Book bundling

In the good old days "bundling" used to be a sneaky way of getting a boy and girl married.  On cold nights they were rolled up in one blanket on the floor of the log cabin, and when morning came round they were as good as engaged.

Now, "bundling" is a ploy for selling a print book, by including a digital copy with the deal.

Digital Book World reports that Harpers, in partnership with the biggest distributor in the world, Ingram, is going in for this in a big way.

They are working with independent bookstores around the country to pilot a P+E (print and ebook) bundling program. The program allows shoppers to buy a physical copy of a book and for a small up charge receive a digital version of the same book on the BookShout platform.

Eleven well-respected independent bookstores from around the country are currently participating in the program, which has been thoughtfully constructed by HarperCollins and Ingram to make it easy and enjoyable for the reader. The stores feature eye-catching displays to increase reader awareness.

“It’s a pleasure to craft these types of innovative services for HarperCollins and our independent retail partners,” said Mr. John Ingram, the Chairman and CEO of Ingram Content Group. “We know that all of our publishing and retail partners are looking for new solutions, and our goal is always to be on the forefront, serving and providing for them.”

“This is a good first step in getting our bestselling content into reader’s hands in a way that increases choices for them,” said Chantal Restivo-Alessi, Chief Digital Officer at HarperCollins. “We are happy to support our independent retail partners in putting forth a digital component to their customers. The effort was tailor made for the indie buyer, from the books chosen to the in-store marketing, and we look forward to learning and expanding the program in the near future, as data and feedback become available.”

The first round of books from HarperCollins includes Amanda Coplin’s The Orchardist, Richard Ford’s Canada, Erika Johansen’s The Queen of the Tearling, Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall, Jess Walter’s Beautiful Ruins, and Jacqueline Winspear’s The Care and Management of Lies. When a reader purchases the bundle of one of these books, they will receive a code that allows them to get their digital copy at BookShout.