24 April 2009

E-BOOK FACES FORMAT WAR

The publishing industry is facing a “format war” over e-books, according to Simon Juden.

The chief executive of the Publishers Association said that “A format war could hold back the development of the e-book market”. "I strongly urge all device manufacturers to implement the ePub format.” ePub is supported by the Sony Reader, but, without unapproved conversion software, not by the Kindle.

"We strongly believe that there should be a single format available to all," said Neil Jewsbury, commercial director of Waterstone's which sells e-books in the ePub format. "We are pleased that Sony and the digital publishing industry agree that ePub is the most accessible and user-friendly format."

Jewsbury also argued that e-book pricing should not devalue books: "Many customers are unaware that digital books are subject to VAT, while standard books are VAT-free, and we welcome every opportunity possible to lobby for the abolition of this additional tax."