Simon and Schuster Cuts Libraries

David Rothman reports that Simon and Schuster will not be supplying e-books to public libraries—but 5,400 public libraries are lending other publishers’ e-titles.

Rothman writes, "You may be out of luck if you want to borrow a library e-book by Stephen King or Bob Woodward or other titles published by Simon & Schuster."

Spokesman Adam Rothberg said, “We have not found a business model that works for us and our authors.”

I'll say! Remember the frustration Betts Bookstore expressed in Simon and Schuster's decision not to sell any of their limited copies through bookstores. Bookstores got no special rate (making it pointless to sell King). Now the latest on S&S radar, Libraries.

S&S has a right to desire to make a healthy profit. However, by cutting out bookstores and libraries, they may be biting the hand that feeds them.

http://talkstephenking.blogspot.com/2009/08/betts-bookstore-comments-on-publishing.html

http://www.teleread.org/2009/10/15/why-simon-schuster-isnt-supplying-e-books-to-public-libraries-nyt-writes-up-5400-public-libraries-leading-e/