During an earnings conference call at News Corp., the parent company of HarperCollins, CEO Rupert Murdoch expressed his displeasure with Amazon's $9.99 price model. Featuring authors including Michael Crichton and Janet Evanovich, the book publishing arm may mimic Macmillan's maneuvering that resulted in greater pricing flexibility.
Just days ago Macmillan Amazon engaged in a pricing spat which resulted in Amazon relenting to sell bestseller and new hardcover releases from $12.99 to $14.99. Amazon also made clear in a public statement its disdain for what it views as muscling from Macmillan.
Amazon wants to protect the Kindle's market lead by keeping e-book prices low. With competition emerging from other e-book ecosystems, Amazon could see total deterioration of its $9.99 pricing. Consumers have expressed disgust online watching competition increase prices rather than lower them.
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.
