Why Barnes and Noble's Online Books Are Great For Freelancers: E-books

Freelancers who desire to publish their writings in an online format or as e-books, have a number of publishing options. E-books go one step further than online books and can be downloaded which means that they can be read directly on another computer or with an e-book reader. E-book readers have a distinct advantage over reading on computers because they are small, portable, hand-held devices.

Barnes and Noble online e-books are great for freelancers who are able to write in digital (electronic) format, and they present both online book and e-book options to them.   

Who or what is Barnes & Noble?

“Barnes & Noble.com is a wholly owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NYSE under the symbol "BKS." 

What services do Barnes & Noble have to offer freelance writers?

“Barnes & Noble.com leverages the power of the Barnes & Noble brand to offer online customers the Web's premier destination for books, eBooks, magazines, toys & games, music, DVD and Blu-ray, and related products and services.”

For freelancers desiring to create and market e-books, it is important for them to be aware of their best options for marketing and selling their work, as well as the writing and publishing aspect of it.   

“In 2009, Barnes & Noble.com became a leader in eBooks offering over 1 million titles in its eBook store and launching Nook, the world's most advanced eBook reader that features groundbreaking lending technology, a color touch screen and lets readers download books in seconds.”

The author and publisher guidelines offered by Barnes & Noble make submission of manuscripts for publication and marketing a viable option, as well. 

Many freelance writers have learned basic writing skills, but not how to edit, publish, market or sell their works.

Where should a freelance writer start?

Any freelance writer needs an acceptable, professional manuscript. Many writers have numerous works in various genres posted online in the form of blogs. The disadvantage to blogs lies in attempting to attract

viewers to a web site on a ‘pay per click’ basis. Unless there are thousands of viewers, the financial remuneration is minimal.

Are e-books likely to provide a more substantial amount of income?

Many potential readers prefer to purchase and thereby ‘own’ a freelance writer’s work, rather than continually having to access his or her blog, but may be uncertain as to how to proceed.     

Are there other options?

Smashwords.com offers a package that includes publishing, distributing and selling of freelance writer’s online books and e-books, also suggesting that they have “distribution to Apple iBookstore, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo, Baker &Traylor, Diesel, Page Foundry and more...”

While it is possible for a freelancer’s creative genius to be manifest through different channels online, an e-book format invariably has advantages. Note that the main advantage to publishing in an e-book form is that the freelance writer’s work becomes a viable, marketable product. Smashwords.com assists freelancers who wish to create e-books. 

A company like Barnes & Noble takes the work further in terms of marketing and selling it.