Amazon, publishers in new e-book price deals

[April 20, 2010]  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Amazon.com Inc. has reached new agreements with some publishers that had been fed up with the low prices Amazon charges for electronic books that go with its Kindle e-reader. This comes just as Apple Inc. is about to launch its competing iPad device.

Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins said late Wednesday they have signed new e-book deals with Amazon. They declined to detail their agreements. But Simon & Schuster spokesman Adam Rothberg said his company's agreement is similar to those that publishers have been striking with Apple for e-books on the iPad.

With Apple's model, some e-books will cost up to $14.99 initially -- $5 more than Amazon charges for some popular e-books. Apple is insisting publishers don't sell books at a lower price through a competitor.

[Associated Press]

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