#144: Breaking Up the Digital Book Monopoly

In today’s episode, Becky delves into the world of digital book ownership with Joshua Stone, CEO of Book.io—a platform that allows readers to buy ebooks and audiobooks and sell them on a global secondary market, with publishers and authors earning royalties on the sales. The conversation centers around the limitations of current ebook licensing models, championed by platforms like Amazon, which prevent true ownership of digital content. Joshua sheds light on how Book.io is disrupting this monopoly, offering a solution that restores the rights of authors and the autonomy of readers.

During the episode, you’ll learn:  

• About Joshua and his work in the world.
• Why digital book ownership is such a messy endeavor for authors.
• What the current ebook and audiobook market is like for both readers and authors.
• What Book.io is and how authors and publishers are using it as a new way to experience digital book ownership.
• How Book.io is non-exclusive, allowing authors to publish their digital books in traditional formats as well. 
• The digital exchange of ebooks and audiobooks on Book.io and the benefits of passing digital books from owner to owner. 
• How Book.io works for first-time authors who might be struggling to find an audience for their work.
• The value of borderless knowledge sharing.
• Whether or not Joshua thinks it’s possible to truly break up the digital book monopoly.
• How new technology options within Book.io can help authors combat the worries they have about AI. 

Don’t forget to check out our show notes, which include action steps and resources.

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