Hello from Denver - self publishing success

[GuestUser113]

Reread this again. Thanks for posting!

 

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[ChickenHawk]

Smashwords will assign a free ISBN if you so choose. It's required for iTunes and some other distributors. I assume you can use the same number for Google Play. You can also purchase one, or a block of several to use for multiple titles. If Smashwords sells them, I'm sure others do, too. I think Smashwords charges $9.99 for one, but I have no idea why that would be better than letting them assign a free one.

A question...For those who publish via Smashwords, have you just let Smashwords assign a free ISBN? Or have you purchased your own ISBNs? I'm tempted to buy my own, but the price is fairly steep. (An ISBN is required for APPLE, Sony & Kobo.)
1 ISBN = $125
10 ISBN = $250
100 ISBN = $575
100 ISBN = $1,000

I'm tempted to buy ten of my own, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. Thoughts? (As a sidenote, Smashwords says they no longer offer the $9.99 individual ISBNs for those who want to list themselves, not Smashwords, as their publisher. Bummer!)

Thanks, in advance, for any insight!

 

[Jonleehacker]

Createspace has $10 ISBNs that you can brand as your own, but it is good for US based authors only.

If any Canadians are reading this, Canada has a free ISBN service, which I have used with good results: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ciss-ssci/041002-2000-e.html

 

[COSenior]

Since I've stopped listing anywhere but Amazon, I haven't paid much attention to ISBNs, you don't need one at Amazon. Interesting about CreateSpace, may need to look into that; but, you can't use the same one for a print book and ebook both. I'd say if you want absolute autonomy over your books, buying 10 at $25 each is a pretty good deal.

 

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[GiroudJD]

Great post, HfR! I'm new to this forum but I've been self-publishing for just under a year (late January will be my 1-year mark). I quit my regular job last July once I started making 2x my monthly salary from self-pubbing and haven't looked back since. There have certainly been highs and lows along the way, but I just want to reiterate everything that HfR says, for the man speaks the truth! I'm more than happy to share any of the knowledge I've learned over the last year, as I, like HfR, think the possibilities with self-pubbing are endless.

Cheers!

 

[GiroudJD]

BTW, HfR, if you can pm me that research tool of yours, I'd be interested to take a look! You're never too old to learn new things in this game, that's for sure

 

[AubreyRose]

I don't think ISBNs matter one whit; I get a freebie one from SW whenever I need a createspace version and that's fine. And the only reason I make a createspace version is for the price discount that you see when it gets put up!

 

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[Rawr]

I don't think ISBNs matter one whit; I get a freebie one from SW whenever I need a createspace version and that's fine. And the only reason I make a createspace version is for the price discount that you see when it gets put up!

What kind of improvement have you seen when putting that discount up there? Thanks

 

[AubreyRose]

What kind of improvement have you seen when putting that discount up there? Thanks

Too many variables to say for sure, but the first novel I put it on was my breakout novel. I don't think it's worth the effort for shorts, but for full-length novels I'm always going to make a Createspace version from now on. Apart from the pricing discount, it just looks more professional.

 

[ChickenHawk]

Since this was the thread that started it all, I'm posing this question here, rather than on my progress thread...

When publishing to Smashwords, I checked the box that indicated my book contains "adult content." If my book were a movie, it would probably be rated R (depending on the angle you film at, hah!). Basically, it has bad language and two sex scenes. Although the novel is erotic, it's not erotica, if that makes any sense.

However, by checking that little box, my novel ended up lumped in with hardcore erotica and thus, invisible to readers who don't deactivate the adult filter. I'm torn about this. I have a gradeschooler. I'd never suggest he read this. It's definitely not a kids' book. However, it's not the kind of book I'd be embarrassed to leave lying around in public, if you know what I mean.

So, it seems that at Smashwords, your two choices are basically:
(1) My book is rated G. Or...
(2) My book is rated X.
What do you do if your book is rated PG-13? Or R?

For now, I've unchecked the box saying it's "adult." Did I do the right thing?

A side observation... I also worry that by designating it as "adult," I'd be disappointing readers who are actually seeking erotica. "What!? This book contained only two sex scenes? What a rip-off!"

 

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[COSenior]

Since this was the thread that started it all, I'm posing this question here, rather than on my progress thread...

When publishing to Smashwords, I checked the box that indicated my book contains "adult content." If my book were a movie, it would probably be rated R (depending on the angle you film at, hah!). Basically, it has bad language and two sex scenes. Although the novel is erotic, it's not erotica, if that makes any sense.

However, by checking that little box, my novel ended up lumped in with hardcore erotica and thus, invisible to readers who don't deactivate the adult filter. I'm torn about this. I have a gradeschooler. I'd never suggest he read this. It's definitely not a kids' book. However, it's not the kind of book I'd be embarrassed to leave lying around in public, if you know what I mean.

So, it seems that at Smashwords, your two choices are basically:
(1) My book is rated G. Or...
(2) My book is rated X.
What do you do if your book is rated PG-13? Or R?

For now, I've unchecked the box saying it's "adult." Did I do the right thing?

A side observation... I also worry that by designating it as "adult," I'd be disappointing readers who are actually seeking erotica. "What!? This book contained only two sex scenes? What a rip-off!"

I don't check that box unless it's hardcore. Out of all the novels out there, with or without sex scenes, that contain bad language, yours is just a drop in the ocean of what's available to kids. In fact, they can go to the library and check out the same stuff. It's up to their parents to monitor their reading, IMHO. However, if it's graphic, 'he did/she did', then I will, just so the ADULTS who are looking at or for it will know what to expect. If your book would be rated R, I think you're correct in believing that you would disappoint, and by disappoint I mean anger those who are seeking erotica. Angry readers return books and give bad reviews. Long story short, yes, you did the right thing.

 

[AubreyRose]

Who cares, it's smashwords, you're not going to sell much there anyway. Hopefully you're not using SW to distribute to Amazon, the Amazon block is what matters.

 

[ChickenHawk]

Who cares, it's smashwords, you're not going to sell much there anyway. Hopefully you're not using SW to distribute to Amazon, the Amazon block is what matters.

Nope, not using it for Amazon. But isn't Smashwords the way to get it on Barnes & Noble? Since I'm new to this, I might be mistaken, but that was my rationale for posting to Smashwords.

 

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[Rawr]

You go direct to - amazon, nook (b&n), kobo, google

I use Draft2digital (same as smashword but i hear is easier, never used SW myself) - for itunes.


Aubrey, did you get on google? Romance supposedly does well there. It comes distant 3rd for me right now though.

 

[ChickenHawk]

You go direct to - amazon, nook (b&n), kobo, google
I use Draft2digital (same as smashword but i hear is easier, never used SW myself) - for itunes.
Aubrey, did you get on google? Romance supposedly does well there. It comes distant 3rd for me right now though.

Thanks for the info! I don't know how I missed that.

 

[AubreyRose]

You go direct to - amazon, nook (b&n), kobo, google

I use Draft2digital (same as smashword but i hear is easier, never used SW myself) - for itunes.


Aubrey, did you get on google? Romance supposedly does well there. It comes distant 3rd for me right now though.

Yep, this is what I do.
Haven't gotten on google yet, it's on my assistant's to-do for January. I also pub on allromance though it's not really worth it now, nor bookstrand..

 

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[Rawr]

Good to know, AR hasn't gotten to me about iSBN for about a week, i think i'll pass if it doesn't make sense. I wish I knew how to bring my apple sales up, supposedly some romance does really well there.

 

[Rawr]

double post

 

[GiroudJD]

I use Draft2digital (same as smashword but i hear is easier, never used SW myself) - for itunes.

Draft2Digital is so much easier than SW, it's not even funny. I use it for everything except Amazon. I DO still use Smashwords if I'm trying to get a book permafree on Amazon, but that's just because I reckon every place the book is free helps out a little bit. So far it's worked on every one of my permafree books, so I'll keep going through the SW hassle until it doesn't work anymore.

 

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[PJH in STL]

AFC writer here. I joined FastLane forums specifically for this thread. There is really a lot of actionable info here. Thank you HFR! When you get a chance. Could I get a copy of the tool posters are talking about. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience.

 

[AubreyRose]

Good to know, AR hasn't gotten to me about iSBN for about a week, i think i'll pass if it doesn't make sense. I wish I knew how to bring my apple sales up, supposedly some romance does really well there.

Series, make the first in the series permafree, cross your fingers. Apparently that's how most people do well over there.

 

[Erock87]

@Held for Ransom

I found this forum while surfing the web a couple nights ago while my wife was sleeping on the couch. I'm an actuary by day, but a starving entrepreneur on my personal time.

Long story short, I had started to write a short book about 4 months ago on the side, but never got around to finishing it. Thanks to this thread, I finished up the final 10,000 words it needed, and just now successfully published my first ever book.

I don't care if it sells or not - I am proud of it, I enjoyed it, and I see it as just a small stepping stone.

I also ordered TML, but apparently it won't be here for another week. Looking forward to reading it.

Just wanted to thank you for the inspiration - without this I wouldn't have been motivated to get it done and take the action needed.

 

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[GiroudJD]

@Held for Ransom

I found this forum while surfing the web a couple nights ago while my wife was sleeping on the couch. I'm an actuary by day, but a starving entrepreneur on my personal time.

Long story short, I had started to write a short book about 4 months ago on the side, but never got around to finishing it. Thanks to this thread, I finished up the final 10,000 words it needed, and just now successfully published my first ever book.

I don't care if it sells or not - I am proud of it, I enjoyed it, and I see it as just a small stepping stone.

I also ordered TML, but apparently it won't be here for another week. Looking forward to reading it.

Just wanted to thank you for the inspiration - without this I wouldn't have been motivated to get it done and take the action needed.

Well done! Now, get started on the second

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Thread marked as Gold -- thank you HFR for all your contributions and for sharing your publishing experience. Carry forth...

 

[Chazmania]

Thread marked as Gold -- thank you HFR for all your contributions and for sharing your publishing experience. Carry forth...

Gold for sure HFR!

 

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[Rawr]

I broke what I made at a job vs what I made from writing last month. Thank you MJ for the amazing forum and the mindset, and thank you HFR for lighting up one of the paths to get there and the dedication.

 

[COSenior]

Thread marked as Gold -- thank you HFR for all your contributions and for sharing your publishing experience. Carry forth...

Well-deserved! Thank you, MJ, for giving credit where it's due, and congrats, HfR for the Gold designation.

 

[Jonleehacker]

I broke what I made at a job vs what I made from writing last month. Thank you MJ for the amazing forum and the mindset, and thank you HFR for lighting up one of the paths to get there and the dedication.

Bravo!

 

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[ChickenHawk]

Alas, I have another question for anyone who might be able to help. I tried to google this, but couldn't find any clear guidelines...

I've submitted my book to Smashwords, and have been approved for premium distribution. However, based on info in this thread, I went ahead and also submitted my book directly to Barnes & Noble and Kobo. I haven't been approved yet by B&N or Kobo yet, but I assume that will happen within the next couple of weeks. If I proceed with the premium distribution at Smashwords, will that mess up the direct-submission that I've made at B&N and Kobo? For example, will they receive two files of the same book, leading to confusion and delays?

Any thoughts on the best way to proceed? Thanks for any input!

P.S. A funny side note...My book is currently ranked 71 on Amazon Canada. Yay! (Shhhh...Don't tell anyone that I've only sold only 25 copies there this month. But I can't help it, I'm thrilled anyway.)

 

[COSenior]

Any thoughts on the best way to proceed? Thanks for any input!

Go to your Distribution Channel page and opt out of distribution to B&N and Kobo through Smashwords. While you're at it, better opt out of Amazon distribution, too, just in case. Find the link along the left-side menu while you're at your Dashboard.