Faber’s October 14 Rooney supply halt leaves UK shops selling existing stock

UK bookshops were told on October 15 that they could sell Sally Rooney books already in stock, after Faber announced an end to new supplies.

The publisher’s October 14 statement said current UK legislation had left it unable to pass UK earnings to Rooney. Faber said it had agreed with the author to stop supplying her works in every format.

Faber said selling an author’s work without being able to pay them was unacceptable. It remains Rooney’s publisher and will continue sales in other territories.

Associated Press reported October 15 that the decision followed Rooney’s commitment to use proceeds from her books and television adaptations to support Palestine Action. The UK government proscribed the group under terrorism legislation in July 2025.

The supply announcement initially left booksellers uncertain about the copies on their shelves. The Booksellers Association subsequently said it had confirmed with Faber that stores could sell existing stock, although they could no longer order those titles.

That distinction leaves shops with a finite supply. Lucy Burke of London’s Camden Town Bookshop told AP that the store had tried to obtain more copies after the announcement but found distributors had already run out.

The Home Office told AP that the proscription did not restrict lawful protest supporting Palestinians. The group continues to challenge the ban in court.

Faber’s October 14 statement gave no date for resuming UK supply.

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