The Bookseller.com

7th October 2008

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Epub format backed by BA/PA group

16.07.08 Graeme Neill

Publishers are being urged to adopt the epub format for digital files, following a recommendation made at the latest meeting of the BA/PA Liaison Group.

The group described the file format as "a flexible consumer e-book file compatible across different devices". The BA and PA councils have been asked to back the recommendation, with Book Industry Communication’s digital supply chain group to then work with both associations to accelerate take-up of the format.

Penguin became the first publisher in April to back the format when it announced it would publish its new black and white titles simultaneously as print and e-books.HarperCollins is planning a September launch of its e-book programme, which will also back epub.

The council also recommended that publishers should give differing e-book formats separate ISBNs. "We made good progress" said Rachel Russell, W H Smith business unit director for books and chair of the meeting, "and a clear consensus emerged from those publishers and booksellers at the
meeting".

pa publishers association Graeme Neill Booksellers Association BA Epub