RuPaul launches an online book marketplace for underrepresented authors and voices

Emmy Award-winning host and drag performer RuPaul has made a groundbreaking move in the world of e-commerce with the launch of Allstora, an independent, author-owned online book marketplace. Boasting a catalog of over 10 million titles, Allstora aims to revolutionize the industry by introducing a profit-sharing model that promises to double authors’ incomes on book sales.

Cofounded by RuPaul, who will serve as chief creative officer, alongside author and advocate Eric Cervini as CEO, and drag performer and actor Adam Powell, Allstora’s mission is to protect, promote, and empower all storytellers. The platform is committed to uplifting the voices of underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, women, and communities of color, through an equitable compensation model. Allstora’s wholesale membership model offers discounts ranging from 30-50% on all books, making it an attractive option for readers seeking great deals on their favorite titles.

In addition to its impressive catalog and innovative profit-sharing model, Allstora is set to launch RuPaul’s Book Club, a monthly subscription service featuring curated books handpicked by RuPaul himself. Members will receive monthly book deliveries accompanied by exclusive content, such as interviews, themed playlists, and audio recordings of book excerpts. The inaugural pick for RuPaul’s Book Club is his own memoir, “The House of Hidden Meanings,” which will be released in bookstores tomorrow.

Allstora’s commitment to empowering underrepresented voices extends beyond its online marketplace. The company’s philanthropic arm, the Rainbow Book Bus, will partner with local LGBTQ organizations to distribute diverse titles to communities facing limited access to books or dealing with book bans. Adam Powell will serve as the executive director of the Rainbow Book Bus, with Kappel taking on the role of director of operations.

To celebrate Allstora’s launch, the Rainbow Book Bus will embark on an inaugural cross-country tour, aiming to distribute more than 10,000 books along the way. The tour will make stops in Phoenix, Ariz., Tulsa, Okla., Memphis, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., Atlanta, Ga., Tallahassee, Fla., and San Antonio, Tex., with additional stops to be announced in the future.

With its innovative approach to e-commerce, commitment to empowering authors and underrepresented voices, and dedication to making books accessible to all, Allstora is poised to make a significant impact on the publishing industry. As RuPaul and his team set out to challenge the status quo, readers and authors alike can look forward to a more equitable and inclusive future in the world of books.