Barnes and Noble wants to get deeper in the digital publishing game, launching PubIt! The handy Publt! allows qualified independent authors and publishers to distribute their work digitally via BN.com, and Barnes and Noble eBookstore, reaching millions more users while earning some revenue all the while.

“We’re delighted at the enthusiastic response we’ve received from thousands of independent writers and publishers who are eager to introduce their exciting works to a broader audience of readers,” said Theresa Horner, director, digital products, Barnes & Noble. “The launch of our PubIt! platform further reinforces our long-standing commitment to authors and writers, and offers a significant opportunity to provide an even greater selection of reading material to our millions of customers. Thanks to the overwhelming success of our award-winning NOOK(TM) devices and software, Barnes & Noble customers represent the largest fastest growing base of digital content consumers in the world.”

Independent and self-publishing authors will earn with this easy-to-use platform, allowing them to set up their own account and put a price tag on their works ranging from $0.99 and $199.9. Books prices are between $2.99 and $9.99, will entitle the publisher a 65% revenue, while those priced at $2.98 or less and $10.00 or more will entitle the publisher a 40% share.

The content will then be available on some of the most popular mobile, computing and eBook reading devices. Publt will readily convert files from Microsoft Word, TXT, and or RTF to Publt! ePub file for free. It works across all NOOK products and software as well.  Barnes and Noble is expected to add thousands of titles with the launch of Publt.The materials will be added 24 hours to 72 hours prior the submission of the material. The content will also be hooked with the company’s ebook store.

This is the latest in a string of developments within the digital publishing industry, even for BN, as it looks to catch up with Amazon and Borders.  Digital publishing, now that it’s reached a scalable point of monetization and a certain level of automated self-regulation, is almost required to span multiple channels, with BN acting as a retailer and publisher.