Swanny Books — Digital book distribution that works for you.
Introducing

Digital book distribution that works for you.

Swanny Books is rebuilding digital book distribution from the ground up. Go wide across all major retailers, connect with indie bookstores, and manage your catalog on an intuitive platform powered by real people.

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Estimated launch early 2027

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Solutions

Who’s This For?

Authors

An intuitive, easy-to-use platform to distribute your ebooks and audiobooks to multiple bookselling partners. Hit a snag? Have a question? Get real human support every step of the way.

Publishers

Straightforward distribution management for your full catalog and author roster. Built to scale your wide distribution with useful tools and fair, affordable pricing.

Booksellers

A trusted digital platform you can confidently recommend to your local authors. Help them go wide with a team you already know and trust.

Why Now

A Better Path Forward

After years in the book world helping build Libro.fm, the Swanny team set out to reimagine digital distribution from the ground up. We’re building an intuitive platform backed by genuine human care, deep bookstore relationships, and a lasting commitment to the people who create and champion books.

Inclusive Ecosystem

We enable authors and publishers to sell directly through major retailers and independent bookstores alike, leveraging our deep industry roots to connect your work with the widest possible audience.

People-First Ownership

As a 100% employee-owned company, our success is measured by the success of our authors and publishers—keeping our focus entirely on what serves you best.

Modern, Human Tech

We pair a fast, intuitive modern platform with responsive support from real people who are dedicated to helping our authors and publishers.

Catalog Integrity

Through transparent metadata standards, we champion authentic storytelling and deliver rich, accurate catalog data that retail partners love and trust.

Team

Meet Your Crew

Nick Johnson

Co-founder • Marketing & Design

Nick brings over two decades of creative leadership and brand strategy in the book world. As a co-founder and Creative Director at Libro.fm, he helped build the industry-leading platform connecting readers directly with local independent bookstores. At Swanny Books, Nick shapes the visual identity, story, and author-first experience. Based near Seattle, he spends his time outside of work exploring the Pacific Northwest with his family.

Carl Hartung

Co-founder • Technology & Architecture

Carl is an experienced engineer and technology leader with a deep background in scaling complex systems. Prior to Swanny Books, he served as co-founder and CTO at Libro.fm, and co-created the open-source platform ODK (used worldwide by researchers and humanitarian teams) as the focal point of his PhD at the University of Washington. At Swanny, Carl drives the technical architecture and distribution logistics systems that keep operations seamless. Outside of building software, Carl can often be found throwing stones at the local curling club.

Spencer Chan

Co-founder • Strategy & Operations

Spencer brings 25+ years of management consulting and technical leadership across multiple industries. Recognized as a Top Consultant by Consulting Magazine, he has served countless organizations, from Fortune 100 companies to early-stage startups, aligning strategy and execution with a “people first” mentality. At Swanny Books, Spencer oversees strategy and operational functions. He is a passionate culture builder who believes the strongest teams are grounded in inclusion, trust, and shared purpose. When he’s not delivering for Swanny, he’s focused on his most important “clients”: his wife, daughter, and two pups.

Story

Behind the Name

Back in 2003, Nick, Carl, and Spencer participated in the Journey of Hope, an annual cross-country cycling event that raises money and awareness for people with disabilities. It was a life-changing summer for the three, and an experience that forged a lasting commitment to serving others.

That summer, on and off the bike, they learned how much a rider depends on their support crew. In the cycling world, the word for these crew members is soigneur... also known as a “Swanny.” A swanny provides food and water, handles bike repairs, and always stays a step ahead so the rider can focus solely on riding.

That's the spirit behind Swanny Books.

We’re here to be that same steady, reliable support system for authors, publishers, and booksellers, handling distribution logistics so their publishing journey is that much easier.

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