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

Amazon's e-book return policy is sparking fresh debate, and one author says it is hitting writers where it hurts most, their wallets. What started as a complaint about returned digital books quickly turned into a bigger conversation about how easy it can be to read first and pay later.

In this story, author Lisa Kessler says she discovered that returned e-books can leave writers owing money to Amazon, even when the books have already been read. Other authors and readers jumped into the discussion, with some calling the system unfair and others arguing that buyers should still be able to return a book they did not enjoy.

Now the backlash is growing, and the argument over Amazon e-book returns is getting harder to ignore.

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 is where the frustration really starts to show.

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.

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

v_knipe

That is why the debate keeps spreading beyond one author's post.

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.

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

Lexxi_Kitty

Some commenters are only just realizing how the system works.

It’s the same kind of trust problem as someone loaning rent money, only to watch it go to a vacation.

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

The comments are turning into a full-blown argument.

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

For now, the debate is still split between buyer convenience and author fairness.

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!

Still arguing about “bailouts”? See why this friend got mad after being refused. Did I cross the line by refusing to bail out my friend?