Cozy Mysteries discussion

Have any indie published authors had experience with platforms other than KDP select? I'm trying to decide whether to branch out (onto Nook or whatever) after the exclusivity period. I've used the KDP promotions a few times and seen a good sales bump, so I'm a little afraid that it wouldn't be worth exploring other platforms if it means less promotion from Amazon. Thanks for any advice/experiences!

That's what I did. When my 90 days with select were up I chose not to reenroll and instead added my first book to Smashwords. Smashwords was easy to use and can send your book to maybe 10 other places like iBooks and Barnes and Nobles. Unfortunately in the 2 months I've had my book with Smashwords I haven't made a single sale. (but I am still selling on Amazon). Now I'm torn between releasing the second book in my series on Smashwords to see if that boosts sales or just going back to Amazon select so I can take advantage of the promotions.

I've heard of a lot of other people having great luck selling at places other than Amazon so my experience might be an exception.

I'm not sure it was, S.R. I started out on more than KDP because they didn't have the lending program or require exclusivity when I began. After a year with Barnes and Noble, I had sold twelve books as compared to more than a thousand with KDP.

From a reader's point of view: A lot of people I know are shying away from the Nook and from B&N because they're not sure how much longer B&N will be around to support the Nook, to offer books for it, etc. It doesn't appear that Amazon will be going anywhere anytime soon, so most of the folks I know are buying Kindles, and therefore, Kindle books.

Branch out to Nook, thats what I have, it's working good for me.

Nancy wrote: "I'm not sure it was, S.R. I started out on more than KDP because they didn't have the lending program or require exclusivity when I began. After a year with Barnes and Noble, I had sold twelve book..."

Thanks! It's good to hear it's not just me.

From a non American reader point of view, Smashwords is a great place. Amazon raises the price when you're not in USA (not taxes, a "transfer" fee that's stupid when you're downloading it to your PC), and Kindle Loan is not available at the majority of the countries. B&N doesn't sell out of USA.

It's true that Amazon makes a lot of marketing more than Smashwords.

Thanks for these interesting perspectives. One thought to share--a friend of mine who has two books in a series bought a paid ad on bookbub earlier this week. She's sold thousands now and is a category best seller in mystery and suspense on kindle. I think she gave away the 2nd book and sold the first (or maybe vice versa) as part of the bookbub promo. I'm going to try that as soon as I finish writing my second book. I think this strategy would only work well for a certain kind of book--like popular genres with a series. I was very skeptical of that sort of paid promotions, but you can't argue with success (or money!). Anyway, I think I'll experiment with smashwords in the meantime. I can always go back and I won't be losing much.

Has anyone else done paid advertising, by the way? I wonder which sites work and which are scams.

I'm more likely to search Amazon for my books because I can send it to my Kindle where with Smashwords you have to download and then transfer to your Kindle. sure it is only 1 more step but it can be a pain. I have gotten some books from Smashwords but the most recent ones are still on my computer and I need to send to my Kindle.

I like having my books on all sites, even though almost all my sales come from Amazon. In part, that's because I use a Nook myself, and hate having books that aren't available to me. And I don't like Amazon's exclusivity thing (no wonder B&N is going under--and don't kid yourself that the big guy won't screw both customers and authors worse when it's the only game in town).

Smashwords is also great for doing free books, either to everyone or for giving to specific people with a coupon. Since I get most of my books from the library, I don't think twice about needing to download to my computer and transfer.

I have an iPad with a number of ereader apps downloaded to it, including kindle & nook. What I try to do is get my ebooks from the author's publisher, or an independent, since Amazon enacted their censorship policies.

I decided a few months back I was no longer going to buy any books from Amazon, and try my hardest to purchase books from any of it's subsidies (bookdepository, abebooks, etc.) I've been using iBooks for any digital books (I don't buy very many), and searching out independent online booksellers for my printed books. (wordery.com and kennys.ie have been good so far).

Rebecca wrote: "I like having my books on all sites, even though almost all my sales come from Amazon. In part, that's because I use a Nook myself, and hate having books that aren't available to me. And I don't ..."

Preach it! I, too, am afraid of what will happen when Amazon controls every book delivery outlet. It's all a bit Fahrenheit 451 or 1984 or, well, I'm not sure what, but definitely dystopian!

I like what you and Marisa have to say in favor of Smashwords. I do take Nancy and S.R.'s point that it is not a replacement for Amazon, merely a supplement, especially if you're in the business of trying to make money off of your writing! But nonetheless, it seems worth trying, even if just to strike a blow against the Kindle-Industrial-Complex! :)

I love the Amazon customer service, it is the best. But having said that, I also download books from Smashwords, Gutenberg, and other places.

I don't think that Amazon in particular put Borders out of business, although, I think the internet in general had a big hand in it, I just think Borders was poorly managed and couldn't adjust to the competition.

I used to work in a independent bookstore and I remember when Borders and Barnes & Noble (big box bookstores) put the independent bookstores out of business. B&N just needs to have a strategy that will continue to bring people into the stores.

Mindy wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "I like having my books on all sites, even though almost all my sales come from Amazon. In part, that's because I use a Nook myself, and hate having books that aren't available to m..."

+1

Just a side note, I broke down and bought a kindle through amazon, said 5-8 day delivery, and then when I did not join Amazon Prime, my delivery became a month away. I hate manipulation!!!

Karen wrote: "I love the Amazon customer service, it is the best. But having said that, I also download books from Smashwords, Gutenberg, and other places.

I don't think that Amazon in particular put Borders o..."

I agree about the Book stores being more affected by the internet and eBook sales, but I'd like to toot a horn for the Barnes and Noble Saratoga Springs NY store.They arranged a book signing in 2006 for my first book, FOUR SUMMERS WAITING. It was a beautiful setting;a two-story store with floor to ceiling bookshelves behind a table where I sat. I sold out the books they held (35)and the staff treated me very well.What a great start for a writer!

Beth wrote: "Just a side note, I broke down and bought a kindle through amazon, said 5-8 day delivery, and then when I did not join Amazon Prime, my delivery became a month away. I hate manipulation!!!"

I really had a different experience when I pre-ordered my Kindle Touch a few years ago. They gave a delivery date of something like 11/30. On 11/1 I was notified by email I would get it by 11/15. On maybe 11/10 I was emailed it had been shipped. Had it the next day. I have never been Amazon Prime.

Maybe you should contact their customer service dept., just a suggestion, and tell them how you feel. Maybe they will do something for you.