Good Riddance, Amazon Bookstores!

 

Amazon announced it is ending its experiment in opening small bookstores and pop-up kiosks. Normally, I would mourn the loss of any bookstore, but this is a gain to the book world — not a loss.

These amazon bookstores did not serve small presses, self-published books, or unknown authors. They just sold books that were already popular or best-sellers, feeding the public just a handful of titles. That is not what a bookstore is supposed to do. We need bookshelves filled with diverse, experimental, and less commercial books as well as the tried and true.

Further, the amazon store did not hold book signings or author events. They lacked cafes and just did not give off a community vibe. These corporate boxes are to books what Marshall’s is to clothes: bland functionality.

I recently entered an amazon store to see what was there. I was not impressed and won’t cry when they get folded back up into their robot-controlled warehouses. These stores have the personality of a modular home.

My only hope is that indie bookstores will fill the void and replace the locations owned by Dr. Evil.

I know some authors find amazon a helpful publishing partner, though Ingram Spark is a great rival, and I understand the landscape had changed for books, but we need to not forget that letting amazon grow unchecked will eventually lead to compromises on free speech and competition.

So, as amazon backs up the moving vans, lend a hand. I am sure their tax-abated, retail-killing, real estate compromising, job-killing robot workforce will appreciate the help.

 

Please Contact Me For Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2022. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.