2 Self-Publishing Resources Every Indie Author Should Use

When I first decided to self-publish, I looked at many distributors. Out of the myriad options available to indie authors, I chose Smashwords and CreateSpace to distribute my books. I’ve also published some of my books on Amazon, but more about that in another post.

For those who haven’t decided yet or who are looking for more distributors, here is a little about each of my choices and why I like them.

Smashwords

Smashwords offers authors:

* 85% royalties (after the transaction fee).

* Your books automatically converted (for free) to all the most popular ebook formats.

* Free resources, such as the Smashwords Book Marketing Guide and The Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success.  

* Free ISBN.

How it works:

* Once your book is ready, log into your account and click ‘menu’ on the top left, then ‘publish an ebook’.

* Insert all the relevant information, then upload your book and cover and click ‘publish’.

* Go to your author dashboard and request an ISBN.

It’s that easy. The hard part is marketing, but that applies no matter where you publish or who you choose as a distribution partner.

Smashwords also allows authors to upload book trailers and audio books, and provides a ‘self-service’ author interview facility.

Create Space

CreateSpace offers authors:

* 80% royalties (of the list price).

* Free resources, such as articles on creating content and marketing your work.

* Free ISBN.

How it works:

* Once your book is ready, log into your account and go to your author dashboard.

* Click ‘add new title’.

* Insert all the relevant information, then order a proof copy.

* Once your proof copy arrives in the post, make sure that it looks exactly the way you want it to, and make any necessary tweaks.

* Approve your book for distribution.

Both these distributors give authors the option of selling via a much wider distribution network, including places like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBookstore, Sony, Kobo and more. Note that you won’t get the same percentage of royalties from the other distributors, but it’s still a good idea to opt in, because it makes it easier for readers to happen across your books.

If anyone publishes via a different distributor, I’d love to hear about it.