Thomas Nelson Launches Ebook Publishing Program

Posted on October 6, 2000

Thomas Nelson, Inc., a Christian publisher, has announced the launch of a major ebook publishing program. Five of its divisions will initially release 17 of their bestselling titles and authors through multi e-tailer channels, including bn.com, Amazon.com, and others, beginning November 15, 2000.

The list of titles will be published initially in MS Reader format, followed by additional titles and other popular ebook formats. Consumers will be able to purchase and download these titles directly from ebook vendors into a variety of desktop, laptop, and hand-held computers. The initial list includes some of the company's current bestselling titles and authors in print. Future releases will include key backlist titles, specialty works, and original ebooks, as the ebook market develops.

Philip Stoner, Executive Vice President & Publisher, and chairperson of the company's epublishing initiative, said, ``We have observed the escalation of epublishing activity and support from major retailers, including bn.com and Amazon.com, in recent months, and we want take the lead in our industry by being the first to commit our premier authors and titles to this new format. We feel confident that there is a rapidly growing market for the unique focus of our publications in these new ebook formats. There is great expectation for what we can accomplish via the Internet in this new millennium, on behalf of our authors. This will bring major opportunities for growth, both for the company and the authors signed to each publishing division.''