Smashwords has announced a new distribution deal with Oyster, a subscription service for eBooks. Oyster is offering an all you can eat, er, read service for $9.99 per month. By signing a distribution deal with them, Smashwords can now ship their titles to Oyster as a part of Oyster's library. Basically, this is Smashwords answer to Amazon's KDP Select program, which allows Amazon's Prime members to download and read a book for free. Smashwords will allow any author to opt in or out of the program, and while they have not released the compensation structure for authors, Smashwords founder Mark Coker states that it will be beneficial to indie authors. One big difference between this and Select will be that Oyster does not require exclusivity. You can opt in to the model and continue to sell your books on whatever other sites you are currently using. The only caveat for entrance into Oyster is that your Smashwords book be in their Prime catalogue.
Personally, I have mixed thoughts on the subject. One of the things about Amazon that made me shy away from Select, was the exclusivity agreement. I want to get my work in front of as many eyes as possible, and while Amazon may be a Juggernaut, they aren't the only game in town. Plus, let's face it, their shelves are packed lately, and getting seen in their store is getting harder and harder. I'm still a firm believer in the adage that if you write a good story, the readers will find you. But spreading your work out to as many distributers as possible can only help. Plus, I've heard many authors complain that their sales began to tank the minute that Select was created. Why would someone pay full price for a book if they can find something else on Select for free?
If the author compensation is as good as Coker is saying it will be, then why not take advantage of it? Especially if the deal comes with the equivalent push of exposure and marketing that Select members receive from Amazon. Just like with internet radio and Netflix, it appears that subscription services are trending, and we as authors need to get on board with the new model and figure out a way to make it work, or we start swimming against the current and drown. Coker is stating that 72 hours prior to the implementation of distribution, he will email all current authors in the Smashwords library to detail the payment structure. That gives me some time to think; but in all honesty, what is there to think about? Time to get cracking on the next novel. As always, looks like the more quality content you produce, the better off you are going to be. Sound off below, what are your thoughts on going free?
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