If you want to support your neighbourhood bookshop but still enjoy the convenience of digital books, Bookshop.org has rolled out a pretty cool solution. Their new eBook store lets you buy digital titles that send profits to indie bookstores, while also giving you the freedom to read on your favourite devices. With UK expansion and direct Kobo compatibility landing soon, Bookshop.org’s eBooks are quickly becoming a top pick for readers who want to make a difference with every purchase.
Why Bookshop.org eBooks Are Different, and Why That Matters
Buying eBooks usually means money goes straight to a handful of massive platforms like Amazon. With Bookshop.org eBooks, things work differently. Every time you grab an eBook through their site, a portion of the sale goes right to the indie bookshop you choose, or to a collective pool for local bookstores everywhere. So, you get the ease of e-reading while still helping small businesses keep their lights on.
What sets Bookshop.org apart isn’t just the money sharing. Their eBook platform is built to be flexible for readers. There’s no walled garden or pushiness about specific devices. Instead, you get DRM-free EPUB and PDF formats, which work on pretty much any device, including Kobo readers. Not having to deal with strict device rules is something I’ve really appreciated when building my own eBook library from indie sources.
The option to shop with values while keeping a tech-friendly reading setup just makes eBooks feel a bit more personal and guilt-free. Plus, knowing your money goes somewhere it’s really appreciated gives every purchase extra meaning.
How Bookshop.org eBooks Work: The Basics
Bookshop.org teamed up with Glassboxx to handle their eBook delivery. When you purchase a digital title, you’ll get instant access through the Glassboxx app. This free app lets you read or listen from your phone, tablet, or computer. But if you’re a dedicated Kobo user, there’s even better news: you can download your files and sideload them directly onto your Kobo device without any hassle.
- File Formats: You usually get DRM-free EPUB and PDF, both of which Kobo supports.
- Delivery: After purchase, you’ll get an email from Glassboxx with instructions for downloading your eBook files.
- App Option: The Glassboxx app is simple to set up and is helpful if you want an app-based approach.
I tried this myself recently, buying a few indie eBooks from Bookshop.org and sideloading them to my Kobo Libra 2. The whole process took less than ten minutes, and I had everything organised with full cover art, just like when buying direct from Kobo, but with the satisfaction of supporting a local shop.
Step-by-Step: How to Read Bookshop.org eBooks on Kobo
Jumping from a Bookshop.org eBook purchase to reading on a Kobo takes just a few basic steps. Here’s how I do it, and what you can expect at each stage:
- Buy Your eBook on Bookshop.org: Head to Bookshop.org eBooks, pick your local shop, and purchase your selected titles. If you’re not already logged in, you’ll be prompted to create a Bookshop.org account.
- Check Your Email for a Glassboxx Link: After buying, Glassboxx will send you an email with download links. Be sure to check spam or promotions folders if it’s not right at the top of your inbox.
- Download the EPUB or PDF: Open the Glassboxx email, click the provided link, and choose the EPUB file (Kobo works best with EPUB, but PDFs are fine for certain books like cookbooks).
- Connect Your Kobo to Your Computer: Plug your Kobo into your computer with the USB cable. It’ll prompt you to connect as a storage device.
- Drag and Drop Your Files: Find your Kobo’s ‘Documents’ or ‘Books’ folder on your computer. Drag your downloaded EPUB or PDF file into the folder.
- Eject and Unplug Your Kobo: Once the transfer’s done, safely eject your Kobo. The device will process the new file, and you’ll see your Bookshop.org book ready to open from your library.
If you’d rather read on your phone or tablet, just install and sign into the Glassboxx app, where any eBook you buy from Bookshop.org will appear automatically. This flexibility means you’re never stuck with just one way to enjoy your books.
What Makes Kobo a Good Fit for Bookshop.org eBooks?
Kobo eReaders are pretty handy if you want a flexible, open platform for your digital library. The core reason Kobo and Bookshop.org pair up so well is the support for open formats like EPUB and PDF. Unlike Kindle, where sideloading can get complicated and DRM restrictions get in the way, Kobo keeps things simple and friendly to indie eBook sellers.
Here are a few advantages I’ve noticed using Kobo with Bookshop.org eBooks:
- No Format Headaches: Download and read in just a few clicks, with no conversions needed for EPUB or PDF.
- Great for Collections: Covers, metadata, and reading progress all sync nicely when you sideload files.
- No DRM Hassles: Since Bookshop.org eBooks are DRM-free, you’re in control, with no device lock-ins or expiry dates.
This setup is ideal for readers who like to browse multiple stores, avoid locked ecosystems, or just want to keep supporting indie shops while using some of the best eReaders out there. The freedom to mix titles from various places gives your reading life more colour and personality.
Things to Know Before Buying Bookshop.org eBooks for Kobo
There are a couple of details to pay attention to so that your reading experience goes smoothly. Here’s what I would have liked to know before my first purchase:
- Regional Availability: Right now, Bookshop.org eBooks are available in the USA, with UK and EU expansion on the way. Check their FAQ or the product page for the latest updates if you’re outside the US.
- Some Books May Have Publisher Restrictions: A small number of big publishers might not be available in eBook format due to licensing. If you see a title greyed out or unavailable, it usually means deals for digital rights are still in the works.
- Metadata Might Need Tweaking: If you’re picky about how your library appears, some sideloaded books might need a quick cleanup (Kobo desktop’s free Calibre tool is super useful for this).
- Kobo Firmware: Make sure your device is running a recent update for the best support of newer EPUB files.
The good news is these are pretty minor in the grand scheme. Most readers will be up and running with zero issues, especially if you’re used to sideloading library eBooks or indie picks already. Don’t let these small hurdles get in the way of supporting your favourite local shop.
How Does This Help Indie Bookstores?
Every Bookshop.org eBook purchase sends a portion of the price to the store you select. If you don’t choose a store, your purchase goes into a pool split among partner indie shops. This system helps smaller bookstores stay competitive and relevant even while digital reading grows. I’ve noticed some shops even promote their own Bookshop.org links, so you can support the staff in your neighbourhood with every e-read.
What’s the Difference Between Glassboxx, Bookshop.org, and Kobo?
This can get a little confusing, especially if you’re used to Amazon or Apple, so here’s a quick rundown:
- Bookshop.org: The main storefront and payment processor. You pick your bookshop and complete your purchase here.
- Glassboxx: Handles the delivery and reading app. It’s what sends you your download links and lets you access your books cross-device.
- Kobo: Your eReader of choice, along with their mobile apps. You sideload DRM-free files you purchase and manage your digital bookshelf.
This trio means pretty much any way you like to read, there’s a workflow for you. There’s just a bit of extra effort compared to buying directly from a device’s bookstore, but you control where your money goes. Plus, your books won’t get locked into any one company, giving you real ownership and freedom over your library.
Pro Tips for a Seamless Kobo + Bookshop.org Experience
You don’t need advanced skills or special tools, but I’ve found a few things that can really streamline the process:
- Organise: If you buy from multiple sites, it helps to keep your eBooks sorted into folders by store or genre before sideloading.
- Tweak Metadata in Calibre: Freeware like Calibre lets you edit your eBooks’ titles, authors, series info, or even add pretty covers before you send them to your Kobo.
- DoubleCheck File Extensions: Kobo prefers .epub and .pdf for sideloads, so make sure your files aren’t zipped or in rarer formats.
- Stay Synced: If you use both Kobo’s store and Bookshop.org, just be aware that sideloaded files won’t sync ‘read’ status or highlights with Kobo’s cloud, but you do get offline freedom and ownership forever.
Most of the time, sideloaded books behave just like Kobo store purchases, but you get more control and get to support the stores that really need it. You’ll soon find that this workflow becomes second nature and is well worth the small amount of set-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions I’ve come across:
Can I read Bookshop.org eBooks on my Kindle?
Answer: Right now, Bookshop.org intentionally avoids Amazon’s proprietary Kindle format. Their eBooks focus on open standards and indie-friendly platforms. Kindle sideloading is possible with conversion (using Calibre), but it’s not officially supported and can get tricky.
Is it safe to buy eBooks from Bookshop.org?
Answer: Absolutely. Bookshop.org and Glassboxx both use secure checkout and encryption for downloads. I haven’t run into any payment or privacy issues personally.
Do I have to use the Glassboxx app?
Answer: Not at all. You can download your purchased eBook files and use them on any compatible device, including Kobo, Google Play Books, Apple Books, or even basic desktop readers.
Will Bookshop.org add audiobooks or more direct Kobo integration?
Answer: Bookshop.org eBooks already support audiobooks through Glassboxx. As for direct Kobo storefront integration (where you can buy in one click on your eReader), they’ve announced plans for better Kobo compatibility by 2025. This will make the workflow even smoother.
Why It’s Worth Supporting Indie Bookshops with Your eBook Purchases
The convenience and comfort of eBooks don’t have to mean giving up on your values. With Bookshop.org, your money helps real independent bookstores keep their shelves and staff going strong while you enjoy a great reading experience. Every time I open a new novel on my Kobo and know it helped out the staff downtown or my favourite weekend bookstore, it just feels better.
It’s a small switch in your buying habits, but when enough of us do it, local bookshops can keep holding readings, recommending quirky finds, and making city life feel just a little more connected. Buying eBooks from Bookshop.org, especially if you read them on an open platform like Kobo, makes that possible. You get a library you can truly call your own, with each purchase making a positive impact in the real world.