Are Kindle sales of 'The Lost Symbol' outpacing hardcover?

As predicted, "The Lost Symbol" is producing big sales for Amazon.com and other booksellers. Amazon confirmed today that the Dan Brown's new thriller is the bestselling adult fiction title "at street date" -- pre-orders and first day sales -- in its history. But in an interesting development, the Kindle version of the "The Lost Symbol" is beating the hardcover version on an Amazon bestseller list -- a sign that Amazon's electronic book business is gaining momentum.

On the Mystery & Thrillers section of Amazon.com, the Kindle version of "The Lost Symbol" is currently ranked No. 1 bestseller, with the hardcover version of the book at No. 2. The list does not break down sales figures. Asked about the rankings, Amazon spokesman Drew Herdener said the company doesn't break down sales in the different formats but is "extremely pleased with sales of The Lost Symbol in all editions, four of which (Hardcover, Kindle, Audiobook and Large Print) are in the top 15 on our bestsellers list."

Amazon earlier scored a coup for its Kindle business by getting publisher Random House to agree to release "The Lost Symbol" in Kindle and hardcover forms on the same day, and agreeing to Amazon's pricing of $9.99 for the Kindle version. Some publishers have balked at Amazon's set price of $9.99 for new release books on Kindle, fearing it will eat into sales of more expensive hardcovers. But Random House agreed to Amazon's timing and pricing. Amazon is selling the hardcover version of "The Lost Symbol" for $16.17.

[Via Kindle Nation Daily]

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About Eric Engleman

ERIC ENGLEMAN is senior technology staff writer for TechFlash and the Puget Sound Business Journal, covering online retail giant Amazon.com. Engleman tracks Amazon's increasingly complex business, spanning ecommerce, Kindle, cloud computing, and more. He's been covering technology and other industries for the Business Journal since 2003.

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