From the trade: Glenn Miller of Deep Neutral Books
Glenn of Deep Neutral Books began buying and selling books in 2020, turning a long-standing collecting habit into a business after redundancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. In just a few years, he’s carved out a niche dealing in modern first editions, with a particular interest in dust jacket design and overlooked mid-century titles. In this conversation, Glenn shares his honest take on valuing books, building relationships in the trade, and how he’s made bookselling work on his own terms.
From redundancy to running a book business
Glenn’s entry into the trade was unplanned. “I got made redundant,” he says. “I had some books at home, so with some spare time, I put them on eBay and sold them. So then I bought more.”
Since then, Deep Neutral Books has grown steadily, and Glenn is now a regular face at PBFA book fairs.
“I started very small. I didn't have any money. I didn't have any customers. But I just started. And now I buy and sell books full time.”
How do you know what a book is worth?
“Experience, instinct, research. If all else fails — guesswork,” Glenn says. “I’ll look at what other people are asking for similar items. That’s not a final answer, but it gives you a starting point.”
Sometimes the absence of listings is more revealing than a flood of them.
“If there are no other copies, that tells you more than if there are 40,” he explains. “You learn by looking. You look at other people's stock, you read catalogues, you watch auctions. You put the time in.”
A book shopping network
Glenn sees his fellow book dealers less as competitors and more as collaborators.
“When I started, I saw them as competition. But you quickly realise we’re all working for each other like a big shopping network. Everyone’s trying to find things that someone else in the trade might want.
Why book fairs matter
Glenn values book fairs for the unexpected discoveries and the community they offer.
“You see stuff at fairs that you’ve never come across before — dust jackets you’ve never seen, oddities. You never know what’s going to turn up.”
And the connections are just as important: “You build your network through fairs — dealers, customers, people who come back year after year.”
Final thoughts
For Glenn, bookselling isn’t about being the biggest or having the most stock — it’s about staying curious and putting the work in.
“If you love books and you're willing to learn, you’ll find your place. Just start.”
Our next fair: Bath Book Fair
When: Friday 27 June (12pm–6pm) & Saturday 28 June (10am–4pm)
Where: Bath Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4EU
Entry: Free entry with this ticket or £2 on the door