"We're committed to providing our customers access to the broadest range of eBook content available and believe these collaborations will allow us to expand the store selection with a host of compelling works from independent sources," said Chris Smythe, director of Sony's eBook Store.

In addition to working out the Smashwords deal, Sony has also announced a similar partnership with indie publishing outfit Author Solutions.

"Additionally, we recognize that it is important to provide independent publishers the opportunity to quickly and easily bring their ideas and content to a wide audience of readers."

Smashwords first launched its ebook publishing and distribution platform 16 months ago. New ebooks published via Smashwords through the Sony Publishing Portal can receive immediate distribution in the eBook Store.

For Smashwords users who have already published more than 3,000 books through Smashwords, their e-books can also gain distribution into Sony's eBook Store within the next few months.

This most recent development stands as testament to Smashwords' growing momentum. In January, Smashwords launched a distro arrangement with the Amazon-owned Lexcyle, meaning their e-books are listed in the native ebook catalog of Stanza, the e-reading app used by more than two million iPhone and iPod Touch customers.

And earlier this month, Smashwords began distributing through Barnes & Noble across such high-profile properties as properties including BarnesandNoble.com, Fictionwise, and the popular B&N eReader application.

Interested publishers can learn more at the Smashwords website.