The article in Publishers Weekly, where I first came across this story, says that Libro.fm has a similar style to Bookshop.org (before I get too sanctimonious, I might add that a search reveals I said the same thing in an article in 2023). In actual fact, of course, Libro.fm has considerably more history than Bookshop.org. It’s also not “similar.” It’s actually Bookshop.org’s audiobook partner, enabling listeners to buy audiobooks from independent retailers.
ALLi News Editor, Dan Holloway
Surge in Membership Linked to Anti-Amazon Sentiment
In February, there was a 275 percent growth in the number of new monthly members. The company’s co-founder, Mark Pearson, has attributed this to anti-Amazon sentiment. Really interestingly, it seems as though there was a particular surge in sign-ups prior to February 28. Most of you who were on social media with any regularity in late February will recall that February 28 was a day marked out by anti-corporate behemoth consumers as a day when they wouldn’t engage with big commerce. It seems that when it comes to audiobooks, at least, there really was action as well as words.
Indie Bookstores Embracing Technology
It’s also interesting that Pearson credits direct recommendations from and marketing efforts by individual booksellers. He believes they are listening to audiobooks themselves more than they did and, as a result, are confident recommending them. And of course, having a platform like Libro.fm that gives money directly to indie sellers for sales makes that worth doing.
This is part of an emerging picture of indie bookstores benefiting from technology. Also in the news this past week, Book2look will be rolling out to a significant number of online stores for indie booksellers. Book2look is a “look inside” feature, similar to the one you will find on Amazon, which allows online buyers to browse as they would in a store. The move, which comes through an agreement between Bowker and IndieCommerce, removes one more barrier to people buying from the indie stores they love.
Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?
If you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and our own ALLi team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.
Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.
I am having major problems with Pearson Self-Publishing, especially trying to find their corporate office. Evidently the one on their website is incorrect. I found two other authors who are having trouble also. Any chance you might have info on their whereabouts?