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 recentWilliam C.Jul 25, 2021
I need to update this after what's gone down lately. Since the merge happened with that other company, things have gotten way worse for authors. Here's what happened to me - I got banned for supposedly breaking their rules, but the funny part is my book is on Amazon with no problems. I even wrote a whole book under a pen name about my experience with both of these places. The thing is, if they ban you from one of them, you're banned from both, even if you never had any issues with the other one. My advice is to steer clear of both platforms and tell your author friends and family to do the same. They'll ban you for basically nothing.
Daniel E.Jun 7, 2019
The uploading and listing process here feels awkward. Never made any sales through the site, probably because it doesn't get much traffic.
Sophia B.Jan 12, 2018
It's frustrating that you can only leave reviews if you bought the book directly from them.
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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