Google continues to assemble more of an end-to-end ebook strategy. Earlier this week they announced the first ereader integrated with Google eBooks, the iriver Story HD. Not indicated in Google’s own release on Monday, Target has a six-month exclusive on selling the $139.95 device–meaning independent bookstores carrying Google eBooks won’t be able to sell this companion device until after Christmas. It’s led to speculation that Target may carry Google eBooks as well. In the meantime, Google has announced separately an update to its Android Market “over the coming weeks” for mobile devices that provides more an iTunes store experience. Customers […]
eNews
Krakauer’s Attention-Getting eBook Now In Print
Most major publishers continue to say that as a matter of policy they will not buy books for print-only publication, but as a practical matter, licensing paperback rights to a successful ebook remains in play. In the latest instance, Knopf Doubleday’s Anchor line has licensed trade paperback rights to longtime house author John Krakauer’s 96-page THREE CUPS OF DECEIT following ebook-only publication by Byliner.com in April as a Kindle Singles ebook. Vintage Anchor editorial director LuAnn Walther–who has been Krakauer’s longtime paperback editor at the house, alongside his hardcover editor Bill Thomas–made the deal directly with the author, according to […]
IDC Says Nook Outpaced Kindle In First Quarter Shipments
IDC has released the latest teaser data from their quarterly analysis of the ereader and tablet supply chain, which estimates devices shipped from manufacturers to accounts. (So they are not looking at point-of-sale data to consumers; these are devices made rather than devices sold.) Also, it would be irresponsible not to underscore that we–like every other report out there that you will see–are “covering” only their press release, and not their full paid report. Furthermore, as you can see from our recap below, what IDC “reports” in their quarterly press releases is inconsistent, so each one may reveal different statistics. […]
eBriefs: DRM-Free for Libraries, and Collins’ eBooks on the Way
As promised, OverDrive is making available to libraries a collection of DRM-free ebooks from those publishers willing to issue their ebooks that way (Carina Press, O’Reilly, Microsoft Press, etc.). The DRM-free titles carry the same one-lend-at-a-time-per-copy as other protected titles. Release With the forthcoming release of his new book this October, business writer Jim Collins has agreed to have HarperCollins publish GOOD TO GREAT in ebook form on July 19, followed by ebook editions over his three other books over the following few months.
eNews: Macmillan to Sell MPS Stake; Apps Are Adjusting to New iOS Rules; Another Subscription Offer
Macmillan is putting their controlling 61 percent stake in the publishing solutions and services unit MPS up for sale. The Times of India says the Bangalore-based company employs about 1,000 people, but the company’s site says they have 2,500 employees worldwide. Standalone 2009 sales were approximately $30 million. The Times says “MPS has attracted interests from IT services players as well as financial investors. Macmillan’s divestment could help the company scale up operations winning more third-party businesses.” They say the sector has been active for M&A lately, adding that “there is also speculation that Aptara Solutions may launch a stake […]
Pearson Buys Borders Australia and Angus & Robertson Web Businesses
In a different type of strategic acquisition, Pearson Australia has acquired the online bookselling and ebook businesses of the bankrupt REDGroup retail, which includes the online stores for Borders Australia and Angus & Robertson. (The sites are http://www.borders.com.au/ and http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/.) They intend to retain 16 staff members associated with the businesses, and will run the two sites separately for now. Pearson also has an agreement with REDGroup’s ebook partner Kobo. While it’s not entirely clear if they will continue to use Kobo as their vendor (REDGroup was an investor in Kobo as well), it will at a minimum give “customers continued […]