Sue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱1d ago

SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHOR FRIENDS
This *INSANE* email from Barnes & Noble WTF
—no more than 100 books and they start deleting??
—removing titles that don't meet minimum sales?

What the hell? I've been publishing since 2011... I have 145 titles.

AI deluge screwing us but still...it's war on indies.

Show threadSue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱1d ago

the injury of indie authors being shoved off platforms because AI is sucking up all the storage space after the insult of those very works being stolen by AI corps to feed their slop machine

(D2D and B&N both)

Show threadHannah Steenbock20h ago

@susankayequinn

I just sent email to D2D about this. I find it especially galling that they are making those earning the least pay for those who make more money on their system.

Why not make it a subscription system if they need money so badly? That would be more honest.

Show threadSue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱
@Firlefanz IDK about subscription (I loathe those generally) but you're right, it's very much punishing small authors, first-time authors, authors in lower-selling genres, etc. And it's just NUTS in terms of the longevity of their business as well. Sure, go ahead, absolutely STOP COLD any new authors from trying out this self-publishing thing to see if they can make a go of it and MAKE ALL YOUR FUTURE REVENUE. It's 100% corporate short-term bullshit mindset. They should be ashamed.
Apr 15 at 3:20pmWeb
Show threadHannah Steenbock20h ago

@susankayequinn

I agree.

They should be ASHAMED.

I use them for everything except Amazon and Google Play Store. I was so happy they finally finagled that contract with Bookshop.org.

And now this. It's so depressing.

Show threadSue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱20h ago
@Firlefanz I *only* use them for Bookshop but if I was in your position, I would stop distributing your books through them (except for Bookshop) and go direct everywhere. And tell them. You're not going to support them with your sales if they're going to turn their backs on indies like this.
Show threadHannah Steenbock20h ago

@susankayequinn

I use them for *everything* except Google and Amazon.

I *can* set up directly with Kobo and Tolino, but that's about it.

B&N demands a US checking account.
Apple demands a freaking Apple computer.

I *just* started using them for print through IngramSpark.

I am so freaking disappointed in Draft2Digital. I used to recommend them everywhere. I will no longer do that. (Yes, I told them that, too.)

Show threadSue is Writing Solarpunk 🌞🌱20h ago

@Firlefanz You should be able to go direct to IngramSpark (although I honestly don't know if it works for authors outside the US). B&N I understand -- they're a pain. Apple has long been that way, although I think there's a workaround now that doesn't require a Mac (I still use a Mac but I think the need for that went away a while ago): https://www.indiepublishinggroup.com/complete-guide-to-self-publishing-on-apple-books-for-authors/

(Kobo direct also allows you to apply for their promo and distribute to libraries)

The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing on Apple Books for Authors

If you've been considering publishing your book on Apple Books, our complete guide to self-publishing on Apple Books will be perfect for you!

Indie Publishing Group
Show threadHannah Steenbock20h ago

@susankayequinn

Yeah. I actually do sell the odd book on B&N. *sigh*

Biggest sales channel on D2D for me is Apple.

It's very good to know that Kobo distributes to libraries, though, that might actually convince me to go direct with them.

Funny enough, Google Play Store is now doing best for me.

So for now, I'll probably grit my teeth and stay on D2D, but it's high time we Indies team up and build our own sales platform.

And then D2D can forget their business.

Show threadC. R. Collins 🌳 🐸19h ago

@susankayequinn

I started with them to list with Apple. I'd been direct with them until they changed their policy and insisted I had to post a webpage with my address and phone number. Wasn't going to post my real address so I had to pay for a UPS address twice a year to remain direct. Going through D2D bypasses that requirement. I do make sales on Apple. $12 a year is cheaper than what I was paying UPS. And you can't go direct with bookshop--I tried. 😌

@Firlefanz