Amazon, the company that once revolutionized the book industry, is now downsizing its very own Books division. The tech giant has laid off fewer than 100 employees from units that include the Kindle e-reader business and the Goodreads review platform. This marks the latest in a string of layoffs intended to streamline operations and align with Amazon’s new business roadmap.

A spokesperson confirmed that the decision was part of a larger effort to boost efficiency across teams. This is Amazon’s fourth round of layoffs in 2025, following previous cuts in the devices and services unit, the Wondery podcast arm, and its communications team.

Amazon’s move to cut jobs in the very sector that launched its global dominance underscores the shifting priorities under CEO Andy Jassy. His broader push involves reducing bureaucracy and flattening the managerial hierarchy. According to reports, Amazon is preparing to eliminate as many as 14,000 managerial positions about 13% of its global leadership workforce in a massive overhaul targeting operational complexity.

Despite these job cuts, Amazon has seen a net workforce increase of 4,000 employees in Q1 2025, suggesting that while some divisions shrink, others are expanding. Still, the company’s focus remains fixed on trimming inefficiencies and adapting to a changing digital landscape where cost control and lean management are paramount.

Though these layoffs may appear modest compared to Amazon’s massive 27,000-role reduction in 2022, they reflect a continued evolution in how the company sees its future one where innovation is prioritized but legacy divisions like Books are not immune to tough decisions.