It’s round about this time of year that panic can set in. Three days until Christmas and still have presents to buy. What do you get the committed bookworm? Books are the obvious choice but unless you’ve been given a handy list (or spreadsheet) how do you know which to get? Well that’s where you may want to consider a book subscription. There are more and more subscription services and book boxes becoming available. So much so that there will no doubt be one that can cater for even the most difficult to buy for. With apologies to postal workers everywhere, here’s a brief guide to what’s available.
Many independent bookshops offer their own subscription boxes. Below are some of the shops offering services. You can always contact your local independent bookshop to see if they offer something similar. Often, the shop will ask the recipient questions about their literary preferences and tailor the subscription to those interests. Others will send out the latest paperback or hardback. Subscription lengths vary from one offs to 12 months.
Mr B’s Emporium does both subscriptions and reading spas (under non Covid-19 times).
Etsy is also a great place to find one off book subscriptions or longer term offerings. There you will find a variety from mystery books to boxes filled with books, drinks and other surprise literary items. It’s where I found Coffee and Crime, who offer boxes containing vintage crime novels and related treats. You can read my review of the box I purchased here. Other offerings include Little Bitty Book Shop and you can find many more here.
Other book subscription services are available such as The Book Taster, who send a book and host a Q&A with the author.
Reposed offer a book subscription service and book boxes. The book boxes are tailor made and you can choose the book or books, drinks and treats to be included. You can read my review of the book subscription box here. and my review of the bespoke book box here.
Books That Matter offer feminist and female-led book subscriptions.
Capital Crime is an annual crime writing festival that offers a monthly subscription service. Each month the subscriber receives two books and access to author content. You can read my review of the first month’s subscription here.
Ninja Book Box work with independent publishers to provide a wide range of titles in their subscription boxes.
Readr offer a subscription service and online bookclub.
Prudence and the Crow offer a vintage book subscription service.
My Chronicle Box have themed boxes and you can choose a subscription service by genre. You can read my review of the November box here.
Nightworms offer horror packages and are based in the US.
The Republic of Consciousness book club offers a book from a new small press and monthly Zoom bookclub.
The Willoughby Book Club has subscriptions for children, Young Adults and Adults in a variety of formats.
Heady Mix focuses on ensuring diversity in their book boxes.
My Bookish Moment offer crime or popular fiction boxes.
The Feminist Book Box, created by publishers Hachette, each month features two books, one new release and one undiscovered gem
Some publishers offer their own subscription services including And Other Stories, Persephone Books, Louise Walters Books, Galley Beggar Press, Tilted Axis Press, Influx Press, Dead Ink Books and Fitzcarraldo Editions.
Hopefully you will find something suitable for the book lover in your life, or even for yourself. I have tried a couple of these and I am tempted by a few more. Do let me know if you have a subscription that’s not included here.
From First Page to Last 
Brilliant post, Janet. Thank you.
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Such a great post to have all of these gathered together in one place. I’m bookmarking this one! Thanks, Janet.
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I subscribe to Renard Press, Sublunary Editions and Fum d’Estampa, all indie presses, and what I’ve had so far has been brilliant!
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