Amazon is banning ebooks and digital content from its AbeBooks marketplace. In an email to sellers, it provided no reason for the policy change, only stating that it would continue to focus on selling physical books, art, and collectibles.
A reader who received the letter said the new policy, which takes effect in February, won't affect him since he doesn't sell ebooks. However, he said it could improve the search experience. "Mostly they just clutter up searches if you are looking to buy something. I'm a bit of a dinosaur and can't get used to the idea of paying money for something like that."
Here is the letter AbeBooks sent to sellers today (December 18, 2017):
Change to AbeBooks Policy for eBooks
Dear Seller,
As of February 6, 2018, AbeBooks will no longer permit the listing of eBooks (or any digital or electronic written content) on the AbeBooks websites.
We will continue to focus on selling physical books, art, and collectibles.
If you have any eBooks listed online in your AbeBooks inventory, please remove them by February 6, 2018.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Sincerely,
Your AbeBooks Team
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Amazon's AbeBooks Gives eBooks the Boot