When Apple announced the iPad, it also announced the new iBooks app for iPad, which includes Apple’s new iBookstore, a way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile device. And Apple has plans for the iBookstore beyond the US.
A recent job posting (http://jobs.apple.com/index.ajs?BID=1&method=mExternal.showJob&RID=48775) shows that Apple is looking for a manger of iBooks in the Asia Pacific and Canada areas to be based in Toronto or Sydney. The manager will be responsible for launching and growing the iBook business in these areas “and building an extensive offering for customers.”
Here’s more from the job posting: “This will involve working with the iBooks and iTunes teams in Cupertino, Canada, Australia and other countries, and with content partners to secure content from U.S., international and local providers, and to market that content on the iBooks store and through other marketing programs.
“The role includes: working with management, regionally and in Cupertino to determine strategies and priorities for iBooks in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries; identifying content providers to target, establish and develop relationships; working with legal and production teams to finalize relationships and secure content; and coordinate launches with partners, production, and marketing. This role will also be responsible for marketing the books offering on the iBooks store by coordinating with Apple’s production teams, the marketing team, and the production and marketing teams of partners. The iBooks Manager will be measured according to his/her ability to establish a strong content offering for the local market to attract new customers and generate sales.
“The iBooks Manager will be the primary person responsible for building the book business in Asia Pacific and Canada and will be the primary account manager for regional content providers. This will be in collaboration with corporate and local team members responsible for books and iTunes worldwide, production, marketing, and product management for the iBooks Store.”
The iBookstore will feature books from major and independent publishers. The free iBooks app lets you buy books from the iBookstore. (And in case you’re wondering, yes, Apple refers to the store at various times and places as either the “iBookstore” or “iBooks Store”) . Once you’ve bought a book, it’s displayed on your Bookshelf. Just tap it to start reading.