Self-publishing used to be called “vanity press” because some people who couldn’t interest a traditional publisher were thought to be feeding their egos by paying to have their books printed. It’s still true that some people rush forward without editing or rewrites, but, more and more, independent authors do take care to put out their best work. Smashwords has helped a lot of people release their books. Here’s an interview with its founder.

London Book Fair 2015: Self-Publishing Smashes Through
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/london-book-fair/article/66265-london-book-fair-2015-self-publishing-smashes-through.html#path/pw/by-topic/international/london-book-fair/article/66265-london-book-fair-2015-self-publishing-smashes-through.html