The eBook epoch is here. And it is radically shifting the traditional publishing industry.

Just as sites like Napster lead to revolutions in the music world, sites like Smashwords are changing the publishing world. And the shift is even more democratizing.

It was not long ago that I attended a local workshop on "how to get published". I listened to a literary agent and a publishing rep crush the dreams of every writer in the room.

In the traditional publishing industry, you, as a writer would spend blood, sweat, tears and years perfecting your manuscript. Rewriting, editing, and rewriting again. Then when you finally did muster up the courage to send off your baby to the world, you would research publishing companies and literary agents, hoping you would find the one that liked your work; hoping you would reach that someone on a good day.

After you sent it off, you waited. And waited. And while you were waiting you could not send your manuscript to other publishers/ agents or you would null the first rights.

The chance of your manuscript even being looked at, I have learned, is about 1% – if that. Yes, that's about 99 times out of 100 that all your work is simply tossed! And the chances of you getting a contract for publication – even less. 

Gut wrenching! Soul crushing! Your passion – dismissed at the whim of an elite few. 

eBooks are changing all of this. Are the old fashioned gatekeepers (publishing houses) aware of this? Apple and Amazon sure are! 

If you don't have an eReader already, chances are you'll be getting one soon, or at least downloading an app to allow you to read eBooks on your tablet, smartphone or computer. 

Your reading options are no longer dictated through a narrow 'filtration' industry. 

And if you want to write a book: You can!   

For writers, check out sites like Smashwords and Amazon Direct Publishing. 

Why not join the eBook revolution?!

And – here goes my shameless self-promotion – check out my eBook Flash Bites: a few short, short stories. Only 99c and available at most eBookstores including: Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Indigo Kobo, Sony eReader and iTunes