Looking for Reader Opinions of Smashwords

[Iscah]

I understand the attraction of Smashwords for writers and publishers. It's fairly to easy to use and reaches a lot of markets with one click. But I'd like to hear from the reader end. (If you're selling through Smashwords, please don't answer. I've had tons of author feedback on this. Looking for non-invested reader feedback.)

If you're shopping at Barnes and Nobles or Kobo, or whatever your favorite ebook shop is, and you notice "Smashwords Edition", does that trigger any particular thoughts or reactions?

[Cate's Book Nut Hut]

I actually enjoy Smashwords, and have a very active account there. I know if, as a reader, I'm looking for something a little different from the usual offerings on the big sellers, I'll probably find it on Smashwords. I find the site easy to navigate, both on my laptop and iPad; easy to purchase and download from and, ultimately easy to leave a review on.

[Shomeret]

I like Smashwords because it allows me to use Paypal--an option that Amazon doesn't have. So if I see that there's a Smashwords edition on the Goodreads page of a book I want or if the author links to the Smashwords edition in a promotional post, I'll buy it there rather than on Amazon.

[Scott]

I buy 99% of the books I read from Smashwords and I average a about a book a week.

[Sharon]

Iscah wrote: "If you're shopping at Barnes and Nobles or Kobo, or whatever your favorite ebook shop is, and you notice "Smashwords Edition", does that trigger any particular thoughts or reactions? "

No more than "Tor Edition" or "Kindle Edition" would, frankly.

I'm not only using Smashwords' distribution system, but I'm a very happy customer. I try to buy books there whenever possible, to be honest; they pay a far better royalty rate than Amazon, etc., to the authors.

[Mary]

As an author who recently submitted to Smashwords I have another question to add if you don't mind, Iscah:

To readers: How do you feel about the "name your price" option some authors use for their books?

[chucklesthescot]

I love Smashwords. I get pretty much all my free books there, with the odd one from Kobo.

[Shomeret]

I've never encountered a name your price book on Smashwords. I'd want to be fair to the author in those circumstances. The price I'd pay would depend on a number of factors including the length and the content. I would probably want to read a sample if I'd never encountered the author before to help me determine the price that I feel the book is worth.

[Iscah]

Thank you, everyone, for responding. I return with gifts. My novella is now on Smashwords, uploaded yesterday and in the queue for the premium catalogue.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Use code: WQ67S to get a free copy (good til Sept. 20th).

The book's been reviewed on Goodreads, Amazon, and several review blogs, but it would help to have some on the Smashwords site to help it stand out.

[Justin]

I'm way too in the dark about Smashwords and thats even after going on the sight and reading how they operate. I don't know I just found them confusing and I feel as though it would be even harder to promote than Kindle but maybe im wrong. Regardless, it seems reliable but not sure if I'd consider it.

[Iscah]

Justin, that was my impression too. I'm not a big fan of the Smashwords website itself. The advantage of Smashwords for authors is that they turn .doc files into .epub and .mobi, etc. And if your files meet certain quality standards, they distribute them to sites like Barnes & Nobles, Kobo, Apple, etc.

Luckily it's not an either/or decision. My novella has already been on Kindle since the end of May:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3RI4PK

And I realized I gave no basic information about the book in this thread.

It's a fantasy called "The Girl With No Name", and it's a sort of prelude to a novel I'm releasing in November called "Seventh Night". The books can be read in either order, but I think they enhance each other.