Sony is getting smart about this e-book publishing and how to tie it into their eReaders and online eBook stores. They have teamed up with independent self-publishing outfits to allow authors to get their books published on the Sony eBook Store.

In particular, they’ve teamed up with Smashwords and Author Solutions, 2 online companies that let independent authors (and small publishers) self-publish books without the need for a larger vetting publisher.

Expect Amazon to follow up quickly with a similar offering.