Amazon.com Plans Audio Book Download Store

AP Says n its Web site, Amazon.com Inc. is asking publishers for audiobooks for a new download store it says it plans to open. But the Internet retailer is being coy about such key details as a launch date.

The Seattle-based company declined to say Friday when any such sales would start or how it would affect its partnership with Audible Inc., the industry-leader in sales of audio versions of books and other publications.

“We never say if or when we’re going to be launching a store until we launch it,” Amazon spokeswoman Patty Smith said.