Decoder with Nilay Patel Rewind: Bookshop CEO's crusade to save books from Amazon
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Aug 28, 2025 Andy Hunter, the CEO and founder of Bookshop.org, discusses his mission to empower independent bookstores against the encroachment of Amazon. He shares impressive results, including a million dollars in ebook sales, and highlights a rise in consumer support for local retailers. The conversation dives into current book trends shaped by societal changes, the ongoing battle against book bans, and the challenges of digital rights in the ebook market. Hunter advocates for a thriving literary community that embraces diverse voices and champions alternatives to monopolistic giants.
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Add Ebooks To Support Stores
- Add e-books so local bookstores can capture a significant share of digital sales and new revenue.
- Use ebooks both to diversify platforms and to create steady income for struggling stores.
Portable Ownership Is The Holy Grail
- Hunter seeks portable, owned e-books that pay authors while avoiding current DRM lock-in.
- He believes new tech could enable ownership and portability without wrecking author income.
Balance DRM With DRM-Free Options
- Use industry-standard LCP DRM initially to satisfy major publishers while offering some DRM-free titles.
- Grow the DRM-free catalog over time to increase portability and consumer choice.
