Many Writers and Readers Have Decided to Boycott Amazon
Is a boycott practical?
On one hand, it sounds good. Amazon has established what sometimes seems like a monopoly on the literary market. So, if you stop buying from the Zon, you undermine Jeff Bezos and his company.
On the other hand, when you stop buying books from the world’s largest online bookstore, you undermine writers.
It’s a Depressing Situation
Many indies don’t know how to “go wide.” At least for now, they rely on the quick and easy tools provided by KDP to publish their books in eBook and print formats.
New book aggregators have entered the market over the last few years, but it’s inconceivable to envision a world without Amazon.
Enter a Real Writer Who Shared His Opinion on Social Media
Here’s what Keith Landry says:
Don’t Boycott Amazon Books — Support Canadian Authors Instead
Hello, my name is Keith Landry, a Canadian author who writes Canadian stories. You may have heard of my award-winning Unforeseen Saskatchewan, which earned an International Impact Book Award, or my latest release, True North: A Nation Stands. But let’s be real — I’m not exactly a household name. Maybe that’s because I write about Canada. Maybe it’s because getting my books into the hands of readers is tough.
Unlike American bestsellers that dominate bookstore shelves and airport racks, my books aren’t found in major retail chains. They aren’t backed by multimillion-dollar marketing campaigns. They live and breathe through word-of-mouth and the loyalty of Canadian readers who appreciate stories about their own country.
But now, amid political tensions and trade disputes, there’s talk of boycotting Amazon — a move that might seem like a stand against corporate power but actually harms independent authors like me the most.
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is the only viable platform that allows me to share my work with readers across the country. If you stop buying books on Amazon to protest a trade war, you’re not hurting giant corporations — you’re hurting small, independent Canadian writers who rely on this platform to reach their audience.
And let’s talk numbers. When you buy one of my books for $15 on Amazon:
- $9.00 stays in Canada—covering printing (done in Canada), taxes (Canada’s GST), and supporting a Canadian author (that’s me!).
- I earn $4.54 per book — a fair deal for a writer trying to make a living.
- Amazon takes $6.00 — for hosting, distributing, and making my book available worldwide.
So before boycotting Amazon books, think about who you’re really affecting. If you believe in supporting Canadian literature, the best way is to keep reading Canadian authors. Buy our books, leave reviews, and spread the word — because without readers, our stories disappear.
Thank you for your support.
© Keith Landry
Please Return Next Week for a Review of Keith’s Latest Thriller
Before pressing the Publish button on this post, I read True North: A Nation Stands. Heads up: It’s shocking. And possible. Maybe even probable.
No spoilers.
Keith Landry’s Biography
Keith Landry is a celebrated Canadian author whose riveting narratives breathe life into the untold stories of our nation’s past. With a masterful blend of historical accuracy and compelling storytelling, Keith has captivated readers with 26 powerful stories, each inspired by real news articles that once graced the pages of Canadian history.
A late bloomer in the literary world, Keith began his writing journey at the age of 69, proving that passion knows no bounds. In just five years, he has established himself as a formidable force in historical fiction, earning accolades for his immersive storytelling. His book, Unforeseen Saskatchewan, was awarded the International Impact Book Award in the adventure category, solidifying his place among Canada’s most compelling contemporary writers.
What makes Keith Landry’s books unmissable?
- He masterfully transports readers to pivotal moments in Canadian history, weaving human emotion into real-life events.
- His work illuminates the triumphs and tragedies of everyday people, shedding light on stories that shaped our country.
- From gripping true crime to haunting disasters and love stories intertwined with history, his books offer a cinematic experience in literary form.
Keith’s books have been praised for their meticulous research, depth of character, and ability to paint vivid portraits of the past. Readers describe his work as “impossible to put down,” “a journey through time,” and “deserving of a stage or screen adaptation.”
Living in Regina, Saskatchewan, with his beloved wife, Vivian, Keith continues to write stories that preserve history and spark conversation. Whether through historical fiction, true crime, or adventure, his books are a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.
For media inquiries, publishing opportunities, or to learn more about his work, reach out today!
Social Media and Book Links
True North: A Nation Stands: The war for Canada’s survival begins with a single, shocking act.
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com.au | Amazon.in
(As an Amazon Associate, Kathy Steinemann earns from qualifying purchases.)
More books by Keith Landry are available at books.by.
You can also find Keith on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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Great share Kathy. I’m particularly worried about what is going to happen with our books on Amazon with the tariff trade war. 🙁
Writers are reporting a 60% income loss in some social media groups. I share your worry.
Hello Kathy,
I don’t think tariffs will impact us. Firstly, our buying and selling is on Amazon.ca which means it’s a Canadian transaction and no borders are involved since our books are published and printed in shops in Ontario and Edmonton.
Cheers, Keith
I agree that boycotting Amazon harms indie writers, but don’t forget that many American writers don’t support what’s going on in our country, either.
I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are speaking to your country’s citizens when you specifically advocate supporting Canadian writers. I don’t have a beef with that. But if you’re speaking to the world, please know that American indie writers are also relying on the income they receive from Amazon. We certainly can’t rely on our own earned retirement income anymore.
I am advocating Canadians understanding that buying our books from Amazon supports us, but I am not at the cost to any foreign national writing, publishing and selling their books.
I think you can see from many of the comments, it’s tough to self publish in Canada and tougher if Canadians are boycotting Amazon.ca.
Cheers, Keith
And did Amazon think about how it’s harming children and landowners when they support the devils?
Could you explain this comment, Samar?
Before I retired, my last job was, at a university library in the UK. Students (the age of my own kids at different universities) would object to paying replacement costs for lost or damaged books when they could buy them cheaper at Amazon. And that’s how it all started.
By the time I retired, the university had stopped insisting on students paying for replacements and had moved to accepting hard copies of the latest edition of the replaced titles. Changing university policy isn’t quick. (Also shows how old I must be by now.)
Now my daughter refuses to support their almost-monopoly by ordering
anything via Amazon.
I am also a KDP self-published author. I gave up Smashwords (now Draft to Digital) in spite of loving the concept and the platform because enrolling exclusively with KDP brings me a few more reads and, occasionally, a few pence for pages read on Kindle Unlimited. (Yes, I sell that little).
So while I sympathise with rebelling writers, I won’t – at my age (and in no physical shape to dash around to promote my work) – be delving into deeper distributional waters.
There are plenty of other kinds of merchandise to order from elsewhere.
Thanks for letting us know about your experiences, Cathy.
Hi Cathy,
I can relate to your part about dashing about. I am 75 and require a cane to get about.
I was not aware of the library issue but, geez, I think their are librarians across Canada still chasing me for late fees and missing.
I think I am making up for my bad ways by donating my books to local libraries.
I have a bookstore now with Books.by but because they use American currency in all transactions, I only have sold two books. But they inform that soon, I’ll have Canadian Currency and maybe someday, I’ll leave Amazon and just sell from there.
Cheers, Keith
This is not just an issue for Canadian authors. My blog post this week is on the same topic, and I’m a British author. Large American companies are currently unpopular around the world. This issue will ultimately affect readers too. Unfortunately, many consumers don’t understand Amazon is not just a big corporation – it is also a platform for small businesses. This boycott may well put some of us out of business.
Thanks for sharing Deborah. I agree: Current events are threatening the survival of many independent businesses and creatives. Where will it all end?
Excellent point Deborah.
I am in on Amazon until an option that makes financial sense for me.
You know, I have analyzed the negative comments to my posting and my gut tells me, they weren’t buying books from the platform in the first place. Many seeme to need something to bite back at.
I am not diminishing their feelings about America and big corporation I am saying there not all book buyers.
Cheers, Keith