News

« Headlines

Author unease over Amazon rift

05.06.08 Benedicte Page

Hachette Livre UK is writing to authors affected by its current terms dispute with Amazon, as agents expressed concern at lost sales.

Key front and backlist titles from across Hachette were this week still appearing on Amazon.co.uk with their "Buy New" button removed, a fortnight after The Bookseller reported the issue. Anthony Harwood, who represents Chris Manby, said she had been dealt a "double whammy", as both her new hardback Spa Wars (Hodder) and her first book written under the name Olivia Darling, Vintage (Hodder), were affected. "It's incredibly frustrating; the author suffers while these disputes rumble on," he said.

Hachette said: "This week we will be writing to authors who could—now or in the future—be affected by Amazon's actions in removing buy buttons from some of our books or removing any books from promotional positions, to give them further explanation of our position."

Authors Benedicte Page Hachette amazon Home

Add comment

By posting on this website you agree to the Bookseller Comments Policy. Comments go direct to live, please be relevant, brief and definitely not abusive. Report any "unsuitable" comments by clicking the links.

Name

Comment

Email

Comments on this article

By imatree

I don't belive that Hachette have removed the 'buy now' (sic) button, but Amazon - and it is they who should be writing to apologise to the authors - something along the lines of: Dear Ms Manby, sorry no-one can buy your books from us at the moment, but we are using heavy handed tactics that will allow us to make more money and you to make less (probably). Keep up the good work we are keen supporters of your books.

06 Jun 08 08:03

Unsuitable?

By June Austin

Ha ha, glad to see that someone at least has a sense of humour round here. Just as well, as we will need it! Amazon though are not the only online retailer, and neither are they as mighty as they think - the majority of books in the UK, despite their grandioise gesturing, are still bought in bricks and mortar stores, It affects POD authors more, since our books are the least likely to be stocked in stores.

06 Jun 08 13:36

Unsuitable?

See Also