Legitimate sources of AZW3/EPUBs to Kindle

Hi,
I'd like to add something to a thread somewhere, anywhere but not sure where, with a summary of buying or borrowing books from LEGITIMATE alternate sources. If a summary already exists, can you point me there? Thank you!!

UPDATED 12/8/2025

Specific Format information:
A) AZW3: Should be able to sideloade to your Kindle

1. Using a USB cable, connect your Kindle and computer
2. Once your Kindle is connected it should show up as a new drive
3. On that drive, navigate to drive:\documents\Downloads\Items01
4. Move or drag the AZW3 file to this directory

B) EPUBs:

1. First try converting them to AZW3 and sideloading first.
2. If that doesn't work, try SendToKindle.
3. LAST RESORT (illegit): If that doesn't work, you may have to use this guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/Calibre/com...ur_kindle_nook
   • SendToKindle for PC app is no longer available. Use the SendToKindle url instead: www.amazon.com/sendtokindle
   • SendToKindle for Mac, Android, and iOS apps should still be working
4. Most EPUBs require a run through EPUB Check and issue resolving before they can be transferred via the SendToKindle website or app.
   1. Several sources can run EPUB Check: Calibre EPUB Editor, Sigil, Kindle Previewer, etc.
   2. Open the EPUB in on of those apps
   3. Run EPUB Check as appropriate for each application
   4. Most issues are related to CSS incompatabilities, and incompletely defined fonts (serif/non-serif)
   5. Resolve these issues
   6. Try steps 1 and 2 again

Smashwords:

1. Buy and download books from smashwords.com
2. Upload EPUB books into Calibre
3. For Kindle reading: Resolve EPUB formatting inconsistencies

Barnes and Noble (Nook readers):

1. Requires the Nook app.
   • NOTE: Nook for PC (and only for PCs) has been removed from the Microsoft store and most other places. If you don't already have the Nook app installed, try https://nook-for-pc.informer.com/download
2. Buy the book on barnesandnoble.com.
3. Use the Nook app to download the book to Android/Mac or PC if possible.
   • EPUBs can be transferred from Android to PC by using a USB cable to connect your phone to PC. Navigate to the NOOK/
4. Import the EPUB into Calibre.
   1. For PCs , go to ~/AppData/Local/Packages/BarnesAndNoble*.
   2. Do a search for *.epub or */*.epub
5. For Kindle reading: Use format instructions at the top

Rakuten.com or Kobo.com (Kobo readers):

1. Requires either the Calibre deACSM plugin or Adobe Digital Editions application.
2. Buy and download the book from the rakuten.com or kobo.com website.
3. You can try importing the ACSM file into Calibre directly. Try changing the File Type filter when searching for the file if .acsm files aren't showing up.
4. If that doesn't work you'll have to use Adobe Digital Editions
   1. Open Adobe Digital Editions and import the .acsm file. Again, try changing the File Type filter when searching for the file if .acsm files aren't showing up.
   2. Find and copy the location by right-clicking on the book for details
   3. Import EPUB into Calibre using the location above.
   4. For Kindle reading: Use format instructions at the top

Libby (Overdrive Libby app):

1. In the US only, books can be sent directly to your Kindle through the Libby app.
2. Requres the Libby phone app or libbyapp.com, plus library card(s).
3. Most come from physical local libraries. There might be a few found online.
4. There is an Overdrive Libby extension for Calibre which is helpful but no required.
5. Once a book is checked out, go to the website and click the book. Look for "Manage Load > Read With... > Other Formats > Epub".
6. Sometimes it will be straight to EPUB format, sometimes may require you to upload into Adobe Digital Editions first (save the location).
7. Import EPUB into Calibre using the location above.
8. For Kindle reading: Use format instructions at the top

Google Play:
WIP TBD


Bonus: Amazon:
In the Product Details section of Kindle books, you can look for this and it will tell you if it is an Amazon-trapped book:

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