The ebook world continues to change, and this week brought several developments worth watching. From new ways to interact with ebooks using artificial intelligence to changes in how authors can promote upcoming releases, digital reading is becoming more than simply reading words on a screen. Here are some of the stories that caught my attention this week.
Google Gives Ebooks a New Role in AI
One of the most interesting developments comes from Google. Its new Expert Intelligence feature allows readers to connect eligible ebooks purchased through Google Play Books with Gemini Notebook. Readers can ask questions about a book and use the information to create things such as quizzes, audio overviews, and other learning materials. Google says the program launched with more than 100,000 books from major publishers.
I believe this could become an important development for ebooks. A good ebook has always been more than something you read once and forget. With AI tools, the information inside a book can potentially become something readers can revisit, question, organize, and apply. For nonfiction, business, education, personal development, and many other subjects, this could make digital books even more useful.
Amazon Expands Ebook Pre-Orders
Authors using Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform also received some good news. Beginning September 2, 2026, eligible Kindle ebooks can be offered for pre-order up to 18 months before publication, compared with the previous 12-month limit. Amazon says pre-orders can also contribute to sales ranking and help readers discover upcoming books.
For independent authors, this gives them more time to build interest before a book is released. Ebooks have made publishing accessible to more people, but getting attention remains one of the biggest challenges. A longer pre-order period gives authors another opportunity to build an audience, announce a book, and encourage readers to plan ahead.
Library Ebook Lending Creates a New Debate
Another important story involves libraries and ebook lending. A study announced by the Association of American Publishers and the Authors Guild examined the relationship between library ebook lending and commercial book sales. The study concluded that increased digital lending can affect commercial sales of both ebooks and physical books.
This is an issue that deserves careful consideration. Libraries provide an extremely important service, while authors and publishers depend on book sales and licensing revenue. The challenge is finding a system that protects access to books while also supporting the people who create and publish them. I expect this discussion to continue as digital lending becomes an even larger part of library services.
The Ebook Business Continues to Grow and Change
The larger publishing picture is encouraging. The Association of American Publishers reported that overall publishing industry revenue increased 3.9% during the first half of 2026, compared with the same period a year earlier. At the same time, technology companies, publishers, authors, and retailers continue experimenting with new ways to deliver and experience books.
That is why I remain optimistic about ebooks. They are convenient, searchable, portable, and available almost instantly. But the biggest opportunity may be what happens next. The ebook is evolving from a digital copy of a printed book into something that can connect with technology, education, artificial intelligence, and new forms of learning.
At Smart Choices Ebooks, we believe there is still tremendous value in finding the right book rather than simply finding more books. My goal as curator is to help readers discover useful ebooks that can teach, inspire, improve their lives, or help them make smarter choices. The technology may continue changing, but a good book still begins with a good idea.
AI Disclosure: This blog entry was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed for presentation and relevance by Smart Choices Ebooks.
Sources
Google — “Expert Intelligence: a new way for you to engage with trusted content”
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing — “Kindle eBook Pre-Order”
Association of American Publishers — “New Study Analyzes the Impact of Library E-Lending on Commercial Book Markets”
Association of American Publishers — Industry News and Statistics
Publishers Weekly — Publishing Industry News
Source information was reviewed September 10, 2026. Smart Choices Ebooks is not affiliated with the organizations or companies listed above.
