● For the first time ever, UK indies will be able to sell ebooks to their customers
● The launch marks Bookshop.org’s fifth anniversary
● Bookshops will make 100% profit on every ebook they sell
● A much-awaited alternative to Amazon to buy ebooks, at no extra cost
● Bookshop.org to launch audiobook sales next year
London, Wednesday 1 October 2025. Bookshop.org, the online bookstore that champions indie bookshops, is today introducing their new ebook platform, enabling UK bookshops to profit from ebook sales for the first time in history, and to go head-to-head with Amazon’s Kindle apps.
Built to boost revenue streams for brick-and-mortar bookshops, Bookshop.org’s ebook platform is a monumental addition to its giveback model, and a significant move to enrich the publishing ecosystem. It will enable bookshops to access the growing ebook market in the UK – valued £298 million by a recent Publishers Association report.
A recent YouGov book study found that for 25% of readers, ebooks are their main way of reading. Ebook sales had a strong year in 2024, rebounding from the post-pandemic drop off (source: Nielsen BookData). The new ebook service from Bookshop.org will enable ebook-savvy readers to support their local bookshop even when they want to read books digitally.
The new platform, available online via any web browser and through the Bookshop.org apps
Nic Bottomley, from Mr B’s Emporium, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the good people of Bookshop.org have crafted a way for our customers to support Mr B’s (and all high street bookshops) whenever they want to buy a book in digital form. Our true love might be print, but ebooks are an important part of the lives of SO many readers and it’s going to be fantastic to be add into our mix a seamless ebook service, by working in collaboration with Bookshop.org.”
CP Hunter, from The Folkestone Bookshop, said: “As a reader who travels a lot, being able to access e-books from more platforms than just my local library is brilliant, and even more exciting that it's from the ethical platform that is Bookshop.org. As a bookseller, making books even more accessible while still supporting independent shops is nothing but great news! Bookshop.org are an incredible resource and a company that truly support indies so another way to work with them and share more books with our customers all over the country is really important.”
Erin Kelly, Author of He Said/She Said and The Poison Tree, said: “One of the best things about the eBook revolution has been the ability to reach readers who can’t access traditional books. I’m thrilled that the ultimate inclusive format is now available on Bookshop.org, and can contribute to the UK’s precious independent bookseller network.”
Cathy Bramley, Author of The Lemon Tree Café, said: “I’m delighted that Bookshop.org will be offering ebooks. This is another great opportunity to support our fabulous indie bookshops and a really exciting addition to an already wonderful website. I love the feel of a paperback, but I’m a huge fan of ebooks. I travel a lot and as I invariably have my e-reader or iPad and even my phone with me, I’ve always got my current read at my fingertips. I’ll be signposting readers to my ebooks on Bookshop.org from now on!”
Andy Hunter, CEO and Founder of Bookshop.org, said: “When we launched Bookshop.org, the vision was to support local bookstores in their battle against Amazon and other online retailers. Our ebook launch furthers our commitment to help bookstores flourish in the digital age. After introducing our ebook platform in the US earlier this year, we are thrilled to see how ebook sales are going for bookshops. We are already a year ahead of our original plan, and ebooks make up 5% of our overall sales in the US. We are looking forward to ebooks expanding to the UK, empowering stores across the pond to be even more competitive.”
Nicole Vanderbilt, Managing Director of Bookshop.org UK, said: “We’re beyond excited to be adding this revolutionary offering to our platform. Digital readers don’t depend on Amazon’s monopoly anymore, now that they can find ebooks at the same price on Bookshop.org. Meanwhile, bookshops now have an additional tool in their fight against Amazon, in line with our mission of helping them succeed in the age of ecommerce. We trust authors, organisations, and influencers will embrace this launch with open arms, as a milestone for the UK book industry: we’re finally making it possible to buy books digitally whilst helping indie bookshops and their communities to thrive.”
Digitally-inclined readers can directly support the bookshop of their choosing on Bookshop.org, either selecting themby visiting ‘Choose a Bookshop’ or buying ebooks through a bookshop’s own link. This will ensure the full profit goes to supporting that chosen shop. Alternatively, profits from orders without a specified bookshop go to the shared profit pool, which is distributed among all participating bookshops on the platform, further benefitting the literary community.
Bookshop.org is planning to enrich its digital offering by launching audiobook sales in 2026. More information will be announced in due course.
For the latest developments, subscribe to Bookshop.org’s newsletter and follow them on social media at @bookshop_org_uk.
