Booksellers Association - Introduction to Bookselling Course

To help you with the planning of your new bookshop, we run a training course, Introduction to Bookselling, which is tutored for us by award-winning bookseller Patrick Neale, who runs Jaff é & Neale Bookshop & Caf é in Chipping Norton.

The course runs once or twice a year and has been designed to provide a thorough grounding in every aspect of bookselling.

The next course (for those looking to open a shop in the UK) will take place on Zoom on 9 October 2025. Bookings will close at midday on 6 October. Full details and the booking form can be found here.

We also run a yearly course tailored uniquely for those based in Ireland The next Irish course will take place in the spring of 2026. The course is suitable for those contemplating opening a bookshop in Ireland as well as for booksellers who have recently set themselves up in business; and if you are a manager with one or more new booksellers keen to learn more about the business, then this course is also for them. It is not suitable for those based in the UK.

"I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering opening a bookshop. I learnt so much on the day and feel encouraged and inspired. It's also very reassuring that the Booksellers Association can provide continuing support to new start-ups. Knowledge sharing is so important in an uncertain world."
Attendee from February 2023 course

Do also take a look at our other resources for new and aspiring booksellers.