Online search services provider Google, Inc., US, has reportedly garnered the support of almost all publishers in the US for its digital bookstore, which is expected to be launched next month. More than 25,000 publishers and authors have agreed to participate in Google Editions, the company’s venture to distribute books online.
Assuming books with expired copyright are included, Google is projected to handle more than 4 million books, including about 2 million handled by the publishers that have agreed to join. This is set to be the world's largest virtual bookstore. The entry of Google is likely to accelerate the growth of the e-book business, already pioneered by rivals like Apple and Amazon.
While the company did not elaborate on details of Google Editions, an official emphasised that it would include almost all publishers in the US. Google Editions is projected to allow users to easily buy books via its online search service and is likely to involve a model where publishers decide the retail price.
Google Editions claims to be among a growing number of game-changing distribution and reading models available to publishers and book consumers. In a recent announcement, publishers in Australia have welcomed Google’s decision to launch Google Editions. While it remains unknown about when the service will become available in Australia, local response to the US announcement has been positive.
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