyles' online store offers an excellent browsing experience and is respected by UK readers. Good for literary fiction and specialist non-fiction.

eBay UK

Don't overlook eBay.co.uk for book sales. Some self-published authors sell directly on eBay, particularly signed copies, limited editions, or niche titles. eBay takes approximately 12.8% + 30p per transaction.

Your Own Books.by Store

Your Books.by store should be your primary direct sales channel. With 100% royalties, the fastest UK delivery (3–5 days), and full ownership of the customer relationship, it's the most profitable way to sell books in the UK.

💡 Multi-channel strategy

The most successful UK self-published authors use a multi-channel approach:

1. Books.by — direct sales, highest margins, customer data
2. Amazon.co.uk — discoverability and the largest audience
3. IngramSpark — feeds Gardners, Waterstones, Bookshop.org, Hive, libraries
4. Author website — hub linking to all channels, with preference to your Books.by store

This ensures maximum visibility while maximising your profit on every sale.

🔑 The bottom line
  • Bookshop.org UK is growing fast — create an affiliate page for 10% commission
  • Hive.co.uk supports indie bookshops and offers free UK delivery
  • All these channels are fed by Ingram/Gardners — one listing, many stores
  • Your Books.by store should be your primary channel for maximum royalties

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my self-published book into Waterstones?

Your book needs to be available through Gardners, the UK's largest book wholesaler. List your book via IngramSpark or a platform that distributes through Ingram (like Books.by), ensure it has a proper ISBN, professional cover, and competitive trade discount (typically 35–55%). Then approach individual Waterstones stores about their local author programme — store managers have discretion to stock local titles on consignment.

What is Gardners and why does it matter for UK bookshops?

Gardners Books is the UK's largest book wholesaler, supplying over 3,500 bookshops, libraries, and retailers across Britain. If your book is listed in the Gardners catalogue (which happens automatically when you distribute through Ingram), any UK bookshop can order it through their standard ordering system. This is the single most important step for UK bookshop distribution.

What is Public Lending Right (PLR) and how do I register?

Public Lending Right (PLR) is a UK government scheme that pays authors each time their book is borrowed from a public library. Authors currently receive approximately 11.29p per loan. You must register your books at plr.uk.gov.uk — registration is free. The minimum payment threshold is £1, and the maximum payment to any single author is £6,600 per year. PLR payments are made annually in February.

Can self-published authors get into WHSmith?

Getting into WHSmith high street stores is very difficult for self-published authors as buying decisions are made centrally. However, WHSmith Travel (airports, train stations) is more accessible through local consignment arrangements. Your best route is ensuring your book is in the Gardners/Ingram catalogue so WHSmith buyers can find it, then building sales evidence (strong Amazon rank, media coverage) to demonstrate demand.

How do UK libraries acquire books?

UK public libraries acquire books through library suppliers, primarily Askews & Holts and Peters (for children's books). These suppliers source from wholesalers like Gardners and Bertrams. If your book is in the Ingram/Gardners catalogue with a proper ISBN and bibliographic data, libraries can order it. You can also approach your local library authority directly — many have local author acquisition programmes.

What trade discount should I offer for UK bookshop distribution?

UK bookshops typically expect a trade discount of 35–55% off the recommended retail price (RRP). A 35% discount is the minimum most shops will accept; 40–45% is standard. Waterstones usually requires 40–45%, and Gardners/wholesalers need 45–55% to supply retailers. Set your wholesale discount on IngramSpark accordingly — 55% gives maximum reach but reduces your margin.

Should I make my book returnable for UK bookshops?

Making your book returnable significantly increases the chance of bookshop placement. UK bookshops are reluctant to stock non-returnable titles because unsold stock becomes their financial loss. On IngramSpark, you can set your book as returnable (with destroy or return options). However, returns eat into your profits — expect a 5–15% return rate. For initial bookshop placement, setting returnable status is usually worth the risk.

How do I approach independent bookshops in the UK?

Start local. Visit the shop, buy something, and ask to speak with the owner or manager about stocking local authors. Bring a professional-quality copy of your book, a one-page sell sheet, and be prepared to offer consignment terms (they pay only for copies sold, typically 60/40 split in your favour). Follow up with a professional email. The Booksellers Association directory at booksellers.org.uk lists all member bookshops.

What is Bookshop.org UK and should I use it?

Bookshop.org UK (uk.bookshop.org) is an online bookshop that supports independent bookshops — a percentage of each sale goes to a local indie bookshop of the buyer's choice. If your book has an ISBN and is in the Ingram catalogue, it should appear on Bookshop.org automatically. It's an excellent alternative to Amazon for readers who want to support indie shops, and you can create an affiliate page to earn an additional 10% commission on books you recommend.

How do I get my book into school libraries in the UK?

School libraries acquire books through educational suppliers like Peters Books, Brown's Books for Students, and the School Library Association (SLA). Ensure your book has proper age-range metadata and subject classifications. Attend educational book fairs and events. The SLA (sla.org.uk) offers resources for connecting with school librarians. For children's books, getting reviewed by educational publications like Books for Keeps or The School Librarian journal increases visibility enormously.

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Related UK Guides