The new pricing model mirrors deals the two publishers struck with Apple for the iPad earlier this year. Under what is called the "agency model," some new best sellers will be priced at $9.99, but most will be priced at $12.99 to $14.99. Many older titles will be priced at less than $9.99.
"Our digital future is more assured today than it was two months ago," said Brian Murray, chief executive of HarperCollins Publishers. Mr. Murray said the deal with Amazon followed a month of negotiations. He added that he felt the agreement was "fair" for both sides.
They had a much dimmer digital future now than before the Kindle came out. eBooks have been around for a long time (Peanutpress became Palm Reader which became eReader). I started reading eBooks on my first Handspring Visor in 2000. The publishing industry wasn't very concerned (or interested) in the market.
It's funny how a successful product (and lessons learned by the RIAA) can revise the party line and spark "me too!" deals.
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