With no prior announcement Google stopped accepting applications for affiliates to its Google eBooks program two weeks ago. Although the hiatus hasn’t affected American Booksellers Association IndieCommerce stores that sell Google eBooks on their Web sites or affiliates like Powell’s Books in Portland or smaller stores like Devaney Doak & Garrett Booksellers in Farmington, Me., at least two booksellers in New England who recently tried to sign up were unable to submit their applications. On February 9 on a Google site intended to help affiliates, Geddy Lee answered questions about how to set up an affiliate site by stating, “The Google eBooks program is currently not accepting new applications at this time.” He also noted that the directions to become an affiliate will be updated soon. Contacted by PW, a Google rep said the company was not prepared to talk about new plans for the program at this point.
By becoming an affiliate, booksellers who did not sign up for IndieCommerce can sell Google eBooks.
It may not be clear yet what will be different about the program, which used to require two to three-business days for Google to vet the applicant. But one change that Google has already made is the threshold for initial payments. It has raised it from $50 to $100.
