Smashwords is a top-rated platform for self-publishing, offering writers multiple formats to publish and distribute their books. In this blog post, we’ll examine the advantages and disadvantages of using Smashwords to self-publish.
Pros:
- Multiple Formats: Smashwords enables authors to publish their books in all popular formats, including ePub, PDF, and MOBI, thus reaching out to a broader audience.
- Extensive Distribution: Smashwords distributes books across several retail sites, including Apple, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble, increasing exposure and sales prospects.
- No Exclusivity Required: Authors can publish books on multiple platforms simultaneously. This approach enables them to appeal to a wider audience.
- Simple to Use: Smashwords is user-friendly and intuitive, offering step-by-step guidance throughout the publishing process.
Cons:
- Underwhelming Royalties: Smashwords’ royalties are lower than some other self-publishing platforms. Authors can earn up to 80% of their book’s price sold on Smashwords but only up to 60% for eBooks sold elsewhere.
- Script Formatting Options: Authors must adhere to strict formatting requirements, which means that they may not have complete control over their book’s layout. Smashwords use an old piece of software referred to as “meatgrinder” which is only effective when you stick entirely to the formatting requirements.
- Subpar Support: Smashwords doesn’t list their phone number on their website, so it’s safe to assume that they don’t take calls and deal with customer concerns via email only. This means that you’re unlikely to get a real-time answer to your questions if you decide to publish a book with them.
- Lackluster Marketing: Smashwords doesn’t seem to offer any sort of book marketing or publicity services for authors. If you choose this Smashwords route you’ll be on your own with the marketing.
In conclusion, Smashwords presents many advantages to authors looking to self-publish, including easy use, wide distribution, and marketing tools. However, there are some disadvantages, including limited royalties and formatting options, subpar customer support, marketing difficulties. If you’re considering Smashwords, you should seriously look at these pros and cons first before deciding to use them for self-publishing your book.
SMASHWORDS UPDATE: NOW DRAFT2DIGITAL
Smashwords no longer allows authors to publish directly with them. They are now instructing new authors and publishers to go through Draft2Digital to be listed in the Smashwords store. Draft2Digital handles self-publishing and distribution. Smashwords aims to act only as a retailer sometime in the near future.
Smashwords/Draft2Digital Alternative
If you are looking for alternatives to Smashwords or Draft2Digital, give MindStir Media a look. The company is owned by J.J. Hebert, WSJ bestselling author and all of the offered services are hand-picked by him based on their effectiveness.
Smashwords Review