Hachette Livre, the second largest publisher in the world, is in dispute with Amazon UK regarding contractual terms. Amazon UK have sanctioned some of Hachette’s lead titles by removing the ‘buy new’ buttons and promotional leaders from their online retail site. Authors affected by Amazon’s sanctions on the Hachette Group titles include, Stephen King, James Patterson, Kate Mosse and Chris Manby.

Tim Hely Hutchinson, Hachette Livre UK CEO, in a letter to authors explained the publisher’s position and effects it is having on them. Hely Hutchinson believes the continued dispute will ultimately result in Amazon losing popularity with the general buying book public. The dispute seems to particularly focus on Amazon’s aggressive low pricing on lead titles which is having an effect on ordinary high street bookstores.

Amazon UK have not responded publicly about the dispute but their continued heavy handed practice of dealing with publishers continues in light of the recent moves against some print-on-demand publishers.

Hachette Livre are a global publisher based in France and acquired Time Warner Book Group in 2006.