Amazon Layoffs Hit Books Division: Goodreads and Kindle Among Affected Units

In a strategic shift, Amazon has laid off employees across its Books division, including staff from Goodreads and the Kindle team, signaling a reorganization of its long-standing commitment to digital and print reading.

According to an internal memo first reported by Entrepreneur, the layoffs affect several hundred roles, with the company citing a need to “focus on the long-term health” of its Books business. The announcement follows a broader wave of workforce reductions across the tech and retail sectors in 2025.

Key Units Affected: Goodreads and Kindle

• Goodreads, the popular social reading platform Amazon acquired in 2013, which has long faced criticism for its outdated interface and slow development cycle. While Goodreads remains a key community hub for book lovers, users have expressed concerns about stagnation in product innovation.
• Kindle, Amazon’s flagship e-reading brand, also saw restructuring. Though Kindle devices continue to lead in the e-reader market, competition from subscription-based platforms and audiobooks has pressured growth.

A Reflection of Broader Market Trends

The Books division has been foundational to Amazon’s business since its launch as an online bookseller in 1995. But in recent years, shifts in consumer behavior — including the rise of TikTok-fueled book trends (“BookTok”), audiobooks, and independent publishing platforms — have changed how people discover and consume literature.

Meanwhile, Amazon’s publishing arm and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) continue to thrive, especially among self-published authors, but face increasing competition from rivals like Apple Books, Scribd, and Spotify’s audiobook ventures.

Industry Reactions

The layoffs have sparked conversations among authors, publishers, and readers about Amazon’s future role in the publishing ecosystem.

“It’s alarming,” said one former Goodreads employee on condition of anonymity. “The platform was never resourced properly. We always wanted to build something better for readers, but support was minimal.”

Authors who rely on Goodreads for visibility and reader engagement also expressed concern. “Goodreads is essential for getting discovered,” tweeted one indie author. “If Amazon lets it fade, it’s a huge loss for writers.”

Amazon’s Continued Restructuring

This move comes as Amazon continues to recalibrate its workforce after years of rapid expansion during the pandemic. Earlier in 2025, the company laid off employees from its AWS and advertising divisions, citing a renewed focus on operational efficiency and emerging technologies such as AI.

CEO Andy Jassy has repeatedly emphasized prioritizing “core customer experiences” and streamlining areas that no longer align with Amazon’s long-term strategic goals.

What’s Next?

Though the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, the impact on internal morale and the broader publishing community is already being felt. Industry analysts suggest Amazon may eventually sunset or overhaul Goodreads, given its aging infrastructure and lack of mobile-friendly innovation.

For Kindle, the future appears more stable — but with increasing competition and evolving reader preferences, Amazon may need to double down on innovation to retain its dominance in digital reading.