HarperCollins has launched a redesigned website that features a direct sales component. The new website, announced Tuesday morning, allows the publisher to sell print books, e-books and physical audiobooks directly to consumers. While HC has sold e-books from its own site in the past, it has never directly sold print books.
All HarperCollins U.S. e-books can be purchased from the site by consumers globally wherever the publisher holds rights. Print books and audio books are currently available only to U.S. consumers. HC said the capability to sell direct "will enable the company to better understand consumer preferences and, most importantly, further extend the global reach of its authors." The publisher also noted that its authors will be able to use the technology to sell direct from their own websites.
“Our mission as a 21st century publisher is to connect authors and readers,” said Angela Tribelli, chief marketing officer. “The elegant, consumer-centric design of the site provides an innovative platform for our authors that will boost the discoverability of their books, drive sales, and—ultimately—launch writing careers.”
Among the features of the new site, at the existing URL www.harpercollins.com (also accessible via www.hc.com), are previews of upcoming books, author tour and appearance information, and sweepstakes featuring partner prizes.
HC will be offering discounts on selected titles but, otherwise, books are being sold at full price. Consumers can buy the book directly from HC, or choose to purchase from a list of third party booksellers provided by the site, which includes Amazon, Indiebound, B&N, Apple and a number of independent bookstores. In addition to offering new titles and backlist books, the site also offers forthcoming titles, and includes pre-order buttons.
The site design will be rolled out to other HarperCollins divisions in the U.K., Canada, and Australia over the next year, starting with the U.K. in August 2014.
