THOMAS NELSON UNVEILS NELSONFREE

Thomas Nelson, Inc., announced today that it launched a dynamic new program, NelsonFree, that allows readers to experience their content in multiple formats -- the physical book, the audio book, and the e-book -- without making multiple purchases. Traditionally, customers who want to experience more than the physical printed word have to make additional investments in the audio and e-book formats. Not anymore. With NelsonFree, the everyday price of the hardcover book includes both the audio and the e-book.

And accessing the content is easy. After readers purchase a book with the NelsonFree logo, they will be directed to a website where they must register and answer a simple security question. Once complete, they will be able to download an audio MP3 file and several types of e-book files, including EPub, MobiPocket, and PDF.

The first two NelsonFree titles will reach stores in late March, Scott McKain's Collapse of Distinction and Michael Franzese's I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse. Another ten Thomas Nelson titles will be available in this unique format before the end of the year.

"The book is, in a sense, trapped by its format," said Joel Miller, publisher of Nelson's Business and Culture division, "and so is the consumer -- locked into choosing one format over another or shelling out scarce funds for the same book in different wrappers. By freeing the book we free the reader to get greater use and enjoyment of our titles."

"I believe that the industry is shifting and we, as publishers, need to explore new methods of getting our content into the hands of customers," said Michael S. Hyatt, president and CEO of Thomas Nelson. "NelsonFree will give readers a new level of value and flexibility. It will enhance their literary experience and allow greater employment of the content without breaking the bank."

(From Sally: My understanding is that the author has the option of whether or not their book will be included in this program.)