Bookraft

Google has been promising to open its book store in 2009 - but now it is scheduled for June 2010 and will have 500,000 to 600,000 books available at start up. First and foremost, Google Editions books will be device independent and any-browser based PC, laptop, mobile phone, or other connected device will be able to buy and then store locally a "Google" book. Even more important for the Book and publishing industry Google will support 3 purchase options:
1)Direct from book publisher - 63% to book publisher/37% to Google
2)Through book retailer - 45% to book publisher / 55% to be split between book retailer and Google
3) Through a link to to the book publisher - no distribution has been settled
Here is the reaction of the magazine, newspaper and general writing community to the announcement:
Computerworld - a good cross section of writers and editors comments
Channel Web - looks at the technical and business model implications
Christian Science Monitor - sees strong play into Book markets
NYTimes - an outline of what was announced by Google today
Forbes - looks at the implications for Amazon and other book players
ZDnet - catches the audacity and pluck of the Google play
This reviewer tends to agree with the ZDnet point of view - Google editions, by not aligning itself with any one electronic device but rather embracing any browser, offline access and operation to a purchased book, and courting any/all book publishers stands to be a major power in book, media and idea distribution businesses. Because it will be browser based, Google Editions will come out ahead of Kindle and other eBook readers because a)it will deliver color and programmability, b)the Store will be searchable, c)Book and media publishers will set the prices, and d)the "books" will be accessible anywhere a browser can run. So far a very sharp business model.