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Post by ChrisLAdams on Nov 17, 2018 7:48:15 GMT -8
Heck! This is getting as complicated as Brexit. In the years I have published with D2D I have never seen the like before. I am totally perplexed. I can only suggest requesting going higher up the food chain. I would also tell them we on the smash forum are holding our breath on the edge of our seats for the next chapter in this mystery saga. I, too, must apologize to I.P.! Never intended to take over this thread. As Gary said, blossoms happen. Maybe Ted could move all this to its own thread? Well, D2D has put the mystery to rest! I feel the robotic, vague initial email was a form letter to possibly cover multiple transgressions on the parts of we wee wittle writers (say those last four words fast, Ted!) Drum roll, please, someone. Dramatic pause. Eyes the crowd. It was my Conan stories! I finally got an email with some directness. I have two of them. When I published the first one, I wrote Cabinet, who owns the copyright for Howard's barbarian. I asked if they were OK with me publishing the story for free. They replied back immediately and said as long as it was non commercial, they had no problem with it. I got it in a letter from them, which I've kept. I saved the email as a Google doc, and sent it to D2D, and am happy to report it seems it will satisfy their requirement. The stories actually made it to Playster, etc, who kicker it back to D2D, from what I understand.
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Post by unclegarf on Nov 21, 2018 4:16:21 GMT -8
YIPPEEEEEE! Done the deed. Published new book, Drifta's Quest, via D2D. I was pleased to see I could now list on Amazon this way also. Could be a glitch coming there as I have listed the book for free for a short time, just to generate some feedback and interest (hopefully). Amazon have always been a nightmare to publish free even though they do have freebies. I'll let you know of any tut tutting from Zon on this issue. In the new year I'll slap a price on it. I intend posting on smash also but just for the smash readers. I would love to explore the D2D audio path with Craggy 1 but being a poor starving author I don't have the $$. If only. I think ebooks have lost their steam in favor of audio but sadly $$ will exclude the majority. That's my writing done for this year but as the ideas ferment in the dark disturbing recesses of my mind, something will inevitably crawl into the light.
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Post by unclegarf on Nov 22, 2018 2:27:47 GMT -8
update on new book progress. D2D is rolling out to affiliates and 5 so far have it including kobo and apple. More surprising are the smash downloads. Not only is the new one taking off, but much of the old stuff has more uptake. Not bad for less than 24 hours. I have said it before about the power of free at least at the beginning. Craggy 1 did nothing until Amazon price matched it free and it led to a six series set plus add on books. I don't write for commercial aspirations but for the creative process, any $$ earned being a bonus. Craggy 1 and Dusty 1 will always be free as will any shorts. Anybody with series in the doldrums, consider this at least for awhile. Over five million books on Zon means we have to do things like this to have a shot at success.
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Post by unclegarf on Nov 25, 2018 2:18:32 GMT -8
A couple of days on since putting my latest one out there, still a few such as Amazon for D2D to trundle it out to, but the likes of kobo and apple up and running. Put out as a freebie for now, I wonder if this is going an easier way to get a free book out on amazon than the cumbersome direct approach. Time will tell. More surprisingly is the smashwords experience. A healthy uptake of the book, about 84 so far, but a significant uptake of the old stuff (about 21 titles, mostly shorts multi genre) taking the total uploads to about 154. No reviews as yet. All in all I'll take it as a positive response, so much so I am already 6 chapters into book 2 which is flowing nicely. No idea what it's about but that's my style. Hope this gives some ideas to others as a way to promote.
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Post by ChrisLAdams on Nov 26, 2018 6:31:45 GMT -8
A couple of days on since putting my latest one out there, still a few such as Amazon for D2D to trundle it out to, but the likes of kobo and apple up and running. Put out as a freebie for now, I wonder if this is going an easier way to get a free book out on amazon than the cumbersome direct approach. Time will tell. More surprisingly is the smashwords experience. A healthy uptake of the book, about 84 so far, but a significant uptake of the old stuff (about 21 titles, mostly shorts multi genre) taking the total uploads to about 154. No reviews as yet. All in all I'll take it as a positive response, so much so I am already 6 chapters into book 2 which is flowing nicely. No idea what it's about but that's my style. Hope this gives some ideas to others as a way to promote. Things still in slow motion for me at D2D. My stories have published to 24 Symbols and Playster, but seem to be snarled on going any further. They all still say 'Publishing'. I have no idea what the hold up is. No reported downloads or sales as yet. On the other hand, my new fantasy map is coming along. It's the only thing I can control!
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Post by unclegarf on Nov 26, 2018 7:10:57 GMT -8
It all takes time, Chris. More to do with affiliates than D2D. Mine has stalled at amazon at the moment. Had a couple of questions resolved by d2d One being why I have struggled copying and pasting blurbs from a doc onto their blurb place. Also with their ToC's (is that right?) not happening because I had selected heading 3 style for the chapter headings. I had used number 1 for the main title, didn't like 2 for the chapters and used 3 instead. A change and resubmitting should fix it. So watch out for that. When I'm in the mood I'll use heading style 1 for chapters and 2 for title.
Drifta has passed 100 hits on smash and most of the others still climbing. I expect the same level of interest with most of d2d affiliates as with smash. zilch. should do better on zon, b and n and the odd one on apple and kobo.
Just had an email from d2d to advise me to publish or make changes before December 7 to be in for Christmas. That will be industry wide, so be warned!
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Post by ChrisLAdams on Nov 26, 2018 10:04:16 GMT -8
It all takes time, Chris.. ... Also with their ToC's (is that right?) not happening because I had selected heading 3 style for the chapter headings. I had used number 1 for the main title, didn't like 2 for the chapters and used 3 instead. A change and resubmitting should fix it. So watch out for that. When I'm in the mood I'll use heading style 1 for chapters and 2 for title. Yes, it does. Nothing about this racket moves faster than glacially. I started using the Smashwords format style for ToC. It went through w/out a hitch on D2D. So, to do that, I don't use the Heading 1, Heading 2, etc. Instead, everything is Normal. Then I use Bookmarks and Insert Link (select Place in this document), and pick the bookmark you saved. It's a little more work, but it works. I insert a bookmark at the beginning of each chapter and name it Ch01, etc. Then type out the ToC, select the entire line, and make it a link to that bookmark.
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Post by unclegarf on Nov 26, 2018 11:07:24 GMT -8
Sorry, I drifted off for a moment . Much prefer the one click d2d method but I'm incredibly lazy. Just noticed the ToC has been added to the B and N Drifta's Quest so no idea how that happened. If and when it gets to amazon I'll be able to see what that one looks like. Drifta now tops my personal sales ranking on B and N.
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Post by unclegarf on Nov 29, 2018 12:20:03 GMT -8
Interesting. Drifta's Quest is now on Amazon via d2d. It also has a table of contents. Also, the look inside feature is already enabled. The odd thing though is that it has a price of 83 cents on it although free elsewhere. Still,Zon works in mysterious ways. Up to chapter 9 in book 2.
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Ria Stone
SWF Writers
Posts: 1,055
Joined: Oct 30, 2013 14:12:26 GMT -8
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Post by Ria Stone on Dec 3, 2018 11:39:55 GMT -8
Hope it goes well for you, Chris. I appreciate where I P is going with it, (I'll shorten it to I P rather than idiot) and really wish him? well with it, though not for me personally. That says more about my own lethargy than anything else. It doesn't mean others wouldn't find it very useful. I hope those embracing it find much success with it. I know we are supposed to push our barrow through any likely opening to advance but... I think I have a bloggy thing somewhere. Must have a look at it one day. Hey. I'll not knock anything folk jab with a sharp stick to see what happens. Might just get stung or find that pot of honey. With my luck I'll probably be posthumously rich and famous. Well, this email from D2D surprised me.
Hello, A recent audit of a number of books published through our site has indicated some possible inconsistencies regarding the Copyrights of the books you have submitted through us. Based upon our research, there is no record that the rights to these books belong to you. As a result, we have put your account on hold pending further investigation. If you have documentation demonstrating your right to publish these books through us, please reply to this email within 7 days and include any applicable documentation. If the appropriate documentation is not provided within 7 days, your account will be closed and all your books will be delisted. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Best Regards, Sean Draft2Digital
My reply: Hi, Got your email relative to my stories. It's unclear to me exactly what you require for this evidence. I can send you folders full of files - old MSs, various covers, idea documents. However, it might just be easier to close my account. For what it's worth, all these titles are visible under the same name, Chris L Adams, on Amazon, Smashwords, Itunes, Kobo, etc, none of whom put my ownership on trial before. So I find this interesting. Whom, if I might inquire, do you guess owns these publications, if not myself, who am the one who wrote them? Sincerely, Chris L Adams
Whew!
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Ria Stone
SWF Writers
Posts: 1,055
Joined: Oct 30, 2013 14:12:26 GMT -8
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Post by Ria Stone on Dec 3, 2018 11:42:49 GMT -8
If you are an author who has published an ebook on Smashwords, here's a promotional opportunity for you. Starting this month, my literary blog will have a regular column about free and low cost ebook titles on Smashwords. (It will also contain reviews). Here's a complete description of how my literary blog will be helping Smashwords authors. The first article runs on Saturday November 24, and the deadline for submitting your promotions is Thursday November 22 at 11:59 PM. Deadline for the December article is Saturday December 15, 2018 11:59 PM (to be published the day after). Authors, if you want to forwards me info about your promotions, send them to smash @ fastmailbox.net by the deadline above. Content-wise, I have two main requirements about ebooks you can submit. The ebook must be a minimum of 50,000 words (25,000 for poetry books). Mainstream adult titles are ok (sort of, read my rules). Second, the ebook title must have coupon codes so that the title is either FREE or discounted to a price of $1.50 or less. (Here are my submission guidelines). Finally, and totally unrelated, Smashwords founder Mark Coker recently announced major improvements to the Smashwords ebook store. Hopefully this will lead to more direct sales from the SW bookstore. Finally, in case you are wondering, I don't work for Smashwords. I'm just a fan -- and also an indie publisher/author. PS, now that I think about it, when the monthly post runs, I'll not only make an announcement, but link to this forum in the piece.....Although I still encourage people to contact me directly about promotions, I will check this forum a few days before the deadline to see what promotions are mentioned here. Six months ago I did a roundup of Smashwords authors during Read-A-Ebook week in March. Those sales are gone, but the titles are still good. Hola Idiot....
I like your idea.
I was just getting ready to write a post suggesting that those SWF authors who want to can promote SWF author's works on their websites/blogs in time for the holidays.
As a general rule, I feature one Smashwords/SWF author's work on my website each month.
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Ria Stone
SWF Writers
Posts: 1,055
Joined: Oct 30, 2013 14:12:26 GMT -8
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Post by Ria Stone on Dec 3, 2018 11:49:06 GMT -8
So it's now Day Two of Seven of this bizarre D2D episode. I wrote them again, as I've yet to receive a response from the first email. If they're going to give me such a short time frame to work with, I'd think a timely response under conditions of this nature would be the default. Here's what I sent them this time.
Hi, My 7 days are counting down, and you haven't yet responded to my previous email. I still have questions about what I'm supposed to do here. "... A recent audit of a number of books..."I actually DO appreciate that you're taking steps to prevent piracy of my works. "...possible inconsistencies..."What exactly are those, and how/where do I address them? "... there is no record that the rights to these books belong to you..."Where/how exactly do you check/verify this? They most certainly do belong to me, so I'd like to know why the doubt, and what I could have done during submission to have prevented this? ".... documentation demonstrating your right to publish these books..."What sort of documentation? I own my belt and pants, but I might have trouble proving it. What do you require here? Your request should have been more detailed in specifics. "... is not provided within 7 days ..."Since this is the case, can we please get these questions answered in a timely fashion? Clock's a ticking. "... your account will be closed and all your books will be delisted..."Should I just save everyone the trouble, and do this myself? These stories are already published under my name elsewhere. I only went to your site at the encouragement of my friend, Gary Weston, who is actually quite surprised and upset about this turn of events. Which brings me to my final question: "... Refer a Friend..."Well, that depends on how we proceed from here. I've been given a time frame to produce Lord-knows-what, for reasons that I don't yet understand, and I'm not getting any of my questions answered so I can provide what you demand. Sounds Orwellian to me. In closing, you might address this issue at the beginning, when an author is uploading his works, with a section dedicated to provenance. "We require this..." and then, state clearly what it is you require. Thanks and regards, Chris L Adams
Nothing says writer, like a detailed nuanced response :-)
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Post by jaydax on Dec 3, 2018 13:33:50 GMT -8
Intriguing issue. I've not been in this forum for some time and missed this post of D2D copyright and account closing. Last post was 16th Nov 2018 It's now well after the 7 days Chris. What happened? [Edit Huh - no sooner did I add this but a whole host of extra posts appeared - OK issue resolved.]
Is it time to ditch D2D and either return to Smashwords or perhaps publish through PublishDrive (and incidentally get your books on Google Play)?
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Post by unclegarf on Dec 3, 2018 14:58:52 GMT -8
Hi, Jaydax I've been around the S P Indie block many times. After months of hard slog to finish a book, I just want things easy to do to get it out there. D2D just works for me. This latest book was published on smash for old times sake for their readers only and I have been pleased with the result and the add on interest in my other stuff on smash. It still seemed clunky to do the deed on there though. My chariot of choice, D2D, just had a much easier flow to the process. I'm never impressed by a gazillion so called affiliates who never actually take up a single title of mine, even ones with something of a following on the mighty Zon. (Take a deep breath Weston!) I'm just miffed at Zon slapping some pointless $ value on it although it's free everywhere else. Zon forbid I actually get to decide. At my age I tend to wander. Just have fun with it.
P S I wonder how long it will take to get back my God status on here? As a humanist I was never comfortable with that anyway. Pass the whiskey.
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Post by jjmainor on Dec 3, 2018 22:52:43 GMT -8
If you are an author who has published an ebook on Smashwords, here's a promotional opportunity for you. Starting this month, my literary blog will have a regular column about free and low cost ebook titles on Smashwords. (It will also contain reviews). Here's a complete description of how my literary blog will be helping Smashwords authors. The first article runs on Saturday November 24, and the deadline for submitting your promotions is Thursday November 22 at 11:59 PM. Deadline for the December article is Saturday December 15, 2018 11:59 PM (to be published the day after). Authors, if you want to forwards me info about your promotions, send them to smash @ fastmailbox.net by the deadline above. Content-wise, I have two main requirements about ebooks you can submit. The ebook must be a minimum of 50,000 words (25,000 for poetry books). Mainstream adult titles are ok (sort of, read my rules). Second, the ebook title must have coupon codes so that the title is either FREE or discounted to a price of $1.50 or less. (Here are my submission guidelines). Finally, and totally unrelated, Smashwords founder Mark Coker recently announced major improvements to the Smashwords ebook store. Hopefully this will lead to more direct sales from the SW bookstore. Finally, in case you are wondering, I don't work for Smashwords. I'm just a fan -- and also an indie publisher/author. PS, now that I think about it, when the monthly post runs, I'll not only make an announcement, but link to this forum in the piece.....Although I still encourage people to contact me directly about promotions, I will check this forum a few days before the deadline to see what promotions are mentioned here. Six months ago I did a roundup of Smashwords authors during Read-A-Ebook week in March. Those sales are gone, but the titles are still good. Hola Idiot....
I like your idea.
I was just getting ready to write a post suggesting that those SWF authors who want to can promote SWF author's works on their websites/blogs in time for the holidays.
As a general rule, I feature one Smashwords/SWF author's work on my website each month.
If you're going to do that, sign up as an affiliate on SW. When you feature an author, add your affiliate tag to the end of the URL...even if it's a free book. When someone clicks on the link, SW drops a cookie into their computer that sits there for 2 days. If they visit the site any time within the two days and buy something, even if it's not the book/author you featured, you get a commission unless the author turned off commissions for the particular book.
For authors that see a problem with this, you might want to go into the affiliate manager and turn off the referral so you don't get hit with a surprise referral fee every once in a while...
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