Authors & Publishers
Information for authors who want to work with [ash-ling] Booksellers, and for publishers, media, and rights professionals working with Aisling Books, our small press imprint.
Getting carried at [ash-ling] isn't just about the book — it's about the relationship. We're a community bookstore, which means we think about whether a book will genuinely resonate with our readers, whether the author is invested in making it succeed here, and whether we can be proud to have it on our shelves.
We're especially drawn to regional voices, Appalachian stories, Southern literature, and books that reflect the communities around us. That said, we carry a wide range of titles and are always open to a good pitch.
Whether you're submitting for distributor ordering or consignment, your book needs to meet these basics before we can carry it.
We love hosting author events — they're one of the most meaningful things an indie bookstore can do. But events require real partnership and advance planning. Here's how they work.
We host book release parties, signings, and author readings at [ash-ling] Booksellers. These events are free for the author to propose but require that your book is or will be carried in our store.
This is the one thing that causes the most confusion, so we want to be clear: all book purchases at [ash-ling] events must be made through [ash-ling] Booksellers. This is non-negotiable.
The authors who do best with indie bookstores are the ones who treat it like a real collaboration. Here's what we've seen work.
Tell us about your book and what you're looking for. We read every submission and respond within 5–7 business days. Please do not call — email and this form are the best ways to reach us about author inquiries.
In 2008, Toccoa natives opened [ash-ling] Booksellers in the heart of the city's historic downtown, inspired by a lifelong love of literature and a deep connection to their ancestral hometown. What began as a cozy haven for readers soon grew into a vibrant cultural space, bringing together books, community, and conversation.
In Irish poetry, an aisling is a dreamlike encounter — often with a mysterious woman who symbolizes the spirit of Ireland, calling the dreamer to renewal and hope. The founders chose this name not only for its lyrical beauty, but because they saw their bookstore as a vision for something more: a place where stories awaken, where voices rise, and where imagination has a home.
Ashling's next chapter came with the launch of its own small press, Aisling Books, dedicated to showcasing voices from the Appalachian foothills and beyond. The press's inaugural release, Sautee Shadows, from a regional writer, captures the spirit, struggles, and stories of life in the rural South.
[ash-ling] Booksellers and Aisling Books remain devoted to the power of books to deepen empathy and spark dialogue. With a growing catalog of nonfiction, fiction, regional history, and social commentary, Ashling continues to be a gathering place for ideas — grounded in place, open to the world.
Sales & Distribution
Aisling Books publications are distributed to bookstores and libraries by Ingram Publisher Services — one of the largest and most established book distributors in the world.
If you are a bookseller or librarian looking to order Aisling titles, all the information you need is here. Direct purchase inquiries are also welcome.
Ordering Information
Phone: (800) 937-8200
Fax: (800) 838-1149
Email: ips@ingramcontent.com
Customer Service: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CST For Libraries Libraries can access Aisling Books titles through Ingram Library Services. Please contact Ingram directly for library-specific ordering information and terms. Direct Questions Any questions about purchasing Aisling titles directly can be directed to email@ashlingbooksellers.com
Aisling Books seeks interns on a regular basis to help support our publicity and marketing efforts. If you love books and want hands-on experience in independent publishing, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send a cover letter and resume to email@ashlingbooksellers.com with the subject line "Aisling Books Internship Application."
Tell us which season you're available for, what draws you to Aisling Books specifically, and what you hope to take away from the experience.
No phone calls, please. All applications must be submitted by email.