Today, Google and the group of authors and publishers who were plaintiffs in the US Google Book Search lawsuits announced a groundbreaking settlement agreement. This settlement, on behalf of a broad class of copyright holders, opens new opportunities for everyone – authors, publishers, libraries, Google and readers. You can learn more about the settlement and how it may affect you and your authors by visiting the copyright settlement site ( http://books.google.co.uk/booksrightsholders/). Because the settlement is awaiting court approval, we’re limited in our ability to discuss it with you. However, you are encouraged to contact the Settlement Administrator or Class Counsel, whose contact information is on the settlement website, for further assistance. You may also be interested in reading our blog post to users ( http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/new-chapter-for-google-book-search.html).

The proposed settlement covers books that were digitised as a part of the Google Book Search Library Project ( http://books.google.co.uk/googlebooks/library.html). The relationship we have with you under the Google Book Search Partner Programme does not change, although you will be entitled to the benefits conferred on you under the settlement, if and when the settlement is approved by the court. You will continue to be able to market your books through the Partner Programme exactly as you do today and we’ll be in touch about new features and opportunities for maximising the benefits of the Partner Programme for your books.

Because the settlement is awaiting preliminary approval by the court, there is no specific action you need to take, although we encourage you to visit the copyright settlement site ( http://books.google.co.uk/booksrightsholders/) and read the material there. You will also be able to sign up on the site to be announced when more information about the settlement is available.

Of course, if you have any questions about the Google Book Search Partner Programme, please don’t hesitate to contact us ( http://books.google.com/support/partner/bin/request.py).

Best regards,