Bookshop.org’s eBooks: Can the Indie Underdog Compete with Amazon & Kobo?

Bookshop.org made waves a few years ago when it launched a simple but powerful idea: sell print books online, but give a chunk of each sale to local bookstores.

It was part ecommerce, part movement. And it worked…

Bookshop.org quickly became a go-to platform for readers who wanted to support independent bookstores without giving more money to Amazon.

Now they’re trying something new: eBooks.

Bookshop.org has launched its long-awaited eBook platform, which aims to give readers a more indie-friendly alternative to Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Apple Books — while continuing to funnel profits toward local bookstores.

So how does it stack up?

I rolled up my sleeves, grabbed a fresh cup or two (or ten) of coffee, and gave it a proper test drive.

If you’re an author (or a reader) who cares about supporting bookstores and owning your content, this article breaks down everything you need to know — with a few side notes, honest takes, and eyebrow raises along the way.

What is Bookshop.org’s eBook Platform?

Bookshop.org’s eBook platform officially launched in January 2025, with a curated catalog of around 600,000 titles — and a mission that mirrors their print store: support local bookstores with every sale.

Here’s the gist:

• All eBooks are sold as EPUB files, not Kindle/mobi format.
• Purchases are made directly on bookshop.org/ebooks.
• Readers can access their books through a browser-based reader or the official Bookshop.org mobile app (iOS and Android).
• Local bookstores still earn a commission when readers shop via their affiliate link or store page.

If you’re familiar with Libro.fm (for audiobooks), it’s a similar philosophy: reader-friendly and independent — but not necessarily built to compete feature-for-feature with Amazon or Kobo.

Behind the scenes, the tech is powered by Hummingbird Digital Media, which provides the eCommerce engine and reading infrastructure.

It’s Bookshop-branded on the surface, but the backend is third-party.

How Do eBooks Work on Bookshop.org?

When you purchase an eBook on Bookshop.org, it lands in your digital library — no separate account or third-party app required.

You can read the book directly in your browser, thanks to the built-in eReader powered by Hummingbird Digital Media. The interface is clean and distraction-free, with bookmarks, a table of contents, and adjustable text size.

And the mobile apps for iOS and Android sync with your Bookshop library, so you can read on the go — without being tethered to a desktop or browser tab

If you prefer more control, you can also export the EPUB file and read it in your app of choice (like Apple Books, Lithium, Marvin, or even Calibre on desktop).

That flexibility isn’t always common — and it’s a nice win for readers who value ownership.

Pros:

• Works in-browser with no installation
• Syncs across devices via your Bookshop account
• Native apps for iOS and Android
• EPUB export available

Cons:

• No Kindle support (and no real workaround)
• No dark mode or advanced formatting tools yet
• Offline reading still requires using the app or manually exporting the file

If you’re used to the Kindle ecosystem, this might still feel like a simpler experience.

But that’s kind of the point.

No ads.

No algorithmic clutter.

Just you and the book.

What’s in It for Authors?

Here’s where things get a little complicated.

This is not a self-publishing platform.

You can’t log in, upload your book, and start selling — at least not yet. Instead, Bookshop’s catalog is populated through traditional publishing pipelines.

From what we’ve seen, most books on the platform come via major publishers or established distributors with existing partnerships through Hummingbird Digital Media, which supplies the technical backend.

That means:

• If you’re traditionally published, your eBooks might already be there.
• If you publish through a distributor like Ingram or IPG, you might already be listed (or could be).

But for indie authors using Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, or PublishDrive?

You’re on the outside looking in — for now.

For a platform built on indie values, it’s odd that indie authors aren’t part of the equation.

That said, you can check with your current distributor to see if they offer Hummingbird/Bookshop access. And if they don’t, it might be worth asking for it.

If Bookshop ever opens the gates to direct indie access — or partners with a self-pub-friendly platform — this could quickly become a viable third lane for digital sales.

But for now, it’s a “watch this space” situation.

What We Like About It

Even with its current limitations, there are some clear bright spots:

1. It Supports Indie Bookstores

This is the heart of Bookshop.org — and it carries over to digital.

A portion of every eBook sale supports local bookstores.

That’s still their core differentiator.

2. Clean, Minimalist Reading Experience

For browser reading, it’s smooth. No clutter, no distractions, no junky design.

Same for the mobile apps.

3. Reader-Friendly Flexibility

While not advertised as DRM-free, the fact that readers can export EPUBs means you’re not locked into one device or ecosystem.

It’s not full-on DRM-free, but it’s DRM-lite with benefits.

4. An Amazon Alternative

Some readers just don’t want to buy books from Amazon. Bookshop gives them a workable alternative.

What We’d Like to See Next

Here’s where the platform shows its seams.

If Bookshop.org wants this to grow, here’s what we think needs to happen:

1. Let Indie Authors In

There’s a massive group of authors eager to support indie bookstores — but they’re being left out.

Whether it’s a direct upload option or a partnership with an aggregator, indie access would change everything.

2. Be Transparent About DRM

You can export EPUB files. That’s great. But Bookshop doesn’t explain what kind of DRM (if any) is applied.

Readers want to know: can I back this up? Move it across devices? Own it in a meaningful way?

A simple note during checkout would go a long way.

3. Improve Reader Libraries

As it stands, your library is just a basic list. No sorting. No filters. No shelf-like organization.

It works fine when you own three books… but what about thirty?

A little polish here could really improve the reader experience.

4. Expand Format Support

The current reader is clean but basic. For fiction, that’s fine. But nonfiction authors — especially those with charts, sidebars, or images — might hit some limitations.

Support for rich formatting, footnotes, or even simple visuals would open more doors.

How Does It Compare to Amazon and Kobo?

To be clear, Bookshop.org’s eBook platform isn’t trying to replace Kindle or Kobo — but it’s helpful to see where it stacks up.

Sources: : Amazon KDP, Kobo Writing Life, Bookshop.org

Is it a compelling alternative to Amazon for most?

Not yet.

But that’s not really the goal.

Bookshop.org isn’t trying to out-Amazon Amazon. They’re trying to build something different.

This is more like a “proof of concept” for indie digital book buying.

And Bookshop’s team seems to agree. In an interview with NPR, CEO Andy Hunter described the launch as:

“a meaningful, if imperfect, way to bring digital reading into the world of independent bookstores”

It’s not built to scale a mountain just yet — but the foundation’s surprisingly solid.

And if they fix the key issues — indie author access, mobile apps, DRM clarity — it might just grow into something really useful for authors and readers alike.

Final Thoughts (For Now…)

Let’s make it real simple. Here’s who this platform is for:

• You’re a traditionally published author who wants readers to have an alternative to Amazon.
• You’re a reader who prefers EPUB over Kindle and wants to support local stores.
• You’re a hybrid or wide author keeping tabs on future distribution channels.

And here’s who it’s not for — at least not yet:

• You’re an indie author looking to list your book directly.
• You’re a Kindle-only reader who needs native app access.
• You’re publishing visual-heavy nonfiction that needs more format flexibility.

Bookshop.org’s new eBook platform is great for readers who want to support indie stores while reading digitally. It’s good news for traditionally published authors. And it’s something to watch for indie authors, even if there’s no way in just yet.

It’s a promising first step.

Will it replace Kindle anytime soon?

No.

But does it deserve a seat at the table? Definitely.

It may not be your next big sales channel, but it’s worth rooting for — and keeping on your radar.