Author Reveals That They Owe Amazon Money Every Time Someone Returns Their E-book, Igniting Debate Among People Online

With the advancement of technology over the years, it's no surprise that many things from past decades have been upgraded to their technologically developed counterparts. Everything we seem to need is already right on our phones, and many other items have also been digitized throughout the years: clocks, compasses, cameras, and even things that are usually distributed in print: newspapers, newsletters, pamphlets; and the subject of this article: books.

To be more specific: electronic books. Bookworms today can be divided into three groups: those who still enjoy the feeling of reading a physical paperback or hardbound book, those who prefer reading their novels on their Kindle or phone, and those who are just happy to read books whenever and wherever they want, so they prefer both.

However, with the digitization of books comes the problem of certain issues regarding their distribution and sale. Usually, buying physical books is a gamble—most of the time, we pay for them without knowing whether we will like them or not, and we only find out once we unwrap the seal and read from start to finish.

After deciding whether we like a book or not, we can't really return physical books simply because we didn't enjoy them; we paid for them, and we didn't just borrow them from a library. The same cannot be said for e-books, however, especially those sold on Amazon.

Lisa Kessler, writer and author, expressed her frustrations on Twitter after experiencing Amazon's unfair system that allows consumers to return e-books, resulting in authors owing money.

Lisa is known for her works in the dark paranormal fiction genre. She has received numerous awards, including one for her debut novel Night Walker, which won a San Diego Book Award for Best Fantasy Sci-Fi Horror.

Anne Mari (not the actual photo)

In her tweet, she reminds people that Amazon does not function as a library, and every book returned is a debt incurred by the author to Amazon. In her podcast, Lisa reveals that in her ten years as an author, she rarely receives returns—she has only had two returns at most throughout her career.

LdyDisney

So when she opened her dashboard and saw a significant number of returns, she was surprised not only because her books were returned, but also because she owed Amazon money. Upset, she took to Twitter to voice her sentiments—and other authors joined in, sharing similar experiences.

KBrombergDriven

This seems to have become a trend lately.

GorkyTheBand

Lisa told Buzzfeed, “I discovered that in March, there was a TikTok video instructing readers about this loophole in Amazon’s return policy that allows them to read books quickly and return them.”

“It even had a hashtag, #ReadAndReturnChallenge, but I don’t think they realized that Amazon was turning around and deducting money from the authors.”BookSpotlight

Other authors have also begun to come forward, stating that they have noticed an increase in returns for their e-books on Amazon.

Author_DLWhite

At first glance, this system is already problematic, and it's harming authors significantly.

v_knipe

However, some people continue to justify returning these e-books, arguing that what if they simply didn't like them? Others are torn, while some have come out to support these authors and their craft.

Tony McNeill (not the actual photo)

Readers have also expressed their sentiments, stating that they do not support this 'hack' at all, even if they accidentally purchased a book.

The majority of readers didn’t support this ‘hack’ and have never considered doing this, even if they bought a book by accident.

neonferriswheel

Lisa believes this might be a trend on BookTok, where people are sharing this particular 'hack' to save money.

Farrah23

People are surprised to learn that this actually happens on the author's end whenever someone returns their books.

Lexxi_Kitty

If these individuals are unaware that authors are charged whenever a book is returned, then they are victims of the system as well. However, it’s a different story if they are fully aware and continue to do it.

itsahyphen

Author K.F. Jones has also stepped in to explain the situation to those who still don't understand.

KFJonesAuthor

Libraries are literally free, and it doesn't cost authors anything when you return what you read.

candycane1168

People have been debating in the thread because some still don't grasp why this is harmful to the industry.

avarah_m

It would be more fair if returns were allowed only within a certain time period after purchase.

WriterEmilyN

The system is fundamentally flawed overall.

Real_PeteM

It's quite unfair that people can return books after they have already read them.

gte510i

Indeed, if these were hard copies, it would be an entirely different story.

stone4031

It's quite easy to abuse this system, and it's already affecting many authors.

ermgangshit

Once you have consumed a piece of media, it is simply distasteful to return it just to 'save some money.'

Yullenator

Liking a book is subjective, so it isn't valid for people to return them simply because they didn't enjoy them.

LlamaCommando

Many people suggested that Amazon should implement stricter restrictions on what can be returned. This includes books that are still unread or were accidentally purchased.

John Morton

While some people accept that this unfair system is harmful to authors, there are still those who justify the right to return a book, whether for valid or invalid reasons. One way or another, though, it is never right to return a form of media after you have already consumed it.

What is your take on this? Comment with your thoughts, or share this article with your family and friends to raise awareness!