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Old 12-18-2010, 07:49 PM   #1
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Do You Buy Ebooks from Smashwords?
Hi guys,

I signed up for the Smashwords affiliate program (where you make a little money if you sell someone's ebook) for kicks and was wondering how many people actually shop there. I've bought a couple ebooks and downloaded some freebies, but I wouldn't even be aware of the site if I hadn't published my own ebook there.

Usually, I'd just promote things with the Amazon affiliate program, where I already make some money, but Amazon doesn't currently pay a commission on ebooks for some reason.

If you have a moment, I'd love to hear how many of you buy ebooks at Smashwords and maybe what genres you enjoy.

Thanks for chiming in!
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Old 12-18-2010, 07:59 PM   #2
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I acquire a lot of books in many genres from Smashwords. If an author here plugs their book and it sounds interesting, I'll pick it up. I like Smashwords because the books are not DRM-infested, are usually reasonably priced, and offer samples so I can try before I buy, and the books are available in many formats, so no conversion is necessary on my end.
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Old 12-18-2010, 08:04 PM   #3
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Oh yes! I'm with Mavis, usually it's through MR I learn about books (although I just recently bought something off the bestseller list, and it was awful. *sigh*). I didn't know they had an affiliate program. I was going to plug some books from smashwords on my blog, I will have to look into that first.
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Old 12-18-2010, 09:30 PM   #4
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Certainly do. More so than any other ebook estore currently.
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Old 12-18-2010, 09:33 PM   #5
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Sure do. Haven't bought as many lately because there is no Wish List capability and I lose track of the books I haven't bought yet.
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Old 12-18-2010, 09:36 PM   #6
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Sure do. Haven't bought as many lately because there is no Wish List capability and I lose track of the books I haven't bought yet.
Actually, I had asked them about this. Underneath the title and info on the book page it says "add to library." Then if you go to "library" it'll be there. It functions as a wish list.
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Old 12-18-2010, 10:10 PM   #7
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Yep - like Smashwords - mainly because I prefer to buy in epub format.

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Old 12-18-2010, 10:47 PM   #8
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I haven't bought any books from Smashwords yet, but I have downloaded some free ones. If I read one of the freebies and I like it I will buy others the author has written. I actually just read a freebie and now I am going to get the entire series because I liked it so much. I think I downloaded it via B&N though instead of SW. It is up there too though.
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Old 12-18-2010, 10:57 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MmavisO View Post
I acquire a lot of books in many genres from Smashwords. If an author here plugs their book and it sounds interesting, I'll pick it up. I like Smashwords because the books are not DRM-infested, are usually reasonably priced, and offer samples so I can try before I buy, and the books are available in many formats, so no conversion is necessary on my end.
I love smashwords for those exact reasons.

I purchase for myself and for my mother (completely different taste than my own), so that is usually about 8 to 10 books per month.
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Old 12-18-2010, 10:57 PM   #10
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Very rarely.

I've purchased some books that were previously published by mainstream publishers and had gone out of print. The authors got their rights back and are making the books available digitally now.

But I don't have the time to "surf" Smashwords and read garbage-excerpt after garbage-excerpt to find the few gems in all the dreck.
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Old 12-19-2010, 10:05 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MmavisO View Post
I acquire a lot of books in many genres from Smashwords. If an author here plugs their book and it sounds interesting, I'll pick it up. I like Smashwords because the books are not DRM-infested, are usually reasonably priced, and offer samples so I can try before I buy, and the books are available in many formats, so no conversion is necessary on my end.
This is my approach as well. I generally prefer to buy from Smashwords. I have complained to them about how they have their website set up (e.g., Library means to me books purchased, not wish list and that it isn't intuitive to use your browser's backbutton to resume a search after you have added a book to the cart) but I think it often falls on deaf ears.

My biggest complaint is the filter system. It is wholly inadequate. But even after multiple complaints about it and how frustrating it is to search for a book on Smashwords, Mark Coker hasn't made any changes. I can't believe I'm the only one who thinks the filtering could be greatly improved and thus lead to more sales.
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Old 12-19-2010, 10:22 AM   #12
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If you have a moment, I'd love to hear how many of you buy ebooks at Smashwords and maybe what genres you enjoy.
I don't, because the overwhelming majority of books at Smashwords don't even have the luxury of being poorly edited. The aren't edited at all, and show it.

I prefer to buy from mainstream publishers who properly edit their books, and, of course, I read a good deal of books which are in the public domain.
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Old 12-19-2010, 10:45 AM   #13
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I don't, because the overwhelming majority of books at Smashwords don't even have the luxury of being poorly edited. The aren't edited at all, and show it.

I prefer to buy from mainstream publishers who properly edit their books, and, of course, I read a good deal of books which are in the public domain.
I've read quite a few that were very well edited. But then I just read one that was absolutely awful. That one I bought on a whim, usually I hear what MR members say.
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Old 12-19-2010, 11:16 AM   #14
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I usually check reviews at GoodReads or Amazon if I haven't heard of the author before. then I add the book to my cart. It helps cut down on some of the really bad stuff.
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Old 12-19-2010, 11:37 AM   #15
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I buy from Smashwords occasionally, but more often than not I get their freebies, because I don't find most of the books on there are worth buying. There are exceptions, I've read some very good books from Smashwords, but they aren't the rule.

My big problem is that too many Smashwords authors seem to suffer from "golden word syndrome," and not only don't edit their books but seem to actively oppose having them edited. The problem with that is that every book needs editing. Not necessarily by someone else, it's more efficient that way, but if the author puts in the time and effort they can learn to edit their own work. (Especially if they have good beta readers.)

Unfortunately none of that is possible unless the author is capable of looking at a first draft and seeing a first draft: If they see golden deathless prose, the book is done for.
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