Here we go..................

I discovered this website

http://www.smashwords.com/ 

After reading a fascinating blog conversation all about the virtues of e-publishing versus traditional publishing.

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/03/ebooks-and-self-publishing-dialog.html

I have been trying to get a literary agent for a few years now. I have had lots of lovely rejection letters - some with excellent feedback and the promise of a second read. I was firmly in the camp of  'if its not published on paper and stocked in a bookshop it's not really published'. I truly believed that self publishing was what the rejected try-hard wannabe authors did. However after reading the above I changed my mind almost immediately.

I signed up with Smashwords the very same day and uploaded a short story. I have decided that my short stories should be free. The first one CAKE http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/50279 was uploaded on 29th March 2011 and as of today has had 63 downloads, 10 Facebook likes and 8 reviews. All but 2 of the reviews are from my own circle of contacts.

The second short CERTAINTY https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/50598 was uploaded the next day on the 30th march and as of today has had 43 downloads, 6 Facebook likes and 1 review.

So far the stories are still pending review by Smashwords in order to be made available to lots of other e-book retailers. I wonder if this will make a difference - it should.

Watch this space - I'll keep you posted.