Get your book on
our little shelf.

Who can apply?

The Little Shelf is exclusively for independent, self-published authors. We don't stock traditionally published or small-press-published titles. We welcome different genres and backgrounds, subject to available space and our editorial standards.

We welcome writers who live in Scotland or Ireland, were born or raised there, or have a meaningful personal, family or cultural connection to either place. You do not have to live there now, and your book does not have to be set there.

Your book must be a complete, professionally presented physical edition that you have the rights to supply for sale. We review every title for suitability, but acceptance is always at our discretion.

What to send

For online submissions, please prepare:

• Your name, contact details, book title, genre and a short author biography.
• A synopsis of up to 300 words.
• A sample of up to three chapters or 5,000 words in Microsoft Word format only (.doc or .docx).
• Book format, recommended retail price, ISBN (if available) and a cover image or link.
• Confirmation that your book is independently self-published and that the substantive writing is your own.

In person: you can offer a finished physical copy for consideration by prior arrangement at The Little Shelf, inside Enhanced Interiors, 9 Cambuslang Road, Rutherglen, G73 1AP. Please arrange your visit before bringing a submission.

We may review your synopsis, sample and relevant information without reading the complete manuscript. We cannot promise individual feedback or a place on the shelf.

Original writing and AI-assisted editing

The Little Shelf celebrates original stories written by independent, self-published authors.

We welcome authors who use professional editors, proofreading software or AI-assisted tools to help refine their work. However, we do not accept books where the story or substantial portions of the manuscript have been generated by artificial intelligence rather than written by the author.

Authors are responsible for the originality, accuracy and rights associated with their work. We may decline or withdraw any title that does not meet our guidelines.

How sale or return works

We expect to work on a sale-or-return basis. The Little Shelf's commission is 25% of the retail selling price for each copy sold, with applicable card processing charges deducted from the author's share.

• There is no upfront shelf rental fee.
• Authors pay the cost of delivering stock to the bookshop.
• Unsold copies remain the author's property; we may request collection or return of stock at any time.
• Authors wishing to have books posted back pay return postage.
• Final arrangements for stock quantities, statements, payment timings, damage/loss and returns are agreed in writing before books are accepted.

These are proposed stocking terms, not a signed consignment agreement. Actual arrangements will be confirmed before stock is delivered.

Independent views & content disclaimer

The books stocked by The Little Shelf are independent works created by their respective authors. The opinions, views, claims and experiences expressed in them belong to their authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Little Shelf Bookshop.

Stocking, displaying or promoting a title does not mean that The Little Shelf endorses every statement, opinion or claim in that book. We review submissions for suitability and reserve the right to decline or withdraw titles from sale.

This notice explains our editorial independence. It does not exclude legal responsibilities or affect customers' statutory rights.

Privacy and submitted manuscripts

Submission materials will be considered only for bookshop selection and related correspondence. We won't publish your manuscript or share it for publicity without permission. A fuller privacy notice, including data handling and retention details, will be published before applications go live.