Maggie O'Farrell, Philip Pullman, Katherine Rundell and Elif Shafak are among authors backing a campaign by independent book sellers. The booksellers have urged the Prime Minister and Chancellor to extend business rates relief to bookshops, a measure already applied to bars, nightclubs and live music venues.
A total of 234 independent book sellers have signed an open letter organised by the Booksellers Association. In the document they warn that increased bills could put some establishments at risk of closure.
The letter calls on the Government to give bookshops the same consideration as other businesses that play a significant and positive role in their communities. Booksellers describe these shops as the "beating hearts" of city centres.
