The Internet Archive and major publishers have been fighting in court for over three years and today, a resolution might be at hand. This landmark case will establish a future where libraries can scan their own books and convert them to ebooks or are forced to buy them from major publishers at hefty markups.During the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when, libraries and … [Read more...] about Internet Archive and Publishers Resolution is at hand
Business News and Statistics
Libro.fm is expanding their audiobook store to Australia and the UK
Libro.fm is not a very popular audiobook store, but it has a few value propositions. They have an affiliate program where anyone can create their storefront and get paid when someone buys an audiobook. Most of their catalogue is DRM-Free, which means when you purchase an audiobook, you can quickly load it on your smartphone or tablet without downloading additional software. … [Read more...] about Libro.fm is expanding their audiobook store to Australia and the UK
Indigo employees’ data taken in ransomware attack
Some current and former Indigo employees have received some really bad news; their personal data has been stolen through a cyberattack last month. According a report by CBC news, current and past employees have been trying to navigate this sudden threat which may hang over their heads for the rest of their lives. Indigo currently operates more than 160 stores … [Read more...] about Indigo employees’ data taken in ransomware attack
The 0% VAT on ebooks did not lower prices in the UK
Since ebooks became a thing in the United Kingdom, the VAT on each title has been 20%. Whereas hardcover and paperback books were 0% VAT, it made sense to buy print since it was cheaper. Various author organizations petitioned the government to lower or remove the tax on digital books, and the campaign paid off. In early 2020, the VAT on ebooks went to 0%, and everyone patted … [Read more...] about The 0% VAT on ebooks did not lower prices in the UK
Google is blocking news for some Canadians
Google News has always had a. tumultuous journey to being the most popular news service. Major media outlets and governments always want them to pay so news organizations can make extra money. This most recently happened in Australia. Canada is now in Google's crosshairs with new media law. Google is rolling out tests that block access to news content for some Canadian users, … [Read more...] about Google is blocking news for some Canadians
Barnes and Noble Launches Premium Membership
Barnes and Noble are revising their membership program to compete against Amazon Prime and Walmart+. The largest bookseller in the United States has a new Premium Membership, which costs $40 per year. It gives customers 10% discounts, free shipping, a tote bag and bigger lattes.The bookseller is also launching a free, lower-tier membership program that allows members to … [Read more...] about Barnes and Noble Launches Premium Membership
Ebook revenues were down 6.6% in 2022
Digital book sales in the United States slightly declined by 6.6% and generated $1 billion dollars. Digital audiobooks was up 7.0%, coming in at $839.5 million in revenue. Physical Audio was down 29.8% coming in at $15.8 million. Ebook sales represented 11% of the entire publishing industry, while digital audiobooks were 9%.Trade revenues were down 6.2%, at $9.1 billion for … [Read more...] about Ebook revenues were down 6.6% in 2022
Amazon sold a boatload of Kindles during Thanksgiving Weekend
Amazon is excited to announce that this Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend was its biggest ever, with customers around the world purchasing hundreds of millions of products between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. Customers also supported small businesses this holiday shopping weekend, generating more than $1 billion in sales. In their press release Amazon stated that the … [Read more...] about Amazon sold a boatload of Kindles during Thanksgiving Weekend
Penguin Random House will not buy Simon and Schuster
Penguin Random House wanted to buy another large publishing company, Simon and Schuster. They pitched $2.2 billion dollars, however the USA Justice Department put the kibosh on it. Penguin Random House wanted to appeal the verdict, however German media group Bertelsmann, which owns Penguin, was unable to convince Paramount Global, Simon & Schuster's current owner, to help … [Read more...] about Penguin Random House will not buy Simon and Schuster
Alexa and Kindles are unprofitable for Amazon
The Amazon devices division currently employs 10,000 people. These are the staff that are in charge of the Alexa, Kindle, Fire TV, Ring, Echo, Amazon Earbuds and Fire Tablet devices. All of these products are unprofitable lose $5 billion annually in the past few years. Most of these devices are loss leaders because Amazon normally subsidizes the cost to get more market share. … [Read more...] about Alexa and Kindles are unprofitable for Amazon
ebook sales increase by 2.7% in August 2022
For the first time this year digital book sales in the United States were up 2.7% in August 2022. The format generated over $90.7 million dollars. Whereas the digital audiobook market has been increasing every single month for the past couple of years, as it is the fastest growing segment in digital publishing. Sales for August was $73.0 million.Year-to-date eBook revenues … [Read more...] about ebook sales increase by 2.7% in August 2022