E-book retailer/social media Web site TheReadingRoom.com is getting into the print game. The Web site will begin selling print books on June 1, launching the program at BookExpo America.
TheReadingRoom.com, one of a handful of lesser-trafficked and lesser known competitors to Goodreads, recommends titles to its users based on what they are already reading (through member recommendations, staff recommendations and third party published reviews).
The Web site, which claims it has has 7 million "book records," also allows users to see what the people they are connected to are reading, and choose new book based on that. Additionally, TheReadingRoom.com features book reviews from The New York Times and The Guardian. CEO Kim Anderson said the Web site acts as an independent bookseller, but takes the relationship a step further "by also serving as a reliable and trusted digital source, with a range of online tools and community resources – providing the powerful potential for discovery."
Initially the site's print sales program will be U.S.-based only, with plans in place to roll out print sales on an international level in the near future.
