Self-publishing SmashWords Books: Non-Amazon Self-publishing

--- **Overview** The "Ultimate Guide to Self-Publishing with Smashwords" course has received a high rating of 4.55, with all recent reviews praising its content and delivery. The course is highly recommended for those looking to self-publish, whether they are beginners or veterans in the field. **Pros:** - **Comprehensive Content:** The course offers valuable insights into using Smashwords for self-publishing, with some reviewers noting that they learned new features and tools within the platform. - **Engaged and Responsive Instructor:** Brian Jackson, the course instructor, is commended for his engagement and responsiveness, which enhances the learning experience. - **Varied Perspectives:** The course content is seen as a useful supplement to other self-publishing courses, specifically mentioning "Amazon Self-publishing 2018: Free Canva Book Cover" as a related resource. - **Real-world Experience:** The instructor's experience resonates with the audience, creating a rapport that makes the course more relatable and effective. - **Diverse Learning Styles:** The course is praised for being both informative and easy to follow, catering to different learning preferences and styles. - **Positive Community Interaction:** Brian Jackson's interaction with his students is highlighted as a positive aspect of the learning experience, with one student jokingly likening his enthusiasm to that of a "zealous pizza delivery man." - **Actionable Advice:** The course provides actionable advice and practical steps for publishing on Smashwords, which is beneficial for both novices and experienced users. **Cons:** - **Pace and Depth:** Some reviewers might find the pace of the course too fast or desire a deeper dive into certain aspects of Smashwords and Word's features for manuscript preparation. - **Technical Knowledge Assumed:** The course may assume a level of technical knowledge that some beginners might not possess, which could make it slightly challenging for them to follow without prior experience. **Course Highlights:** - **Educational Value:** The course is described as great for learning how to use Smashwords and getting the book out there in the self-publishing world. - **Alternative Publishing Platform:** It presents an alternative to Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing, which can be particularly useful for those looking to diversify their publishing options. - **Educational Rapport:** The instructor's age and experience create a sense of connection with the students, making the learning process more engaging and effective. - **Pun-filled Experience:** The course is not just educational; it also provides an entertaining experience thanks to Brian Jackson's self-deprecating humor and puns. **Conclusion:** The "Ultimate Guide to Self-Publishing with Smashwords" stands as a highly recommended course for self-publishing authors. It offers a wealth of information presented in an engaging manner by an experienced and responsive instructor. While there may be areas where more detailed attention could be provided, the overall value of the course is evident from the glowing reviews it has received. Whether you're new to self-publishing or looking to expand your publishing platform options, this course is likely to be a worthwhile investment in your authorial journey.