Google extends services, becomes bookstore

In 2010, Google will launch its new service Editions. This is Google’s attempt to include itself in the e-books market. The search engine giant steps up to the competition of Barnes &Noble and Amazon by starting at a high level. As the service commences, Editions will have a catalogue of 400.000 to 600.000 books. That is, on top of the roughly one million rights free books that it offers already.

The e-books that Editions will market can be read on a computer, an e-reader or a smart phone. Google does not have an on-demand printing service. You’ll one buy bits, no atoms.

Google’s book scanning activities are somewhat controversial. Authors and rights holders aren’t always enthusiastic and sometimes object. When Editions starts, the disputed editions are not included in the catalogue until a solution is found.

Google made this announcement at the Franfurter Buchmesse. Director of Strategic Partnerships Tom Turvey revealed that rights holders will get 63% of the sales price. The remainder goes to the coffers of Google.

Barnes&Noble, at the moment, has the largest collection of e-books for sale: 700.000 titles. Amazon follows with her Kindle store that offers 330.000 titles.