Posted on 2014-Jan-27
69th in America’s Most Promising Company
“This is the best time in history to be a writer,” Mark Coker said.
Last year was one of the busiest years for Smashwords as it constantly sent the message to their authors how they could earn extra cash from collaborating with several other service providers. This year the authorized aggregator that distributes eBooks to the Apple iBookstore will come back stronger as Forbes Magazine lists Smashwords as #69th in America’s Most Promising Companies.
Extensive Distribution to Retailers
In our most recent blogs, the leading distributor of indie eBooks has never stopped short of launching author-favorite initiatives to increase revenue by managing its tight-knit relationship with existing retailers: Apple, Baker & Taylor, Barnes and Noble, Diesel eBook Store, Flipkart, Kobo, Oyster, Scribd, and Sony. Mark Coker, the company’s founder and CEO, credits its tremendous success to 80,000 authors and publishers who have chosen Smashwords as their distributor. He wrote in his blog posted four days ago that their revenue had reached $20 million in 2013, up from $15 million in 2012, referencing the Year in Review post.
Humble Underdog
Back in 2012, the quiet underdog in the eBook publishing was already recognized as the top supplier of books to the iBookstore. Running a lean, three-man operation in 2010, working as his own customer-service rep while nailing down partnership with corporate giants, Mark recounted the modest beginning as he took money on his own and borrowed an additional large sum from his mother.
The seed capital paid off as the company goes from strength to strength as it is listed as 69th in America’s Most Promising Companies.
Indie Authors’ Go to Place
Putting figures and numbers aside for a moment, Mark makes sure that his job will “simplify publishing, distribution, and metadata management” that benefits authors rather than offering publishing packages and services. Authors remain in full control of their pricing promotion and sales as Smashwords provides storefront experience on their website and retailers’ virtual showroom for readers to discover and buy their favorite titles.
Smashwords has a special place in many authors’ hearts especially those who have found success in this much-loved self-publishing platform. Having dealt with numerous retailers (except Amazon), independent authors have a go-to place to exchange information and research into the best practices in promotion and sales.
Label: eBook Industry News
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