charlotte king

My Story

How long have you been a bookseller?

One More Chapter opened its doors in March 2025, so I’m still very new to bookselling in some ways. But even though we’ve only been open a short while, it already feels like I’ve been doing this forever – in the best possible sense. The shop has quickly become part of the community, and I can’t imagine not being surrounded by shelves, stories, and the wonderful people who walk through the door each day.

What made you want to become a bookseller?

I studied English with Publishing at university, which gave me the foundations, but really, the seed was planted long before that. My love affair with books started when I was very young – I was the child who always had a book tucked under their arm, who stayed up far too late reading by torchlight, and who thought the library was the most magical place in the world. Becoming a bookseller feels like the natural continuation of that lifelong passion. It’s a chance to live among books, yes, but more importantly to share them with others – to help someone find the story that speaks to them at just the right moment.

What do you love about your job?

I love the sheer variety. One day I might be chatting to customers and matching them with their perfect next read, the next I’m arranging events, reaching out to authors, or dreaming up ways to make the shop even more welcoming. There’s a real joy in the small things too – stamping loyalty cards for excited children, seeing the spark of recognition when a customer discovers a favourite book on the shelf, or having someone come back to tell me how much they loved a recommendation. For me, bookselling is the perfect blend of everything I’ve learned in my previous jobs in teaching, events, and admin – all tied together by the magic of books.

What’s your favourite section of the shop/genre and why?

My heart lives firmly in the dystopian, fantasy, and sci-fi section. Those genres have always captured my imagination, and I love how they can transport you to new worlds, challenge the way you see the present, and spark conversations that linger long after you’ve closed the book. But if I had to choose a single favourite spot in the shop, it would have to be our cosy children’s corner. There’s something really special about sitting with a child and helping them find their very first “favourite book” – that moment when you can see the spark of passion for reading ignite. I like to think that space plants the seeds for future book lovers.

What books have you enjoyed reading recently?

Two that stand out recently are I Who Have Never Known Men, which is haunting, thought-provoking, and stays with you long after you finish, and The Names by Florence Knapp, which I found incredibly moving. Both books reminded me why I love reading – they stretch your mind and heart in equal measure.