by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
A few odds and ends and updates:
Draft2Digital: I’ve used Smashwords since I started self-publishing. It’s been convenient for me to upload one file there for distribution to multiple retailers. But I’ve experimented lately with Draft2Digital, a similar distributor (these distributors are paid a percentage of our book sales for our convenience). I really like its user interface: it’s a nice, clean look and the site is fairly easy to navigate.
I’ve found I especially like the email updates they send that let me know when my book has gone live on the different retailers or when my price changes go through on the various sites. It’s also nice that I can make my book free on Nook through Draft2Digital…that seemed to make Amazon move very quickly to price match when my book was free on the Barnes & Noble site.
I’m also paid more frequently with Draft2Digital than I am with Smashwords (payment is quarterly at Smashwords). 
Pen name tidbit: Apparently, my readers got an email from Amazon about Race to Refuge, which I wrote as Liz Craig. I did list myself as the publisher, but didn’t put myself as a contributor in the author section on the KDP dashboard. I’m thinking the reason readers received emails is because I linked to the book on my Amazon Author Central. I guess, since Liz is a nickname, there was no trouble claiming it. I never had such luck with my Riley Adams series for Penguin, which has a different Amazon Author Central page.
Penguin Random House reaching out: I was blinking in amazement on August 12th. After writing a post on the 3rd pointing out ways that my publisher, Penguin-Random House, and other traditional publishers could improve, I was surprised to see something new in my email inbox: an author newsletter. This was the first author newsletter I’ve received and I’ve written for Penguin since 2010.
“Welcome to this month’s Penguin Random House Author News! This monthly newsletter offers Penguin Random House highlights, tips to help you connect with readers, publishing industry news, and more. It also includes information on updates to the Author Portal.”
There were links to three stories on writing, promoting, and fair use. And even a webinar signup on learning about the role of networking in promoting.
There were 7 links to industry articles (from everything from The New Yorker to The Bookseller and GalleyCat).
Followed by…a request for feedback. (!)
On Friday, even more astoundingly, I got a check. Out of the blue. A check I was expecting in October. According to the letter that accompanied it, however, this is likely due to the merger between Penguin and Random House and not the publishing world as we know it radically changing.
But the newsletter is a step in the right direction. I definitely enjoy getting more information from my publisher. It’s a good thing.
Got any updates of your own? What are you trying out? Thoughts on pen names and making them work better for us?
Draft2Digital, pen names, and slow publishing changes: Click To Tweet
You got a response, whether direct or indirect. That’s a step in the right direction.
Alex–Actually, I have a feeling this has been in the works for a while for them. It was too well-produced to be in response to anything that I did (they move too slowly in this business to be able to toss something like that newsletter out, ha!)
I am glad, Elizabeth, about that newsletter. As you say, it’s a good thing. And I always like the idea of keeping updated about what’s going on in the digital world. We authors have choices, but we can’t really exercise them if we don’t know what they are. Thanks for sharing this.
Margot–Always good to stay updated in this business, isn’t it? And so much to absorb!
So… the Random Penguin quacks?
I’ve formed an LLC to serve as a publishing company in the event that I begin using different pen names. I’m not at this point, but I figure it will allow future options.
I’ve been playing with Facebook advertising (aka donating to the Zuckerberg’s) and finally hit on some ads and methodologies that operate firmly in the black. It’s promising.
I’ve also befriended some authors who hate marketing and advertising with a passion and have inquired about having me do some promo via the LLC in exchange for a piece of the action. Hmmm. Still thinking on that one.
Peace, Seeley
Seeley-I donated to Zuckerberg, too. :) I had some moderate success with my 2 ads, but I need to revisit it again. So busy lately.
You know, branching out into author services might work out well for you! Depends on how much of a hassle it is, I’m guessing. I’d feel like I’d have to add a ‘your mileage might vary’ disclaimer on anything that I did.
The Random Penguin does indeed quack…ha!
I am thinking I should check out Draft2Digital. I still only have my trilogy up on Amazon because of trouble I ran into with my cover and pixel sizes or some silly nonsense. And nice to be heard!
Hart–It’s pretty easy to use. You could probably run your cover through a free online re-size image software, or try it with Canva (free and online).
Wow.
Impressive news.
Jack–And surprising news! On all fronts, actually. I should be used to being surprised by now. :)
I always run into something on Smashwords that when I finally get it right and successfully uploaded/catalogued, it feels like I…won :-D I’ve heard D2D is less of a challenge to get in the formatting, but some authors have said that there have been some screw ups. Glad to hear that you’re doing well with them so far, and making your book free on B&N is a big deal.
Deborah–They have really good customer service at D2D, but it’s also good at SW, so no real difference there (they’re both responsive with issues or screw-ups). Free on Nook is very nice, for sure.
(“that” should be “so”)
Draft2Digital sounds great!
I’ve had an incredibly busy summer so nothing new here – although the writing it flowing again so I guess there’s that!
Jemi–Glad the writing is going well! That’s the most important news of all!
As well as a great writer, you are awesome at business. I appreciate when you share these great discoveries.
Teresa–Thanks and thanks for coming by!
Hi Elizabeth – couldn’t agree more than the comments saying how helpful you are with sharing the news etc .. and new thoughts on the business and your approach to it – always good to read the others’ comments …. cheers Hilary
Hilary–Thanks! Hope you’re having a great week. :)