As if mainstream hardback and paperback physical book publishers didn’t have enough to worry about already, the recent signing by Amazon of New York Times best-selling self-help guru Tim Ferriss of “4-Hour” title fame proves yet again the incredible power that the multi billion-dollar online e-book seller possesses. Yes, the Amazon Kindle wins again. Ferriss’ new book, the 4-Hour Chef, is just the latest in his 4-Hour line, having already released the best-selling The 4-Hour Body and The 4-Hour Workweek. Ferris’ audacious claims to respectively help readers “to rapid fat-loss, incredible sex and becoming superhuman” and to “escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich” certainly haven’t hurt sales of the popular physical book line.
And Amazon, in what has become a recent trend for them, will also release the 4-Hour Chef in print form and audio form, as well as their well-known Kindle e-book format. Amazon claims that the 4-Hour Chef will help transform the way that we cook and eat. Earlier this year Amazon proved just how serious they were about entering the printed book marketplace and solidifying their reputation as the number one digital e-book seller by hiring publishing notable Larry Kirshbaum to head its New York imprint division, and it was Kirshbaum who actually signed Ferriss for the worldwide deal. Kirshbaum came to fame as former chief executive of the Time Warner Book Group.
In a recently released statement, Tim Ferris gave his reasons for moving to Amazon from Random House. He cited future technology and the direction in which publishing is trending, and a desire to be out in front of this increasingly popular format that the Amazon Kindle helped to deliver. He also stated that by having Amazon handle the print form as well as the Kindle digital format he could take care of all his publishing needs with one publisher.
Jeff Belle is the vice president of Amazon Publishing’s Seattle-based headquarters, and stated that writers are approaching them directly and inquiring about possible relationships to help improve their sales and bottom line daily. With Amazon’s proven marketing machine, and all the rumors about an upcoming Kindle 4 as well as a Kindle Tablet PC, Amazon is certainly well-positioned to take print and Kindle publishing into whatever direction they desire.
