Preparing to Sell E-Books, Google Takes on Amazon
Google appears to be throwing down the gauntlet in the e-book market. — In discussions with publishers at the annual BookExpo convention in New York over the weekend, Google signaled its intent to introduce a program by that would enable publishers …
Context & Ripple Effects
Google had been linked to an e-book push as early as 2007 in earlier reports of its e-book ambitions. Its BookExpo discussions put that long-running possibility in front of publishers while Amazon already sells e-books through Kindle.
The reported program is not confirmed, but the signal matters because it would position Google as a publisher-facing sales channel rather than only a company associated with digitized books.
First-order effects
- Publishers attending BookExpo gain a prospective additional route to sell digital titles through Google, should the reported program be introduced.
- Amazon faces a potential new rival for publisher relationships and e-book customers alongside its Kindle platform.
Second-order effects
- A credible Google channel would give publishers more leverage when negotiating digital distribution terms with Amazon.
- Amazon would have reason to reinforce Kindle's publisher and reader proposition if Google converts its stated plans into a service.
Third-order effects
- If major web platforms increasingly sell digital books directly, e-book distribution may shift from a device-led market toward competition over publisher access and online storefront reach.
The trend: E-books are becoming a strategic distribution layer for large internet platforms seeking direct relationships with publishers and readers.