You’ve probably seen Amazon make the news recently. Come along as I share my separation from Amazon and encourage you to sign up for Smashwords, Bookshop.org, or for audiobooks, check out: Libro.fm, Chirp Audiobooks, or Spotify Audiobooks. I also share a tool a colleague pointed me at to get my audiobooks out of Audible, Libation (free open source tool). Epubor does the same for Kindle ebooks, but it’s not free (approx $33 with tax).

1. Scaling Back Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

• Reuters – Amazon cuts reference to diversity from annual report
  This Reuters piece explains how Amazon removed specific diversity language from its 10‑K filing, signaling a rollback of its DEI programs amid broader political and legal pressures.
• The Verge – Amazon is ‘winding down’ some of its DEI programs
  This article details how Amazon is phasing out what it calls “outdated” DEI initiatives by integrating these efforts into broader, company-wide processes.
• The Economic Times – Amazon cuts reference to diversity from annual report as Trump wages war on DEI
  Focusing on a similar trend, this report discusses the impact of political pressures on major companies—including Amazon—resulting in scaled-back diversity messaging.

---

2. Restricting Ebook Saving on Devices (Kindle DRM Changes)

• OurMidland – Amazon Kindle to end USB download feature in February 2025
  This article explains that starting February 26, 2025, Amazon will disable the “Download & Transfer via USB” feature—altering how Kindle users can back up or transfer purchased ebooks.
• EreadersForum – Amazon to Remove USB Download Option for Kindle eBooks on February 26, 2025
  This forum thread discusses Amazon’s plan to remove the USB download option for Kindle ebooks. The discussion covers how the change will affect users who rely on this feature to manage DRM and maintain offline backups of their ebook libraries.

---

3. Union Busting and Poor Labor Practices

• Reuters – Amazon North Carolina workers reject union, handing retailer win in labor fight
  This Reuters report covers a union vote at an Amazon warehouse in North Carolina, where the majority of workers voted against unionizing amid claims of aggressive union-busting tactics.
• Time – I Deliver Packages For Amazon. Now I’m on strike
  A personal account from an Amazon delivery driver describes harsh working conditions—including low pay, unsafe environments, and union suppression—that have led workers to strike.
• AP News – Amazon workers in North Carolina vote against joining union
  This AP article provides further context on the unionization battle in North Carolina, detailing the vote tally and discussing the challenges workers face when organizing against a giant like Amazon.

Farewell

Given all that, I’ve CANCELLED my Amazon Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, PRIME, PRIME Video, Amazon Music subscriptions. Some of my favorite authors, like Marc Alan Edelheit, only make their books available via Amazon. That’s a bummer because when the subscription ended, I lost access to his latest book. I’ve resolved to let it go.

Hello from Amazon.com,

As you requested, we’ve canceled your subscription. If you’d like to join Kindle Unlimited again, you can start a paid subscription at any time by visiting our page: https://www.amazon.com/kindleunlimited. Please note your Kindle Unlimited titles are automatically removed from your library. Thank you for trying Kindle Unlimited. Best regards, Amazon.com Customer Servicehttps://www.amazon.com

By the way, you CAN rescue your Amazon ebooks from Kindle without the need for an old Kindle. Use Epubor Ultimate (costs $33 with tax). It works on Windows and Mac. The paid version converts and strips DRM from your ebooks per the website.

Use Libation to Get Your Audiobooks Out of Audible

Try this free, open source tool to liberate your audiobooks–Libation (for Windows). Otherwise, check out Audiobook Hub.

---

Sign Up for Smashwords or one of these services

It’s Coming!

Mark your calendar! Smashwords’ 16th Annual Read an Ebook Week Super Sale kicks off March 2nd and runs through the end of day March 8th.

It’s kind of a BIG deal—will you be there?

The two best parts of any Smashwords super sale are:

1. There are well over 130,000 books already registered for the sale, not including the tens of thousands of books that were already priced at free—including thousands of free series starters! You’ll enjoy risk-free shopping with discounts of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% off! Talk about big deals.
2. And speaking of big deals, many indie authors are becoming “big deals” in their own right. They’ve sparked some of today’s hottest trends. They’ve set Hollywood buzzing. And they’ve created a fandom of discerning readers who seek the next big deal author.

So, mark your calendar and get your virtual bookshelves ready. The Smashwords 16th Annual Read an Ebook Super Sale is coming March 2-8! We hope to see you there.

Happy Reading,

The Draft2Digital Team

Bookshop

You might consider Bookshop.org another option:

Browse and buy on Bookshop.org, and read right in your web browser, or download our iPhone or Android apps for the full reading experience. Every purchase financially supports local, independent bookstores! Have questions? Click here to learn more!

Another Option – Libre.fm

Dr. Michael Moylan shares:

Thanks for the information. I dropped Amazon, its related Audible, and Good Reads and switched to Libro.fm for audio books and Storygraph.

Give Libro.fm a try! Also, Chirp Audiobooks and Spotify Audiobooks.