Google eBooks No Longer Available via IndieCommerce on January 31

On January 31, IndieCommerce stores that do not participate in the Kobo eBook program [1] will no longer be able to sell e-books. That’s the date set by Google for the end of the Google eBooks reseller program worldwide [2]. The Google eBooks catalog, and the ability to sell Google eBooks, will be removed from all reseller sites, including IndieCommerce stores.

Stores that would still like to offer e-books to their customers should sign up as soon as possible for Kobo. But the Kobo program is not just for IndieCommerce stores, as Google was. It’s for any store with a web presence that wants to sell e-books, and it offers the option of selling KoboeReaders. Complete details, including sign-up forms and marketing and staff training materials, are available in the Kobo section of Bookweb.org. [1] Questions can be addressed to kobosupport@bookweb.org [3].

Once the Google reseller program ends, customers will still be able to read previously purchased books in several ways: through the “My Google eBooks” link on their account profile; through Google Play; and via the IndieBound Reader, Google Play Books, or Adobe Digital Editions. A printable Kobo overview for customers [4] is available to explain these options.