Mark Coker and his wife wrote a book a couple of years back, but were not able to publish it because their publisher felt that their book lacked target audience, "it was quite frustrating to have a publisher deny us the opportunity to reach our audience" says Mark. He decided to launch a site that allows authors like him to reach out to their audience directly, hence he launched his website called smashwords.com. It is a marketplace for eBooks, where authors can publish, promote and sell their eBooks.
We found this site to be simple and quiet beneficial for those who wish to self-publish their books, so here's a brief review of the site:
- The site solely dedicated for eBooks only.
- Authors can list their books for free.
- Authors receive 85% of the books retail price, the site charges 15% commission.
- Smashwords.com does not control any rights on books, authors are free to sell it anywhere they want.
- Authors can upload their book as a Microsoft Word doc. file which needs to be formatted as per Smashwords guidelines, they have a free eBook called Smashwords Style Guide written by Mark.
- Smashwords format is compatible all kinds of eBook reading devices, therefore increases "target audience".
- They also provide a service wherein the author can hire a fellow Smashword author for formatting their books, ranging from $25/hr to $45/book.
- Authors can create custom coupon codes on their blog, website or social networks.
- Authors can lure their readers by providing them samples of their book, many authors have gone to the extent of sampling 50% of their books.
- Authors can give away their book for free as well.
- The site also offers a free "Book Marketing Guide".
- Smashword is DRM-free (Digital Rights Management), they want authors to trust their readers and believe in educating their customers to do the right thing. "DRM is easily cracked by hackers, and the people who pirate your book are unlikely to pay for it anyway." says Mark. Read "this" article to learn more about their "DRM-free policy".
- Mark has also started a service called "Operation ebook Drop". It is an initiative that invites authors to donate free eBooks for coalition and peacekeeping troops.
- If an author also wishes to print his/her book, Smashword can help through their affiliation with Wordclay.
- Smashwords is a U.S. based company, but authors living outside can also sell their work on the site; although extra tax will be levied on the earnings, the percentage may vary from country to country.
Mark Coker seems to be determined about bringing bring upon a 'digital publishing revolution'. What truly caught my eye about the site is their formatting system which is compatible with all kinds of eBook devices and the fact that authors get to keep 85% of their book's retail earnings.
Do let us know about your views on the site.
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