Bookshop.org Challenges Kindle with New E-Book Platform That Supports Indie Bookstores

The e-reading landscape is getting a shake-up. As USA Today reports, Bookshop.org, the online platform dedicated to supporting independent bookstores, has launched its own e-book service—offering readers a Kindle alternative while ensuring their purchases directly benefit local bookshops.

Why does this matter? Amazon dominates the online book market, accounting for over 80% of all digital book sales. But Bookshop.org founder Andy Hunter saw a gap: while readers could easily support indie bookstores when buying physical books, there was no similar option for e-books. Until now.

With this new platform, readers can purchase e-books from major publishers while ensuring that 100% of the profits go to independent bookstores. The app, available on iOS, Android, and web browsers, offers nearly a million titles, personalized recommendations, annotation features, and device syncing.

Hunter describes the mission simply: “There’s no reason to give a billionaire your $9.99 for an e-book.” Instead, readers now have an easy way to invest in their local literary communities—even in the digital space.

A Social Media Twist

The platform also introduces a quote-sharing feature, allowing readers to post favorite passages directly to social media, complete with purchase links. This taps into BookTok’s viral book culture, potentially driving more traffic to independent bookstores.

Bookshop.org’s latest move is part of a growing movement to shop local, even in the digital age. Will it be enough to take on Kindle? Only time will tell.