The book industry is mourning the loss of Dan Cullen, a passionate voice for independent bookstores and a pillar of the American Booksellers Association (ABA). Cullen passed away on October 4, 2025, after a long illness. He was 69 years old.
For over 35 years, Cullen played a pivotal role at the ABA, shaping the way the organization supported booksellers and defended the values of free expression and literary independence. His dedication made him one of the most respected figures in American bookselling.
A Legacy Built on Books and Advocacy
Before joining the ABA, Cullen began his publishing journey as an associate editor at Pantheon Books, where he honed his editorial and literary skills. In 1986, he took his passion for storytelling and community-building to the ABA, starting as the editor of ABA Newswire, the association’s weekly newsletter.
By 1989, Cullen had become the editor of American Bookseller magazine — a key voice in the indie book community at the time. His editorial leadership eventually led him to senior strategy positions, culminating in his role as Senior Strategy Officer, a position he held until his retirement in January 2022.
The Voice of Indie Booksellers
Throughout his career, Cullen became known for his deep commitment to independent bookstores and his unshakable belief in their cultural importance. Colleagues and friends describe him as a “quiet force” , someone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen the community he loved.
“Dan was a valued colleague and good friend,” said Oren Teicher, former CEO of the ABA. “His contributions to indie bookselling were countless, and his advice was always spot on. He was one very special person.”
Industry veteran Stuart Applebaum, former EVP of corporate communications at Penguin Random House, called Cullen “an enormously revered ambassador for the ABA” who helped define the public image of the organization and stood as “the truest of book professionals.”
A Champion of Change
Cullen’s strategic mind and forward-thinking spirit helped shape key initiatives that redefined the modern independent bookstore movement. In a recent interview marking the ABA’s 125th anniversary, he reflected on the industry’s evolution, pointing to milestones such as:
- The creation of IndieBound, which connected readers to local bookstores.
- The launch of the ABA’s e-book platform, helping indies compete in a digital world.
- The sales tax fairness campaign, which took a stand against e-commerce giants like Amazon.
- The founding of Winter Institute and Children’s Institute, two cornerstone events for booksellers nationwide.
These achievements reflected Cullen’s lifelong belief that indie bookstores weren’t just businesses, they were cultural institutions at the heart of their communities.
His Passion for Democracy and the Written Word
Even after his retirement, Cullen remained politically active, aligning with the Democratic Party and continuing to champion causes tied to freedom of expression and literary culture. In one of his final interviews, he expressed admiration for booksellers who continued to defend free speech amid social and political pressures.
“To see what independent bookstores are doing, sometimes in the face of threats and vandalism, is beyond heartening,” he said. “It’s a commitment to the Constitution, to human rights, and to the written word.”
A Lasting Impact
In a statement, the ABA described Cullen as “a soft-spoken, quiet force with a deep passion for the First Amendment and the success of independent bookstores.” His colleagues remembered him as “a light that guided and illuminated,” a sentiment echoed throughout the literary community.
Cullen is survived by his wife, Mary Chris, and their two daughters. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Dan Cullen’s passing marks the end of an era for independent bookselling, but his influence endures in every bookstore that continues to champion local voices, diverse stories, and the freedom to read.