When a first time author decides to self-publish their first novel they have every reason to be apprehensive. There are a wide array of dodgy companies that are totally for profit and have a bad reputation in the industry. Sometimes, there are scammers and one in particular has just been arrested for fleecing authors out of $300,000 USD. In late September police arrested … [Read more...] about Scammers are preying on new and aspiring authors
Indie Author News
Andy Weir gives writing advice to indie authors
Andy Weir is best known for self-publishing The Martian, until it was picked up by Penguin Random House. It quickly transformed into a bestselling novel and made into a future length movie. In a recent interview he gave some useful advice to anyone thinking of being an indie author. First, you have to actually write. It's easy to imagine a story and think about plot points. … [Read more...] about Andy Weir gives writing advice to indie authors
Ingram wants authors and publishers to sell directly to readers
Ingram is betting on a future where authors and publishers are selling e-books directly to consumers via their websites and blogs. The intention is to bypass retailers altogether so everyone can get a larger piece of the pie. The Ingram Content Group has just purchased a company called Aer.io. This company began as a developer of “native commerce” programs that gave … [Read more...] about Ingram wants authors and publishers to sell directly to readers
France forces Amazon to change Kindle Unlimited
France has been very apprehensive about e-book subscription platforms and how disruptive they might be towards the book selling industry. Fleur Pellerin, the French Minister of Culture in late 2014 prompted the government to start an official investigation to explore whether or not Amazon Kindle Unlimited was fundamentally illegal. In February 2015 Laurence Engel, la … [Read more...] about France forces Amazon to change Kindle Unlimited
Smashwords authors can now distribute e-books to Odilo, Tolino and Yuzu
Smashwords has just closed a new distribution deal that will allow their self-published authors to sell their e-books in the Odilo, Tolino and Yuzu digital bookstores in early 2016. Here are details for each the three agreements: Odilo is a leading ebook supplier to over 2,100 public libraries in 43 countries across Europe (1,000 libraries), Latin America (1,000 … [Read more...] about Smashwords authors can now distribute e-books to Odilo, Tolino and Yuzu
Wattpad should offer Patreon Donations to Authors
Wattpad has popularized the notion of serialized digital books on their website. Millions of readers and writers use the free service to hone their writing skills and develop a loyal following. The serialized approach is the most dominant on the platform with readers giving their feedback after every chapter. Many authors are writing because its a labor of love and all but a … [Read more...] about Wattpad should offer Patreon Donations to Authors
Reedsy wins Futurebook Tech Startup of the Year
Reedsy is a startup company looking to disrupt the self-publishing industry. They run an independent marketplace for authors looking to hire editor, copy editor and cover illustrator to turn your draft into a book. The service has been going strong for over a year and has just won the Futurebook Tech Startup of the Year. There are two key components behind Reedsy’s platform. … [Read more...] about Reedsy wins Futurebook Tech Startup of the Year
The Best BookTubers of 2015
Somewhere between fashion and beauty tips is an awesome YouTube community of literary enthusiasts. BookTubers is the catchall name for a new generation of youth that give bookshelf tours, conduct book reviews and read aloud from books they are currently reading. Some of the online personalities rack up millions of views and its worth checking out during the cold winter months. … [Read more...] about The Best BookTubers of 2015
Smashwords generated $25 Million in e-book sales in one year
Independent self-publishing service Smashwords has disclosed that they have generated $25 million dollars in verifiable e-book sales from April 2014 to March 2015. The e-book stores that accounted for almost all of the revenue were Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, the Smashwords Store, Scribd, OverDrive, Amazon, Baker & Taylor Axis 360, Blio, Oyster, Flipkart and … [Read more...] about Smashwords generated $25 Million in e-book sales in one year
New Visual storytelling app will help e-book authors
There is a new visual storytelling app that just became available on Android named Storehouse. It allows you to add up to 50 photos and video and make a collage that will make story boarding very simple. There are a few apps like this on the market already but this one won Apple's Design Award for its efforts on iOS and the TechCrunch Best Mobile App award in … [Read more...] about New Visual storytelling app will help e-book authors