Smashwords is a digital publishing platform for independent authors and publishers to distribute ebooks and other content. This page aggregates shopper and user reviews to help you understand what the experience is really like for readers and writers considering the platform.
Smashwords Reviews
1.6
25 reviews
What Shoppers Say About Smashwords
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
Smashwords is rated 1.6 out of 5 by 25 shoppers, and the overwhelming majority of reviews are highly critical. The most common complaints center on account access problems, unresponsive customer support, and verification email failures that prevent users from even starting to use the platform. Several reviewers report being unable to log into existing accounts, receiving no response to support inquiries, or encountering account creation barriers. A few writers also mention concerns about sales visibility and platform effectiveness for self-published content.
A small minority of users report positive experiences, noting that royalty payments arrive reliably and on schedule, and that the platform is straightforward to use if access issues don't occur. These satisfied reviewers suggest that the negative reviews may stem from technical literacy differences rather than platform failures. However, the stark contrast between positive and negative feedback, combined with the volume of account and support complaints, indicates systemic issues that affect a substantial portion of users trying to access the site.
Customer Reviews (25)
Sorted by: Most recentKaren T.Sep 19, 2025
Got an account here back in late 2023 through the other platform and I've never been able to log into it. Came here in mid 2025 just to review a friend's book and somehow that created a separate account instead of using the one I already had. Can't find anywhere to remove that second account. Seriously, what other social media or customer site doesn't let you delete your account? This is the only one I know of that traps you in. Plus you can't even create an account or log in half the time based on what I'm reading. At least I'm not being charged or I'd be furious. Oh and there's stuff about authors whose books got pirated and sold without permission after the company merged. The whole merger has been a disaster. Just go with another platform. There are tons of options and you can get paid on all of them. These guys don't deserve to be part of your publishing strategy.
Rachel G.Aug 7, 2025
A writer I follow released something here so I tried signing up. Couldn't even get past account creation though. A day went by and no verification email showed up, and I already looked in spam. Emailed support through their form but haven't heard anything back. Realistically this deserves zero stars since I haven't been able to do anything yet.
Nicole R.May 21, 2025
I'd give this a negative rating if I could. Back in 2013 I uploaded a couple ebooks here and somehow they actually made it onto some bestseller lists, which was crazy. Except here's the thing - I didn't sell a single copy. Not one. So I basically gave up on self-publishing altogether. Now my books are on this other platform and it's like they're straight up stealing my stuff. My free ebooks that I released for free are showing up on random third-party sites being sold for a dollar. Someone's making money off my free work and I have zero control over it. It feels terrible. The whole situation has been a disaster and I honestly regret making my books available anywhere.
Linda H.Jan 2, 2025
Been using them since day one and haven't run into any problems. They pay my royalties on time, whether it's just a trickle or a decent amount. Maybe some folks leaving negative reviews aren't super tech savvy, but I think their system is straightforward and their team responds quickly when you need help.
Michelle A.Oct 6, 2024
I really liked how simple the first platform was to use for publishing my books. But then they pushed me to move everything to the other one and it's been such a headache. Plus I found out they pocket your royalties unless you're making at least $100 a month, which is basically stealing. I'm done with both of them - I'm moving to Amazon only.
Patricia S.May 18, 2024
Got stuck dealing with answers that made no sense and accusations they wouldn't back up with any real proof. They refuse to own up to anything, and honestly their customer service is just not good. I'm glad I ended up publishing somewhere else instead. The other platform was way smoother with zero problems.
Angela W.Dec 28, 2023
Things got worse after the acquisition by the other company. My book was removed because the reviewer apparently didn't see where I wrote 'This is a work of fiction' on the first page, so I added it to both the cover and the inside. Then it got taken down again because of a photo with someone in a bikini, which used to be fine before but now they're blocking everything. It's sad how the business changed and started limiting what we can publish. I've been with them for years and I don't recognize it anymore.
Smashwords Review FAQ
How is Smashwords rated on RetailCoupons.com?
Smashwords is rated 1.6 out of 5 based on 25 user reviews. The rating distribution is heavily weighted toward one-star reviews, with 72 percent of reviews giving the lowest rating.
What are the main complaints users have about Smashwords?
The most frequent complaints involve account creation and login issues, including missing verification emails, inability to access previously created accounts, and accidental duplicate account creation. Users also report unresponsive or inadequate customer support when they attempt to resolve these problems.
Are there positive reviews about Smashwords?
Yes, a small number of reviewers report positive experiences, noting reliable and timely royalty payments and a straightforward system. Some long-term users say they have had no problems with the platform and praise fast support response times.
What should I do before signing up for Smashwords?
Given the account access issues reported by many users, consider checking your spam folder for verification emails immediately after signup and contacting support promptly if you don't receive one. If you have a previously created account, try logging in with your existing credentials before creating a new account.
Do users recommend Smashwords?
The review data shows mixed recommendations. While some established users recommend it based on reliable payments and ease of use, the majority of reviews explicitly caution against the platform due to account access barriers and support problems.
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