At Queen Takes Book, we believe in giving readers the power to choose how they enjoy their books - whether in print, audio, or now, for the first time ever on Bookshop.org, as ebooks! This update brings digital reading to the independent bookstore movement, offering a meaningful alternative to corporate giants like Amazon.
Why Bookshop.org Matters
Since its launch in 2020, Bookshop.org has been a game-changer for independent bookstores. By directing online book sales to local shops, it has generated over $35 million in profits for small businesses like ours. Now, it’s expanding this model into the digital space, allowing customers to purchase ebooks while still supporting their favorite indie bookstore - something that was nearly impossible before now.
Here’s how it works:
When you buy an ebook through Bookshop.org, 100% of the profit goes to the bookstore you choose.
If you don’t select a specific bookstore, a percentage of the sale is shared among all indie bookstores on the platform (find Queen Takes Book at Bookshop.org/shop/QueenTakesBook).
Unlike Amazon’s Kindle store, which locks readers into its ecosystem, Bookshop.org offers open-access EPUB files that work across multiple reading apps and devices.
A Real Alternative to Amazon for Ebooks
For years, ebook readers who wanted to support independent bookstores had no viable alternative to Amazon. Options like Kobo’s indie bookstore partnerships existed, but they lacked widespread adoption. Bookshop.org’s new ebook platform changes that by making it just as easy to buy and read an ebook while supporting small bookstores.
This is a monumental shift in the industry. Readers who value the convenience of ebooks no longer have to choose between digital reading and their ethics. With Bookshop.org’s app - available on iOS, Android, and web browsers - you can buy, download, and read your ebooks all in one place.
What This Means for Readers
📖 Convenience – Buy an ebook and start reading instantly through the Bookshop.org app.
📚 Selection – With over 3 million ebooks available, you’ll find everything from bestsellers to indie gems.
🏪 Support Local Bookstores – Every purchase helps keep independent bookstores thriving in an industry dominated by mega-corporations.
📱 Device Flexibility – Unlike Kindle’s proprietary format, Bookshop.org’s ebooks can be read on a variety of third-party e-readers, apps, and tablets.
The Future of Indie Bookstores & Digital Reading
Bookshop.org’s expansion into ebooks is just the beginning. CEO Andy Hunter envisions a future where readers have true choice - not only in where they buy their ebooks but also in how they read them. While Amazon continues to dominate the market with restrictive practices, Bookshop.org is working towards a more open and fairer ecosystem for digital books.
As this platform grows, we’re hopeful for even more innovations - such as compatibility with dedicated e-readers like Kobo and Boox. And who knows? Maybe someday Bookshop.org will develop its own indie-friendly e-reader device!
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’ve ever wished for a better way to buy and read ebooks, now is the time. We encourage you to explore Bookshop.org’s new digital storefront, download their app, and start supporting independent bookstores - like Queen Takes Book - with every ebook purchase.
Thank you for being part of a movement that celebrates books, bookstores, and the readers who keep them alive. Happy reading - however you choose to do it!
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