Online Book Retailer Bookshop.org Now Sells E-Books: 'The Missing Piece We've Been Waiting For'

Mar. 15, 2025

James Patterson and Lev Grossman.Photo:Denise Truscello/Getty; Andrew Toth/Getty

Denise Truscello/Getty; Andrew Toth/Getty

Bookshop.orgis expanding into e-books!The online retailer — which specializes in supporting local and independent bookstores against a growing big-business approach to books — announced its new digital move in honor of its fifth anniversary, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE. Bookshop.org gives 100% of sales back to local bookstores, and the practice will extend to the organization’s new e-book platform.“When we launched Bookshop.org, the vision was to support local bookstores in their battle against Amazon and other online retailers,” says Andy Hunter, CEO and Founder of the online bookseller. “This launch represents our commitment to bookstores and their communities. We’re focused on keeping bookstores afloat and helping them flourish in the digital age.”One in four readers in the United Statespreferreading e-books, but many times, it’s been extremely difficult to obtain them from local retailers, the press release explains. Bookshop.org’s new expansion will include a catalog of more than 3 million e-books with “something for every type of reader.” The e-book platform will be accessible from any web browser, as well as Bookshop.org apps on Apple and Android.James Patterson, award-winning author and one of the highest-earning authors in the world, fully supports Bookshop.org’s mission to back local bookstores.A full bookshelf.Getty"I’ve said it before – booksellers and bookstores save lives," Patterson said in the press release. “I’m thrilled to see Bookshop.org’s new platform making e-books accessible while staying true to supporting independent bookstores.”In 2021, theNew York Timesreported that Amazon made up 90% of the e-book market, and while that number has decreased to roughly 60% in 2023, according toPublish Drive, it still controls more than half of all e-book sales.But local bookstores play a much bigger role than behemoth retailers like Amazon in supporting authors' visibility, especially if they don’t have access to large marketing campaigns, the same article reported. Local stores' efforts and events also help new authors succeed.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Bookshop.org’s e-book initiative furthers that mission, saidLev Grossman, an American novelist and journalist.“This is the missing piece we’ve all been waiting for,” Grossman said. “Bookshop.org has already built a fantastic, essential ecosystem connecting bookstores with the authors and readers who love them. Now with this new ebook platform, there’s no limit to how far it can go and how big it can get.”

Bookshop.orgis expanding into e-books!

The online retailer — which specializes in supporting local and independent bookstores against a growing big-business approach to books — announced its new digital move in honor of its fifth anniversary, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE. Bookshop.org gives 100% of sales back to local bookstores, and the practice will extend to the organization’s new e-book platform.

“When we launched Bookshop.org, the vision was to support local bookstores in their battle against Amazon and other online retailers,” says Andy Hunter, CEO and Founder of the online bookseller. “This launch represents our commitment to bookstores and their communities. We’re focused on keeping bookstores afloat and helping them flourish in the digital age.”

One in four readers in the United Statespreferreading e-books, but many times, it’s been extremely difficult to obtain them from local retailers, the press release explains. Bookshop.org’s new expansion will include a catalog of more than 3 million e-books with “something for every type of reader.” The e-book platform will be accessible from any web browser, as well as Bookshop.org apps on Apple and Android.

James Patterson, award-winning author and one of the highest-earning authors in the world, fully supports Bookshop.org’s mission to back local bookstores.

A full bookshelf.Getty

Getty

“I’ve said it before – booksellers and bookstores save lives,” Patterson said in the press release. “I’m thrilled to see Bookshop.org’s new platform making e-books accessible while staying true to supporting independent bookstores.”

In 2021, theNew York Timesreported that Amazon made up 90% of the e-book market, and while that number has decreased to roughly 60% in 2023, according toPublish Drive, it still controls more than half of all e-book sales.

But local bookstores play a much bigger role than behemoth retailers like Amazon in supporting authors' visibility, especially if they don’t have access to large marketing campaigns, the same article reported. Local stores' efforts and events also help new authors succeed.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Bookshop.org’s e-book initiative furthers that mission, saidLev Grossman, an American novelist and journalist.

“This is the missing piece we’ve all been waiting for,” Grossman said. “Bookshop.org has already built a fantastic, essential ecosystem connecting bookstores with the authors and readers who love them. Now with this new ebook platform, there’s no limit to how far it can go and how big it can get.”

source: people.com