Frequently Asked Questions
Books & Curation
What condition are the pre loved/second hand books in?
Good or Excellent condition, always. Clearly read but no tears, water damage, or heavy marking. Spine creases are fine! They show a book's been loved.
Are books always pre-loved/secondhand?
Not always! We curate both secondhand finds and new titles, chosen with the same care. On Standard, your book comes from our pre-loved shelves. On Premium, you get one fresh new book plus a pre-loved match. Secondhand remains the heart of what we do.
What if I already own or have read a book you send?
If you've received a book that you already own or have read you're definitely able to return it to us! Email within 48 hours of receiving the books and let us know you'd like to exchange. Exchanges must be returned within 14 days of receiving your book box and I ask that you please include an order reference in any returns or exchanges.
Can I return books I've finished?
Absolutely! Send back any books you don't want to keep in good or excellent condition and you'll get credit toward a future box. It's our way of keeping books in circulation and rewarding you for being part of the community. If the books are not in either the condition they were in when sent, or better, then they may not be applicable for credit.
Can I request specific books?
Not specific titles, but you can absolutely say "I loved X, more like that please" or "never send me Y" - and we'll take that seriously.
What genres do you cover?
Literary & Contemporary Fiction, Crime & Thriller, Historical Fiction, Romantasy & Fantasy, YA Crossover, some Memoir & Non-Fiction, and Science Fiction.
Do you send books from series?
We stock a mix of standalones and series. We'll never send you a mid-series book without context. If we send a series book it'll always be Book 1, or a book that reads perfectly well on its own. If you're already mid-series on something, tell us and we can try and pick up where you left off.
How do you choose books for me?
We look at your Reading Track, your genre preferences, books you've already read, your hard dislikes, and what's currently in stock. Then we match all of that with what we'd genuinely recommend to a friend using a mix of reader reviews, community insights, and careful curation. Every box is different because every reader is different.
What's the minimum Goodreads rating for your books?
3.5 or above. Quality matters!
Subscriptions & Billing
What's the difference between Standard and Premium?
Standard is two books a month, matched to your Reading Track from our pre-loved shelves. Premium is two books a month - a fresh new book plus a pre-loved match, both matched to your Track.
How does billing work?
Your choice. Pay monthly, or pay annually upfront and save against the monthly rate. Either way, your books still ship every month but annual billing just covers the whole year in one payment.
Can I pause or cancel?
Monthly plans: yes, any time. Email me or cancel and it stops before your next charge, no awkward conversations required. Annual plans: your payment covers a full year of books upfront, so it's non-refundable mid-year, but email me any time and I'll turn off auto-renewal so it doesn't roll into another year.
Can I change my Reading Track or plan?
Of course! Email me and I'll update your Track or switch you between Standard and Premium before your next box goes out.
Do you still do one-off drops?
Our main online offering is now the Standard and Premium subscriptions above. We still occasionally bring curated one-off selections to markets and events in person — see Find Us for upcoming dates.
In-Person & Events
Do you sell books in person?
Yes! Alongside our online subscription boxes, we also turn up at markets, fairs, and events with a curated selection - new and secondhand, organised the same way by Reading Track. Keep an eye on our Find Us page or follow us on Instagram/TikTok for upcoming dates.
Can I return something I bought in person?
In-person purchases work a little differently to online orders - since you can see and choose exactly what you're buying at an event, the online 14-day cooling-off right doesn't apply the same way it does for online orders. But if anything's faulty or not as described, we'll always sort it.
Do you take card or cash at events?
Both - card payments on the day, as well as cash.
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship?
UK only. Everywhere in the UK - England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.
How much is shipping?
Free on all boxes.
Can I track my package?
For sure. You'll get shipping confirmation with tracking each time your box is posted.
What if my box doesn't arrive?
Email me. After 10 business days, I'll investigate and either track it down or send a replacement.
Payments & Account
What payment methods do you accept?
Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Shop Pay, and PayPal.
How does my subscription get charged?
To the card you save at checkout, automatically each billing cycle (monthly or annually, whichever you chose). You'll get an email receipt every time.
Can I get a refund?
If something arrives damaged, not as described, or just isn't a match for you, get in touch within 14 days and we'll sort it. That's your right, surprise format or not. We just ask that you give your pick a fair chance first (that's half the fun!), and if it's a genuine mismatch, we'll always make it right.
Is my data secure?
Yes. We're GDPR compliant. Your data is encrypted, stored securely, and only used for your orders.
Still Have Questions?
📧 Email: hello@betweenusreaders.co.uk
I actually read these and typically respond within 24-48 hours!