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Columbus guide · 6 shops

Columbus bookstores accepting local authors & zines

These 6 shops publicly say they accept submissions. Each card links to a listing with the exact pitch instructions from the shop's own website. Read how to pitch to retailers and grab the free line sheet template before you hit send.

The 6 shops

Uptown Westerville · Westerville

Birdie Books

Uptown Westerville indie bookstore that curates a quarterly collection of local author and illustrator titles.

Heads up: Submissions accepted year-round but selected quarterly; they contact you only if chosen.

FormIf chosen, they buy 3 initial copies of your bookBooks
East Main Street · Bexley

Gramercy Books

Locally owned, carefully curated neighborhood bookstore on Bexley's Main Street.

Heads up: Columbus and immediate-vicinity authors only.

MailEmailConsignment for self-published or non-wholesale booksBooks
German Village · Columbus

The Book Loft of German Village

German Village's rambling indie bookstore, working with hundreds of authors a year in store and at events around Central Ohio.

Heads up: Currently only books by Ohioans and/or about Ohio; no AI-generated content.

FormThey order through IngramBooks
Arlington Ave · Upper Arlington

Cover to Cover Children's Books

Children's bookstore (ages 0-18) run by former educators, librarians and booksellers for more than 40 years.

Heads up: As a general rule no self-published titles (including vanity presses and Amazon imprints) and nothing made with AI.

FormNo consignment and no direct purchases from authorsBooksKids & toys
Downtown Delaware · Delaware

Beanbag Books

Downtown Delaware indie bookstore that hosts a monthly Local Author Showcase.

Heads up: Their authors page doesn't name a specific submission channel; the contact form is the route listed on their site.

FormPublisher/Ingram titles, returnable; no consignmentBooks
Campus / North High St · Columbus

Kafe Kerouac

Coffeehouse, bar and bookstore that makes a point of stocking local writers and comic artists plus hard-to-find small-press items.

Heads up: No submission process or terms published; the site just says they stock local writers and comic book artists.

EmailPhoneBooks

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More Columbus guides

All 15 Columbus shops →

Now Buying · the newsletter

Which independent shops are open to new brands.

New listings in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and 19 more cities (and the next cities as we add them), calls that just closed, vetted brand picks for buyers, and pitch notes from the other side of the counter. Sent as a short email occasionally while we're new, and growing into a weekly list as more shops and brands sign up — so we only email when there's a batch worth your inbox.