Many indie booksellers have successfully partnered with self-published authors [7] for years, and the growing popularity of digital formats doesn’t mean these relationships have to end. Google eBooks™ provides a way for self-published authors to make their works available in digital form for sale via IndieCommerce [8] websites.

The first step for authors is to join the Google Books Partner Program [9], and then make their titles available via the Preview Program [10].  Once the Google Books Partner Program form is completed, the author will receive an e-mail with instructions, as well as information about sending materials to Google.

Authors can submit either a physical copy or a PDF version of their books; however, Google is able to process PDF files more quickly than physical books. Details about file types and the inclusion of images is provided in Google eBooks’ Program Policies [11].

Google’s website also provides step-by-step instructions for submitting titles [12], and additional help can be found in the Google eBooks troubleshooter guide [13] and the Google Books Partner Program main help page [14].