Don't buy my books on Amazon

As an avid reader and independent author, I've recently made the decision to withdraw my books from Amazon and instead make them available through various other platforms such as Barnes & Noble, Rakuten Kobo, Apple Books, and others. This move stems from my experiences and concerns about how Amazon’s ecosystem affects authors and readers alike. One important factor for me is the desire to diversify the places where my books are accessible. Relying solely on Amazon can feel limiting for both authors and readers—if Amazon sets certain policies or changes pricing structures, it directly impacts us. By distributing my books on platforms like OverDrive, hoopla, Smashwords, and Bookshop.org, I’m supporting a broader literary community and giving readers multiple options to discover and enjoy my work. Additionally, many of these alternative platforms prioritize fair compensation for authors, and support for libraries and independent bookstores, which aligns with my values. Services like cloudLibrary and Vivlio also emphasize ease of access via libraries, which helps get books into readers’ hands without heavy costs. From a reader's perspective, exploring books through different outlets can introduce you to unique offerings and formats that you might not find exclusively on Amazon. Plus, supporting independent platforms helps maintain a diverse and healthy market for books. If you’re considering where to find my books or want to support authors in general, checking out these alternative ebook stores and library services can be a rewarding experience. You may even discover new favorites along the way! Ultimately, my choice reflects a passion for free, fair, and broad access to books—books not locked into a single marketplace but shared through many paths. I encourage fellow readers and writers to explore multiple avenues for discovering and sharing stories beyond Amazon.