IndieBound Brings eBooks to the iPhone

i's and e's collide in the new, 2.0 version of IndieBound for iPhone. Consumers can now search for and purchase eBooks from independent booksellers across the United States. The Indie Bestsellers, the Indie Next List, and other book lists now feature an "also available as an eBook" sticker where appropriate. The Book Search has also been upgraded with a choice of three searches: all results, books only, or eBooks only.

Purchased eBooks download automatically into the free eReader app. If the user doesn't yet have eReader on their phone, the IndieBound app will prompt them to install it before purchasing an eBook, even directing them to the download page for eReader in the App Store.

The Indie Store Finder has received some upgrades, too. The iPhone app now includes integrated Google Maps, so users can view the stores on a map without exiting the IndieBound app. Users can tap on any pin and go directly to the full Google Maps application for detailed directions by car, public transport, or on foot.

A new, experimental feature allows users to search the Indie Store Finder map by store name. Either on IndieBound.org or in the iPhone app, just begin a search with "store:" and you'll receive up to 30 results that match your search. For example "store:porto rico" will pull up three great sources for coffee in NYC!

With the holidays nearly upon us, now is a good time to encourage your customers to freshen up their IndieBound Wish Lists as well. Wish Lists are always synced to IndieBound.org, and iPhone users can also manage their lists from the IndieBound for iPhone app.

Displaying the IndieBound.org Wish List holiday counter card is a great way to promote the lists in your store.

iPhone (and iPod Touch owners) can download the IndieBound app directly from Apple here . --Matt Supko