Google Launches Google Editions, a New Service for Booksellers

Google Inc. is introducing a new service, Google Editions, which will allow readers to purchase and access books on various devices, including cell phones, e-book devices, and possibly other gadgets. This move marks the first time Google will charge for books, following its Google Books program, which began in 2004. The service is expected to launch next year, with an initial selection of 400,000 to 600,000 books.

Key Takeaways:

• Google Editions will be a browser-based service, allowing users to access books from anywhere, regardless of their geographical location.
• The price per book will be set by publishers, and Google will collect 55 percent of the profits, with the majority given to retailers and the rest to publishers.
• The service aims to allow retail partners to sell their books, especially those without a digital platform, with Google acting as a wholesaler and book distributor.
• Google Editions will be the first time the company monetizes its books project, with the transactions being simple, possibly using Google Checkout.
• The company expects the majority of customers to go to retail partners, not directly to Google.

Statistics:

• US e-book sales totaled $113 million in 2008, a 68 percent increase from 2007.
• The total spending on all books in the US was estimated at $24.3 billion in 2008.
• Sony's eBook Store offers over 100,000 books, as well as a million free public-domain books available from Google through its Google Books project.
• The Kindle Store has more than 330,000 available titles, while Sony's Readers can display texts sold in the "epub" format.

Sources:

• "Google Launches Editions, a Digital Bookstore" by Daily Star Staff
• Associated Press (FRANKFURT:******
• Association of American Publishers (US e-book sales in 2007 and 2008)
• Sony Corporation (eBook Store offerings)
• Amazon.com Inc. (Kindle Store offerings)