When will Amazon authors be able to offer DRM-free ebooks?

Amazon authors will be able to offer DRM-free ebooks starting January 20, 2026.

What new formats will Amazon Kindle ebooks support?

Amazon Kindle ebooks will support EPUB and PDF formats for DRM-free titles.

Do authors have to enable DRM-free options for all their books on Kindle Direct Publishing?

No, authors can choose to enable DRM-free options for new books or opt-in for older titles on Kindle Direct Publishing.

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Amazon Ebooks Go Open: Authors Choose DRM Freedom

10 Dec

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Summary

Authors can now offer DRM-free ebooks in EPUB/PDF formats.
New DRM options will be available starting January 20, 2026.
Previously published titles require authors to opt-in for changes.

Amazon Ebooks Go Open: Authors Choose DRM Freedom

Beginning January 20, 2026, Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing platform will enable authors to distribute their ebooks without Digital Rights Management (DRM). This significant policy update allows for content to be shared in more open formats such as EPUB and PDF, giving readers greater flexibility in how they access purchased material.

Authors have the control to decide whether their new or previously published works will be DRM-free. For older titles, authors must log into their KDP accounts and explicitly opt into removing DRM protection. This process involves acknowledging that customers, including those who have already bought the book, will gain access to PDF or EPUB versions.

This development follows recent changes where Amazon has increased DRM usage, making it harder for users to back up or share their ebooks on newer Kindle devices. The company frames the new feature as enhancing reader convenience, though some authors express concerns about potential misuse of DRM-free files.