Introducing: Smashwords
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love giving readers choices. Whether you devour books on your Kindle, Kobo, or your trusty phone, I want you to be able to find my stories wherever it suits you best. One of the lesser-known gems in the indie book world is Smashwords—a platform I hold close to my heart because it was actually the first place I ever self-published.
Back in 2013, I was just starting out, feeling my way through formatting headaches and metadata mysteries. Smashwords welcomed me—and thousands of other new authors—with open arms. What makes it stand out even today is that warm indie spirit, paired with the kind of flexibility that’s harder to find elsewhere. On Smashwords, readers can download books in whichever format they like—EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and more. And there’s no DRM, which means you really own your copy and can enjoy it on any device you prefer. It’s reader-first in the best way.
And speaking of reader-first… now is the perfect time to check it out. Every July, Smashwords hosts a huge Summer/Winter Sale, and this year’s event is in full swing until July 31st. Thousands of indie books—including most of mine—are available at steep discounts. We’re talking 25%, 50%, even 75% off, and yes, some are completely free! It’s a celebration of indie publishing, and whether you’re new to Smashwords or a long-time supporter, it’s the ideal excuse to stock up on books. You can browse by genre, filter by discount, or simply lose yourself in the sea of shiny covers and unexpected discoveries.
What I personally love about this sale is that it’s not just another marketing push—it’s a genuine community moment. Authors can choose exactly how they want to participate, setting custom discounts and showcasing their stories alongside others from around the world. Readers get direct access to our books without middlemen, and that connection—author to reader—feels especially strong on Smashwords.
So if you’re in the mood to try something new, revisit an author you love, or just grab a bargain (or five), now’s the time. You’ll find all the discounted books here: Smashwords Summer Sale. It’s a great way to explore new voices, support indie storytellers, and maybe discover a hidden favourite.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll find your next bookish obsession there—mine certainly started that way.
In this series, I introduce various book retailers and services to help you find the best book deals and reading experiences. Check out the previous posts.
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