Darling minions, it is my pleasure to introduce author S. E. Myers today. She is one of the many authors you will see me tweeting about at least once per week, and since I’ve been backlogged on my gi-normous pile of work, she’s stepping up to the plate to help me out.
Also, since Monday was a holiday in the U.S., this will be your Writing/Editing post for this week. If I have time–God willing–to write up another post this week for my traditional Tuesday post, I will. If not, I’ll see you again next week because BIG things are happening in Jinxie’s World!
The thing about publishing platforms…
As my re-enrollment date for KDP select drew closer, I was faced with the decision to continue my enrollment for the next 90 days, or, attempt other platforms for self-publishing. I decided that I would try other platforms for eBook self-publishing during the month of August. Just to test the waters. I’d read on Facebook indie writing groups and author’s blogs about their successes with Smashwords, Barnes and Nobles Pubit!, Lulu, and Kobo, just to name a few.
For my first upload, I used Pubit!. Prior to signing up with amazon.com for my first eBook Dark Revelation, I originally considered B&N.com. I have to say I am glad I chose amazon.com as my original platform. Sad to say that in one month, I sold four, yes FOUR, eBooks. I made an awesome $1.20 royalty during the month of August. I honestly think those four purchases were made by friends and I graciously thank them for purchasing my book.
I then tried Kobo. No downloads, at all. No sales. Nothing. Delisting my book has been an issue. It is going on five days and my book is still listed under kobo.com. It took three days to publish it and now longer than that to unpublish.
Smashwords, I had twenty downloads with no purchases.
Now, one month may not be a fair assessment for a self-publishing instrument, but, it gives me a snapshot of what to expect over the next few months.
I’ve decided that amazon is BOSS. I am sticking with amazon.com and KDP. As soon as Kobo delists my book, I will be re-enrolling in the select program. In the meantime I emailed Kobo instructing them to delist my book post-haste. I have had more sales, more downloads, and more purchases through KDP than any of these other platforms.
I also use CreateSpace for my printed books. EBooks seem to be more successful for me when it comes to selling online and my printed books allow me the flexibility to consign them to local book stores and donate copies to my local library.
The story might be different for other authors when it comes to what platform they use; as for me, I am now a firm advocate for amazon.com. And who knows, maybe down the road I will use their self-publishing services to submit one of the screenplays I’ve written. In December, I plan for book 2 in The Revelation Series to be released using the services provided by the KDP program. Good luck!
What say you, dearest minions? If you’re an author, what experiences have you had regarding the different platforms? If you’re a newbie to all of this, do you have an opinion or how did this help you? I’m certain Stephie AND myself would LOVE to read your comments. *points to comment prompt below*
Book blurb-y thing:
Ryleigh Simmons just turned seventeen. After losing her parents in a fatal accident, Ryleigh moves in with an aunt she was unaware of and is introduced to family she never knew existed. After finding out she is a descendant of the Fae, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the assistance of Tristan – a long lost cousin. Ryleigh’s Uncle Finar wants nothing more than to consume her and those like her to become the most powerful Fae in existence and Ryleigh is the only one who can stop him.
You can find S. E. Myers around the web at the following links:
jinxiesworld.com 
Reblogged this on S. E. Myers and commented:
So glad to be a guest on Jinxie’s World!
LikeLike