Many people, including authors, are seeking more ethical ways to spend their money, especially when it comes to purchasing books. Instead of contributing to large corporations, there’s a growing trend to support local indie bookshops, book festivals, and small publishers. Although this approach might be slightly more expensive, it has a significant positive impact on local bookshops, publishers, and authors, ensuring the continued creation of quality literature. In the digital realm, there are several alternatives to Amazon and Audible that, while they may not have the extensive catalogues of the giants, offer unique benefits such as supporting local booksellers and authors. These alternatives include borrowing e-books and audiobooks from local libraries using apps like Libby and BorrowBox, purchasing from Bookshop.org which supports local bookshops, and using Libro.fm for audiobooks that benefit nominated local booksellers. Smashwords offers a platform for independent and self-published authors, providing DRM-free e-books, while buying directly from independent publishers ensures authors receive the best royalty rates. Supporting these platforms not only helps keep good booksellers in business but also nurtures the literary stars of tomorrow.
Why am I switching from Audible and Amazon for audiobooks and e-books in 2026?
