Amazon to launch Netflix-style service for digital books?

Details are still sketchy here, however the Wall Street Journal is reporting that Amazon ‘s seeking to launch a Netflix-like subscription service for digital books, much to the chagrin of a few publishers. Based on unnamed sources aware of the problem, Amazon is currently “in talks” with several publishers concerning the program, which might provide access to a web-based library in exchange for an unspecified annual fee. The insiders also claim that the service will be available for Amazon Prime subscribers (who currently pay $79 per year free of charge shipping and access to shows and films) and that the proposed library would feature primarily older works, with monthly restrictions at the choice of books a subscriber could read free of charge. Publishers would reportedly pocket a “substantial fee” for signing directly to this system, though some are reluctant to take part, for fear that doing so would “downgrade the price of the book business,” in accordance with one publishing exec. Basically, it remains unclear whether any publishers have thrown their hats within the ring, but we’ll certainly be in search of any developments.