U.K.-based independent publisher Faber has announced that it will no longer distribute Sally Rooney’s books in the U.K., as a result of recent legislation that prevents it from giving the author earnings from U.K. sales of her work. Last year, the Irish author pledged to direct her royalty earnings toward Palestine Action, a direct action group proscribed as a terrorist organization under U.K. law, making it illegal to give the group financial or other material support.
Faber wrote in its brief statement that the decision to discontinue U.K. sales was reached in agreement with Rooney. “To sell a writer’s work and not be able to pass on earnings is an unconscionable situation for a publisher,” it said, adding that it would continue to distribute her work to other territories.
The ban on Palestine Action, a group primarily focused on ending the U.K.’s supply of arms to Israel, has been fraught since the counterterrorism measure was first passed in July 2025. In February 2026, the country’s High Court declared the ban unlawful, before an appeals court overturned the ruling in June. Rooney is one of a number of public figures who have vocally opposed the proscription, arguing that it is a violation of civil liberties.
Rooney explained to the Bookseller that “the fulfillment of contracts to publish my work in the U.K. could now constitute a serious criminal offense.”
“I have made every effort to be honest with the public about my beliefs and intentions, and I am wholly prepared to accept the consequences,” Rooney continued. “I have no further comment at this time.”
PW has reached out to the U.K.’s Society of Authors and English PEN for comment.
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