Apple Doesn’t Allow Promo Codes in the iBookstore

A little-known fact about the iBookstore launched in mid-2010 is that Apple will not allow publishers to use promo-codes to get their books into the hands of reviewers, or to offer copies out of courtesy to select people.

Why? No one knows. All we know for now is that if you try to run a promo-code contest to get people to notice your iBook, you’re out of luck.

In essence, e-books distributed through the iBookstore are apps. They’re programs that allow people to read a book in digital format on their Apple platform of choice - iPad, iPhone, iPod touch.

Yet Apple only allows developers to promote their full-fledged apps (such as games and utilities) with promo-codes. It’s also worth pointing out that App Store promo codes have been limited to the United States for years. Only last year did Apple open the redemption method to the rest of the world.