Tuesday, January 07, 2020

What's the Matter with Smashwords?


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Ebook Antidote to Amazon Dominance


Yesterday, I basked warmly in the fine sales of my prostate book. Two more positive reviews popped up from men either in the cancer pipeline or on the brink. Good me. Nice me. But then I thought, whaz'sup with Smashwords?

Nothing at all from what I can tell. In the world of ebooks, they offer such worthy features as presales, discount coupons, and access to markets like Barnes and Noble, Apple Books and Kobo. Essentially, Smashwords is a large portion of the twelve percent of the ebook market not dominated by Amazon Kindle.

Anti-Marketing Campaign Drawbacks


Which returns me to my original point. I'm such a marketing Luddite when it comes to my own books—possibly a reaction from having worked in marketing—that I fail to wrest full advantage from all the open venues. Yes, Kindle is King. But if authors don't wish it to become god-emperor, then it would be wise to foster competition. 

A side order of oppression, please.


The Federal Bureau of Rapid Nourishment

Imagine a favorite coffee shop. Now picture that establishment owned and operated by the federal government.  Would your French Toast and bacon be cooked to order? Would unionized wait staff with faces like Greta Thunberg provide crisp, efficient service? Ponder such a world.

Eat Out Launching This Month

In January, I will release a solo short fiction piece. Instead of publishing on Amazon and forgetting about it for several years, I'll release "Eat Out" to pre-order on Smashwords. This horror tale about genetic engineering and unintended consequences will feature a discount coupon. I'll explain more as soon as I figure out how they work. 

(One might always check out my author Facebook page where updates thrive, awaiting your perusal. Do sign-up and stay abreast of my writerly doings.)

2 comments:

Authors 4 Characters said...

Very much looking forward to the book! Love the cover. I guess Amazon is the best place to order from?

As for writing, I haven't done any writing that can be published. (Fan fiction). However, I'm working on a more commercial project that can be published. I remain nervous about publishing through sites like Smashbooks and other e publishing places. I'm going to have to continue investigating. Your note of concern gives me more reason to pause.

The idea of the government sticking its nose into its citizens' business / creative affairs does make one think of the worst possible futuristic scenario. The thought that "The Future is Now." never sounded so ominous.

JP Mac said...

It is indeed.

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