My New E-book Razdan Ka Pagal Khana: Apka Apna Mano Chikitsalya Is now live on KDP
Continue Reading
Just finished a month in Varanasi my time is spent running on the BHU Campus these days I go for long 10-mile jogging sessions in the morning itself. My new apple watch is my best companion as now I can keep track of my calories at birth my fitness levels can be monitored by an ECG, and O2 test and I can track my heart rate when running and when stationary. It’s a great help and so easy to use along with my music and earphones this is the best gadget I have bought for a while. The rains have come as a great relief it’s much cooler through the day and there are showers even at the night, I keep my windows open to let the raindrops in.
I have become familiar with the streets of the city Lanka, Assi Ghat, the BHU campus, and the Cant area of the city. I find it peaceful here and it helps my writing also I feel.
The city is throbbing in the evening and the marketplace is full of shoppers now that Corona has settled people are out again. I leave you with some images I captured of the city …
Continue ReadingKey Contrast: Apple Watch is a cell phone that is viable with the iPhone models. Android Wear is the Android operating system utilized in smartwatches, for example, the Motorola Moto 360.
Innovation is at its prime in this day and age, with many organizations are presently attempting to make it more available with various gadgets. Cell phone organizations are currently moving from giving innovation in the client’s hand to on the client’s wrist. That is correct these organizations are presently zeroing in on brilliant innovation that individuals can wear: Watches. Albeit, numerous Android based watches are accessible on the lookout, Apple has as of late reported its eagerly awaited Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch raises a ruckus around town in mid 2015 and is accessible in two sizes and three releases. It additionally permits clients to buy different variety lashes in various materials, to modify it however they see fit. The watches work just with iPhones, so in the event that an individual who claims an Android, should pick an iPhone assuming that they wish to buy the Apple Watch. For the iPhone clients, the Apple Watch is viable with iPhones 5 or more. The watch accompanies some implicit stockpiling for applications, photographs and music, yet no news to how much capacity is ready.
Apple has made customization and availability its center while making the Watch. The watch has wellness sensors that can gauge pulse, an accelerometer, area data, and so forth. Moreover, the watch can likewise converse with the iPhone to get other data. The telephone accompanies two Apple applications not entirely set in stone to follow objectives for work out: Movement and Exercise. Action shows your advancement toward everyday objectives for moving, working out, and, surprisingly, standing. Exercise is for more point by point following of different exercises, including distance, speed, time, and calories consumed during every meeting.
Route additionally gets more straightforward as Apple Watch permits route by touchscreen, advanced crown and voice help. Individuals with bigger fingers, dread not, the computerized crown permits the client to look at applications and zoom in an out of guides effortlessly. Squeezing the computerized crown works equivalent to squeezing the “home button” on the iPhone. Another button noticeable just beneath the advanced crown, raises the Companions list. Utilizing that rundown, the client can send messages or essentially call their companions.
Another cool element that Apple has presented is the Tapic motor, which offers two things. One is different vibration designs while utilizing maps. The vibration for turning left, will be not the same as the vibration for turning right, making it more obvious. The second is the capacity to tap and draw individual messages or emoticons. The individual can draw emoticons and different plans and send them to their companions. The Apple Pay highlight from the iPhone is carried on to the Watch and can permit the clients to pay without having the telephone close by.
Different elements of Apple Watch include:
Set enlivened watchfaces, permits customization of the watchface
Immediately explore between applications with a drastically new connection point
Effectively zoom in and out
Settle on and answer decisions
Convey top to bottom wellness data separated in three classes
Tap and draw individual messages
Redo and send emoticons
Different vibration designs
Installment facitilites
Looks: A control community that is noticeable while swiping up that offers fundamental data
Android has set the market of what smartwatches should be like. Android wear isn’t such a lot of a watch in itself yet rather the Android operating system consolidated in smartwatches. Android presented its Android Wear programming with its lead Motorola Moto 360, yet Android Wear is likewise consolidated in numerous smartwatches. This article covers just the leader Android Wear.
Contingent upon the sort of Android Wear watch an individual purchases, the highlights and configuration change. In any case, one thing that is standard among all Android Wear watches is that they are viable with any Android telephones support Android rendition 4.3 or more.
The Moto 360 offers a sharp round bezel that vows to stay up with the latest with the most recent notices. The round bezel makes the watch stand separated, as right now it is only one of a handful of the watches that are round in shape, with the rest deciding on an all the more square or rectangular look. Moto 360 accompanies calfskin groups, metal groups and is presently adding thin groups. The screen is shielded from scratches and knocks by Corning Gorilla Glass. The telephone likewise permits customized watchfaces, however from a choice of 6 preinstalled ones.
The telephone accompanies worked in applications including wellbeing and wellness applications that screen pulse and steps. It additionally accompanies applications like Facebook Courier, Home bases, Pinterest, and so forth. It is additionally open to outsider applications, permitting space for more customizations and personalization. Moto 360 accompanies contact and voice help. The watch continually tunes in for ‘alright, Google’, and gives more precise answers and ideas. The telephone is water safe and promotes the entire day battery. Nonetheless, benchmarks guarantee that the battery may not keep going the entire day relying upon utilization. Despite the fact that, it shows all warnings and furthermore permits the client to answer utilizing the telephone, it doesn’t have a free calling highlight. The client will be advised of the approaching call and might in fact get it yet should accept the telephone out to converse with the other individual.
Examination between Apple Watch and Android Wear:
Apple Watch |
Android Wear |
|
Developer | Apple | Google with Motorola |
Availability | Early 2015 | End of 2014 |
Design | Changeable watch face, includes animations | 1.56-inch round display with the bottom edge slightly cut off.
|
Compatibility | iPhone 5 and later | G Watch, Gear Live and Moto 360. Any phones with Android 4.3+ and Android L |
Fitness | Accelerometer and a “custom” sensor that uses visible-light and infrared LEDs along with photodiodes. Also, takes to the iPhone’s GPS and Wi-Fi to determine location | Depends on the manufacturer. However, Moto 360 offers heart rate monitors |
Online Payment System | Yes, Apple Pay | No |
Size | Two sizes 1.5 and 1.65 inches | Standard size depending on the company that released the product |
Shape | Rounded square | Round |
Material | Steel, Aluminum, or 18K Gold | Stainless steel |
Default strap | Varies by model | Leather |
Removable band | Yes | Yes |
Water resistance | Water resistance, but not waterproof | IP67 (30 minutes, 3 feet) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0 LE | Bluetooth 4.0 LE |
Charging | Magnetic charger, the back of the watch has no exposed charging contacts, and the charging cable snaps on with magnets to charge via induction | Charging Dock |
Colors | Stainless steel silver, yellow gold, rose gold, black, grey, and aluminim silver | Mostly black, silver and white |
Extras | Heart-rate monitor, accelerometer, remote camera | Pedometer, heart-rate monitor |
Price | Starts at USD 350 | USD 250 |
Applications | Glances, Apple Pay, Messages, Mail, Weather, Calendar, Maps, Passbook, Music, Photos, supports 3rd party applications | Card-based feature that shows assigned information on the watch, including weather and appointments. Multiple applications, including 3rd party applications. Includes Google Wallet and Facebook |
Battery | No official reports, approximately a day | Approximately a day, but Moto 360 offers poor battery life |
Navigation | Touchscreen, plus the crown of the phone acts as the click wheel that allows users to scroll through apps and even zoom in and out. The crown also works as the ‘Home’ button. A separate button below the crown pulls up Friend’s information and even allows calling and sending messages | Touchscreen and Voice activation. Allows access to applications on the phone via the watch. |
Time functionality | Yes shows time when wrist is raised or turned | Keeps the time on the screen at all times |
Voice Control | Siri | Google Now |
Multiscreen functionality | Yes | Yes |
Continue Reading
The second largest city in the state of Maharashtra and its cultural capital Pune is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Maharashtra. A blend of rich history and modern updates, the city never fails to keep its tourists entertained. Nature has also been kind to the land as is evident from the picturesque landscapes here. Pune is also called the ‘Oxford of the East’ as it boasts of famous educational institutions. To relax or to be entertained, Pune is just where you need to be. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Pune.
Contrary to its name, Aga Khan Palace functioned as a prison to Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Bhai Desai, secretary of Gandhi between August 1942 and May 1944. Aga Khan Palace, though, had other purposes when Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III built it in the year 1892. It was built with a view to help those in neighborhood who suffered the worst effects of famine. Aga Khan the Fourth donated this palace to the people of the country as a mark of respect to Mahatma Gandhi. A fine specimen for architectural excellence with lush greenery around, the palace is frequented by tourists to visit Gandhi’s memorial and memorials of Kasturba and Gandhi’s secretary who breathed their last here.
Parvati Hill, a famous landmark in the city, is home to ancient temples that date back to the 17th century. The four temples here are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh and Kartikeya. At 2100 feet above sea level, the views from top of the hill are spectacular. Parvati Museum on the hill has a good collection of old manuscripts, swords, guns, coins and paintings. Portraits of rulers of Peshwa are seen in the museum.
At a height of 4600 feet stands Rajgad fort, which served as Shivaji’s capital for more than 25 years. Trekking Rajgad can be a memorable experience as it is highly adventurous. The views from the top are stunning. To do justice to yourself and the fort after having trekked so high, it would be a better idea to camp here overnight so that you can thoroughly explore the fort the following morning. The fort houses two temples where camping facilities are provided. The fort had been a witness to many historical events and if you have a strong memory where history is concerned, the place should impress upon you most.
Europe and its never-ending list of aesthetic tourist destinations has been a centre of attraction for all travel enthusiasts from around the globe. Enjoy the peak beauty of the Alps from the top of Mt. Matterhorn and relish upon the top-notch ambiance of Zermatt village.
The outstanding Swiss Culture, their rich food and opulent lifestyle will leave you speechless. Next on your European expedition, head onto the primary European destination, Paris and click pictures by the world famous Eiffel tower. Full of aesthetic cafes, tranquil city lights, the peaceful Seine river, a myriad of museums and monuments, Paris is the perfect location for your next European staycation.
The beauty of Europe can also be enjoyed at the famous Primrose hill of London, where the famous oak tree planted in the memory of Shakespeare attracts a lot of tourists. London also comprises a plethora of royal monuments like the famous Buckingham palace and tower of London which makes it a fantastic location for learning about the exquisite royal family. Stay at the most opulent of resorts, and soak up on the charm of London.
Europe remains a beautiful tourist destination year long and in its countries, cities and towns lies a poetic beauty that every person needs to experience once in their lifetime.
Switzerland – Known as the heaven on earth, Switzerland has been a prime tourist destination for decades now and its pristine snowy landscapes, abundance of natural settings and a plethora of appealing destinations correctly says so. When in Switzerland, do visit the popular chill on castle and relish upon the exquisite essence of the scenic location. Hop on the Bernina express ride and ride amidst the mountains filled with spotless snow. Soak up on the outstanding Swiss culture and learn about their ethereal past. When on an Europe tour packages, do as the Europeans do and relish upon the Switzerland landscape on a cable car ride.
Greece – An all rounder Europe tour package must definitely include a trip to Greece. The land of Greek gods, never falls short of bewildering tourist destinations, awesome sunsets and a myriad of intriguing activities for the tourists. Take a trip to the fascinating Acropolis and discover the architectural marvel of this prehistoric monument. Enjoy a ravishing sunset on the top of the famous Olympus mountain and uncover the pristine beauty of Lake Plastira. Your visit to Greece is incomplete without stepping into the heavenly island of Santorini. Studded with white and blue houses and buildings, deep tranquil ocean in the front and the awe-inspiring sunset, Greece is a top notch tourist destination.
Paris – The land of lovers, Paris, and its glorious tales has made it a haven for all travel enthusiasts. Home to the outstanding and tallest structure, Eiffel tower, Paris never disappoints in terms of its ethereal beauty. Discover the famous Louvre museum and enjoy a tranquil dinner by Notre Dame. Step inside the Notre Dame cathedral and uncover the mediaeval style interiors and architecture. Get insights into the fancy French revolution on your visit to Versailles, and learn about the famous Louis XVI. Enjoy a heart filled sunset on a cruise over the ethereal and stunning Seine River and make splendid memories.
Rome – Rome, a land of history, politics, world revolutions, of gothic tales and monuments, never disappoints its visitors with its historic beauty. Rome is one of the oldest cities around the world and has a magnificent history dating back to 2500 years. Live the tales of Julius Caesar for real on your visit to the picturesque Colosseum. This iconic amphitheatre and its serene ruins was extremely popular for hosting tournaments and games in the past for Roman empires. During your time in Rome, don’t forget to visit St. Peter’s Square and soak up on the essence of this religiously pivotal location.
Amsterdam – A historically important location and commonly also known as the Venice of North, is a definite addition to your European vacation. Full of water canals, twinkling city lights, amazing culture and ravishing lifestyle, Amsterdam is an iconic and aristocratic location to visit. Visit the most talked about Van Gogh museum and relish upon the world famous paintings. World War II and its atrocity can be best felt at the popular Anne Frank house and thus, falls under the list of bucket list destinations to visit.
Continue ReadingThe moment you hear the name of the Emirates city Dubai, a bunch of things strike your mind. You can’t possibly think of Dubai without shopping. As you plan your luxurious trip to Dubai and decide the things-to-do list, here is a little spin on your ideal Dubai trip. Throw in some adventurous things on your list to spice up your vacation. The guarantee of doing these adventure-filled things on your trip will make your trip stand out—a lifetime of experience under your name. Enjoy to the fullest and satiate your adventurous soul.
Dubai is growing at an unstoppable speed. Dubai is well known for its skyscrapers and larger-than-life living. Another sector that is flourishing with time in Dubai is the adventure sector. Dubai Tour Packages brings in some of the most adventurous things to do in Dubai. Experiencing these things will only fulfil your trip to Dubai. The Hot Air Balloon Dubai has become one of the must-do things in the city. To have a better idea about the adventurous things in Dubai, here are some of the most enthralling things to take part in Dubai.
In the name of adventure, nothing is more adventurous than diving amidst the sharks. The Dubai mall is attracting tourists and grabbing attention for the famous shark diving activity. The in-built aquarium is hosting diving sessions with the aquatic animals. Take a deep breath, calm yourself and take the plunge. Share the water with over three hundred sharks and rays present in the tank. The tank holds the world’s most extensive collection of Sand Tiger sharks. Face the different varieties of shark and marine life, including stingrays, tiger sharks, leopard sharks, etc. Without a doubt, this is a once in a lifetime experience. The minimum age for doing this fun-filled, exciting thing in Dubai is above ten years.
If you love picturesque views that are unique and captivating, do not miss out on this thing. The hot air balloon ride in Dubai offers a gorgeous view of the city from above. Enjoy witnessing the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, from the top overlooking the Persian Gulf. The beauty of the building from the ride will surely make you fall more for the city. Make sure of the time you are taking the ride. The morning ride will offer you a calm and tranquil atmosphere. The oft breeze against your skin will make you feel fresh in the morning. At the same time, the ride during the sunset is magnetic. Get your gears ready to capture the city at its best beauty.
One of the most fun and adventurous things to do in Dubai is to enjoy a gala time at the Atlantis Aquaventure Park. Make sure to adjust in some time and squeeze this in your to-do thing in Dubai. The pulse-racing water slides will make you scream at the top of your lungs, and it’s worth it. The park hosts several record-breaking rides. The most thrilling ride, the Poseidon Revenge, will give an adrenaline rush like no other. It is a trapdoor slide that throws you into the water vertically. Some passages even give a twenty-meter drop in a fraction of a second.
If you want to do something extraordinary, this is the thing for you. Dubai offers one of the best flyboarding experiences. The magic of propulsion will boost you into the air. And here you go, you’re sure to feel like a superhero. This will pump your adrenaline at a speed of 40 kilometres per hour. It’s a bit tricky at first, but you are ready to fly high on the water once you learn the tricks. Enjoy the fantastic landscape while you are flyboarding in Dubai. If you want, you can enjoy as many sessions as you wish. It is the coolest thing to try out in Dubai along with your friends.
Continue ReadingWhy does every couple select Switzerland as their honeymoon destination? Alpine Alps, highland woods, and freshwater lakes, may be found all over the world, so why does every couple choose Switzerland as their honeymoon destination? Because the wonderful land contains several of these natural wonders in a relatively short region. Each photograph you take has the potential to become a postcard and a lasting memory. There are around 208 and 3,000-meter-high mountains in Switzerland, as well as up to 3000 Swiss lakes. You’ll see a lot of hiking hills and path routes, and if you’re an outdoor fan, your excitement will be amplified because the area offers a variety of outdoor sports such as skiing, kayaking, and swimming. Get to the Swiss Alps, which are especially popular due to its accessibility via a network of trains, funiculars, and cable cars that allow you to reach practically any point even if you are not a climber.
You will be mesmerised by the grandeur that this place has to offer, and you’ll have a multitude of reasons as to why this place is widely regarded as a paradise around the world on your platter. Take a train to Zermatt, which is located at the base of the world’s most famous peak, the Matterhorn. Then you’re about to start on an unbelievable journey up the Alps of the Matterhorn. You’ll feel like you’re on cloud nine when you visit Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station, and enjoy the stunning snow-capped Swiss Alps. Set out on a short sightseeing tour to explore the St. Beatus Caves and take a gorgeous boat ride to Lake Thun and Lake Brienz before visiting the Swiss Open Air Museum, which features various stunning craft demonstrations.
Zermatt:
Get on board a train to Zermatt with a Switzerland package for a couple and start your honeymoon days in a wonderful land full with colourful and beautiful locations. It will take you around four hours to get to your destination, but the sights you will see along the way will make your journey a thousand times more relaxing than any other. Zermatt, in the Valais canton of southern Switzerland, is a well-known mountain resort known for skiing, climbing, and hiking. Long ski lines with terrain for all abilities, a mountain trail for cyclists, and a variety of other outdoor activities are available. You can spend the day on a little trip to Zermatt Village, learning about traditional practices and experiencing modern tourism.
Matterhorn Alps:
The towering Matterhorn, which looms over the breathtaking Alpine vista, is one of Europe’s most well-known mountains. Pure crystal lakes, mountains, and waterfalls will be visible, adding to the natural beauty of the area. You will be able to explore a little town nestled between two lovely lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, in addition to natural treasures. Skydiving amid breathtaking views of the Swiss mountains will add even more unforgettable memories to your daring bucket list. Visitors board the aerial cable car in Zermatt to see the world’s most photographed mountain, a pyramid-shaped giant of a mountain.
Mount Jungfrau:
On your approach to Jungfrau, Europe’s highest train station, you’ll be treated to some spectacular masterly vistas. Take in the beautiful and glorious views of Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Kleine Scheidegg on your journey to this location. Spend time at the Ice Palace and Sphinx Terrace, as well as exploring the grounds and taking in the magnificent view of the snow-covered Swiss Alps. The mesmerising patterns and colours of stalactite and stalagmite formations will wow you. Make your way to one of the region’s museums to learn about the region’s history and culture. You will also visit the Swiss Open-Air Museum in Ballenberg, which houses over 100 residences and agricultural structures from all around Switzerland. Spend time watching and learning about a variety of creative demonstrations, including cheese production, weaving, and fine woodworking. This is a great place for newlyweds to spend some private time together while taking the best cable car journey up the mountain.
Lucerne:
To be welcomed in Lucerne, Switzerland’s cultural centre, you must first board a train from Interlaken to Lucerne. The trip will take around an hour, but once you get in the city, you will be able to enjoy the elegance of one of Switzerland’s most well-known cities. The city contains everything, from the beautiful lake to the majestic mountains and architectural marvels. Choose to take your spouse on a Cruise trip on sparkling clear ocean, with glacier steep outcrops and snow-covered mountain ranges in the background, for a stunning view cruise on Lake Lucerne.
Continue ReadingSelf-published books now account for 30% to 40% of ebook sales. Ebooks themselves make up close to 40% of all books sold, and in 2018 they are set to outsell print books in the US. All this bodes well for self-publishing authors, for whom ebooks are the preferred format. They will continue to see a healthy growth in sales as more and more people adopt e-reading. Self-publishers are also benefiting as customers switch over from brick-and-mortar bookstores to online ones like Amazon, which put self-publishers on a level footing with traditional publishers.
If you are still wondering whether to self-publish or take the traditional route, you may read through the pros and cons of each option. In case you decide to self-publish, we have put together a list of publishing service companies that are popular among independent authors. The basic services that these companies provide are manuscript conversion into publishing-ready formats and access to one or more retail platforms. Some companies even offer a range of author solutions such as professional book editing and cover design, enhanced distribution, and marketing and promotional assistance.
But before you go through our list, know about the two main types of publishing service companies: retailers and aggregators.
Retailer
A publishing company that sells books exclusively through its own retail store is classified as a retailer. Examples include Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and CreateSpace, Apple’s iBookstore, Barnes & Noble’s Press, and Kobe. Some of these companies, however, have launched special programs and partnerships to distribute books to other retailers, e.g., CreateSpace’s Expanded Distribution program.
Aggregator
An aggregator not only offers a publishing and retailing platform for ebooks, but also distributes them to a number of partner online retailers and libraries. This helps authors get the widest possible reach, without having to format their book to each publisher’s guidelines and maintain multiple publisher accounts. Aggregators can also get ebooks into channels that authors cannot approach directly; e.g., Scribd, a digital library with a subscription service and more than 80 million users worldwide, does not accept ebooks directly from authors.
For their services, aggregators charge a 10% to 20% commission on sales, over and above the retailer’s own cut.
While the term “aggregator” applies to distributors of ebooks, “distributor” is used for companies that make print books available to brick-and-mortar stores, libraries, and academic institutions, e.g., IngramSpark. Some aggregators, like Lulu and Bookbaby, even distribute and retail print books. Given the degree of overlap and the essential similarity in what they do, both types can be referred to as “distributors.”
The list of companies below follows no particular order. You can choose to publish with one or more of them.
1. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Owned by Amazon, KDP publishes and retails ebooks that can be read on Kindle devices or on devices that have installed the Kindle app. This is one publisher that an independent author cannot afford to ignore: About 80% of all English-language ebook sales occur via Amazon, and self-published titles alone account for 42% of this figure.
If you are willing to grant Amazon exclusive distribution of your ebook for a 90-day period, you can enroll into KDP Select, a marketing program that helps authors promote books largely through discounts and countdown deals. If KDP Select works well for you (and discounting is an effective way to promote sales—as the success of book promotional services like Bookbub shows), you can re-enroll into the program as many times as you want. Participation in KDP Select also makes your book available to subscribers of Kindle Unlimited and the Kindle Owners Lending Library for Amazon Prime members, and you will receive additional payments depending on the number of pages subscribers read.
Kindle ebooks use the .MOBI format, unlike most other publishers who use .EPUB. If you have created your ebook in Word, you can convert it to .MOBI using free conversion software like Calibre.
KDP pays authors royalties of 35% or 70% on the book’s list price.
2. CreateSpace
This is Amazon’s publishing platform for print books and uses print-on-demand publishing, where no stocks are held—a book is printed only when a customer places an order.
Books published with CreateSpace retail exclusively on Amazon, unless the author has opted into their Expanded Distribution program. Under this program, authors can make their books available to online and offline retailers such as Barnes & Noble, and to distributors such as Ingram and Baker & Taylor. On being added to the distributors’ catalogs, the appear in the ordering systems of the distrubutors’ network of retailers, libraries, and academic institutions, and can be ordered whenever a customer places a request at any of these places.
Amazon gives customers a better browsing and purchase experience by linking a book’s paperback and digital versions during the publishing process, provided the details of both versions match exactly.
Amazon takes a 40% cut from every regular sale, and 60% from sales made through their Expanded Distribution program. Royalty is paid after deducting Amazon’s commission (40% or 60%), a fixed charge, and a per-page charge from the book’s list price. Note that CreateSpace does not at present offer the hardcover format.
3. iBooks
Apple’s iBooks is the second-biggest ebook retailer after Amazon, accounting for 10% of sales in the top 5 countries. Its more than 40 country-specific ebook stores give unique benefits to authors: They can price their books differently in each country depending on the prices of comparable books, and even set prices in the local currency. Moreover, authors can schedule free book and discount offers anytime, and there is no exclusive distribution contract.
To publish directly on iBooks, you must have a Mac device; else you will have to go through an ebook aggregator.
Apple offers a flat 70% royalty rate.
4. Barnes & Noble Press
Formerly known as NOOK Press, this is a self-publishing portal from Barnes & Noble. It accounts for 3% of ebook sales, almost all of it from the US. It also offers print-on-demand publishing. Books published with Barnes & Noble Press retail only at their online and physical bookstores.
Royalty rates range from 40% to 65%, depending on the price of the book.
5. Kobo
An anagram of “book,” Kobo accounts for about 2% of total ebook sales in the top 5 English-language markets combined. It is a significant player in Canada, though, where it accounts for as much as 25% of ebook sales.
Like the Kindle, Kobo offers an e-reading device as well as an app for reading on other devices. Ebooks published with Kobo are available to readers in over 190 countries. It also runs the Kobo eReading Program with the American Booksellers Association, and member bookstores can give their customers access to Kobo’s 5 million+ titles. Kobo also has partnerships with e-book retailers around the world.
Royalty rates are either 45% or 70%, depending on the ebook’s price.
6. IngramSpark
This is a self-publishing service established by Ingram, the world’s leading distributor of print books connected to 39,000 bookstores, libraries, and online retailers in more than 150 countries. IngramSpark also distributes ebooks to all the top online retailers, including Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
They publish hardcover books, and even offer a premium level of printing—this is useful for books containing many pictures. They also offer authors a book returns option; authors who opt in stand a better chance of being stocked by brick-and-mortar booksellers, who are otherwise reluctant to carry self-published titles.
IngramSpark charges a 53% commission for sales to bookstores and 30% to online retailers, after deducting book production costs. They also charge a $49 set-up fee and $12 annual fee.
7. Smashwords
Smashwords is a popular ebook aggregator and distributes ebooks to almost all the top retailers, including Kobo, iBookstore, and Barnes & Noble. They have extensive ebook formatting guidelines that enable easy conversion into the formats required by their multiple retail partners. On the flip side, Smashwords does not distribute to Amazon, and offers no support with ebook formatting. If you need help formatting your ebook, and/or if you would rather publish with an aggregator that also distributes to Amazon, you may be better off publishing with Draft2Digital.
Smashwords takes a 10% cut on books sold through their own retail channel, and 15% on books sold through other retailers—this is in addition to the retailer’s own fees.
8. Draft2Digital
Although Draft2Digital has fewer retail partners than Smashwords, it distributes to Amazon and covers all the major ebook retailers. They have another significant advantage—they will format your ebook, and for free. They charge 10% of the retail price at most retailers.
9. Lulu
Lulu is one of the oldest online self-publishing companies and a popular distributor of digital and print books. They retail books through their own bookstore as well as distribute to other online stores (Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc.) and book distributors (Barnes & Noble and Ingram). Lulu offers both hardcover and paperback formats for print books. Their ebook conversion, publishing, and distribution services are free, but they sell an array of support services including editing, cover design, and book marketing. For books sold through their marketplace, Lulu charges a 20% commission after deducting any book production costs applicable to print copies. Sales generated through partner retailers would additionally attract their own commission.
10. Bookbaby
Bookbaby retails books through their own Bookshop and distributes to other retailers as well. Apart from publishing and distribution, they also sell services such as editing, cover and interior design, and marketing. Services can be purchased individually or as a package. All services are paid. Ebooks earn 100% royalties after deducting the retailer’s commission. Sales made through Bookshop, however, earn 85% royalties. Bookbaby also has a print-on-demand service. Printed books generate royalties between 10% and 30%.
There are other ways to publish and sell, too. For example, you can publish and sell directly to your customers from your own Web page by using Gumroad. You can also crowdfund your book using platforms like Unbound and Inkshares: Pitch or directly post your book/book proposal—as required by the platform, set a funding goal, and create a campaign to get support. If the goal is met, the company will edit, design, publish, distribute, and even market your book like a traditional publisher would.
So which self-publishing platform is best?
Here are a few thinking points:
As Amazon dominates 80% of the ebook market, you should publish directly with KDP rather than go through an aggregator. You could choose an aggregator/distributor for the rest, or even ignore them temporarily if you’re a new author learning the ropes. If you go exclusively with Amazon, you can access their powerful marketing features even as you earn a higher royalty rate. Bear in mind, though, that if the other retailers are excluded indefinitely, your book may never reach its sales potential. After all, Kobo accounts for 25% of the Canadian market, and iBooks for 30% of the Australian and 10% of the overall market. It is best to try out all the major retailers at some point in time, or for some of your books.
If you want to sell print copies, and have signed up with KDP for ebooks, go with CreateSpace for Amazon. Alternatively, you can opt for IngramSpark, Lulu, or Bookbaby because they offer print-on-demand copies as well as distribute to all the major ebook retailers. If you choose the latter, remember to exclude Amazon when you select retailers from your distributor’s list. Print copies cannot be sold without an ISBN, and it is better to get one on your own rather than use the one assigned by your publishing service company.
Some companies may not accept books from authors located outside the US. Royalty payment processes and payment frequency may also differ across companies. Look up the FAQs on the company websites or contact support for specific queries.
Continue Reading Sell your stories, e-books, essays, poetry, and more only on https://stck.me/
stck.me is the best place for writers to earn money from their fans
? Get an amazing personal website
? Sell directly to your fans
? Accept contributions
Start earning from your writing
Don’t leave money on the table – calculate how much you can be making every month from your writing and fans.
Build a beautiful bio – the best showcase of your work.
✨ Add links to your best work
✍? Post articles or ebooks
? Short link for social media
Connect with fans directly, away from social media noise.
☝? 1-click follow for fans
? Distribute to WhatsApp + Email
? Own your audience
Publish your work. Charge for it or accept contributions.
? Keep 90% of your price and 100% of support*
? Global payments – US, Euro, Rupees
? All built-in, no extra work required
Everything a writer needs to monetize
Create, share, and earn directly from fans