Matt Austin's Viral Tweet Sheds Light on Amazon's Book Return Policy Impact on Authors

Lucas Rainfall

Updated Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

In a recent viral Twitter post, Matt Austin (@BitsHammer) shared a crucial message about the repercussions of Amazon's book return policy on authors. The tweet, highlighted by a caricature profile picture, read, "If you want free books go to the f***ing library." This bold statement underscores a significant issue affecting the livelihood of writers.

The post includes two embedded tweets that further illustrate the problem. The first is from author Lisa Kessler (@LisaKessler), who expressed her frustration with Amazon's policy. On June 1, 2022, she tweeted: "Just a reminder that Amazon is NOT a library. When you read and return a book it COSTS the author... It's June 1st and I owe Amazon at the moment because people are reading through the Muse series and returning the books when they finish... :-/ Authors need to eat too... :-(" Kessler reveals the financial strain placed on authors due to readers exploiting the return system.

The second embedded tweet is from Indie Book Spotlight (@spotlight), dated March 31, 2020. It displays an image with the text: "woip :( Today's estimated royalties -$3.82* (USD)." This image starkly represents the negative financial impact on authors' royalties, emphasizing how returns can lead to authors owing money rather than earning it.

Matt Austin's follow-up comment on June 26, 2022, reinforces the message: "Guys, stop being c*** to creators. You aren't hurting Amazon. You're stealing from writers." This appeal highlights the ethical implications of returning books after reading, which harms creators rather than the retail giant.

The comments section of the post reflects a mix of reactions, many criticizing Amazon's policies and defending the authors. Users pointed out the systemic flaws and suggested using libraries to support writers without causing them financial harm. One user mentioned, "Amazon needs to change their policy. Don't blame people for this. This is Amazon's fault 100%." Another user shared a personal anecdote, stating, "She stopped selling though Amazon. It was too much headache, and she got tired of stupid customers giving HER a one star, because the customer used the wrong address."

The discussion also brought attention to services like Libby, which allows access to local library books and audiobooks, providing a cost-free alternative for readers. As one commenter noted, "Libraries are amazing. My local library has so many adult and kid activities. They even have a tea of the month and craft kit of the month."

In summary, Matt Austin's tweet and the ensuing conversation shed light on the detrimental effects of Amazon's book return policy on authors. The call to action is clear: support writers by utilizing libraries and avoiding exploitative return practices.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

mksu

Also using libraries helps support the actual public service that is the library.

ChaoticEnigma1121

Amazon just keeps finding ways to be f***ing s***.

ChronicLogical

Amazon needs to change their policy. Don't blame people for this. This is Amazon's fault 100%.

DontAskMeAboutMyUsernameOkay

I just want to say that "return abuse" has been a thing since well... probably since returning items has existed. The fact that amazon has set it up so poorly that it's hurting the book authors is, well.. not as surprising as it should be. An example of abusing the system: https://www.dexerto.com/food/costco-shopper-successfully-returns-1400-playground-set-from-2008-because-his-kids-grew-up-2826521/

aChungusAmongUs

Amazon, at the very least, should show a disclaimer that their refund will be deducted from the author’s pay. Who would even think this is the case without being told?

KingMCG

I hav never in my life returned a book I purchased.

Clockworkdancerobot

Amazon once again making life worse for everyone. They are filled with tons of AI published garbage.

kwyjib****

Presumably this is after Amazon had already paid out the royalty and now they are clawing it back due to the customer's refund. This is how returns work in any store, the difference is as a self published author, you take on that liability yourself

Idontcareatall62

She stopped selling though Amazon. It was too much headache, and she got tired of stupid customers giving HER a one star, because the customer used the wrong address.

Ladeduh

This is not restricted to books. Wife was selling on Amazon. People would buy stuff, use them, dirty them, break them, return them for refund. She'd get them back in less than resalable condition. Much less. Then Amazon of course would have charged storage fees, return fees, shipping fees, marketing fees, Bezos fees and other b******* fees to the point that she threw up her hands and said, "f*** you, Amazon, I quit." At least her blood pressure is back to normal now.