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The publishing industry is facing a “format war” over e-books, according to Simon Juden.
Interviewed in today’s Guardian, the chief executive of the Publishers Association said that “A format war could hold back the development of the e-book market”.
He said that the industry must agree on a cross-platform file format: "I strongly urge all device manufacturers to implement the ePub format.” ePub is supported by the Sony Reader, but, without unapproved conversion software, not by the Kindle.
Speaking at the London Book Fair, Richard Palk, Sony business contents and services manager, said "ePub has become the de facto UK consumers' format of choice."
"We strongly believe that there should be a single format available to all," said Neil Jewsbury, commercial director of Waterstone's which sells e-books in the ePub format. "We are pleased that Sony and the digital publishing industry agree that ePub is the most accessible and user-friendly format."
Jewsbury also argued that e-book pricing should not devalue books: "Many customers are unaware that digital books are subject to VAT, while standard books are VAT-free, and we welcome every opportunity possible to lobby for the abolition of this additional tax."