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Faber is to launch a "pay what you like" ebook six weeks ahead of the title’s physical publication. The independent publisher claims to be the first to sell a book in this manner. The ebook, and a PDF format, of a work of non-fiction, Ben Wilson's What Price Liberty?, will launch on 27th April allowing readers to "have the freedom to pay whatever price they choose for the book, or even download it for free", Faber said. The success of this experiment would determine whether the publisher considered a similar route in the future.
Silvia Novak, Faber marketing executive, said the main aim was "to stimulate debate for the issues at the centre of this book, as well as generating interest for the book itself".
"Essentially this is an experiment, and price is one variable that we're really interested in observing. We also think we'll learn a lot about the thirst for books in digital form," she added. "We're wondering whether a reader's perspective will change from the initial rush of getting something for free - or close to - to an actual enjoyment of a piece of work, and whether that would translate into wanting to pay more for that experience."
Novak said the relatively higher cost of e-books compared to downloaded music "could push our price up" from the price points of £1-£3 experienced in similar campaigns in the music world.
The title will be available to buy on a micro-site (http://www.whatpriceliberty.co.uk" target="_blank" title="www.whatpriceliberty.co.uk">www.whatpriceliberty.co.uk">www.whatpriceliberty.co.uk), which will be utilised for marketing and publicity campaigns, and feature debates on the topics that will be opened up to "everyone from student organisations, to politicians, to civil rights groups".
Novak said she was not concerned about the potential for cannabalising sales, claiming interest generated from the initiative would be "wholly positive in its impact on sales of physical copies, adding sales rather than replacing them".
She added: "Releasing the ebook six weeks in advance of the physical book will hopefully mean that interest will be heightened when the book hits the shelves."
Proofs of the book will also be distributed widely "in public places" when the website is launched. A trade paperback will be published on 2nd June, and will be priced at £14.99.