Amazon has signed a new multiyear print and digital deal with Simon & Schuster on the future e-books’ prices.
As part of the deal, Simon & Schuster has obtained control of e-book pricing with some limited exceptions, while enabling the online retailer to discount titles in some situations.
Amazon said in a statement: "We are pleased to announce that Simon & Schuster and Amazon have reached a multi-year agreement for the sale in the US of both print and digital books.
"We are very happy with this agreement, as it allows us to grow our business with Simon & Schuster and help their authors reach an ever-wider audience.
"Importantly, the agreement specifically creates a financial incentive for Simon & Schuster to deliver lower prices for readers."
The US online retailer has been locked in a battle with another publisher, Lagardere’s Hachette Book Group, over e-book pricing and payments related to marketing.
Simon & Schuster chief executive Carolyn Reidy told the New York Times that the deal ‘is economically advantageous for both Simon & Schuster and its authors and maintains the author’s share of income generated from eBook sales’.
"Our new deal assures that your books will be continuously available for sale at this major retailer through this year’s holiday book buying season and well beyond."
