Is there an Alternative to Amazon eBooks?

Paul Smith

Many of you may know that I prefer to read and sell my books in eBook format - and I know that's not for everyone. So, I've been promoting a collection of eBooks recently on the Wise Grey Owl Mastodon Social Media Network (@wisegreyowl@mastodonapp.uk if you're on Mastodon).

I've been asked quite a few times recently if there's an alternative to Amazon eBooks and there seems to be a backlash against the tech-titans so I thought I'd take a look but it is still work in progress.

I thought I'd start with BorrowBox, which I use to loan eBooks and eAudiobooks from North Yorkshire Libraries. I wondered if there was a commercial version of it and what a rabbit hole I fell into, Alice in Wonderland Style. I thought I'd share some of my findings here.

Firstly, BorrowBox is not used to sell eBooks commercially (i.e. for purchase). Rather, it is a digital-library lending platform. But don't despair yet; exposure in a library of the first in your series (if it's good) may encourage purchases of subsequent releases or get you identified as an author.

What BorrowBox Does

• BorrowBox lets members of participating public libraries borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks (and in some cases e-magazines/newspapers) free of charge.
• You need a valid library membership (library card + PIN) to use the service.
• Loans have a fixed period (e.g. 2–3 weeks or 21 days, depending on library) and items automatically “expire”/return at the end of that period. 
• There are no payments involved when using BorrowBox - the service is free for library members.

What BorrowBox is not

• It does not sell eBooks; you cannot buy a copy to keep permanently.
• You don’t “own” the eBook after download: it’s a temporary loan, analogous to borrowing a physical book from a library.

Because BorrowBox is library-based lending, it isn’t a marketplace for selling eBooks. Instead, it represents a distribution channel for libraries, via lend licences. Some services/platforms for authors/publishers integrate with BorrowBox (or via third-party distributors) so libraries can license eBooks, but BorrowBox itself is not a “store”. For instance, there is a partnership between StreetLib (a publishing/distribution platform) and BorrowBox for global library distribution. 

That means as an author, you could, via a distributor, make your book available to libraries who then lend via BorrowBox. But the user of the app isn’t buying the book, just borrowing under a library licence.

How Authors can get onto BorrowBox (via Distributors)

A common route is to use a publishing aggregator/distributor rather than dealing with BorrowBox directly. For example, StreetLib recently announced a formal partnership with BorrowBox, meaning authors/publishers using StreetLib can “opt in” to have their titles made available to BorrowBox’s library network across many English-language territories.

Another path: Draft2Digital also lists BorrowBox among the library-distribution services through which it distributes ebooks/audiobooks. You upload your manuscript (or already-formatted eBook file) to the distributor. They handle conversion, metadata (title, ISBN/identifier, description), and submission to the lending platforms used by libraries.

Once submitted, your book becomes part of the “Catalogue” from which libraries (not individual readers) may choose to license or purchase a copy. Then library members themselves borrow via BorrowBox.

What Authors need to understand: it’s not Automatic

Simply being “on” the distributor does not guarantee that every library will carry your book. Each library decides independently what to license based on their own budgets, interests, and patron demand. For self-published/indie authors especially: libraries often rely on reputation, discovery signals (reviews, professional-looking cover and metadata, demand from patrons) when deciding to license a title. 

Because of that, marketing, good presentation, and sometimes outreach to libraries (or encouraging readers to request your book) can help; you can treat library distribution as part of a broader marketing strategy, not just another sales venue. 

What this Means for You

Given that:

• You are interested in publishing eBooks (fiction).
• You know about Amazon publishing, but are exploring other distribution channels.

You could reasonably use StreetLib or Draft2Digital to distribute your eBooks to libraries (including via BorrowBox), which would give your books an alternative readership, especially in libraries where readers may not buy directly from Amazon.

This could help you reach readers who prefer borrowing to buying (e.g. casual readers, library-users), and tap into library-driven long-term exposure and discovery as a complement to retail sales.

PYA has a presence on Mastodon - the Distributed Social Network giving Worldwide Visibility of your Posts

You might have noticed on Facebook that your feed is populated with adverts, suggestions for friend, group and page follows and less posts from the people you've taken the trouble to befriend. Twitter (X - if you must) has content that I find unhealthy and unfriendly - not something I want to see any more.

Many social network users are moving to other networks - BlueSky is one that has become popular but I think you might want to consider Mastodon instead because it isn't and never will be owned by a single company where profit (yes, not a dirty word) is paramount and the network's users are the product to sell and sell to. For these networks their algorithm decides what you will see and is always geared towards keeping your eyeballs glued to their network. It has to be like that because social networks are competing with each other; their stock market value comes from their current active user count.

Mastodon is different. It's a decentralised social network that functions similarly to Twitter (now X) but is built on independent servers called instances. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to join and engage effectively.  

Joining Mastodon  

Choose an Instance  

Mastodon is made up of different instances (servers), each with its own rules and community. Some are general (like mastodon.social), while others cater to specific interests (e.g., writing, tech, art). You can explore instances at [https://joinmastodon.org](https://joinmastodon.org).  

Create an Account  

Once you choose an instance, sign up with your email and password. Some instances require approval, while others let you join immediately.  

Set Up Your Profile  

Add a profile picture and header image.  Write a bio that reflects your interests and use #tags in your bio so that people can find it - like #Writer #Teacher #Engineer. Include links to your website or other social media. Your first post should be an introduction and use #Introdction to identify it as such. 

Getting Started  

Learn the Basics  

• Toots: Mastodon’s version of tweets. You can post text, images, or videos. Always include a caption with images and videos to help those with sight issues.
• Boosts: Similar to retweets, these help amplify posts.  
• Favorites: Equivalent to likes, but they don’t affect visibility.  
• Hashtags: Essential for discovery since Mastodon deliberately lacks an algorithmic timeline - hurray!  

Follow Interesting People  

Find accounts by searching for topics, hashtags, or by following people from other platforms who have shared their Mastodon handle. @FediTips or #FediTips is a good account that will help you get to grips with Mastodon.

Engage with the Community  

Reply to posts and start conversations - be nice.  Use content warnings (CW) for sensitive topics.  Respect the rules of your instance.  

Growing Your Presence  

Use Hashtags Wisely. Hashtags help others discover your posts. Popular ones include #WritingCommunity, #AmWriting, #IndieAuthor, and #BookMarketing.  

Post Regularly  

Consistency helps you stay visible. Share updates about your work, ask questions, and interact with others. Checkout #FensterFriday (for posts on Friday), #Caturday (posts of cats on Saturday) and #SilentSunday for posts without an explanation. Posts like these will help you discover new followers.

Join Discussions  

Reply to and boost posts from others to build connections. Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, engagement on Mastodon is more about conversation than reach.  

Explore Other Instances  

You can follow people from different instances, and if needed, you can even migrate to a different instance without losing your followers.  

Staying Active  

Check the Local and Federated Timelines:  

• Local timeline: Posts from users on your instance.  
• Federated timeline: Posts from across connected instances.  
• Participate in Challenges and Events: Many writing communities host weekly prompts, word sprints, and discussions. 
• Use Lists to Organise Feeds: If you follow many people, lists help keep track of specific topics.  

Final Tips  

Mastodon is about community, not about your post going viral. Engage authentically, respect others, and focus on meaningful interactions rather than follower counts.

Promoting Yorkshire Authors has a presence on Mastodon and we post about the PYA Espresso Newletter, Blog updates, Events, tips and news that might be of interest to our members. Please do follow us - it is a closed group so you won't find us by searching - you have to follow the PYA Account. In common with Mastodon conventions you'll find us at @PromotingYorkshireAuthors@MastodonApp.uk (the first part is our username and the second our instance).

Mastodon Apps

There are a number of Android and iOS Apps to allow you to interact with Mastodon or you can use the instance link in a browser (like https://mastodonapp.uk) too, if you wish. I use Tusky, but you might want to research which is the best App for you.  

• Here's a Mastodon Instance used by users in the UK: mastodonapp.uk
• Here are some Mastodon instances tailored for writers:
• Writing Exchange (writing.exchange): stablished in 2017, this is a stable, long-running Mastodon instance for writers. It's an inclusive community that welcomes all, as long as you're kind and respectful to others. The platform aims to provide an environment where you feel comfortable enough to participate freely and authentically.
• Mastodon.art (mastodon.art): hile primarily focused on visual arts, Mastodon.art also welcomes writers and other creatives. It's a friendly home on the fediverse for all things creative, operating on a community-owned and ad-free platform.
• Mastoart.social (mastoart.social):  creative space for sharing art and being part of a friendly creative community. Hosted in Germany, it runs on 100% green energy and is open to various forms of artistic expression, including writing.
• Zirk.us (zirk.us): his instance focuses on literature, philosophy, film, music, culture, politics, history, and architecture. It's ideal for readers, writers, academics, or anyone wanting to engage in conversations about the arts and humanities.

Each of these instances offers a unique community and focus. When choosing, consider the specific community guidelines, the type of content shared, and the overall atmosphere to find the best fit for your writing interests.