Q1    

What is indie@USM?

A1    

indie@USM is an online e-book retailer that provides an easy platform for self-published authors to sell their digital books. We also welcome any publisher and e-book seller who is interested to market their e-books on our platform.

Q2    

Is indie@USM a publisher?

A2    

No. indie@USM is a marketplace that sells e-books. We are not involved in any publishing process.

Q3    

I have a draft ready for publication. Can I send it to indie@USM for consideration and publication purposes?

A3    

No. We only accept a finished product for sale. Your e-books must be ‘camera ready’ and can be sold immediately.

Q4    

How do I sell my e-books on indie@USM?

A4    

It’s easy! You may register as a Seller on our website and follow the guidelines provided in your Seller Dashboard. Check out our User Guide.

Q5    

Who can sell on indie@USM?

A5    

Anyone can sell on our platform, whether you are a self-published author, a professional author, or a publisher. However, we do monitor the content sold on our platform. Check out our Content Policy.

Q6    

Do I need to pay any fee to register as a Seller?

A6    

No. We do not charge any registration fee to become a Seller on our platform.

Q7    

Who sets the price for my e-books?

A7    

You have full control on the price of your e-books. However, please be informed that indie@USM sets a minimum price of RM5.00 as the base sales price. You may not put a price lower than RM5.00. (This is not applicable to free e-books that you wished to distribute on our platform).

Q8    

What is the profit-sharing model between the Seller and indie@USM?

A8    

The profit-sharing model we use here is 60:40 (Seller:indie@USM). Please note that the Gross Commission displayed on your Seller Dashboard is exclusive of all applicable cost after sales. You may check the example of commission calculation in the Pricing menu on your Seller Dashboard.

Q9    

When will I receive my sales commission?

A9    

Our commission payment will be on a quarterly basis. We will inform you via notice on your Seller Dashboard regarding the date of payment.

Q10    

Will I receive the sales commission straight after any purchase of my e-book?

A10    

No. We will pay your commission on a quarterly basis. We will inform you via notice on your Seller Dashboard regarding the date of payment.

Q11    

What is the format accepted by indie@USM?

A11    

We only accept submission of e-books in PDF format. Check out our Content Policy.

Q12    

How long will it take for my e-books to appear on your platform?

A12    

It will take between 1 to 3 working days for your e-books to be approved and displayed on our platform.

Q13    

What is the upload limit for my e-book file?

A13    

Your file size should not exceed 150MB.

Q14    

What is the e-book formats offered by indie@USM to customers??

A14    

All purchased e-books will be in flipbook format.

Q15    

Where can I read my purchased e-books?

A15    

You may read all your purchased e-books online via the Bookcase menu on your Customer Dashboard. Check out our User Guide on Purchasing E-Books.

Q16    

I have purchased an e-book but I have not received any download link.

A16    

We use our own integrated online web-viewer for the reading function. You can only access and read your purchased e-books online from the Bookcase menu in your Customer Dashboard. Check out our User Guide Purchasing E-Books.

Q17    

I have an issue with my purchased e-books. Who should I contact?

A17    

You can contact us at indie@usm.my should you encounter any issues on our platform.

Q18    

Is there any specific document format for an e-book?

A18    

We do not set any specific requirement regarding the document format. However, you can refer to the conventional e-book publication on this matter. The standard paper size is usually B5 and font size 14, depending on the genre and layout of your e-book.

Q19    

How do I apply for e-ISBN?

A19    

You can apply for e-ISBN online from the National Library of Malaysia at https://depositori.pnm.gov.my.

Q20    

Will indie@USM applies for e-ISBN on my behalf?

A20    

No. We are not involved in any publishing process.

Q21    

What is the minimum number of pages for an e-book?

A21    

The minimum page requirement set by the National Library of Malaysia is 35 pages for Adult Book and 15 pages for Children’s Book.

Q22    

If there is any issue regarding my e-book (e.g. copyright or trademark infringement), will indie@USM be responsible to solve it?

A22    

No. You take full responsibility of all your e-books sold on our platform. indie@USM denies any responsibility and liability from any issue arising from your e-books sold on our platform. Please refer to your Seller Agreement menu on your Seller Dashboard.