If you want to release a book you have written, you either have to go through a publisher, release it on the Internet, or fund it yourself. Now, writers will be able to publish their own books to Apple’s iBook store via a couple of companies called Smashwords and Lulu.
All you need to do to get your book published on Apple’s iBook store is submit it to these companies in word format, and add a photograph of the cover. The companies will do the rest of the work for you and publish your book to the iBook store.
The Role of Smashwords and Lulu
Smashwords and Lulu are platforms that simplify the self-publishing process, making it accessible to a broader range of authors. Smashwords will take a small percentage of the royalties made from the book sales, probably a lot less than a traditional publisher would, and you get the opportunity to sell your book to a huge market of people who own the iPhone and will also own the Apple iPad. Lulu operates similarly, offering various packages that can include everything from basic publishing to comprehensive marketing services.
This could be great news for authors who can’t get their books published through traditional publishers and also don’t want to pay to have it published themselves. Authors will get 60% of all book sales through the Apple iBook store, with Apple taking 30% and Smashwords taking 10%. This model is particularly advantageous for new authors who may not have the financial resources to invest in large-scale publishing efforts.
Advantages of Self-Publishing on Apple’s iBook Store
One of the significant advantages of self-publishing on Apple’s iBook store is the potential reach. With millions of iPhone and iPad users worldwide, your book can gain visibility in a vast and diverse market. Additionally, the iBook store’s integration with Apple’s ecosystem means that your book can be easily discovered through searches, recommendations, and featured sections.
Another advantage is the control you retain over your work. Traditional publishing often involves relinquishing some creative control, but with self-publishing, you maintain full rights to your content. This allows you to make decisions about pricing, distribution, and marketing strategies that align with your vision for your book.
Moreover, the financial model is more favorable for many authors. Traditional publishers often take a significant portion of the royalties, sometimes leaving authors with as little as 10-15% of the sales revenue. In contrast, the 60% royalty rate offered through the iBook store is considerably higher, providing a more substantial return on your investment of time and effort.
Self-publishing also allows for faster time-to-market. Traditional publishing can be a lengthy process, often taking months or even years from manuscript submission to book release. With platforms like Smashwords and Lulu, your book can be available to readers in a matter of weeks, allowing you to capitalize on current trends and reader interests more effectively.
The ability to publish your book on Apple’s iBook store through Smashwords and Lulu opens up new opportunities for authors. Whether you’re a first-time writer or an established author looking to explore new distribution channels, this self-publishing route offers a viable and potentially lucrative option. With the ease of submission, favorable royalty rates, and access to a vast audience, there’s never been a better time to take control of your publishing journey.
via Ars Technica
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