Zola Books gets even more awesome

What do you know about Zola Books? Whatever it is, go learn more. They are way out in front of what is happening with book search and an inspiring alternative online retail option to Amazon. And by option I mean that they are a much more enjoyable and all around better choice than Amazon. Here's to their continued growth!

But today I'm writing about the news that they are publishing their 5th book this year. In other words, Zola Books is not just a retailer-- they are also a publisher.

According to The Digital Reader, Zola Books is relaunching their ebookstore site this year after launching the beta site in October of 2012.

And they have big plans:

"Zola Books got a lot of attention last year when they announced the ambitious goal of becoming a bigger ebookstore than the Kindle. Zola is planning to account for 1% of the US ebook market by the end of 2013, and in the next 5 to 10 years replace Amazon as the largest ebookstore. Currently they stock 50 thousand titles and have about 5 thousand registered users."

Ambitious, to be sure, and also entirely possible. Here's why:

1. Search: Searching for books on Zola is so much more intuitive and enjoyable than the absolute visual chaos on Amazon.

2. Indie partnerships: Zola just launched a partnership program with Indie bookstores. You know how much I believe in Indie bookstores getting stronger and being part of the future. Zola is builiding relationships to grow with them.

3. CEO Joe Regal: With decades of publishing industry experience and more than 10 years running his own literary agency, he knows what's up. Clearly. The site he is building is like watching refined versions of the ideas I talk about with my book geek friends actually come to beautiful life.

and come back and tell me what you think. Until then, happy searching and reading everyone

Image source: Washington Post blog