If you’ve got a shelf full of cookbooks, craft guides, hiking manuals, or other specialist hobby books gathering dust, you might be surprised by what they’re worth.
Many of these titles hold their value better than general fiction because they continue to attract readers looking for specific information or skills. This guide covers five of the best places to sell cookbooks and specialist hobby books online in the UK, whether you’re clearing a few books or an entire collection.
WeBuyBooks
If you’re looking for a quick and straightforward way to turn books into cash, you can sell cookbooks in the UK on WeBuyBooks, which is one of the strongest options available.
Unlike a marketplace, WeBuyBooks is a dedicated book buyback service. Sellers scan the ISBN barcode using the app, receive an instant valuation, and get a direct cash offer without creating listings or waiting for buyers. With more than £38 million paid out to UK sellers and over twenty eight million books processed, it’s one of the UK’s most established book-buying services.
There’s no postage cost to cover, as a free shipping label is provided once the offer is accepted. After the books arrive and pass a condition check, payment is sent by the next working day by bank transfer.
Cookbooks and specialist hobby books often perform particularly well. Niche subjects such as craft, hiking, occult studies, and watch repair tend to retain demand. Older books without ISBNs can also be assessed through the WeBuyBooks Antiquarian Team, while larger collections of 500+ books can be assessed through the Bulk Collections service.
Music Magpie
Music Magpie operates using a similar scan-and-send model. Sellers scan barcodes, receive an offer, and send their items using a prepaid shipping label.
One advantage is that Music Magpie also accepts technology, games, CDs, and DVDs. If you’re clearing multiple types of media at the same time, it can be a convenient option. Because the platform covers a wide range of categories, it isn’t as specialised as a dedicated book-buying service. For niche cookbooks and hobby titles, valuations may not always be as tailored.
That said, it’s a reputable and easy-to-use option for common books in good condition. As always, it’s worth checking current payment terms and processing times before sending your items.
BookLoop
BookLoop, from Bookshop.org UK, offers a different way to pass on unwanted books. Instead of receiving cash, sellers receive credit that can be used towards purchasing new books through Bookshop.org, helping to support independent bookshops across the UK.
For avid readers, this can be an attractive alternative to cash buyback services. However, if your main goal is to maximise immediate cash returns, a dedicated book-buying service may be a better fit. The value of BookLoop lies in its ability to turn unwanted books into your next reading purchase while supporting the wider independent bookselling community.
eBay and AbeBooks
eBay and AbeBooks are marketplaces rather than buyback services. Instead of receiving an instant offer, sellers create listings, set prices, and wait for buyers.
The potential reward is higher returns on valuable books. A rare first-edition cookbook or an out-of-print hobby guide may sell for considerably more when collectors are actively searching for it. AbeBooks is particularly popular with book collectors and specialist buyers.
The downside is the extra work involved. You’ll need to write descriptions, take photographs, manage postage, and respond to buyer enquiries. For a handful of collectable books, the effort may be worthwhile. For larger collections of standard titles, many sellers find that the time commitment outweighs the additional return.
Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree
Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree allow sellers to find local buyers, which removes the need for packaging and postage.
This can work particularly well for heavy cookbooks, large hobby manuals, or bundles of books that would otherwise be expensive to ship. Local collection also means buyers can inspect books before taking them away.
The trade-off is that sellers handle everything themselves, from creating listings to arranging collections and responding to messages. Neither platform charges standard selling fees, which can help maximise returns on lower-value books. However, no-shows and last-minute cancellations are common, especially on lower-priced listings.
World of Books
World of Books focuses on keeping books in circulation rather than operating as a traditional marketplace. It purchases books and rehomes them through its resale network.
For sellers whose main goal is clearing space, it offers a relatively simple way to move on unwanted books while supporting reuse. The process and payment structure differ from instant-offer buyback services, so it’s worth reviewing the latest terms before sending books.
While suitable for mixed collections and general clear-outs, it may not be the best option for specialist hobby books or potentially valuable titles where accurate valuation is important.
Find Out What Your Books Are Worth
Cookbooks and specialist hobby books often perform better in the second-hand market than many people expect. Their practical value means demand can remain steady long after publication.
For most sellers, a dedicated buyback service offers the quickest and simplest route to cash. If you’re unsure what your collection is worth, starting with a free valuation is an easy first step and gives you a clear idea of your options before deciding where to sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cookbooks get better offers than general fiction?
Specialist titles, including cookbooks, craft guides, and niche hobby books, tend to attract higher payouts and a lower rejection rate than general fiction on buyback platforms. Condition and edition still affect the final offer, but the category as a whole performs well.
What happens if my cookbook does not have a barcode?
Older titles without an ISBN can be submitted to the WeBuyBooks Antiquarian Team by email. A human appraiser reviews the details and assesses whether the title can be purchased, covering vintage cookbooks and older hobby reference books that predate standard barcode systems.
How long does payment take with WeBuyBooks?
Once books arrive and pass the condition check, WeBuyBooks issues payment by the next working day bank transfer.
Can I sell a large collection of hobby books in one go?
Yes. The WeBuyBooks Bulk Collections service is designed for collections of 500 or more books. Free home pickup is arranged by courier, and a single payment covers the entire collection with no individual listing required.