Curious about the kind of bookstore an author might run? Wonder no longer with this list of author-owned bookstores.
Some authors cherish books so much, they open their own store to spread the love of reading around.
Parnassus Books
Owned by Ann Patchett, a novelist with multiple bestsellers such as Tom Lake, this Nashville-based bookshop offers an amazing selection of high-quality literature paired with somewhat quirky but fun interior design.
Like many independent bookstores, it regularly hosts author discussions and book signings. And, if you happen to be a fan of Patchett’s books, every single one of her copies sold in this store are signed, so it’s a rare opportunity to nab a collector’s item.
Bookends & Beginnings
The owner of this bookshop, Nina Barrett, has authored several books, the most popular being The Leopold and Loeb Files. The store has two floors and carries a decent variety of fiction ranging from children’s series to bestselling thrillers. It’s also home to a lovely little café for anyone hoping to sip on something warm while reading.
Of note is the store’s inclusion of 48 different languages in its collection of children’s literature, an important stride in encouraging literacy in young readers.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books
With a catchphrase like, “Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee,” you know you’re in for a good time. This is the best place to go in Philadelphia if you want to chill with a cup of Joe and a good book, purchased from a well-curated selection of black authors and black-themed literature.
The menu has some light fare, such as bagels, pastries, and sweets, but it’s mainly about the drinks (notably the coffee, though they serve tea and hot chocolate as well) and the relaxed vibe.
An Unlikely Story
This bookstore and café is owned by Jeff Kinney, the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. It occupies the historic site of Falk’s Market, a Civil War-era business that had been around for 150 years before it was demolished in 2013. Kinney and his wife sought to rejuvenate the area by erecting their store that gives off the impression of a modernized Old Western saloon. It even uses flooring from local historic sites to give it an edge of authenticity.
Inside is a colorful and inviting shop that caters to a wide range of ages and interests. It regularly hosts events, including book discussions, signings, open mic nights, and more.
Books are Magic
Emma Straub, author of The Vacationers, opened Books are Magic in Brooklyn with her husband after the neighborhood bookshop shut down in 2016. They cater mainly to children and young adults with colorful displays, hoping to inspire a love of reading in future generations. They’re doing so well that they opened up a second store on Montague.
Perhaps one of the reasons why they’re so beloved by their community is because of the support they’ve shown to other independent bookstores, such as when they encouraged their followers on social media to help East Bay Booksellers after it burned down in July 2024.
Nowhere Bookshop
Founded by bestselling author Jenny Lawson, this Texan bookshop and café sells a healthy range of books, merchandise, and beer. The front window often sports creative, colorful displays showing off the latest recommended books.
Although the café shows wine and beer alongside its coffee offerings, the store caters to all ages. It even comes with a dedicated children’s section, complete with a rack of stuffed animals to brighten up the area.
Bel Canto Books
Bel Canto Books is an independent bookstore located in Long Beach, California, known for its commitment to community engagement and diverse literature. Founded by Filipina-American poet Jhoanna Belfer, it hosts monthly pop-up events and book clubs, giving representation to authors of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
Bel Canto Books stands out as a vibrant community hub calling attention to cultures from around the world.
Birchbark Books & Native Arts
Featured on Good Morning America, this Minnesota bookstore was founded by Louise Erdrich, an award-winning author of the Ojibwe people. The store specializes in Indigenous American literature, arts, and gifts, and has a strong commitment to promoting Native culture and writing.
Erdrich puts an emphasis on community, expressing how she wants the store to be a haven for all indigenous peoples. She also sells signed first-edition copies of her works.
Townie Books
This combo coffee shop and bookstore is based in Crested Butte, Colorado. It actually started out as a café that the owners, author Arvin Ramgoolam, and his wife, expanded into a bookstore after the beloved local bookshop shut down in 2011.
Townie Books keeps an amazing collection of both fiction and non-fiction titles, plus a selection of children’s works that will put a smile on any kid’s face.
Beastly Books
Settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Beastly Books is owned by none other than George R. R. Martin. It has a fantastic selection of mainly fantasy and sci-fi books, with comfy little reading spots scattered here and there about the store. And as you might imagine, the store and café has quite a few nods to Martin’s most famous work, A Song of Fire and Ice, and its TV series, A Game of Thrones.
The interior gives off a clean-cut, open feeling, with paintings hung on the wall for a nice bit of flavor.
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Migz
K Lou
K. Lou is a writer born in the U.S. who found her way to Japan through a spiritual calling—or, more precisely, better access to tea. She writes about travel, culture, and the occasional creative piece, inspired by her enduring love of books. This love began in high school when K. Lou carried books around to avoid seeming odd while lost in thought. Once she started reading, she never stopped. With zero regrets, she continues to explore the written word and invites others to join her in celebrating its varied forms.
