[SigilBear]

I'm curious about how epub files work when they're being distributed to buyers.

Suppose I write a book and save it with the file name penguins.epub. Next, I make a copy of that file with the same name on my desktop and upload it to Amazon.

Suppose a grand total of three people buy a copy. I'm assuming Amazon has some software that automatically clones a book whenever a sale is registered, right? In other words, if Customer #2 buys a copy of penguins.epub, then Amazon will make a copy that Customer #2 is then allowed to download.

If that's the case, then how would I sell epubs on my website? I assume I would publish a copy of penguins.epub online to a secret location where no one can find it and copy it. I would then install some kind of software that would automatically clone and download my book when someone buys it. Is that how it works? Or would I just manually copy penguins.epub every time someone buys a copy and publish it to a page where they can download it?

One reason I'm curious is because I was wondering about how people connect with customers post-sales. For example, I believe Amazon keeps track of the books various customers have purchased. I assume they simply have a database that logs in usernames/passwords and the ID numbers of various purchases.

Also, I THINK I read somewhere that people who buy books from Amazon can "refresh" or upgrade their purchases if an author revises his book.

P.S. I almost forgot what inspired this question in the first place! I just wondered what, if anything, prevents a customer who purchases an epub from making copies of it and giving away to their friends?