Smashwords

Getting your self-published book into the hands of readers across multiple platforms used to mean dealing with each retailer individually. Smashwords simplifies this entire process by acting as a central hub that distributes your ebook to major retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and library systems worldwide. You upload once, and they handle getting your book everywhere else. It's particularly valuable for independent authors and small publishers who want maximum reach without the administrative headache of managing multiple retailer relationships and formatting requirements.

• Multi-retailer Distribution — your book automatically goes live on Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other major platforms from one upload
• Library Distribution — reaches library systems like OverDrive and Hoopla, opening up institutional sales you'd struggle to access alone
• Style Guide Formatting — converts your manuscript into retailer-specific formats so your book looks professional everywhere
• Sales Dashboard — tracks your earnings and downloads across all platforms in one central location
• Preorder Campaigns — lets you build buzz by making your book available for preorder before launch
• Coupon System — creates discount codes for marketing campaigns and promotional events

• Distribute your debut novel to all major ebook retailers simultaneously
• Get your business book into library systems without individual applications
• Run promotional campaigns with discount coupons across multiple platforms
• Set up preorders to build momentum before your official launch date
• Track sales performance across different retailers from one dashboard
• Publish updated editions and have changes automatically pushed to all platforms
• Test different pricing strategies across various markets
• Build an author profile and connect with readers through the Smashwords community

• Saves weeks of individual retailer applications and submissions
• Reaches international markets you might not access otherwise
• Zero upfront costs or monthly fees — you only pay when you earn
• Professional formatting ensures your book meets each platform's technical requirements
• Access to library sales that can provide steady long-term income
• Consolidated reporting makes tracking your publishing business much simpler

You start by creating a free account and uploading your manuscript as a Word document. Smashwords then converts your file using their automated system, which formats it for different ebook retailers — each platform has slightly different technical requirements, and this handles all of that for you. You add your book details, set your price, choose which retailers you want to distribute to, and submit everything for review. Once approved, your book goes live on the Smashwords store immediately and gets distributed to your chosen external retailers over the following weeks. You can monitor sales and downloads through your dashboard, and payments are processed quarterly.

• Completely free to use — no setup fees, monthly costs, or hidden charges
• Wide distribution network including major retailers and library systems
• Automated formatting saves technical headaches
• Good international reach for indie authors
• Helpful community and resources for new publishers
• You retain full rights to your work

• Formatting system can be picky — requires strict adherence to their style guide
• Distribution to external retailers can take several weeks
• Limited customization options compared to direct publishing
• Some retailers may offer better royalty rates if you publish directly with them
• Dashboard interface feels dated compared to newer platforms
• Customer support can be slow during busy periods

• First-time self-published authors who want maximum distribution with minimal hassle
• Independent publishers managing multiple titles
• Authors focused on international markets
• Writers who want library distribution without complex applications
• Budget-conscious publishers who need free distribution options
• Authors who prefer set-and-forget publishing over hands-on platform management

Smashwords operates on a completely free model with no upfront costs, monthly fees, or hidden charges. You can upload, format, and distribute your books without paying anything. They make money by taking a percentage of your sales — 10% for books sold directly through the Smashwords store, and 10-15% for books sold through external retailers like Apple Books or Kobo. This means you only pay when you actually earn money from sales. For authors just starting out or those testing the waters with self-publishing, this removes the financial risk entirely.

Authors generally praise Smashwords for its accessibility and wide reach, particularly appreciating the free model and library distribution opportunities. Many highlight how it simplified their publishing process and opened up international markets they couldn't access alone. However, recurring complaints focus on the strict formatting requirements and outdated interface. Some users find the style guide frustrating to follow and wish the conversion system was more forgiving. The slower distribution timeline to external retailers also frustrates authors used to Amazon's immediate publishing. Overall, most reviews suggest it's a solid choice for new publishers despite some workflow friction.

Q: How long does it take for my book to appear on external retailers?

Distribution to platforms like Apple Books and Kobo typically takes 2-6 weeks, though it can vary by retailer and season. Your book goes live on Smashwords immediately after approval.

Q: Do I need to format my book in a special way?

Yes, Smashwords requires you to follow their detailed style guide for Word documents. It's quite specific about headings, page breaks, and formatting, but they provide clear instructions.

Q: Can I still publish directly on Amazon if I use Smashwords?

Absolutely. Smashwords doesn't distribute to Amazon, so you can use both platforms simultaneously to maximize your reach.

Q: What happens if I want to update my book after it's distributed?

You can upload a revised version anytime, and Smashwords will push the update to all retailers. However, the update timeline varies by platform.

Q: Do I keep the rights to my book?

Yes, you retain all rights to your work. Smashwords is purely a distribution service — they don't claim any ownership of your content.

Smashwords excels at solving one specific problem really well: getting your self-published book distributed widely without the complexity of managing multiple retailer relationships. If you're new to self-publishing or want to focus on writing rather than distribution logistics, the free model and broad reach make it worth trying. The library distribution alone can open revenue streams many authors never access. However, be prepared for some formatting friction and slower distribution timelines. Authors comfortable with technology might get better control and faster results publishing directly to each platform, but for those who value simplicity and cost-effectiveness, Smashwords remains a solid choice in the self-publishing toolkit.