Google to sell eBooks
It seems that the Big G (that’s Google for the non internet-savvy) is now trying to go beyond its usual market. Later this year, Google is set to take on Amazon when it starts selling eBooks.
Google announced its intent to introduce a program by that would enable publishers to sell digital versions of their newest books direct to consumers through Google. This happened in discussions with publishers at the annual BookExpo convention in New York. The move would pit Google against Amazon.com, which is seeking to control the e-book market with the versions it sells for its Kindle reading device.
Google’s move is likely to be welcomed by publishers who have expressed concerns about the possibility that Amazon will dominate the market for e-books with its aggressive pricing strategy. Amazon offers Kindle editions of most new best-sellers for $9.99, a price far lower than the typical $26 at which publishers sell new hardcovers. In early discussions, Google has said it would allow publishers to set a suggested list price, but that Google would ultimately set consumer prices.
But the thing is, Google is not going to sell these eBooks as downloadable PDFs. Instead, the format will be read offline, and that you’ll have the ability to read “cached versions” in your browser, via Google Gears.
In a nutshell:
- Publishers could set their own prices and probably would be allowed to charge as much as they do for hardcovers but Google would retain the right to lower “exorbitant†rates. Amazon sets its own prices, buying wholesale and taking a loss on some to keep the usual price for hardcover equivalents at $9.99
- Publishers still aren’t sure how the direct-to-consumer sales would work but Turvey told them the company is committed to making it happen by the end of 2009: “This time we mean it.â€
- Readers would gain online access to digital titles but also would retain access offline through cached versions in browsers.
- Access would not be limited to certain devices but would require internet access.
What do you think of this?
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This is very good news. The Google Books site is very valuable for previewing books when you just need to read a bit before you can decide whether to buy. Unfortunately, Google Books has only been linking to retailers of paper-based books and not to any e-book retailer.
I try to always buy e-books instead of paper-based books for several reasons. And, since I read books on my Tablet PC, it’s a lot more convenient than buying from Amazon. And, my Tablet PC cost me less than buying an Amazon Kindle — and it does so much more.
I’d prefer to buy e-books in PDF format, but I’m sure I can live with Google’s approach.