EPub Direct Opens New Doors For Publishers With Library Ebook Distribution

Online, June 29, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Irish eBook Distribution Company, ePub Direct, have announced plans to offer access to Libraries for publisher's eBook titles for the first time.

The move will give Publishers access to 15,000 library outlets in 13 countries, 70 of which are based in the UK and Ireland. ePub Direct currently distributes eBooks to 85 online retail websites for publishers including Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Waterstone's, Barnes and Noble and DirecteBooks.

Increased discoverability and exposure to eBook platforms is the key driver of this move and will be added at no extra charge to ePub Direct's customers.

Gareth Cuddy, Managing Director of ePub Direct, explains why library distribution was the next logical step for the company and its 40+ existing clients.

"To be able to offer library distribution to our customers has always been part of our strategy. Increased discoverability ultimately leads to higher sales for publisher's titles. The substantial growth in eBook library lending shows this is an area publishers need to be involved in. Only by enabling customers to decide when and how they read, borrow, and purchase their eBooks, will publishers see the greatest return for their eBook catalogues."

The move mirrors the long term plans for many publishers including Clodagh Feehan, Managing Director, Mercier Press who commented today:

"We are excited by the opportunities presented by e-readers and e-Books to access new markets both on and off the island of Ireland and working with a local partner has facilitated this. Our partnership with ePubDirect now means that Mercier books are available in digital formats to libraries and library users and as long time supporters of libraries, this is another very welcome initiative from ePubDirect."

ePub Direct's strategy has also been welcomed by Libraries. Madeline Barratt, Libraries Strategy & Performance Manager, Enfield Libraries on behalf of the London Libraries Consortium said:

"The London Libraries Consortium introduced eBooks in 2010 and these are available to over 3 million Londoners from home or library. We believe that libraries must be early adopters of technologies such as eBooks which encourage reading, so that we evolve hand-in-hand with our audience and technology. Providing access to those who can't pay for digital material is crucial, in the same way that we continue to provide free access to hard copy materials. We chose a mix of eBook titles from graphic novels, humour, mystery and romance to non-fiction; these are proving very popular and are helping us to reach library users who want don't necessarily want to visit our physical branches."

Publishers can avail of this service from 1st July 2011.

Ends

About ePub Direct
ePub Direct handles all aspects of eBook management for publishers, taking care of distribution, administration, billing and storage of eBook titles. ePub Direct's current service allows publishers to sell their eBooks in over 85 online retailers worldwide with one single upload and aims to take the headache out of getting eBooks to market.

For further information please contact Gareth Cuddy on +353 21 4868150 or email [email protected].