Like it or not, the rise of Indie authors is a definite phenomenon. Personally, I like it

http://ebooksuccess4free.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/smashwords-confirms-dramatic-indie-author-rise/

Posted: 06/02/2012 19:12:33

I hope Indies become mainstream. Now, the reputation is that Indies are poorly written.

Posted: 07/02/2012 12:53:17

Obviously, quality of materials marketed through Smashwords has got to be lower that those edited and published by professionals.

But, once the book is available to the public, all the things that help people decide what to buy or not to buy kick in. the Cover, the Title, the Blurb.....

Then, the buyer decides where to spend their $3 a week on books. Instead of $30 for a new hardcover. And, they discover that, frankly, the quality of the material they bought is not so far beneath the publisher's offerings.

Also, it is so much easier for an ebook buyer to review the work and pan or praise it.

HC will have a profitable place at the table if every book they epublish is a cut above the crowd.

Posted: 07/02/2012 13:43:52

Good article Jason.

Posted: 07/02/2012 14:12:40

Good article Jason.

I agree with you, BarewithMe.

I am not sure that a lot of readers are too bothered that their book is not 100% perfect in grammatical and typographical senses nor, for that matter, whether the book conforms to all the advice given by the "experts". Most people are very impressed that you managed to get a book written in the first place and were able to navigate through the self-publishing process.

That is why I think the indie market can succeed and also why it cuts out a lot of the middle-men. Of course, there has to be a minimum standard but at the end of the day it simply has to be a "good read".

My book has received 9 reviews on Amazon to date - 8 5-stars and 1 4-stars - few of the reviews are technical in nature, most just said they liked and enjoyed it - that is what it is all about isn't it?

MP Jones (They Shoot Birds Don't They?)

Posted: 07/02/2012 20:33:42