Uncovering the Best SmashWords Alternatives for Authors
SmashWords has long been a go-to platform for independent authors seeking affordable formatting services and broad distribution, particularly for inclusion in their Premium Catalog and for Kindle Direct Publishing. They even offer services for formatting public domain titles. However, the world of self-publishing is constantly evolving, and many authors are now exploring other options that might better suit their specific needs, offer different features, or provide a unique community experience. If you're looking to expand your reach or find a different publishing workflow, exploring a SmashWords alternative is a smart move.
Top SmashWords Alternatives for Your Publishing Journey
Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your writing journey, finding the right platform can make all the difference. These alternatives offer diverse features, from robust community engagement to powerful publishing tools, providing excellent options beyond SmashWords.
Wattpad
Wattpad stands out as the world's most popular ebook community, ideal for authors looking for a highly interactive SmashWords alternative. It allows readers and writers to discover, share, and connect, delivering billions of pages. Available on Freemium, Web, Android, iPhone, Java Mobile, S60, Blackberry, Windows Phone, and iPad, Wattpad boasts features like mobile apps, group chat, social networking, and a built-in writing tool, making it perfect for engaging with a broad audience.
Commaful
Commaful is the largest multimedia fiction site globally, offering a unique experience with its focus on short stories, poetry, and fanfiction. As a free SmashWords alternative available on Web, Android, and iPhone, it offers an ad-free experience, publishing capabilities, and a writing tool, making it a great choice for authors who want to experiment with visual and short-form storytelling.
Booksie.com
Booksie.com provides writers with an easy way to publish and promote their work, while also giving readers access to quality creative writing. This free, web-based SmashWords alternative includes a robust writing tool, making it a straightforward option for authors focused on sharing their prose without complex formatting or distribution concerns.
Bhooks
Bhooks aims to bring reading to a new technological forefront by allowing users to download any book automatically to their e-reader and exchange feedback. This free, web-based SmashWords alternative boasts features like a built-in e-Book converter, distraction-free writing, support for all e-book formats, e-reader sync, and an ad-free, DRM-free experience, making it highly appealing for authors who prioritize ease of use and reader interaction.
Orton
Orton is an online writing platform designed for sharing creative novels, poetry, and scripts to receive feedback from a strong, passionate creative community. As a free, web-based SmashWords alternative, Orton excels with its collaborative writing features, community-based feedback, publishing options, and comprehensive writing tool. It’s ideal for authors seeking constructive criticism and engagement during their writing process.
BookBaby
BookBaby specializes in digitally distributing the works of independent authors, poets, memoirists, and publishers, making their eBooks available on platforms like Apple’s iBookstore. As a commercial, web-based SmashWords alternative, BookBaby focuses on robust publishing services, making it a strong contender for authors looking for professional distribution and a wider retail presence.
Royal Road
Royal Road is a popular platform for reading and writing web novels and fan fiction, fostering an active community. This freemium, web-based SmashWords alternative is great for authors interested in serialized fiction, gaining a dedicated readership, and engaging directly with fans of specific genres. Its web-based nature ensures accessibility for both writers and readers.
PublishMonster
PublishMonster offers an attractive proposition: publish unlimited ebooks into the biggest stores while keeping 100% of your royalties, all for a low yearly fixed price ($19.90). As a commercial, web-based SmashWords alternative, it stands out with its DRM-free and comprehensive publishing features, perfect for authors prioritizing maximum royalty retention and wide distribution without per-book fees.
Foboko
Foboko is a service that provides free ebooks and an online service for writing and publishing ebooks. As a free, web-based SmashWords alternative, its primary feature is its robust publishing capability, making it a straightforward and cost-effective solution for authors looking to get their work out quickly and easily to a wider audience.
The landscape of self-publishing offers a wealth of opportunities beyond a single platform. By exploring these SmashWords alternatives, you can discover new communities, leverage unique tools, and find the perfect fit for your publishing goals, ensuring your stories reach the readers they deserve.