Frequently Asked Questions

**Check out our Holiday FAQs for information regarding holiday gift-giving this season!**



Have a question that isn't answered on this page? Email support@thebookdrop.com or call us (302) 775-4091  Monday - Saturday, 10am-4pm EST and we can answer it for you!

*If you have emailed us but have not heard back, please check your Spam folder*


What is The Book Drop?

The Book Drop is an auto-renewing surprise monthly subscription book service created by Amanda Zirn Hudson, operational manager & frontlist book-buyer of Bethany Beach Books. Our mission is to help bring the independent bookstore to readers all over the world, as we sadly understand that not everyone has a local, independent bookstore near them. The Book Drop is also now a shop you can visit! We opened our brick-and-mortar shop in 2020 and are located in West Fenwick Island, Delaware.

Will my subscription auto-renew?

All standard subscriptions auto-renew at the end of each month. Gift subscriptions are given the choice at checkout whether to auto-renew or not. Subscriptions renew on the last day of the last month in your subscription period.

When will I be billed?

You will be charged for your first mailing(s) as soon as you sign up. Readers decide upon signing up if their first payment is for one month, three, six, or twelve months. Readers will then be charged on the last day of the last month in their subscription cycle.  

When do you ship subscriptions?

We ship subscriptions between the 15th-20th of each month depending on how the business days fall. Our exact shipping dates for the next month will be always posted on our Join Now page and in confirmation emails.

When will I get my first book?

We ship books once a month. Our shipping dates are posted on our Join Now page. As soon as we start packing your subscription, we send you an email with tracking information for your book. You will get your first book around the 24th-30h of the month (for USA readers).  

Do you ship internationally?

Sadly, no. As of September 21st we will no longer be able to ship new subscriptions internationally.

*APO & FPO addresses get charged USA shipping rates. If you purchase for someone serving with an APO/FPO address & you are serving and have an APO/FPO address, please contact us so we can upgrade your shipping to Priority for free as a thank you for serving.*  

How much is shipping?

Shipping is included in most our plans. For one-time purchases, a small shipping fee may apply. Hardcover & Board Book subscriptions pay only $1/month for shipping.

Can I switch between subscriptions if I can't decide?

Yes! If you can't decide which subscription you want or if you just want to mix it up a bit, you can switch between subscriptions. Just remember to login to your account before your subscription renews, otherwise your switch will take effect the following subscription cycle. Please also note that you will be charged the difference in prices if there is one.  

Can I skip a renewal?

Yes! You can easily skip a renewal or multiple renewals by logging into your Book Drop account . Just remember to do so before the end of the month if you want to skip the next renewal.  

Can I cancel my subscription?

Although we will cry a little, yes, you can always cancel your subscription.  If you have prepaid for future months, you will still receive those books & then your subscription will cease. Please login to your Book Drop account and cancel your subscription. If you're in a super pickle, you can cancel your subscription via email - support@thebookdrop.com. 

Can I change my address in the middle of my subscription?

You sure can. Please email support@thebookdrop.com to update your mailing address to ensure all future packages are correctly mailed. If it's easier to call, give us a ring at (302) 775-4091

Can I change my credit card on file?

Yes, please login to your Book Drop account and update your credit card information at any time.  

How do I gift a subscription?

Click "Join Now" and select the subscription and subscription length you would like to gift. On the checkout page you will have the option to select "This is a gift." You can then enter the recipient's name, email, and a special gift note. Your gift note and the subscription length will also be included in the recipient's first package. See the note below before proceeding!

**Please note: We send an email to the recipient surprising them with their gift from you once we start packing their fist shipment. The email will include your gift note, their subscription length, and tracking for their shipment. If this email will spoil the surprise, do not enter their email address anywhere on the checkout page.

Will you contact the gift recipient? If so, when?

We will email the gift recipient using the email provided during the check-out process when we mail their first package. This email will include the gift message included during the checkout process, the subscription length, and who the subscription is from. We also include this information in the recipient's first package so they know what lovely person sent them the best gift ever! 

Printable gift notes are also available here.

Can I have the first gift book shipped to me so I can physically gift it and then have remaining shipments be sent to the gift recipient?

Yes! Please enter your mailing address in all address fields during check out. After you receive the first book, email the gift recipient's address to support@thebookdrop.com and they can update the shipping information. After the address has been updated, all future books will then be shipped to the recipient.

Why don't you ask for my child's gender? How will you know what to send them?

In an effort to promote gender fluidity among books we do not ask for any of our readers' their gender identity. We don't want anyone to ever feel like they have to read a specific type of book... or can't read a specific book... because of their gender identity. We are all about breaking gender identity stereotypes, expanding our readers' horizons, and promoting open-mindedness.  

What if I already have the book you sent? Can I return it?

Sadly, you cannot return it. In the event that you already have the book, we suggest passing the book on to another reader who will love and take care of it, or donating the book to a school, library, or shelter.  

What happens if my subscription is returned to you or is undeliverable?

If your subscription is lost in the mail & marked as such by USPS, we can send you a one-time replacement. If the subscription is returned to us or un-deliverable due to an invalid or incomplete address, we can resend your subscription for a small reshipping fee.  

I keep seeing Bethany Beach Books, I thought this was Book Drop?

Ah, yes, that can get confusing sometimes. Book Drop is a subscription book program powered by the independent bookstore - Bethany Beach Books. You may see Bethany Beach Book's logo because Bethany Beach Books is the company and Book Drop is the program/service. 

Can I sign up in the store?

Unfortunately at this time you can only sign up for The Book Drop online.  

How does pricing work?

Each subscription plan is priced accordingly. Some things we take into consideration: the price of the book, the shipping materials, and the time it takes to package up your subscription with all that love.

Do you offer complimentary subscriptions for review?

We have a Brand Ambassador program that allows bloggers to receive a free subscription in return for posting about The Book Drop. Keep an eye on our Ambassadors page for information on when and how to apply to become an Ambassador.

How do I submit my book for consideration for The Book Drop?

We work closely with our publisher reps and staff at The Book Drop when deciding our Book Drop titles. At this time we are not accepting book proposals.

Still have a question?
Please email us at support@thebookdrop.com or call us at (302) 775-4091

Are you ready to subscribe to The Book Drop?

If you would like to start receiving incredible reads each month, click below!