The Australian Society of Authors has spoken out against the new international version of the Amazon Kindle.
Editor’s Note: An Amazon spokesperson sent this correction about pricing for Kindle books, changing the original: “The price for New York Times Bestsellers and New Releases in the EU will be $13.99 and that includes VAT. However, the cost for those books outside the EU and US will be $11.99, not $13.99.” The reading device will ship around the world on October 19, selling for $279. The standard American edition currently retails for $259. According to The Age, Jeremy Fisher, executive director of the 3,000-member Society, thinks Australian writers should avoid the Kindle for these pricey reasons.
Here’s a quote, from the article: “As I understand at this point in time, Amazon asks for a very, very big discount from publishers for their works to be included in Kindle so that the return coming back to the publisher is smaller and the return coming back to the author is smaller … The person making the most money is Amazon.” (Via Jose Afonso Furtado)
