In the past, self-publishing a book involved a massive investment by the author, but with recent digital trends, self-publishing has never been easier or cheaper. Apple appears to have taken note and has launched a new "Breakout Books" feature in its iBookstore to help promote those who self-publish.

"Find the next reading sensation with this hand-picked collection of books from emerging talents," Apple says in its new section. "All are independently published and have earned high ratings from customers like you."

This new section is Apple's plan to increase the profile of more talented yet largely unknown authors who have had a hard time getting published the traditional way, while at the same time earning them some income on their digital versions. At the moment, the new section is only available in the US, but there are plans by Apple to expand it in the future.