If you're one of the 10 million or so iPhone and iPod Touch users out there, you know it's sometimes a pain to visit web sites on the Safari browser that aren't optimized for the iPhone's screen size and slow download rates.We feel your pain, which is why we're excited to announce today that we've optimized the Smashwords web site for iPhone users.
Simply visit the site and we'll automatically recognize you're an iPhone or iPod Touch user, and then we'll serve you pages optimized for your device.
iPhone and iPod Touch users can now easily browse our small but growing catalog of independently published ebook authors. All of our books are available DRM-free and multi-format, including the increasingly popular epub format used by Stanza, the leading ereader app for the iPhone.
And speaking of Stanza, Stanza fans are in for a real treat.
We also today introduced full integration with the Stanza ebook reader (see image below). Stanza users can now easily access the complete Smashwords catalog on their iPhone or iPod Touch, download book samples and free books, access their personal Smashwords library, and even download full books they've purchased online at Smashwords.com.
Visit the Smashwords.com website by entering the URL "smashwords.com" in the Safari browser. You can add all Smashwords books available in ePub format to Stanza's online catalog by tapping the "Stanza" link at the top of any page, and following the instructions there.To purchase Smashwords books, tap "Join" to sign up for a free account, or tap "Login" if you already have an account. Find the book you wish to purchase, or just tap the link at the end of the sample copy right inside Stanza to launch Safari, and click "Add to Cart". You can pay with a PayPal account or credit card, all right on your iPhone.
To load the books you've purchased into Stanza, tap the "Library" button at the top of any page on the Smashwords website. A list of books you've purchased will appear. Tap the book's title, and tap the "Download to Stanza" link on the page that appears. Stanza will launch, download the book, and you may begin reading instantly.
Alternatively, you can also access your entire personal Smashwords library directly within Stanza, by adding it as an Online Catalog. From the Library or Stanza pages on Smashwords.com, tap "Access your Library in Stanza." Stanza will launch and add your library as a new menu item under "Online Catalog." Be sure to name your catalog, otherwise Stanza will give it a default name of "www.smashwords.com". Any books you purchase or add to your Library -- whether on your PC or Mac, or while browsing Smashwords.com on your iPhone -- will appear there automatically.
If you're an indie author, there's never been a better time to publish your books on Smashwords. And if you're a fan of indie ebooks, there's never been a better time to start enjoying our small but growing catalog of books.
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3 comments:
Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!
Yes, this is it. I have been waiting for this type of system for the past year. I wish I could have created it, but I am no good with programming.
Agreed, It literally has NEVER been a better time to be an Independent Publisher. It may be slow to catch on, but it is this system right here that will make EReading a true market force.
Thank You Smashbooks. Now if only we could get this same system on exclusive Ereaders.
Okay, so after reviewing your site, It is my humble suggestion that the site begin to look more like a book store. Covers for books are more important than we would like to admit and looking at a "shelf" or some sort of interactive book catalogue for the top sellers could really help a book.
Think www.indiebound.org
or www.powells.com
www.bn.com
Smashwords can basically become a bookstore for EBooks.
Hi Spencer,
I appreciate your enthusiasm for Smashwords as well as the great feedback. At Smashwords, we occupy a curious middle ground where we're both a publisher and an online bookstore. In the months ahead, you'll see us add new features in both areas, a certainly among them could be more creative approaches to interactive book catalogs.
Our number one priority is to create tools to help indie authors publish, market and sell their books, and your suggestion is consistent with this goal.
Thanks!
Mark
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