Swoon Reads is 'The X Factor' of E-Book Publishing

Colleen Hoover self-published her first novel, Slammed, the summer of 2012

The then 32-year-old social worker and mother of three had always dreamed of writing a book, but her busy work and family schedule didn't permit her time to navigate the traditional and pricey publishing process.

Following pressure from her family and friends, she finished the story anyway and made it available for free on Amazon for one week — again, with no high expectations. Soon, strangers were downloading her novel, even after the free period ended. Buzz about the book built around the web, and a month later, Hoover published its sequel, Point of Retreat, to equal success Read more...