Google eBooks goes live with 3 million digital titles

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) officially opened its long-awaited digital ebook initiative--branded Google eBooks instead of the expected Google Editions, the multi-platform effort boasts more than 3 million titles in all, optimized for download via the web, connected devices running the Android and iOS mobile operating systems, and ereader hardware from Sony Electronics and Barnes & Noble. Originally slated to go live this summer but hampered by technical and legal hurdles, Google eBooks will challenge the existing digital bookseller model by offering an open, "read anywhere" model enabling consumers to purchase titles directly from Google or its online retail partners (including independent bookstores) and add them to an online library connected to a Google account. The Wall Street Journal reports that Google eBooks pricing is in line with other major ebook vendors' efforts, with new releases operating under the so-called "agency pricing model," which allows publishers to determine their own consumer prices (usually under $20). Google will set its own prices for titles sold by publishers via the traditional wholesale model.

Google director of strategic partnerships Tom Turvey said all major U.S. publishers are participating in Google eBooks--in addition, the storefront will offer a host of academic, scientific and professional titles absent from rival initiatives. In addition to its direct sales business, Google will allow partners (including independent bookstores) to sell Google eBooks titles on their own websites and blogs, earning a share of resulting revenues. Google will not require its bookseller partners to hand over customers' financial information or email addresses: "We're not interested in pursuing the customers of booksellers," Turvey said. The American Booksellers Association anticipates more than 200 independent U.S. booksellers could sign up as Google eBooks partners--Turvey declined the specify the revenue share model, saying only the rates will "be competitive."
Google eBooks is expected to roll out beyond the U.S. market beginning in the first quarter of 2011.

For more:
- read this Wall Street Journal article

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