Bookshop.org, the online platform dedicated to supporting independent bookstores, is stepping boldly onto the digital stage with the launch of its e-book platform, enabling local bookstores to sell these digital titles for the first time ever. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for Bookshop.org, which has thrived since its inception five years ago, primarily by promoting physical book sales through independent retailers.
Founded by Andy Hunter, Bookshop.org has become synonymous with aiding local bookstores amid the growing dominance of large online retailers like Amazon. With this latest initiative, readers can now purchase from over 3 million e-books directly through their favorite independent bookstores. "When we launched Bookshop.org, the vision was to support local bookstores in their battle against Amazon and other online retailers," states Hunter. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to the digital age, highlighting the need for independent retailers to diversify their offerings.
The new e-book platform is accessible via the Bookshop.org app, available for both iOS and Android devices, as well as web browsers. This user-friendly approach makes it simple for readers to discover and buy e-books, ensuring they can support their local bookseller with every transaction. Much like its physical book sales model, the e-books sold through the platform will allow bookstores to retain 100 percent of the profit from each sale.
Hunter notes, "Part of surviving the digital age is selling digital products. If Amazon can do it, your local bookstore should be able to do it, period." This determination to create equitable opportunities for independent bookstores is at the core of Bookshop.org's mission, addressing the challenges these smaller retailers have faced since the rise of e-commerce.
With Amazon previously controlling around 90% of the e-book market as reported by the New York Times, and more recently about 60%, Bookshop.org's entry could help redistribute some of this power. Andy Hunter stresses this point, mentioning the restrictive agreements and digital rights management issues found with existing models. "Innovation has stagnated due to these factors," he said, indicating his plan to disrupt Amazon's dominance.
What sets Bookshop.org apart from other digital reading platforms is its unique social sharing feature. Readers can now share quotes from their favorite e-books directly to social media with links, allowing their friends and followers to purchase the titles effortlessly. This reflects Hunter’s goal of creating not only customers but also engaged communities of readers.
The e-book initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from notable authors, including best-selling author James Patterson, who remarked, "I’ve said it before – booksellers and bookstores save lives. I’m thrilled to see Bookshop.org’s new platform making e-books accessible, all the same time supporting independent bookstores."
This advancement couldn't come at a more pivotal time for the independent bookstore sector. Following continuous struggles against both large retailers and online giants, recent data indicated a resurgence of independent bookstores: the American Booksellers Association reported growth of about 35% from 2009 to 2015. This increased popularity can be attributed to how independent bookstores cultivate relationships with their communities and recommend unique titles.
Bookshop.org's new e-book platform attempts to build upon this momentum, offering independent bookstores the tools and resources needed to thrive digitally. It aims to help these retailers to not only survive but flourish, enhancing the sales process with features such as multi-platform access and seamless purchases. So far, the early feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with readers appreciating the vast library and the ability to directly contribute to their local bookstores.
Originally, one of the biggest challenges for independent bookstores was the absence of e-book options, which previously hampered their competitiveness. Currently, 25% of American readers prefer e-books. Now, with Bookshop.org’s new platform, the indie bookstores can meet this demand. Robert Martin, Executive Director of the Independent Booksellers Consortium, adds, "For independent bookstores, this e-book offering is groundbreaking and provides them the chance to compete directly with digital behemoths like Amazon.”
Yet, there are limitations to the new platform. Currently, e-books purchased must be read on the Bookshop.org app or website, meaning they are not compatible with other e-readers such as the Kindle. Hunter argues this trade-off is worthwhile, as it supports local business over distant conglomerates.
Bookshop.org’s future plans remain ambitious — there’s speculation about the potential development of their own E Ink reading device aimed to rival Amazon’s Kindle. Hunter has expressed his opinion about challenging Amazon's ecosystem, promoting the idea of allowing readers to access their purchases across various devices and platforms. He questions the ethics of contributing to a billionaire's empire when local businesses can be supported instead.
Through this e-book initiative, Bookshop.org not only reinforces its commitment to independent bookstores but also seeks to innovate within the e-reading space. With their recent advancements, bookstores struggling against the tide of digital sales could find themselves on more solid ground, creating new revenue streams, and solidifying their roles as community hubs for readers and authors alike.