Audio Book News: John Grisham Goes eBook

by DorothyD on March 18, 2010

Grisham, Baldacci, and an Audiobook Tournament.

I’ve read about people using audiobooks to pass the time in the car, or while doing housework and yard work, but this is a pretty cool story. 22-year-old Katie Spotz rowed her small 19-foot boat across the Atlantic… and she brought her iPod packed with audiobooks. Sure, she brought other provisions for her 70 day long journey, but I think it’s great that she brought audiobooks along!

John Grisham bashed the eBook format last year, saying that the $9 price tag devalued books. Interestingly, Random House just announced that all 23 of Grisham’s books are now available in digital form, and his latest novel, due in October, will also be available for download. Why do you think he had this change of heart? Was it the publicity of the iPad? The potential for higher prices of eBooks? Or maybe somebody just told him to get off his high horse and take a look at the future.

John Grisham

Another bestselling author, David Baldacci, has opted to offer his next book, Deliver Us from Evil, due for an April 20 release, in hardcover, eBook, and enriched eBook. The enriched version will include deleted passages, photos, and audio and video footage for a $15.99 price tag. The regular eBook will initially cost $14.99.

Voices.com released a new app for iPhone today. The key features of the app include audio samples, click-to-call a Voices.com rep, and integrated Google map to find a Voices.com office. Voices.com is a service that connects audio producers with voice talent for audiobooks, movie trailers, podcasts, and more.

Have you checked out Audible.com’s 3rd annual Tournament of Audiobooks? Check out the matchups. Audiobooks are currently separated by editor’s picks, critically acclaimed, customer favorites, and best sellers. Vote for your favorites! Round one is finished, but you have a week to weigh in on round two! Already eliminated were Craig Ferguson’s American on Purpose, Juliet, Naked from Nick Hornby, This is Where I Leave You from Jonathan Tropper, The Lost City of Z by David Grann, Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, Blame from Michelle Huneven, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, and Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup.

The competition is pretty fierce. All of the books in this round are amazing… Will The Help beat out Pride and Prejudice and Zombies? Will The Lost Symbol beat The Scarecrow? I hope Under the Dome comes out on top versus First Family… Ultimately, one book will come out on top. Any guesses? Right now, it’s anyone’s game…