Five Places to Buy Books Online That Are Not Amazon
Amazon is the go-to for many when it comes to buying books, but it’s not the only place to find your next great read. As the platform continues to dominate the book industry, it’s also reshaped how books are discovered, priced, and sold. That model works for some, but not everyone wants to buy into what Amazon is selling.
The company’s algorithms determine which books get visibility, often pushing small, independent authors and presses to the margins while amplifying mass-produced content that’s designed to generate the highest profit. Over time, this approach has begun to shift the focus away from diverse voices and creative risk-taking, and toward uniform, market-driven storytelling. In subtle but significant ways, Amazon is changing not just how books are sold, but what kinds of stories get told—and who gets the chance to tell them.
At a time when censorship is rising, book bans are spreading, and questions of creative control are front and center, the ways we choose to engage with books—what we read, where we buy, and who we support—carry real weight. Supporting platforms that prioritize independence, community, and access to a wide range of voices is one small but powerful way to push back.
For those who want more intention behind their purchases, more transparency in their marketplaces, and more choice in the stories they support, there are plenty of other ways to buy books. From independent bookstores to curated online retailers and author-forward platforms, these alternatives make it possible to support creativity and diversity while still getting the books you love.
You don’t have to play Amazon’s game. The following are some trusted, meaningful alternatives for readers and writers who want to shop differently—and help shape a literary world that reflects more than just the bottom line.
Bookshop.org: Support Independent Bookstores
Bookshop.org was created to offer a way for readers to shop for books online while supporting local bookstores. Unlike Amazon, which dominates the market, Bookshop.org ensures that independent bookstores receive a majority share of the profits (80%), helping to keep the literary ecosystem diverse and thriving. On their website, they note: “It is written in our governance documents that we will never sell the company to Amazon or any major U.S. retailer.”
As a B Corp™ certified company, Bookshop.org upholds high standards for social and environmental responsibility, supporting the community and keeping local bookstores alive in an increasingly digital world. Since its launch in 2020, the platform has grown rapidly, raising over 35 million dollars for indie bookshops.
The shopping process is also super easy. You just pick an independent bookstore you want to shop with, buy your books, and bookshop.org will send your order directly to you—just like any other retail site. If you decide not to pick a specific bookstore, your purchase goes into a “profit sharing pool” to support all the stores in their network.
*Photo taken from Bookshop.org
Betterworldbooks.com: Literacy and Sustainability
Better World Books is an online platform where customers can purchase new and used books while supporting global literacy and environmental efforts. With every book sold, Better World Books donates a portion to literacy initiatives and has donated over 38 million books to non-profit organizations. They also fundraise for libraries and educational nonprofits, offering grants to support literacy projects around the world.
In addition to donating books, Better World Books is committed to sustainability, ensuring books are reused, recycled, and never thrown away. They are also a B Corp™ certified organization, which reflects their dedication to creating positive impact through literacy and environmental programs. Their site notes that they’ve recycled over 475 million books and are working to minimize their environmental impact through various initiatives, including carbon offset programs and recyclable packaging. I love this for them (and us all).
*Photo taken from Betterworldbooks.com
Thriftbooks.com: Affordable and Eco-Friendly Reads
ThriftBooks is the largest independent online retailer of used books, focusing on sustainability by repurposing books and partnering with libraries to give old books a second life while supporting communities. They also have a loyalty program, where customers earn rewards for purchases. Since its inception, ThriftBooks has purchased books from charities, allowing them to apply the funds towards programs that give back, contributing more than $100 million to charity partners over the past decade. They also work to minimize their environmental impact by recycling millions of pounds of books annually, saving trees, water, and electricity, and reducing air pollution. They also with nonprofits to provide books to underserved communities, such as Title I schools, prison libraries, and international literacy programs.
My one issue is that ThriftBooks does sell its books on Amazon and other commerce sites. While purchasing directly from their website doesn’t contribute to Amazon, it’s worth noting for those who want to avoid supporting the larger corporate giants. Still, ThriftBooks is a fantastic resource for finding “less popular” titles and making a positive impact with every purchase.
Bookoutlet.com: Discount Books and Literacy Support
Book Outlet makes book buying easy and affordable by offering at least 50% off list prices on all books. With titles sourced from special buys, excess inventory, and store returns, they pass the savings on to you. The company focuses on supporting communities through donations and contributions to literacy and education programs, impacting people locally and globally. Their efforts to support organizations and individuals dedicated to spreading knowledge are a key part of their mission. You can see a full list of their contributions on their website.
Their rewards program allows you to earn points by creating an account, making purchases, referring friends, and engaging with the brand on social media. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for discounts on future purchases.
Libro.FM: Audiobooks That Support Local Stores
Libro.fm is an audiobook platform that allows customers to support local, independent bookstores with every purchase. Founded in 2014, the company partners with over 3,000 bookstores worldwide, sharing profits from audiobook sales with the stores chosen by users. As an employee-owned Social Purpose Corporation, Libro.fm is dedicated to supporting small businesses, amplifying diverse voices, combating book bans, and prioritizing integrity in its work. With a commitment to social good, they offer a platform where users can buy audiobooks and help keep money within local economies.
They also offer DRM-free audiobooks, so you can listen to them anytime, anywhere, on any device, without restrictions. Unlike other platforms, Libro.fm values paying fair rates to publishers and working to make a positive impact. It’s a simple and powerful alternative to Audible.
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