Indie Bookstores You Should Try - No Matter Where You Live
There’s something special about indie bookstores. They have personality, community spirit, and the kind of curated book selections you just don’t find in big box chains. But the best part? Many of them now have excellent online shops, so you can support them from anywhere. Here are seven indie bookstores you can (and should) shop from online.
1. The Ripped Bodice
If romance is your genre, this is the place to be. The Ripped Bodice is a romance only bookstore that celebrates love stories in all their forms. They are woman and LGBTQ owned and they’re known for their gorgeous shelves, playful vibe, and curated romance recommendations that span from swoony contemporaries to epic historicals. Their online store is packed with signed copies, exclusive editions, and adorable merch. I have personally ordered both online with them, and shopped in person, and they never miss. I have gotten signed Ali Hazelwood books, I ordered Summer In The City signed from them, and even subscribed to their Read, Romance, Repeat box for a few months.
2. Strand Book Store
The legendary New York City landmark with “18 miles of books” also has a robust online shop. Whether you’re after new releases, rare finds, or Strand exclusive merch, you can browse for hours without leaving your couch. They even have a rare book section that you can browse online which I find very cool. From Strand I have ordered a super fun blind date with a book and Our Infinite Fates signed edition. Both books arrived promptly in amazing shape! They also have book boxes you can check out to get some surprise new picks dropped off at your doorstep!
3. Books Are Awesome
With a name like that, how can you not check them out? This Colorado indie shop radiates joy and community spirit. It’s woman and LGBTQ owned. Their online store has a great mix of new releases, staff picks, and kid-friendly titles, making it perfect for families and gift shopping. They also participate in lots of pre-order campaigns if you'd like to get extra goodies with your books. I have ordered two personalized Meghan Quinn Books from them and while one is a pre-order, the other arrived right on time and was packaged with care.
4. Steamy Lit Bookstore
For readers who like their romance extra spicy, Steamy Lit delivers! Their online shop not only sells romance novels but also features themed boxes, steamy merch, and their own book festival. They have a large list of pre-order campaigns you can check out, and great exclusive books. Inclusivity is at the heart of their curation, so you’ll find diverse voices, tropes, and sub-genres to suit any romance mood. They also have The Steamy Lit Foundation that aims to celebrate the romance genre and to amplify the identities in it, which have been historically underrepresented. I bought a signed copy of The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian from their booth at the LA Times Book Festival and everyone was so kind and their selection was impeccable.
5. Books of Wonder
This children’s and YA-focused New York bookstore is pure magic. While this is the one bookstore on the list I havent bought anything from yet, I have spent a lot of time on their website. They originally drew me in with signed copies of Nightbane by Alex Aster, and while I ended up passing, I am always checking out their newsletter for new deals. They carry signed copies and a lot of limited editions and rare books.
6. Black Pearl Books
Black-owned and community-driven, Black Pearl Books is all about amplifying diverse voices and stories. Their online shop makes it easy to explore thoughtfully curated collections covering fiction, nonfiction, social justice, and children’s literature. They also run a non-profit, which makes supporting them extra special! I ordered a signed and personalized copy of Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood from them and had a great experience.
7. Books Are Magic
This Brooklyn indie caught my attention thanks to its iconic mural and joyful book culture that shines online. Their online shop is colorful, creative, and brimming with irresistible picks. From signed first editions to hot new releases, you’ll find plenty to add to your cart. I have ordered two signed and personalized Tessa Bailey books from them, and both arrived in amazing condition.
8. Reads & Company
Reads & Company is the most recent online indie I have shopped with. I ordered a signed and personalized copy of Accomplice to the Villain from them in early August. While I haven’t received the book yet, I quickly got the tracking information and am awaiting its arrival. Reads & Company online store offers a carefully selected range of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s titles, plus staff picks that feel like recommendations from your bookish best friend. They’re community-focused and author-event heavy.