Bookshop.org, the online platform supporting independent bookstores, has launched its own e-book store and reading app, offering a direct competitor to Amazon's Kindle ecosystem. This allows customers to purchase e-books while still financially supporting their chosen local bookstore. The app provides basic e-reader functionality, including customizable fonts and backgrounds, and purchases are fulfilled by Ingram Content Group, a major book distributor. Bookshop.org aims to provide an ethical alternative for digitally-minded readers who want to support local businesses.
In a significant development for the literary world and the embattled independent bookstore ecosystem, Bookshop.org, the online bookselling platform renowned for its commitment to channeling profits towards local bookshops, has unveiled a noteworthy initiative: a proprietary e-reader application and e-book storefront designed as a direct competitor to Amazon's Kindle platform. This strategic maneuver, launched on January 28, 2025, and detailed in a USA Today report, aims to provide bibliophiles with an alternative avenue for acquiring and consuming digital literature while simultaneously bolstering the financial well-being of brick-and-mortar bookstores across the nation.
The newly introduced e-reader app, functionally mirroring its Amazon counterpart, permits readers to purchase and peruse digital books directly within the application's interface. Crucially, however, it distinguishes itself through its unique revenue-sharing model. Unlike Amazon, which retains the lion's share of e-book sales proceeds, Bookshop.org pledges to allocate a full 10% of its e-book revenue to a pool that is subsequently distributed amongst participating independent bookstores. This financial support mechanism, mirroring the platform's existing model for physical book sales, is intended to provide a much-needed infusion of capital to these often-struggling local businesses, enabling them to better compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. Furthermore, individual bookstores retain the option to establish their own digital storefronts within the Bookshop.org ecosystem, thereby allowing them to garner a full 30% commission on e-book sales transacted through their personalized online portals.
This initiative represents a multifaceted approach to bolstering the independent bookstore landscape, addressing both the immediate financial needs of these establishments and their long-term sustainability in the face of evolving consumer preferences for digital content consumption. By offering an ethically-conscious alternative to the dominant Kindle platform, Bookshop.org endeavors to empower readers to support their local bookstores even while embracing the convenience of digital reading. This development marks a potentially transformative moment in the ongoing narrative of the bookselling industry, offering a glimmer of hope for the survival and even the flourishing of independent booksellers in the digital age.
Summary of Comments ( 65 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43056526
Hacker News commenters generally expressed skepticism about Bookshop.org's e-reader and ebook app. Several questioned its viability against the entrenched Amazon Kindle ecosystem, citing the lack of device integration and limited ebook selection. Some doubted the profitability for independent bookstores, given the small percentage they receive per sale. Others pointed to existing alternatives like Kobo and library ebook programs. A few commenters were more positive, viewing the move as a principled stand against Amazon, but even they acknowledged the uphill battle Bookshop.org faces. There was also discussion of the technical challenges involved in DRM and ebook formats, with some suggesting an open platform would be more appealing. The overall sentiment seemed to be that while the initiative is laudable, its success is far from guaranteed.
The Hacker News post "Bookshop.org launches Kindle alternative, sends e-book sales to local bookstores" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters expressing skepticism and raising concerns about the viability and impact of Bookshop.org's new e-reader and ebook store.
A recurring theme was doubt about whether Bookshop.org's offering could genuinely compete with the established dominance of Amazon and its Kindle ecosystem. One commenter pointed out the network effects and deep integration of Amazon's services, suggesting that overcoming this would be a significant hurdle. Another commenter expressed skepticism about the profitability of the venture, questioning whether the margins would be sufficient to sustain the business and effectively support independent bookstores. This commenter also highlighted the high switching costs associated with moving away from the Kindle ecosystem, including the loss of existing libraries and the convenience of Amazon's platform.
Several commenters discussed the potential implications for independent bookstores. Some viewed Bookshop.org's move into ebooks as a positive step, offering a way for these stores to participate in the digital market. Others expressed concern that it might not significantly alter the overall landscape or provide substantial benefits to struggling bookstores. One commenter argued that the convenience of Amazon remained a major factor, and that consumers might not be sufficiently motivated to switch platforms solely to support independent stores.
Technical aspects of the e-reader and app were also discussed. Commenters questioned the choice of Adobe DRM and its potential impact on user experience. The lack of information about supported formats and device compatibility was also noted. One commenter expressed a preference for open formats and DRM-free ebooks.
Some commenters focused on the broader implications for the book industry. One suggested that the initiative could be seen as a way for independent bookstores to "stay alive", while another raised concerns about the potential for antitrust issues if Amazon were to perceive Bookshop.org as a threat.
Finally, there was some discussion about the ethical considerations of supporting Amazon versus independent bookstores, with some commenters arguing that consumer choices play a significant role in shaping the market and supporting local businesses.