2026-10-15 08:02 UTC
@GeofCox@climatejustice.social
I understood it not as a ban on the sale of Sally Rooney’s books but that Faber is now unable to pay her for earnings due from book sales. As a consequence, they will no longer distribute the books for sale (existing stocks remain available).
Isn’t it true that books do not attract any VAT or duties (and thus inspection) when delivered from foreign sellers to UK customers?
Perhaps booksellers located in Ireland could offer readers ready access to Sally Rooney’s books while Faber & Faber recognise sales in Ireland and no legal hindrance to paying the earnings due?
Replies (1)
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@GeofCox@climatejustice.social 2026-10-15 08:32
@guardeddon@mas.to The government would no doubt argue that it's not a ban - but in practice that's exactly what it is. When I worked in the book trade it was normal practice for bookshops to order foreign editions of books, generally in response to specific customer orders - but in the case of Spycatcher we just ordered hundreds for our shelves and window displays - as did thousands of other independent bookshops. In the end, the government just gave up trying to stop it, and backed down.