JK Rowling is no stranger to opening herself up and letting her fans see the inner workings of the mind that created the world of Harry Potter. From the publication of her notebook that she kept during the series' writing process to the ill-timed but important announcement that she'd always envisioned Professor Dumbledore as having been homosexual, Rowling has invited her … [Read more...] about What Could Rowling Do With Harry and Hermione?
Indie Author News
Amazon Removes Self-Published Title Due to Offensive Content, Internet Reaction
Following the backlash from both sides of the publishing industry last fall over the removal of so-called "offensive" content from ebook retail websites, booksellers have become more cautious about the titles they let slip through. Authors of erotica titles that were summarily removed without warning were obviously outraged, but consumers were equally upset by explicit content … [Read more...] about Amazon Removes Self-Published Title Due to Offensive Content, Internet Reaction
Amazon Lets Customers Give Back for Books with Amazon Smile
As if memberships for free shipping, low thresholds for delivery options, and discount incentives weren't already enough to sway consumers, Amazon is making it possible for its customers to feel good about their purchases through charitable contributions.The company's program, Amazon Smile (named in reference to the iconic swooping shape on its boxes), lets consumers … [Read more...] about Amazon Lets Customers Give Back for Books with Amazon Smile
“Wattpad Is for Writers and Readers”
As indie authors have struggled for discovery in a sea of openly published titles, more and more tools have cropped up to help authors put their content in front of relevant readers. At the same time, various platforms are offering something for readers as well, helping them uncover content with which to engage.Wattpad has made a name for itself through its mobile reading … [Read more...] about “Wattpad Is for Writers and Readers”
eBook Fans Demand Print
In a turn of events that even the publisher didn't see coming, fans of author Colleen Hoover's work--calling themselves the CoHorts--launched a Twitter campaign, petition, and general ruckus to have one of the author's works made available in print. The free ebook short story "Finding Cinderella" was intended as a bonus for loyal readers, but instead has taken on a life of its … [Read more...] about eBook Fans Demand Print
Self-Publishing Platforms Hit Hard by DIY Authors
In all of the industry talk aimed at the futile and (some say) abusive treatment of authors by traditional publishers, one often overlooked casualty of the availability of self-publishing options is the vanity press. While many would bid good riddance to the companies that charge authors thousands of dollars and hand them hundreds of copies of their print books to then sell … [Read more...] about Self-Publishing Platforms Hit Hard by DIY Authors
The “New” Self-Publishing
When self-publishing first began to take off as a viable option for authors (at least in terms of publishing and book sales, if not exactly for acceptance and respect), a typical scenario involved "resorting" to self-publishing after disappointment from the traditional industry. But that is rapidly changing, with more and more authors not even considering traditional publishing … [Read more...] about The “New” Self-Publishing
Hugh Howey, Jennifer Weiner Strike Back at an Industry They’ve Left Behind
In what is merely a startling coincidence, two well-known self-published authors have been at the center of a very telling look at the publishing industry this week. In a piece for Harper's Magazine, writer Jesse Baron eloquently outlines the saga of authors, namely Jennifer Weiner, who have worked futilely for inclusion and respect for indie authors from the mainstream … [Read more...] about Hugh Howey, Jennifer Weiner Strike Back at an Industry They’ve Left Behind
Smashwords Once Again Named to Forbes’ List
The quiet underdog in the ebook publishing and distribution arena has long been Smashwords, a site known for its ease of use and welcome of nearly every genre. But the site that so many readers--and even self-published authors--are not all that familiar with is actually accumulating impressive numbers, with over 80,000 authors and publishers launching more than 230,000 ebooks, … [Read more...] about Smashwords Once Again Named to Forbes’ List
CreateSpace Removes Minimum Royalty Threshold
In a bold move that makes self-publishing even more lucrative and rewarding for authors, print-on-demand platform CreateSpace announced today that it was removing the minimum threshold for royalty payouts to authors who take advantage of its direct deposit payment option. In addition, the payout date will now be thirty days following the prior month instead of sixty days.In … [Read more...] about CreateSpace Removes Minimum Royalty Threshold
How Vampires Sparked the eBook Revolution
A quick Amazon search for vampire titles shows 21,103 Kindle ebook results; on Smashwords, that number was over three thousand. And while sociologists have looked at the cultural phenomenon surrounding the popularity and sexual appeal of vampire lore, one thing is for certain: fans of the genre have not tired of it yet.When Good e-Reader first launched its Indie Author … [Read more...] about How Vampires Sparked the eBook Revolution
Amazon Publishing, CreateSpace Launch 7th Annual ABNA Awards
Submissions open next month for authors to enter their titles in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards, a long-running program sponsored by Amazon Publishing and CreateSpace. The awards, open to both published and unpublished indie titles, will close at 10,000 entries, which will then be pared down to a winner in each genre category, from which one grand prize book will be … [Read more...] about Amazon Publishing, CreateSpace Launch 7th Annual ABNA Awards