NEW YORK, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Separate pricing structures at two U.S. Internet retail companies have created a shift away from Amazon's $9.99 pricing model in the nascent e-book market.
U.S. publisher Hachette said it would be using the agency model which allows publishers to price a book themselves, then pay 30 percent of the price to the Internet retailer.
The model used by Amazon that sets the prices at $9.99 may be in danger of extinction, as HarperCollins owner Rupert Murdoch also said his firm would negotiate with Amazon over the prices structure.
Murdoch said, "we think (Amazon's $9.99 sales) really devalues books and hurts all the retailers of hardcover books."
Hachette said in a note to its agents the move was worthwhile even if "we make less on each e-book sale under the new model," PC World reported Friday.
The shift began after Apple unveiled its digital tablet last week called the iPad and then announced it would open the iBookstore using the so-called agency pricing model.
Soon after Macmillan said it would move over to the new pricing model and Amazon pulled Macmillan books from its store.
Macmillan's now advertises its books are "available at booksellers everywhere except Amazon," PC World said.
