How to Build a Profitable Dropshipping Book Business in 2026

Building a profitable online bookstore no longer requires warehouses, bulk inventory, or large upfront capital. In 2026, dropshipping books continues to attract entrepreneurs who want to sell physical products with consistent demand while keeping operational risk low. 

In this guide on how to build a profitable dropshipping book business in 2026, we break down whether this model is worth pursuing, which types of books perform best, and how to start step by step. You will also learn about legal considerations, supplier selection, and proven strategies to scale your store sustainably rather than relying on short-term tactics.

Is Dropshipping Books Worth It?

Despite the rapid growth of digital content and eBooks, physical books continue to hold a strong position in the global market. Reading habits are evolving, not disappearing. Innovations in printing, niche publishing, and online retail have allowed the book industry to remain resilient and commercially attractive.

Industry forecasts estimate that the global book market will reach approximately 159.3 billion USD by 2028, confirming that books remain a long-term demand-driven product category. For entrepreneurs, this makes dropshipping books a business model worth serious consideration rather than a declining niche.

One of the key reasons dropshipping books is viable lies in product diversity. Readers consume books for education, entertainment, professional development, hobbies, religion, and personal growth. This variety allows sellers to focus on specific niches instead of competing broadly with large marketplaces.

From an operational perspective, dropshipping books is also a relatively low-risk model. There is no need to hold inventory, manage storage, or absorb losses from unsold stock. Books can be sourced at wholesale or distributor pricing and sold competitively online, making profitability achievable when niche selection and supplier reliability are handled correctly.

Global Dropshipping Books Sales Landscape

Understanding global book sales trends helps clarify why dropshipping books remains a viable business in 2026. While formats and buying channels have shifted, demand has not disappeared.

Global Book Sales Overview

The global book industry continues to generate consistent revenue despite changes in consumer behavior. Physical books still represent a significant share of total sales, supported by gifting culture, education systems, and niche readership communities.

Print Books Market Performance

Print books continue to dominate large segments of the market. Although print revenue declined earlier in the decade, it is now stabilizing. Projections estimate an annual growth rate of around 1.08 percent, with print book revenue expected to reach approximately 67.14 billion USD by 2027. This signals sustained demand for physical books, especially in specific categories such as fiction, children’s books, and educational titles.

Growth of Online Book Sales

Online channels now account for more than 25 percent of global book sales, a shift that strongly benefits dropshipping models. Consumers are increasingly comfortable purchasing books online, allowing independent sellers to reach international audiences without physical storefronts.

Leading Book Markets Worldwide

The global book market is heavily concentrated in a few key regions. The United States controls roughly 24.7 percent of global book sales, followed by China at 19.4 percent and Germany at 9.2 percent. Together, these markets represent a substantial share of global demand and offer strong opportunities for dropshipping physical books.

Book Sales in the United States

The United States remains one of the strongest markets for physical books and presents a clear opportunity for dropshipping entrepreneurs.

In 2023, approximately 767.36 million printed books were sold in the U.S., reflecting a healthy and resilient market. Although slightly lower than the previous year, sales volumes remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, confirming continued demand.

Trade paperbacks dominate the market, accounting for around 60 percent of all book sales. This makes them an ideal format for dropshipping due to balanced pricing, lightweight shipping, and broad consumer preference.

Seasonality also plays a significant role. Book sales peak in December, January, and August, with December consistently leading due to holiday gifting. Surveys show that 30 to 40 percent of consumers plan to purchase books as gifts, reinforcing the strong seasonal revenue potential for dropshipping book stores.

Book Sales in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom represents another stable and growing market for dropshipping books. Revenue in the UK book market is forecasted to reach 3.44 billion USD in 2025, with an expected annual growth rate of 1.63 percent through 2029.

Fiction remains a strong category, with sales increasing by approximately 9 percent, while children’s books have also experienced growth. These trends highlight opportunities for curated genre-focused book stores.

The UK export market for books has grown by 8 percent, driven by international demand for British authors and series. Dropshipping allows entrepreneurs to tap into this export demand without managing cross-border inventory.

Social platforms also influence sales. Communities such as BookTok have played a major role in reigniting interest in reading, especially among younger audiences, driving viral book sales and niche discovery.

Book Sales in China

China’s book market continues to evolve, offering long-term potential despite short-term fluctuations. Revenue in China’s book market is projected to reach 15.73 billion USD in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 2.44 percent, leading to a projected market size of 17.08 billion USD by 2029.

China’s market is characterized by genre diversity and multilingual demand. Fiction, self-help, educational, and professional books all perform well. Offering books in multiple languages, including English and European languages, allows dropshipping businesses to serve both domestic readers and international customers.

Learn more: Dropshipping From China: The Ultimate Guide for 2026

Final Verdict on Dropshipping Books

Dropshipping books remains worth pursuing in 2026, but it requires a realistic and strategic approach. While margins are typically lower than trend-driven products, books benefit from consistent demand, seasonal spikes, and long-term relevance.

For entrepreneurs who focus on niche selection, supplier reliability, and customer trust, dropshipping books can be a sustainable and scalable business model rather than a short-lived trend.

Benefits of dropshipping books

Dropshipping books offers a unique set of advantages compared to many other ecommerce niches. While it may not deliver viral-style margins, it provides stability, predictable demand, and lower operational risk when executed correctly.

Low Inventory Risk

One of the biggest benefits of dropshipping books is that you do not need to purchase or store inventory upfront. This eliminates the risk of being stuck with unsold stock, damaged goods, or outdated editions. You only pay suppliers after a customer places an order, which protects cash flow and reduces financial pressure.

Evergreen Demand

Books are not trend-dependent products. Readers consistently purchase books for education, entertainment, self-improvement, and gifting. Many book categories remain relevant for years, allowing you to build long-term product listings that continue generating sales without frequent replacements.

Wide Range of Niches

The book market covers an enormous range of niches, including professional development, children’s education, religion, hobbies, fiction genres, and language learning. This allows dropshippers to target very specific audiences rather than competing broadly with mass-market retailers.

Predictable Seasonality

Book sales follow clear seasonal patterns, especially during holidays and back-to-school periods. This predictability makes it easier to plan promotions, content marketing, and inventory coordination with suppliers. Holiday gifting alone creates recurring revenue opportunities every year.

Lower Return Rates

Compared to fashion or electronics, books generally have lower return rates. Customers know what they are buying, and dissatisfaction due to sizing or compatibility issues is rare. This helps reduce operational complexity and customer service costs.

Easier Content and SEO Strategy

Books naturally support content-driven marketing. Blog posts, reading guides, author spotlights, and educational content align well with search intent and organic traffic strategies. This makes SEO a strong acquisition channel for dropshipping book stores.

Global Market Access

Books ship relatively easily compared to fragile or regulated products. With the right suppliers, you can sell to international customers and tap into global demand without building regional warehouses.

Scalable Business Model

Once your store structure, suppliers, and marketing channels are in place, scaling becomes easier. Adding new titles within the same niche requires minimal effort, allowing your dropshipping books business to grow steadily over time.

Overall, dropshipping books is well suited for entrepreneurs who value stability, long-term demand, and content-driven growth over short-term hype.

Learn more: Is Dropshipping Dead in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know!

25+ Best Dropshipping Books To Sell

Now that we have established why books are a strong niche, the next step is choosing what types of books actually sell well in a dropshipping model. Not all books are suitable. The goal is to focus on categories with steady demand, clear audiences, and strong online buying behavior.

You can dropship both fiction and non-fiction books. However, it is important to avoid selling copyrighted titles unless your supplier is an authorized distributor. Many successful dropshipping book stores focus on niche categories, special-interest topics, or evergreen formats rather than chasing bestsellers.

Below are some of the best-performing dropshipping book categories to consider in 2026, along with specific product ideas under each category.

1. Art and Entertainment Books

Art and entertainment books consistently perform well in ecommerce because they are visual, inspirational, and often purchased for leisure or gifting. This category includes books that help readers relax, explore creativity, or learn artistic skills.

Search interest for art-related books remains stable worldwide, making them suitable for long-term dropshipping rather than short-term trends.

Popular art and entertainment books to dropship include:

• Performing arts books

• Graphic design and visual design books

• Interior and home design books

• Adult coloring books

• Tattoo idea and flash books

• Pop culture and media books

• Painting and drawing guides

• Fashion and styling books

• Photography books

• Sketching and illustration books

Beginner tip: Increase average order value by bundling adult coloring books with basic art supplies or complementary accessories.

2. Fiction Books

Fiction remains one of the most consumed book categories globally. While mainstream bestsellers are highly competitive, niche fiction genres offer strong opportunities for dropshipping.

Readers often search for specific genres rather than specific authors, making genre-based collections effective.

Fiction book types that perform well include:

• Romance novels

• Fantasy and science fiction

• Mystery and crime fiction

• Young adult fiction

• Historical fiction

• Short story collections

• Niche genre anthologies

Curating fiction by theme or reader interest rather than popularity helps reduce competition.

3. History Books

History books attract readers who value depth, research, and learning. This category performs well among students, educators, and hobby readers.

History books often have long relevance and do not go out of date quickly, making them ideal for evergreen listings.

Strong history book subcategories include:

• World history overviews

• Military history

• Ancient civilizations

• Biographies of historical figures

• Regional and cultural history book.

4. Children’s Books

Children’s books are one of the most reliable categories for dropshipping books. Parents, educators, and gift buyers drive consistent demand throughout the year.

Seasonality plays a strong role, with spikes during holidays and back-to-school periods.

High-performing children’s book types include:

• Picture books

• Early learning and phonics books

• Activity and puzzle books

• Bedtime story collections

• Educational workbooks

• Moral and values-based stories

Children’s books also work well for bundling strategies.

5. Graphic Novels and Comics

Graphic novels and comics appeal to both younger audiences and adult collectors. This category benefits from strong fan communities and repeat purchases.

Dropshipping works best for graphic novels that are niche, independent, or themed rather than mass-market superhero titles.

Popular graphic novel types include:

• Indie graphic novels

• Manga-style books

• Art-focused graphic storytelling

• Educational graphic novels

• Illustrated non-fiction

6. Cookbooks

Cookbooks continue to sell well online, especially when focused on specific lifestyles or diets. Many buyers purchase cookbooks as gifts or personal investments.

Best cookbook niches for dropshipping include:

• Healthy cooking and meal prep

• Vegetarian and vegan cookbooks

• Keto and low-carb cookbooks

• Cultural and regional cuisine books

• Baking and dessert books

Cookbooks benefit from high-quality visuals and clear niche positioning.

7. Self-Help and Personal Development Books

Self-help books attract readers looking to improve their mindset, habits, or lifestyle. This category performs well in online search and content marketing.

Effective self-help book niches include:

• Productivity and time management

• Mental wellness and mindfulness

• Career and professional growth

• Confidence and communication

• Goal setting and motivation

8. Educational and Academic Books

Educational books appeal to students, professionals, and lifelong learners. While margins may be lower, demand is consistent.

Examples include:

• Exam preparation books

• Language learning books

• Skill-based textbooks

• Reference guides and manuals

9. Business and Finance Books

Business books attract entrepreneurs and professionals seeking knowledge and insight. These books pair well with content-driven marketing.

Strong business book niches include:

• Entrepreneurship guides

• Marketing and sales books

• Personal finance and investing

• Leadership and management

10. Hobby and Lifestyle Books

Hobby books serve passionate audiences who are willing to buy multiple related titles.

Popular hobby book ideas include:

• Gardening books

• DIY and craft books

• Fitness and wellness guides

• Travel and cultural books

11. Religious and Spiritual Books

Religious and spiritual books serve deeply engaged audiences with long-term demand.

Examples include:

• Spiritual growth guides

• Meditation and mindfulness books

• Religious study books

• Inspirational faith-based reading

12. Language Learning Books

Language learning books are evergreen and often purchased alongside courses or tools.

Common subcategories include:

• Beginner language guides

• Phrasebooks

• Grammar workbooks

• Vocabulary builders

13. Coffee Table and Visual Books

These books are often purchased for décor or gifting rather than reading cover to cover.

Examples include:

• Photography collections

• Architecture books

• Travel photography books

• Design showcase books

14. Activity and Puzzle Books

Activity books appeal to both adults and children and encourage repeat purchases.

Popular options include:

• Crossword books

• Sudoku and logic puzzles

• Brain training books

• Journaling prompts

15. Journals and Guided Workbooks

Guided journals combine structure with creativity, making them popular in self-improvement niches.

Examples include:

• Gratitude journals

• Goal planners

• Mental health workbooks

Legal and Copyright Considerations When Dropshipping Books

When building a dropshipping book business, legal and copyright compliance is not optional. Books are protected intellectual property, and selling them without proper authorization can result in store takedowns, payment disputes, or legal action. Understanding these considerations early helps protect your business and build long-term credibility.

Copyright Ownership and Book Rights

Most books are protected by copyright from the moment they are published. This means the author or publisher controls how the book is reproduced, distributed, and sold. As a dropshipper, you are allowed to sell physical copies only if your supplier is an authorized distributor or wholesaler.

You cannot legally sell copied, pirated, or reprinted books without permission, even if the supplier claims they are legitimate. Always confirm that the supplier has the right to distribute the titles they offer.

Selling Branded and Publisher Titles

Well-known publishers and branded titles often have strict distribution agreements. Some publishers limit which retailers can sell their books or require formal approval.

Before listing branded titles, review supplier agreements carefully. If authorization is unclear, avoid selling those titles and focus instead on niche, independent, or distributor-approved books. This reduces risk and protects your store from copyright complaints.

ISBN and Product Authenticity

Most physical books carry an ISBN, which identifies the publisher, edition, and format. Selling books without valid ISBNs or with altered information can be a red flag for copyright infringement.

Ensure product listings match the correct ISBN, title, edition, and publication details. Misrepresentation can lead to disputes and customer complaints.

Public Domain Books

Public domain books are not protected by copyright and can be sold freely. However, not all editions of public domain books are public domain.

While the original text may be public domain, modern translations, edited versions, or illustrated editions may still be copyrighted. Always verify whether the specific edition you are selling is legally free to distribute.

International Copyright and Shipping Considerations

Copyright laws vary by country, but international treaties generally protect published works across borders. Selling books internationally does not exempt you from compliance.

If you ship books across regions, confirm that your supplier is authorized to distribute in those markets. Customs inspections, import restrictions, and regional publishing rights can affect cross-border fulfillment.

Product Descriptions and Marketing Content

Avoid copying publisher descriptions, cover images, or promotional content without permission. While basic factual information is allowed, marketing content is often copyrighted.

Whenever possible, write your own product descriptions and use supplier-approved images. This reduces copyright risk and helps differentiate your store.

Platform and Payment Provider Policies

Ecommerce platforms and payment providers enforce strict intellectual property policies. A single copyright complaint can result in product removal, account suspension, or frozen payouts.

Maintaining compliance protects your Shopify store, payment processing, and long-term business operations.

How to Start Dropshipping Books

Starting a dropshipping books business is straightforward, but doing it correctly requires planning, compliance, and a clear niche focus. Below is a practical, step-by-step approach to help you launch with fewer risks and better long-term potential.

Step 1: Choose a Clear Book Niche

Books sell best when your store is focused, not broad. Instead of trying to sell every type of book, narrow your niche based on audience interest, purpose, or use case.

Examples of strong book niches include children’s learning books, self-help and productivity, art and design, language learning, religious or spiritual reading, and professional education. A defined niche helps you stand out, build authority, and attract buyers who are actively searching for specific content.

Step 2: Research Market Demand and Competition

Before adding products, validate demand. Look at search trends, bestseller lists, and online communities related to your niche. Study competitors to understand pricing, positioning, and customer expectations.

Pay attention to how competitors organize their collections, write product descriptions, and bundle books. The goal is not to copy but to identify gaps you can fill with better curation or clearer messaging.

Learn more: How to Create a Dropshipping Website for Free: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Step 3: Find Authorized Dropshipping Book Suppliers

Supplier selection is the most critical step when dropshipping books. Only work with wholesalers or distributors that are authorized to sell and distribute physical books.

Ask suppliers about ISBN accuracy, packaging quality, shipping times, and return handling. Ordering samples helps verify product condition and delivery experience. Avoid suppliers offering suspiciously cheap or unbranded books, as these often indicate copyright or quality issues.

Learn more: 18 Best Amazon Dropshipping Suppliers (2026)

Step 4: Set Up Your Online Store

Once you have your niche and suppliers in place, the next step is building a store that feels trustworthy and easy to navigate. For selling physical books online, store structure and clarity matter more than flashy design.

Shopify is the most reliable platform for dropshipping books because it handles hosting, payments, checkout security, and inventory syncing in one place. This allows you to focus on product selection and marketing instead of technical setup.

However, relying only on a Shopify theme can be limiting when you need to differentiate your store or improve conversions. This is where GemPages Landing Page Builder for Shopify becomes essential.

With GemPages, you can:

• Design custom book landing pages without coding

• Create genre-focused collection pages for specific reader segments

• Build high-converting product pages with flexible layouts

• Highlight book benefits, use cases, and reviews more clearly

• Launch seasonal or promotional pages quickly without touching your theme

For dropshipping books, GemPages Landing Page Builder for Shopify helps you go beyond basic product listings. You can structure pages around reading goals, education levels, or gift intent, which makes it easier for customers to find the right books and complete their purchase.

By combining Shopify’s stability with GemPages’ design flexibility, you create a professional storefront that builds trust, improves browsing experience, and increases conversion rates from both organic and paid traffic.

Step 5: Create High-Quality Book Listings

Book product pages should focus on clarity and relevance. Include accurate titles, descriptions, formats, page counts, and ISBN information. Write descriptions that explain who the book is for, what problem it solves, and why it is worth buying.

Avoid copying publisher descriptions directly. Original content helps with SEO and reduces copyright risk. Adding reviews, reading previews, or use-case explanations can significantly improve conversion rates.

Step 6: Configure Pricing and Shipping

Books often have thinner margins, so pricing must account for shipping costs, platform fees, and marketing expenses. Competitive pricing matters, but clarity and reliability matter more.

Offer transparent shipping times and clear return policies. Customers buying books online expect predictability, especially for gifts or educational purchases.

Step 7: Launch and Promote Your Store

Start with organic promotion channels such as SEO content, blog posts, niche communities, and social media. Books pair well with content marketing, including reading guides, curated lists, and educational articles.

Once you identify which books convert best, you can scale with paid ads or email marketing. Testing and optimization are essential, as not all books perform equally across audiences.

Best Dropshipping Book Suppliers

Choosing the right suppliers is especially important when dropshipping books. Unlike many product categories, books involve copyright protection, ISBN accuracy, and strict quality expectations. Working with reliable and authorized suppliers helps you avoid legal issues, reduce customer complaints, and build a trustworthy brand.

Below are some of the best dropshipping book suppliers commonly used by online bookstores in 2026, along with guidance on how each fits different business goals.

Ingram Content Group

Ingram is one of the largest and most established book distributors in the world. It offers access to millions of titles from major and independent publishers.

Ingram supports dropshipping through its fulfillment services, making it ideal for stores that want a wide catalog and professional logistics. While setup is more complex than marketplace-based suppliers, Ingram is a strong choice for long-term, compliant book businesses.

Best for stores prioritizing scale, legitimacy, and global reach.

Baker & Taylor

Baker & Taylor is another major distributor with a long history in the publishing industry. It focuses heavily on educational, academic, and library-oriented books.

This supplier works well for dropshipping educational materials, professional development books, and institutional-focused content. Approval processes are stricter, but the reliability and credibility are high.

Best for niche educational or academic bookstores.

Bookvault

Bookvault specializes in print-on-demand and fulfillment for books, making it suitable for dropshipping custom or independent titles.

While it is not ideal for mainstream publisher books, Bookvault is a strong option if you plan to sell original content, private-label books, or licensed materials. It also integrates well with ecommerce platforms.

Best for creators, educators, and private publishing brands.

AliExpress

AliExpress offers access to a wide range of books, especially niche, educational, and non-fiction titles. However, quality and copyright compliance vary significantly by seller.

AliExpress can be used for dropshipping books only when suppliers are carefully vetted. Focus on authorized distributors, verified sellers, and books with clear ISBN information.

Best for testing niche demand with caution and strict supplier verification.

Amazon Business

Amazon Business allows registered businesses to purchase books at bulk pricing. Some sellers use it as a fulfillment source, though this approach has limitations and requires careful compliance with Amazon policies.

This option is better suited for selective fulfillment rather than large-scale dropshipping operations.

Best for limited testing or supplementary sourcing.

The Book Depository

The Book Depository is known for international shipping and broad title availability. While not a traditional dropshipping supplier, it is sometimes used for global fulfillment strategies.

Merchants must be careful with margins and shipping timelines when relying on retail-based fulfillment.

Best for international niche markets with limited local distribution.

PublishDrive

PublishDrive focuses on distributing independent and self-published books across global channels. While primarily digital, it also supports physical book distribution in some cases.

This platform works best for sellers collaborating with independent authors or offering niche book collections.

Best for indie-focused bookstores and author partnerships.

Bookshop.org

Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores and publishers. While dropshipping capabilities are limited, it can be useful for affiliate-style fulfillment or curated collections.

This option aligns well with mission-driven or community-focused book brands.

Best for curated or values-based book stores.

Wholesale Book Distributors

Many regional wholesale book distributors offer dropshipping services but are not widely advertised online. These suppliers often provide better pricing and faster shipping for specific regions.

Researching local or regional distributors can uncover strong partnerships with less competition.

Best for localized or regional book businesses.

How to Choose the Right Supplier

When evaluating dropshipping book suppliers, prioritize the following:

• Authorization to sell and distribute titles

• Accurate ISBN and product data

• Reliable shipping times and packaging quality

• Clear return and damage policies

• Responsive communication and documentation

Avoid suppliers offering suspiciously low prices or vague product details, as these often indicate copyright or quality issues.

Tips For Having A Successful Dropshipping Books Store

Running a profitable dropshipping books store is less about volume and more about execution. Books buyers are intentional, informed, and value trust. The tips below focus on building a store that performs consistently over time.

Focus on a Clear Niche

Avoid selling every type of book. Niche-focused stores convert better and are easier to market. Whether you focus on children’s education, self-improvement, faith-based reading, or professional development, clarity helps customers quickly understand your value.

Prioritize Trust and Transparency

Books are intellectual products. Buyers expect accuracy and reliability. Always display correct titles, editions, formats, and ISBN information. Clear shipping times, return policies, and customer support details reduce hesitation and increase conversions.

Use Content to Drive Traffic

Books pair naturally with content marketing. Blog posts, reading guides, curated lists, and educational articles help attract organic traffic and build authority. Content also positions your store as a resource, not just a seller.

Optimize Product Pages for Readability

Book product pages should be easy to scan and informative. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and structured sections. Highlight who the book is for, what problem it solves, and why it is worth buying.

Using GemPages allows you to design flexible layouts that showcase book benefits, reviews, and related recommendations without relying on rigid theme templates.

Leverage Bundles and Collections

Increase average order value by bundling related books or creating themed collections. For example, beginner kits, gift bundles, or reading series perform better than single-item listings.

Plan Around Seasonality

Books sell especially well during holidays, back-to-school periods, and gifting seasons. Prepare landing pages and promotions in advance to capture seasonal demand efficiently.

Scale Your Dropshipping Books Business

Once your store has stable sales, scaling should focus on efficiency, reach, and customer lifetime value rather than adding random products.

Expand Within Your Niche

Instead of branching into unrelated categories, deepen your existing niche. Add complementary titles, advanced editions, or related formats to increase repeat purchases.

Improve Conversion Rates Before Driving More Traffic

Scaling traffic without improving conversion leads to wasted spend. Test page layouts, copy, and CTAs. Tools like GemPages help you iterate faster and optimize pages based on performance data.

Introduce Email and Retention Marketing

Email marketing works well for books. Reading lists, recommendations, and new arrivals encourage repeat purchases. Retention reduces reliance on paid traffic and improves profitability.

Explore International Markets

Books often sell across borders, especially in English-speaking or educational niches. Work with suppliers that support international fulfillment and transparent shipping.

Automate and Optimize Operations

As volume increases, automation becomes essential. Use order syncing, supplier integrations, and standardized customer support workflows to reduce manual effort and errors.

Conclusion

Dropshipping books remains a viable and sustainable ecommerce model in 2026 when approached strategically. While margins may be thinner than trend-driven products, books benefit from evergreen demand, strong seasonal spikes, and content-driven growth opportunities.

Success depends on niche focus, compliant suppliers, and a well-structured store experience. By combining Shopify’s stable infrastructure with conversion-focused design tools like GemPages, you can build a professional book store that earns trust and scales steadily over time.

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