Categories: Web

Amazon to launch subscription-based book service?

Such a deal may be restricted to older works

Amazon is reportedly in talks with publishers to launch a subscription-based book service, similar to video-streaming service Netflix in the Americas, according to the Wall Street Journal. Amazon would offer nearly unlimited access to its digital library of books for a fixed monthly fee – an offer that would surely delight most bookworms.

The Wall Street Journal cite “people familiar with the matter” informing that Amazon are currently in talks with book publishers regarding the subscription service, although some already “aren’t enthusiastic about the idea”. Further details of the project are scarce.

Amazon’s subscription book service may be made available to members of Amazon Prime – their relatively unheard of subscription-based movie and TV show streaming service. The service also offers either discounted or free shipping rates for $79 per annum. Amazon Prime is not available in Ireland.

No one is better placed than Amazon in the book-selling space. After all, books are what Amazon initially started selling back in 1995 and have dominated at ever since. Amazon unquestionably has built up great relationships with publishers over the years so they above anyone have the potential to succeed in this.

Amazon is also rumoured to launch their 7-inch tablet in time for Christmas, a product which is already tipped as a serious iPad competitor.

Albizu Garcia

Albizu Garcia is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gain -- a marketing technology company that automates the social media and content publishing workflow for agencies and social media managers, their clients and anyone working in teams.