Bookshop.org, the beloved platform for indie bookstore lovers, just took a big step to challenge Amazon’s dominance in the e-book world. On Tuesday, they launched their very own e-book platform, giving readers a way to buy digital books without funneling money to Jeff Bezos’s empire.

For years, Amazon has ruled the e-book market, thanks largely to its Kindle devices, which dominate the e-reader space. While alternatives like Kobo exist, options for purchasing e-books directly from independent sellers or publishers have been slim, pushing most readers back to Amazon or other large retailers.

Bookshop.org has been a beacon of hope for indie bookstores, sharing profits with local shops across the U.S. Their expansion into e-books is a game-changer, offering consumers a way to buy digital titles while supporting small businesses.

The founder of Bookshop.org shared that the platform’s mission has always been to help local bookstores compete with Amazon. “This launch is about keeping bookstores alive and giving readers more choices,” he said.

Right now, Bookshop.org’s e-books can be read through a web browser or their apps on Android and iOS. But to truly take on Amazon, they’ll need to find a way to make their e-books compatible with popular devices like the Kindle.

While this move isn’t a magic fix for Amazon’s monopoly, it’s a significant step forward. As one book critic put it, “It’s not the end of Amazon’s dominance, but it’s a start worth celebrating.”

For readers who care about where their money goes, this new platform is a welcome addition to the literary world. It’s a win for both book lovers and independent bookstores alike.