Kobo Is Coming To Play On the Big Playground

Last week my novel, Splitsville.com came in 2nd in two categories in The Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the humor and mystery categories! The awards ceremony was at The Book Expo of America in New York City. The best of the best attend this conference and that means all ereader professionals.

I was PUMPED! I got two medals, two linen certificates. . .but the excitement didn't last long. GUESS WHAT MADE ME MORE CRAZY....

KOBO!

Have you heard of it or just seen it at Smashwords??

Here is what I knew about Kobo before last week: I upload my books to Smashwords and put it in the extended distribution hoping someone from Canada would buy my books on their Kobo. The soccer mom in Canada carries their Kobos with them everywhere!

Yes, I've sold a few hundred on Kobo, but that is it! So I look at Smashwords as an extra bonus if I sell a couple hundred a month.

BUT Michael Serbinis, CEO of Kobo, put a fire in my step! At the Book Expo of America, he announced a new program for self published authors, KOBO WRITING LIFE!

“Strong eReader growth is projected by IDC for the European market; with sales increasing over 400% to 9.6-million devices expected in market by 2015. We expect Kobo’s trajectory for international growth and user adoption to quickly meet and exceed market projections.” ~Michael Serbinis


Here is the low-down and how I understand it to be:


1. They are going to allow you to promote your book at free at any time with out any restrictions on an exclusive agreements. I think this will give Amazon's KDP select program a run for it's money. According to the KDP select authors I've talked to, they wanted to enroll in the program so they could take advantage of the FREE DAYS. 


(When I was in the KDP select program, I did NOT take advantage of the free days....I'm not a big believer in the free way....)


2. The royalty is 10% higher than most international markets! PLUS!


3. Kobo Director Cuts.
Now this is so cool!! 
This allows the author to put notes in the book or provide commentary to the reader, making the reader/author relationship grow AND it will be integrated with the Facebook timeline! AND you know that I LOVE to give back to my readers. 


Now....this might be similar to the Kindle Fire where you can go in and have a conversation with your readers....more on this in July after I have my first official, planned, Kindle Fire discussion:)


4. Sales!
They have grown 280%! And don't you want a piece of that percentage? I DO!


This means that I will no longer have to wait for Smashwords, which takes weeks, to get my books into the Kobo reader's hand. ONE problem! It won't be launching for a couple of weeks at the earliest. They are hoping to get it out there by the end of JUNE! 


Do you upload to Smashwords? If so, will you take advantage of this opportunity with KOBO? What are your thoughts?

If you like my blog and get something out of it......


Today is the day that I ask a favor of you ♥ Please, please post the status below on your Facebook status and/or Tweet the tweet below about A CHARMING CRIME! Today we promote, tomorrow we party and I give away prizes every 20 minutes to YOU!! Let's work hard and spread the word:) I can't wait to see A CHARMING CRIME IN ALL OF THE NEW FEEDS :)) 

Let me know you did one or the other and you are entered into the GRAND PRIZE GIVE AWAY TOMORROW!!! (STREET TOTE FILLED WITH GOODIES, $25 VISA GIFT CARD, AND MORE!) 

Status: Tonya Kappes' new mystery novel, A CHARMING CRIME, is now available on Kindle, Nook, and Print! A must read!! http://amzn.to/KrAbOg

TWEET: @tonyakappes11 new #mystery novel, A CHARMING CRIME, is now available on #Kindle, #Nook, and Print! A must read!!http://amzn.to/KrAbOg