I have struggled ethically in having my books distributed via Amazon. I recently found myself thinking through this yet again as I released the audiobook version of My Music Man. Having dedicated myself for forty years to advocate for healthy and safe work for all workers, yes, it feels a bit self-serving… After all, again this year in their Dirty Dozen, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) awarded its Penalty Box rating to Amazon offering this: “Amazon remains a prime example of corporate abuse—appearing again for widespread safety failures, a brutal pace of work, and union suppression.” Earlier this week while on a walk, I asked an Amazon worker – “I don’t want to slow you down, but are you running so to make your quotas?” Yes, he called back to me, as I wiped the sweat from my own face.

Most of us authors are little known, little supported, and make little money. A few of us may write because we have hopes and dreams to make it big. Me? I write because it makes my heart sing. I’m grateful to continue to not only put words on a page, but to publish them to the world in this later part of my life. That’s not to say I don’t hope some days to sell more or have my work more widely read. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that, even though nearly each day I remind myself why I’m on this journey.

Approximately 65% of all new books (paper and electonic) are purchased via Amazon and 63% of audiobooks are sold via Amazon’s Audible. I don’t know many authors who refuse to sell via this platform. I’m no expert on this, but my guess is that few traditional publishers would allow such a decision due to anticipated loss of sales. That means one would need to be self-published and direct all book sales through one’s own platform. In some places, being self-published means local book stores won’t sell your books for a variety of reasons. So yes, while I feel selfish in a way to allow my books to be distributed via Amazon or Audible, I try to encourage readers to buy them from independent sources. I have never paid for an Amazon ad, even though I have been advised to. I ensured that Audible (and Apple Books) are not the only distributors of my recently released audiobook. Yet, every time I see an Amazon delivery person hurrying to their next door, I feel guilty. I remember the stories about warehouse folks working in dangerous conditions where speed overrides safety, where bathroom break needs are dismissed. I hear a bit of it is getting better; still I worry. Especially now with potential erosion of workplace safety and health guidelines and rules.

So, here’s what I have done and will continue to emphasize in my book marketing. And hey, take note as A Map of Her Own releases in just three months!

First, regarding my newest foray into audiobooks. I took the time and energy to release My Music Man as an audiobook because it was an early goal of mine. Maybe it goes back to what I mentioned in my prior blog: I remembered when Mom could no longer read print books, and was grateful to find unique stories via audio for her to enjoy. Audible remains the primary platform for audiobooks, and in fact owns ACX, a free software recording and editing tool I found helpful. However, when I uploaded my files and completed my agreement, I did not give Amazon complete distribution control even if as an author you then accept a lower royalty. All of it seems a bit of a ripoff, yet I don’t have the bandwidth or connections to do it without a major existing platform. This does mean, however, that anyone can also purchase my audiobook from a large number of platforms (FM.Libro where you can credit your favorite independent bookstore, Spotify, soon I hope Libby via libraries, and many others). Honestly, since this release is years after it being a new book release, I don’t have any high hopes of selling huge numbers, but I feel good to have set it up the way I did.

Second, yes, although my books sit on Amazon, I encourage my supporters to purchase them from an independent bookseller when they can. Of course, this is a challenge for many of us small or little known authors, as many bookstores have limited shelf space and need to know they will sell what they order. Gratefully, most of our books that are traditionally published can be ordered and returned by a bookstore through their distributer without any fees. Other bookstores may only offer to consign local author books. However, most will order traditionally published books for their readers – you just may not get it “next day” like so many of us are accustomed to with services like Amazon. Also, online organizations like Bookshop.Org allow you to order the book and credit your favorite bookstore – a bit like Fm.Libro and a few other services do with audiobooks.

Finally, Author Events! Many of us sell our books straight from the box at author events. Plus, you can have them signed! Generally, when author events are held at bookstores, the author gets only standard royalties as the sale is credited to the bookstore. Don’t get me wrong – I’m all about that! Even better is the shop will often hold onto extra signed copies to sell later to lucky visitors. For me, when I do events at venues that aren’t a retail shop (e.g., like my October 19, 2025 book launch at the Willamette Ale & Cider House, or libraries or book fairs) then I get a significantly higher specific profit as determined with my publisher’s printer, less shipping costs.

I’ve said it once and I’ll repeat often. Good thing I never went into this author or writing world for money. I’m grateful to have earned a living doing what I did and can write books for fun. Um, er, I still love it when you buy my books though. Just saying.

Other things we can do to improve things at Amazon for all workers

1. Support and advocate for employees who are organizing unions.
2. Support legislation like a Federal Warehouse Worker Protection Act (um, sorry but I feel pretty pessimistic about this likely effort at the moment. Let’s just hold onto the OSH Act.)
3. Share information with others about Amazon’s workplace practices – educate each other and participate in public demonstrations.
4. Consider direct action – boycott Amazon services or prioritize buying local.
5. Encourage shareholder activism and demand transparency from within.

I’ll be honest. I do still occasionally order from Amazon if I can’t find something nearby. That being said. I still feel guilty and may find myself changing that practice. However, I always try to buy my books from an independent bookstore. Thanks booksellers for supporting the impactful and important joy of books and reading!

What about you?

Yes, libraries are among my most favorite places.