What's In a Name?

I hope Juliet was right when she said, 'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet', because Smashwords has merged with Draft to Digital, and will soon change its name. The company has assured readers and authors that they will benefit from the best features of both, but it's a nuisance as I've been using 'Smashwords' in all my promotions and links. I can't say the thought of having to go through everything and change it fills me with joy.

There is bound to be some disruption. I've never had a problem with Smashwords' formatting or manuscript approval system. I've got everything set up of it on my computers, so I'm not particularly keen to change, even if Draft 2 Digital's system is simpler. Apparently, all authors have to do is upload their basic manuscript with obvious chapter headings and the company does all the formatting including putting in the end matter. The new company will also have the facility to offer print on demand, which sounds good, although my print editions can already be accessed from the site. No doubt, I'll get used to it, but at the moment it seems more like relinquishing control than saving time, especially as any new system takes a while to absorb.

I've always felt happy to recommend Smashwords to readers, as I know it won't bombard them with advertising or 'news'. I fund its pages easy to navigate, and I love its regular sales. Currently, it's Read an Ebook Week with hundreds of titles free or discounted in the week-long sale, which runs up to and including 12th March. You can download Discord's Child FREE and Discord's Apprentice at 50% discount , so you can read the whole Exiles of Ondd series for half the usual price. For those who prefer short stories, my anthology, Artists and Liars, is also FREE . It's ideal it you like a complete shot of fiction with your morning coffee. Visit http://www.smashwords.com/profile/vie...
Enjoy!