This text explains Amazon’s latest 2026 replace that enables Kindle authors to supply EPUB and PDF downloads, how DRM works, and the way authors can resolve whether or not to allow or disable copyright safety for his or her books.
Right here’s the e-mail I acquired on December 17, 2025.
Beginning January 20, 2026, Amazon will enable authors who publish Kindle books with out Digital Rights Administration (DRM) to let readers obtain their books in EPUB and PDF codecs. This marks a significant change in how your Kindle content material could be accessed from Amazon and out of doors of Amazon’s ecosystem.
I’ve included a screenshot of the e-mail Amazon despatched to authors under so you possibly can see precisely how Amazon defined the change.
For Kindle authors, this replace means you’ll have to make choices about DRM, reader downloads, and the way a lot entry you need patrons to need to your recordsdata—particularly when you publish nonfiction, tutorial content material, or reference-style books.
Creator Fast Abstract (Skim This First)
What’s altering: Beginning January 20, 2026, Amazon permits Kindle authors who publish with out DRM to let readers obtain their books as EPUB and PDF recordsdata.
Who this impacts: All Kindle authors, however particularly these publishing nonfiction, how-to books, workbooks, or content material readers could wish to open on a number of units.
What doesn’t occur mechanically:
The choice authors have to make:
Why it issues: This replace adjustments how copyright safety, reader entry, and file management work for Kindle books.
What Is Amazon Altering for Kindle Authors in 2026?
Right here’s the brief model of Amazon’s announcement:
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Amazon permits authors to supply EPUB and PDF downloads for Kindle books revealed with out DRM
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This begins January 20, 2026
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Present titles are usually not affected except you replace them
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Even books which might be already DRM-free gained’t mechanically enable downloads
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DRM selections apply to all previous and future purchases of a guide
This isn’t a default change. Authors need to actively select what they wish to enable.
What Is DRM (Digital Rights Administration) on Kindle Books?
DRM, or Digital Rights Administration, is Amazon’s optionally available copyright safety for Kindle ebooks.
When DRM is utilized:
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The guide is locked to Amazon-approved units and apps
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Readers can’t obtain customary EPUB or PDF recordsdata
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Copying, changing, or sharing the file is restricted
When DRM just isn’t utilized:
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Readers have extra flexibility
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Beneath Amazon’s new coverage, they’ll obtain the guide as an EPUB or PDF
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The file could be opened in non-Kindle apps
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Your books could be shared with others freely
Because of this many individuals are saying Amazon is altering how copyright safety works—as a result of DRM now instantly controls whether or not downloadable codecs can be found.
What Occurs When DRM Is Not Utilized to a Kindle E-book?
While you select to not apply DRM:
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Readers can obtain the guide file as Kindle
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Beginning in 2026, that features EPUB and PDF codecs
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Previous patrons additionally achieve obtain entry
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Your DRM selection applies throughout the board for that title
This offers readers extra freedom—nevertheless it additionally means authors should be snug with that tradeoff.
What Are the Execs and Cons of DRM for Kindle Authors?
Execs of Making use of DRM
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Provides a layer of copyright safety
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Reduces informal sharing with different individuals/teams
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Retains the guide absolutely inside Amazon’s ecosystem
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Might really feel safer for proprietary content material
Cons of Making use of DRM
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Prevents EPUB and PDF downloads
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Can frustrate readers who use non-Kindle units
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Limits accessibility choices
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Doesn’t absolutely cease piracy
DRM can decelerate sharing, nevertheless it doesn’t get rid of it as a result of there have lengthy been different methods for individuals to transform a Kindle guide to an EPUB or PDF.
Execs and Cons of Publishing Kindle Books With out DRM
Amazon’s replace makes this determination extra seen than earlier than.
Execs of No DRM
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Permits EPUB and PDF downloads
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Improves the studying expertise throughout units
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Works nicely for nonfiction and reference books
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Matches what number of authors already promote ebooks on their very own websites
Cons of No DRM
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Information are simpler to share
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Much less management as soon as the file is downloaded
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Not ideally suited for extremely delicate or premium materials
This comes right down to your content material and your consolation degree.
How Do Authors Test Present DRM Standing in KDP?
You’ll be able to verify your DRM settings at any time.
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Log in to the KDP Creator Portal
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Open your guide and go to Kindle eBook Content material
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Scroll to the Manuscript part
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Search for the Digital Rights Administration (DRM) setting
That tells you whether or not DRM is at the moment utilized.
How Do Authors Allow or Disable EPUB and PDF Downloads?
To permit EPUB and PDF downloads:
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Choose “No, don’t apply Digital Rights Administration”
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Test the affirmation field acknowledging that previous and future patrons can obtain the file
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Save and proceed
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Republish the guide
To stop downloads:
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Choose “Sure, apply Digital Rights Administration”
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Save and proceed
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Publish the replace
Adjustments can take as much as 72 hours to go dwell.
Ought to Kindle Authors Permit EPUB and PDF Downloads?
There’s no one-size-fits-all reply.
Permit downloads if:
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You publish nonfiction or tutorial content material
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Your readers worth flexibility
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You already promote DRM-free ebooks elsewhere
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You’re centered on accessibility and ease of use
Maintain DRM if:
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Your content material is extremely proprietary
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You need tighter management over distribution
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You’re not snug with file sharing
Amazon is giving authors extra management—however that additionally means extra choices.
