Earlier this year, before moving and improving our Digital Content Center Blog, we discussed the number one reason why writers today choose self-publishing over and over again – CONTROL.  Via self-publishing, writers control book titles, book covers, book content (story and words), publishing, copyrights, and promotion.

But we also have to sell our e-books.  To do this, we turn to Direct Sale Vendors.  Direct Sale Vendors sell our e-books for a percentage of the sale.

Who are the top Direct Sale Vendors?

• Kindle Direct Publishing Platform (Amazon) – KDP
• Barnes & Noble ePubit Platform (Nook) – ePubit
• Apple iTunes Connect Platform (iPad) – iBookstore

Starting in 2010, Apple announced the release of its latest creation—the iBookstore.  The iBookstore allows users with models of the iPhone and iPad to download e-books directly to their Apple devices.

Selling an e-book using the iTunes Connect platform is simple and only requires access to a MAC computer, a properly formatted e-book, and an Apple ID account.  Once the account is established, users must then submit an application to publish via the iBookstore.  The account and the application are free, but authors must determine whether or not they want a free or paid account.

Again, these accounts are free—don’t let the names mislead anyone.  A free account only means that authors can offer their e-books for free to those purchasing via the iBookstore.  A paid account means just that—authors can sell their e-books to those purchasing via the iBookstore.

Note—free accounts cannot be converted to paid accounts later…

So how do we get started?

First, we need an Apple ID to apply.  To create an ID, we must first download iTunes.

Next, we must apply for the iTunes Connect platform.

Once we have an account and have been approved, we then need to ensure our manuscripts are converted into the ePub format (just like with the Nook) in order to sell at the iBookstore.  Apple does include a list of approved aggregators that can help with the ePub conversion; however, we’ve found that Mobipocket Creator works and is very user-friendly.  Downloading this program is also free to the use.

Additionally, writers can learn all about ePub conversions over on this helpful website.

Note: If a writer has used an aggregator and decides later to sell his or her own work directly, he or she may encounter issues with the delisting—just a warning.

And remember, users must have access to a MAC computer to sell e-books on the iTunes Connect platform.

Come back next week when we summarize the steps in completing a writer’s journey with iTunes.  But for now…

Remember— selling e-books through a personal website and through Direct Sale Vendors provides us with the best of both worlds when it comes to distribution and maximizing our revenue.

For more information on selling with direct sale vendors, please check out our free resource, Getting Started with Direct Sale Vendor Guide – Click Here