Mark Coker

Mark Coker serves as Chief Strategy Officer and board member at Draft2Digital, the world’s leading publishing and distribution platform for indie authors. Previously, he served as founder of Smashwords, the pioneering ebook publishing platform he led until its acquisition by Draft2Digital in March 2022. Following the combination of these two market leaders, Draft2Digital now serves 250,000 authors and publishers around the world that use Draft2Digital’s distribution network and free publishing tools to publish, distribute, manage, and monetize nearly one million books. Mark is the host of the SMART AUTHOR podcast and author of three books on self publishing best practices. In April 2022, Publishers Weekly named Mark one of “25 Book Business Change Makers” in recognition for his advocacy on behalf of the indie author community. As a member of SFWA since 2021, Mark writes SF short stories and is an avid collector of vintage SF pulps and anthologies. Follow Mark on Twitter @markcoker or learn more about Draft2Digital at https://draft2digital.com.

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Related Events

Paths to Success as an Indie Author

May 21, 2022 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Please note: all times are displayed in the Pacific timezone. Timezone calculator

Panelists: Tim Fielder, Tracy Cooper-Posey, Mark Coker and R. K. Thorne (moderator)
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When authors decide to take the indie publishing route, they assume responsibility for dozens of creative and strategic decisions. Who should be your editor? Your cover designer? What is your marketing and business strategy? Join us to explore how you to plot your own course to success when you are making the major publishing decisions.

Beyond the 99¢ eBook: Producing Quality Indie SFF Novels

May 13, 2023 9:00 am to 10:00 am

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Panelists: Mark Coker, S.G. Blaise, James Kennedy and Kyle Massa (moderator)
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Hear from a panel of seasoned indie and small press published authors about their tips for creating a high-quality SFF book that rivals books produced by corporate publishing. Where do they source editors? What steps do they take to produce a book? Hear tips for when to do-it-yourself and what is best hired out to a professional.

If you do not see the stream window, be sure to login at the top of this page. Registered attendees of the 2023 Nebula Conference will be able to participate upon logging in. If you still need to register, visit the home page!

Control Your Book Promotion

May 14, 2023 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

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Panelists: Michael R. Underwood, KC Grifant, S.G. Blaise and Mark Coker (moderator)
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Discover how to navigate the abundance of promotional options for your book, as well as tips, insights, and lessons learned from those who cold-called bookshops.

If you do not see the stream window, be sure to login at the top of this page. Registered attendees of the 2023 Nebula Conference will be able to participate upon logging in. If you still need to register, visit the home page!