HarperCollins Joins Ranks Of Those Delaying E-Books
By Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg
The third major publishing house in two days has decided to delay the electronic-book publication of some titles next year, as the debate over the timing and pricing of e-books heats up.
In an interview, Brian Murray, chief executive of News Corp.'s HarperCollins Publishers, said that beginning in January or February, HarperCollins will delay the e-book publication of five to 10 new hardcover titles each month. The delays are expected to range from four weeks to six months, depending on the book.
"We're going to experiment with this," Mr. Murray said. "Each new e-book represents a potential new marketing opportunity at a time when we need every possible hook to get consumer attention."
Mr. Murray said that if new hardcover titles continue to be sold as $9.99 e-books, the eventual outcome will be fewer literary choices for customers, because publishers won't be able to take as many chances on new writers.
He added that he is also interested in an enhanced e-book with social-media applications, video and author interviews. In theory, it would command a higher price and could be sold through Apple Inc.'s App Store.
The full story at WSJ.
And more at NYT.
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