A Year in Books is the most personalised book subscription service in the world, and makes the perfect gift for bookworms everywhere. Our dedicated team of bibliophiles read over 500 books a year and are experts at helping readers find the books that are just right for them.
"Heywood Hill has succeeded in reading my mind. They send books that broaden my horizons, and introduce me to new authors with admirable attention to my tastes"
HH Customer
"Honestly the best present I have ever bought"
HH Customer
"It's a dream present for fellow bibliophiles or for yourself"
Vanity Fair
Our A Year in Books subscriptions are truly bespoke. If you have any particular requirements or queries we would be more than happy to discuss the options. Please email the subscriptions team at the shop.
No. Your books will arrive in six deliveries throughout the year (or four if you've bought the Hardback 40 subscription), with two books in each parcel. These books will not be gift wrapped with our trademark brown paper and ribbon, however they remain carefully chosen by your personal bookseller and you still receive the beautiful bookmarks at the start of your subscription.
Yes. Subscriptions can be purchased worldwide. An additional one-off payment will be added during checkout for overseas subscriptions. The additional cost for every subscription are listed on the page of each subscription type in our online shop. UK postage and packaging is included.
At any age! Our specialist children’s booksellers will choose age appropriate books however old the child is. These can be classic illustrated titles or more challenging reads for young bookworms. We have an upper age limit of 12 years for this subscription. If you have any further queries about A Year in Books for Children please email the subscriptions team.
The welcome letter can be sent to either the purchaser or subscriber. Please let us know which you would prefer in the notes box during the checkout process.
Yes. You will be prompted to provide a personal message during the checkout process. We will then add your note to the welcome letter.
We endeavour to send welcome letters within three working days of receipt of your order. Please try to ensure that you have provided us with all the information we need to send your welcome letter, as requested during checkout. If we have any queries about your order we will endeavour to email you within one and a half working days. Welcome letters will be sent by email, unless sending by post is requested in the order. If you would like us to send the welcome letter by post, we can send it out by second-class post to addresses in the UK or standard airmail to all international destinations. This should take approximately 7-10 working days. Please note that due to us working mostly from home in line with government guidelines, the posting of the welcome letters will be delayed. If you are buying the subscription as a gift for a specific date, we can mark this on the envelope but we cannot guarantee the arrival on that date.
The service will start at least a month after receipt of the Welcome Letter – in fact, the Welcome Letter will usually include a start date. The Welcome Letter includes an invitation to complete a Reading Consultation, which can be done online, by email, or by appointment over the phone. However, a reading consultation is not mandatory! If we do not hear from the subscriber within one month of the welcome letter being sent we will begin sending our choice of the best new books.
This is also explained in the welcome letter. Subscribers can complete an optional online reading consultation online or arrange a reading consultation by phone, email or in person at the shop by contacting us directly.
A reading consultation is not mandatory! If we do not hear from the subscriber within one month of the welcome letter being sent we will begin sending our choice of the best new books.
The welcome letter will be sent out on receipt of your order unless otherwise requested during the checkout process. The book parcels will begin one to two months later.
We make great efforts to ensure that each book is the best choice for our subscribers. However, if our book choice is unsatisfactory or the subscriber has already read it, books in perfect unread condition can be exchanged. Subscribers can make a maximum of three exchanges during the year. Postage for the return of books is at the subscriber’s expense.
If you have any concerns about the delivery of your parcel you can contact our booksellers at any time. If you move house or would like the parcels delivered to a different address please let us know with at least a month notice. If necessary we can pause your subscription for up to three months.
You can renew your subscription online by purchasing the subscription in our online shop and ticking the renewal box in the checkout. Alternatively, you can contact us in the shop by email or phone.
1. Select a Subscription
You can choose between hardback, paperback or children’s books. We will send out an elegant gift card and welcome letter by post or email.
2. Reading Consultation
The welcome letter includes an invitation to tell us what sort of books you would like to receive. You can do this online, in person or over the phone.
3. Chosen Just For You
Your personal bookseller will choose books especially to suit your own individual tastes, and send them to your door.
4. The Best Bit
Throughout the year, you will build up a collection of brilliant books you might not otherwise have found, and your reading life will be enriched.
