Ebook distributor, Smashwords has signed a distribution deal with Apple’s new iPad Bookstore. Books accepted in the company’s Premium Catalog by March 31st will be eligible and must have an ISBN. However, Smashwords now offers a free ISBN option for those who qualify as well. Smashwords has over 4000 authors who have enlisted in their program and expects many to jump at the chance to be part of Apple’s iPad Bookstore.
“The iPad is an important sales platform for indie publishers because the device will introduce millions of new readers to the joys of ebooks,” Smashwords founder, Mark Coker told GalleyCat, “We saw this happen with the iPhone and iPod Touch. They weren’t really e-reading devices, yet ebooks were one of their most popular uses. With the iPad, Apple is openly embracing ebooks.”
Right now Smashwords will not focus on any enhanced books as of yet but will offer traditional ebooks to readers.