tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post3980319894042834743..comments2024-03-18T21:30:04.613-07:00Comments on <b>Smashwords</b>: Ruth Ann Nordin Shares Her Secrets to SuccessDovetail Public Relationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039664167177159146noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-64247883325112796652015-05-21T05:57:06.972-07:002015-05-21T05:57:06.972-07:00Ms Nordin, I have been with Smashwords since about...Ms Nordin, I have been with Smashwords since about 2012. I have published 11 books on Smashwords. When I first started with Smashwords, they, (Smashwords), let several people post trashy comments about my books. And when I asked Smashwords to remove the comments, which were not legitimate reviews, they left them up for a very long time and only recently have they taken some of them down. Also when I look at other books at smashwords, many are not formatted well and are sloppy, yet I guess that people are selling them anyway? All the while,I take great pains to see to it that my books look their very best, yet I don't understand why my books don't sell. My three free ones are downloading nicely, but I can't seem to get beyond the 18 book barrier. It's almost like I am just not allowed to reach the $75 level and ever receive a check. I recently published a new book, one of my biggest and I think best yet, and there's not 1 sale and very few even look at it. I am very discouraged about Smashwords, and I am always looking for alternatives. I tried with Amazon, but as soon as they found out that my books were already at Smashwords they cancelled my account and sent me a check later for six whole dollars. One last thing; I am on FB at a whole bunch of groups. However when I try and tell people about my accomplishments, I am often banned for what's called 'Spaming.' So how's a person supposed to be able to tell people about their work, with out Big Money or being labeled as a Spammer? You just can't get any advertising without Big Money. I am frustrated at every turn in finding a way to make a decent income. Any help is greatly appreciated. My email is: stevesworldisnumber1@hotmail.com Thank You, Steve NelsonStevenelson1https://www.blogger.com/profile/01656678942810791374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-65933890452007688242013-11-06T15:14:36.573-08:002013-11-06T15:14:36.573-08:00Hi, do u still have a copy of runaway bride and hi...Hi, do u still have a copy of runaway bride and his abducted bride? If you do can u email it to me? aa_navia@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-27541866531947736442012-08-05T03:40:08.311-07:002012-08-05T03:40:08.311-07:00Thank you for being so forthright about your sales...Thank you for being so forthright about your sales numbers. The info is golden.Ms Verhoffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01090266678346952326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-64085021736811796282012-07-09T19:25:49.308-07:002012-07-09T19:25:49.308-07:00I have begun publishing e-books for clients throug...I have begun publishing e-books for clients through Smashwords and I am going to forward this article to many of them. Very good information about your strategy in publishing and your viewpoint on offering free books to build an audience. We had discussed this and your article confirms some of what we have talked about.<br />aAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-18505278588657056492012-05-04T09:41:32.181-07:002012-05-04T09:41:32.181-07:00Thanks Ruth Ann. This piece really blessed me. Tha...Thanks Ruth Ann. This piece really blessed me. Thanks for sharing your heart on your process. The writing journey can be far from easy, and I'm blessed to remember I am walking with the Lord - and with fellow writers. God bless you! Lara Love, http://www.walkbyfaithministry.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07000714844082261613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-58507681480013277972012-05-01T06:47:27.438-07:002012-05-01T06:47:27.438-07:00Thank you, Ruth Ann Nordin, for your insight and d...Thank you, Ruth Ann Nordin, for your insight and determination. You inspire me!Joni M Fisherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02786921502548046885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-33708338040107941832012-04-26T10:31:12.921-07:002012-04-26T10:31:12.921-07:00Ruth Ann Nordin great advice for us as self publis...Ruth Ann Nordin great advice for us as self publish authors, because for self publish authors it is more harder to get our books out there to readers. We do need all advice we can. Give yourself a hug young lady!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-28442662257366284462012-03-29T16:03:33.976-07:002012-03-29T16:03:33.976-07:00Great interview with many words of wisdom! I agree...Great interview with many words of wisdom! I agree that writing what you love and are passionate about is what's most important. It is so great to read interviews about the success of authors and all about their journey . . . an inspiration to us all. Thanks for your words of encouragement Ruth Ann, and all the best for your continuing success!R.L. Blackhursthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12631564562043862901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-2038694129140375132012-03-26T18:44:50.366-07:002012-03-26T18:44:50.366-07:00Thanks to everyone who commented. I appreciate yo...Thanks to everyone who commented. I appreciate your encouraging words. :)Ruth Ann Nordinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15277679843442868070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-60185949876599675442012-03-26T18:41:36.346-07:002012-03-26T18:41:36.346-07:00ChulaSlim,
You make an excellent point about trad...ChulaSlim,<br /><br />You make an excellent point about traditional publishers. I didn't think about it at the time, but most of the traditionally published authors I've talked to don't do as well as self-published authors. In my opinion, ebooks have opened the door to the possibility of either making a living or earning a great supplemental income as a writer. I'd hate to give up my ebook rights to a publisher. I can only imagine what a struggle getting them back would be.Ruth Ann Nordinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15277679843442868070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-88113331646438995752012-03-26T18:34:28.111-07:002012-03-26T18:34:28.111-07:00Michael McClung,
I assumed that the totals I saw ...Michael McClung,<br /><br />I assumed that the totals I saw on my Smashwords dashboard included the free books for every distributor. Thanks for informing me otherwise. :)Ruth Ann Nordinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15277679843442868070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-12015360439183745942012-03-25T17:32:10.287-07:002012-03-25T17:32:10.287-07:00Hello, Ruth Ann. As always, you deliver. Thanks, D...Hello, Ruth Ann. As always, you deliver. Thanks, David, for presenting such a good interview with one of the most helpful authors I've met in the indie world.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br />Joan ReevesJoan Reeveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17622809465767116747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-2131094905750727012012-03-24T23:24:04.724-07:002012-03-24T23:24:04.724-07:00I didn't know about these interviews, but was ...I didn't know about these interviews, but was excited to see another romance author doing so well on Smashwords. I signed up for Amazons KDP, and was irritated by it. The second my time was up I republished on Smashwords. I don't like the exclusivity. I've done really well on Amazon, but I don't like how they are too afraid to compete with other places. Since coming back to smashwords a few weeks ago my Barnes and Noble sales have more than trippled. I'm staying with Smashwords from now on. Great place. Great interview.Melody Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03661158847380768923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-11099434318247160892012-03-23T14:59:54.221-07:002012-03-23T14:59:54.221-07:00Thank you so much for your insightful interview. ...Thank you so much for your insightful interview. It gave me a ton of ideas, but more importantly, put into perspective why we have all written books; we are passionate and believe in our books 100%.<br />Thomasina Burke www.magicbridgethebook.comthomasina burkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06474373005409955205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-89303712647088475202012-03-23T03:50:22.748-07:002012-03-23T03:50:22.748-07:00It is just great to read interviews like these. Wh...It is just great to read interviews like these. What this does to new comers like me, is it gives me hope.<br />My ebook was published in October 2011 a mere 5 months - I have a long way to go yet. <br />I too find that I sell more books through Smashwords then any other ebookstores. The best part is I know immediately that an ebook is sold. <br />Thank you for the interview.<br />Jian Qiu Huang<br />"The Yellow Banana"Jian Qiu Huanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05866987895871527116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-81194853184202765872012-03-23T03:49:59.613-07:002012-03-23T03:49:59.613-07:00It is just great to read interviews like these. Wh...It is just great to read interviews like these. What this does to new comers like me, is it gives me hope.<br />My ebook was published in October 2011 a mere 5 months - I have a long way to go yet. <br />I too find that I sell more books through Smashwords then any other ebookstores. The best part is I know immediately that an ebook is sold. <br />Thank you for the interview.<br />Jian Qiu Huang<br />"The Yellow Banana"Jian Qiu Huanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05866987895871527116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-62691247675464023192012-03-23T00:35:58.786-07:002012-03-23T00:35:58.786-07:00Good interview, and thanks for sharing your number...Good interview, and thanks for sharing your numbers. One question though: I've been told repeatedly that Apple does not share free download numbers with Smashwords. How were you able to get/calculate yours?Michael McClunghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14708067144914238641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-37514005194745161652012-03-22T20:28:34.121-07:002012-03-22T20:28:34.121-07:00Thank you Ruth Ann for a great interview. I'm ...Thank you Ruth Ann for a great interview. I'm a fan having read several of your books. This article is very timely for me as I'm self-publishing my first novel in June. I, too, write historical Christian fiction. Your advise will help me keep the whole selling thing in perspective.Sophie Dawsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10754810758823051254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-44668466662565024362012-03-22T20:15:25.551-07:002012-03-22T20:15:25.551-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Carol Marlene Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03947607922037667580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-77576697550171135772012-03-22T20:13:28.128-07:002012-03-22T20:13:28.128-07:00Ruth Ann tells it like it is. This is a very good ...Ruth Ann tells it like it is. This is a very good and informative interview, no two-line answers here. <br /><br />Ruth Ann goes on to explain everything in readable detail. I find her a very helpful, and friendly person who likes to help others. When you give you receive as well. Thanks for this.Carol Marlene Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03947607922037667580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-89912923781533317822012-03-22T19:55:07.160-07:002012-03-22T19:55:07.160-07:00Thank you, Ruth Ann. Sharing about your negative c...Thank you, Ruth Ann. Sharing about your negative comments really helped me. I have received emails and messages from women who love my work, but it has been the negative hits that have caused me to doubt whether I should continue.Red Phoenixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17711000180267739830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-46777668430432831812012-03-22T18:36:11.444-07:002012-03-22T18:36:11.444-07:00I'm enjoying this new author-interview series,...I'm enjoying this new author-interview series, and Ruth Ann, yours has been my favorite so far. I like your positive attitude & views on the importance of avoiding retailer exclusivity. And you're so right about the emotional rollercoaster! I think aspiring authors are often misled into believing that after they become published, they've cleared all the hurdles and it's easy-going. In reality, that's where the real rollercoaster ride begins!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01025900107236429624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-30837367626198394582012-03-22T18:29:38.791-07:002012-03-22T18:29:38.791-07:00Great interview David and Ruth Ann. Thank you, Wil...Great interview David and Ruth Ann. Thank you, WillWill Deckerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17974566199463471740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-13685788745793047732012-03-22T16:52:21.405-07:002012-03-22T16:52:21.405-07:00I really enjoyed this. I'm amazed how Ruth Ann...I really enjoyed this. I'm amazed how Ruth Ann can write multiple books at one time. She's inspired me to try it. I generally just get stalled, then go on when I can. Congratulations on your success, Ruth Ann. I want to be like you when I grow up. :) (Already grown up? Me? well, yes. I guess I am, but...)Patricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09073900183291544491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7436915084701775452.post-82497756155513941252012-03-22T15:24:50.125-07:002012-03-22T15:24:50.125-07:00One think Ruth Ann didn't comment on is the fa...One think Ruth Ann didn't comment on is the fact that if you seek a traditional publisher and you are lucky enough to succeed, you're required to sign away almost all your rights to your work and that may be for a very long time. <br />Most publishers, now savvy to the ebook market, will require you to sell all your rights to ebook sales and if you're not accustomed to reading the fine print in publishing contracts, you my sell your rights forever. <br />I too have seen better sales though Smashwords and their distributors but like Ruth Ann says, I still maintain a presence on other sites. Like others, I believe in content. Write it, write it well, write a lot of it and eventually they will come.ChulaSlimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13123311074710030050noreply@blogger.com