Between Tech Giants and Indie Bookshops: Navigating the Literary Landscape
How Community and Creativity Triumph in an Era of Digital Monopolies
A very happy Friday Scribblers,
In the last 24 hours, Amazon threatened to take down all Bloomsbury books (which includes authors such as JK Rowling) from their website for sale. They said "Our expired terms with Bloomsbury were far out of sync with other publishers who sell books through our store. Unlike other UK publishers, with whom we’ve successfully negotiated in recent years, Bloomsbury has refused to recognize our continued investments in bringing books in all formats to readers." (The Bookseller article here)
At 10.30pm last night, Bloomsbury reassured their shareholders and re-negotiated a contract with Amazon for the ‘long term’.
This and the USA’s almost removal of TikTok has me reflecting on the power of big Tech giants on our industry, but also on the world. We struggle to own anything that we build on their platforms. We build precarious worlds and success from their empires.
This raises an important question: How do we sustain ourselves in an industry increasingly reliant on tech monopolies? One answer lies in doubling down on what tech cannot replicate: community, connection, and creativity rooted in the real world.
That's where the independent bookshop thrives—physical spaces where people can gather, explore, and rediscover the joy of books in person. It’s why I’m thrilled to share that our tour for the wonderful The Wager and the Bear by John Ironmonger kicks off at Serenity Bookshop’s new location in Stockport! Serenity has been a shining example of what happens when passionate booksellers, like the incredible David Coates, create spaces for readers to meet authors and share stories. This kind of authentic connection can’t be matched by algorithms or “investments in formats.”
As a publisher, we remain committed to these moments of togetherness—whether through bookshop tours, literary festivals, or simply standing by independent booksellers who are the lifeblood of our industry.
I’d love to hear from you, Scribblers: How do you feel about the power dynamics between creators and platforms? Do you think there’s a way for our industry to reclaim its independence?
In the meantime, let’s celebrate our indie bookshops, where stories still find their way to readers through hand-sold recommendations and genuine enthusiasm.
Very pleased with our bear stand ups for bookshops and painted edges!!
Serenity Booksellers (Stockport), Stockport, SK1 1UD
Thursday 27th February 2025
The Wager and the Bear - a heart-stopping tale of anger, tragedy and enduring love, cast against the long unfolding backdrop of climate catastrophe. You can join us here
It’s also been an excellent launch month for ‘Your Sons and Your Daughters Are Beyond’ by Rosie Garland, with reviews coming in from The Daily Mail and Love Reading UK!
Catch Rosie at Deansgate Waterstones 6th Feb or Barnsley Book Festival 26th Feb
In other news, I managed a mini holiday! I went to Bucharest in Romania, visiting the famous spa Therme and the late dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu’s mansion - a fascinating history trip!
Have a great weekend all,
Isabelle x