Barnes and Noble Takes on Kindle Direct Publishing with Nook Press

Barnes & Noble just took the wraps off Nook Press, a brand-new service for budding authors. The updated self-publishing platform builds on the company's previous PubIt! platform, which is the Nook's original answer to Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing service. According to Barnes & Noble, Nook Press offers "authors a fast, easy and free way to write, edit, collaborate and publish the highest quality e-books." 

New features of Nook Press includes a Quick Start option where writers can try out tools before signing off with the bookseller. Authors can also edit a piece after it's been uploaded to the system, and invite friends and editors to read and comment on a work in progress. 

Authors using Nook Press are encouraged to set a price for their titles between $0.99 and $199.99, but most Nook Books are anticipated to cost between $2.99 and $9.99. For books in the later range, authors will receive 65 percent of the list price. For e-books priced at $2.98 or less, or $10.00 or more, authors will get 40 percent of the list price. Amazon has a similar royalty program, but their range is bigger: 70 percent for select price points and 35 for the rest. Amazon also ads file size limits to its royalty program, which Barnes & Noble does not. 

We're unsure as to whether this points to a boon for underappreciated writers or the death of great literature. But it's certain that it has never been easier to become a published author, and it seems the public likes this trend. Barnes & Noble reports that 30 percent of Nook customers purchase self-published content each month, which represents 25 percent of all Nook book sales per month. 

Anna Attkisson
Managing Editor
A lover of lists and deadlines, Anna Attkisson heads up features and special projects for Laptopmag.com, in addition to covering social networking and accessories. She joined the LAPTOP staff in 2007, after working at Time Inc. Content Solutions where she created custom publications for companies from American Express to National Parks Foundation.