Bookstores in California Accepting Local Authors
These 16 independent bookstores publicly say they accept submissions on their own websites. All are in California; see all 96 nationwide or the Los Angeles page or the San Francisco Bay Area page.
The 16 shops
North Figueroa Bookshop
General-interest bookstore run by LA publishers Rare Bird and Unnamed Press; connects the independent publishing community with readers in Highland Park, Glassell Park and Eagle Rock.
LA Librería
Children's and young adult bookstore specializing in bilingual and Spanish-language books; also serves educators.
The Ripped Bodice
Romance bookstore; also has a Brooklyn store. Publishers, publicists and agents should email their catalog instead.
Vroman's Bookstore
Pasadena bookstore that 'is proud to support local authors.' Authors must affirm no AI was used in producing the book.
Heads up: The consignment route is a paid program: the author pays $298 up front.
Book Soup
Bookstore that moved to a placement-only program for Southern California authors on June 1, 2025; separate form for book-talk and signing proposals.
Heads up: Booksoup.com blocks automated checks; details come from the same placement-program template Vroman's uses.
Skylight Books
Independent bookstore with a zine section.
Heads up: We couldn't open skylightbooks.com directly (it blocks automated checks).
Chevalier's Books
Larchmont bookstore that moved across the street to a larger space in January 2021; separate form for event pitches.
Flintridge Bookstore
Independent bookstore with a consignment program to feature local authors.
Gallery Nucleus
Gallery since 2004 with a boutique bookstore/gift shop up front, focused on illustrated and entertainment art. Second location in Portland.
The Booksmith
Haight Street independent bookstore stocking books and magazines from traditional and nontraditional publishers, plus cards and gift sidelines.
Heads up: Street address taken from a search snippet of their site (booksmith.com blocked direct fetching); verify before publishing.
Green Apple Books
Independent new and used bookstore with three SF stores (Clement St, Books on the Park, Browser Books); selective about consignment titles.
Heads up: Unsold copies must be picked up within two weeks of notice or go in the free box.
Hicklebee's
San Jose children's bookstore with a consignment program for Bay Area authors and illustrators.
Heads up: Unclaimed books are donated 30 days after a consignment ends.
Kepler's Books
Menlo Park independent bookstore near Stanford; highly curated, buys mainly through publishers' reps.
Heads up: Self-published books are generally not carried; only exceptions with a strong local connection.
Dog Eared Books Valencia
Mission new and used general-interest bookstore.
Heads up: Not consignment: they buy the book outright for store credit.
Mysterious Galaxy
Genre-fiction bookstore: science fiction, fantasy, mystery, horror, romance, YA and middle grade.
Heads up: Novels in their core genres only.
The Book Catapult
Independent neighborhood bookstore in South Park.
Heads up: No Amazon-published (or Amazon subsidiary) books.