The End of the Draft2Digital vs Smashwords Era

Publishing away from the Amazon platform has its shares of pros and cons. Two avenues - in Smashwords and Draft2Digital (D2D) - offer the best reach, royalty structure, and publishing options. Now, both platforms will work together. D2D acquired Smashwords and the two companies will work together to build a stellar platform for self-publishers worldwide.

CEO of Draft2Digital, Kris Austin, and CEO of Smashwords, Mark Coker, sat down to discuss the upcoming merger.

Video Reviews & Tutorials

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[selfpubwithdale]

📚 Have you published to Draft2Digital or Smashwords? If so, what platform do you like best? And, why?
If you haven't done so already...

[dwrigh]

I really enjoy watching and listening to your videos. I especially enjoyed this one with both Mark and Chris and just wanted to thank you for setting this up! I appreciated listening to Mark say at 27:20-27:46, "If you're writing for the love of writing or you're writing because your head will explode if you don't write or you're writing to just survive inside your head and if every single word that you are putting on the page is emotionally gratifying to you then you are getting something really important out of that and write for those reasons because that's what's in you and if you write for those reasons then you will be the author that persevere long term..." That meant a lot to hear as I am going through a difficult time in life and writing a children's book has been a fun outlet espically since its for my daughter. (Side note I enjoy numbers and problem solving way more than reading or writing but it is fun to this children's book and most likely series since it is gratifying because of the reason I am writing the books.) I am just looking to get my ROI back but even if not it was all worth the process since again it was for my daughter and if I become a breakout author then I will always remember this uplifting video you helped with Dale! Last point and if anyone read this far thank you for your time! I enjoyed seeing the Saturn V in Chris's office!

[MargaretPinard]

As part of my reinvigoration of my author biz, I'm getting ready to dive into the D2D side for future print runs...I'm already questioning whether I've started an account at B2R...but this was great to listen to for encouragement! Trying to use your link, Dale...!

[MargaretPinard]

It's so great to see 'small' biz CEOs so excited about a CALLING, for goodness sake. Go Mark! Go Chris! Looking forward to being part of your vision 💕

[karate-cobras]

This interview was incredible! I can’t wait to see what this merger has in store going forward! Especially in D2D’s Print option. It was inspiring to hear their advice to all the authors out here as well as their perspective on self-publishing as a whole!

[EstelaCanama]

Great and inspiring leaders. Humility is the key to success. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. I am glad to be part of your awesome platforms.❤

[MichaelMurrayIsMessy]

Man, I love the humility of Mark. No ego at all and a team player. Kris is great too, and also shows humility by being willing to learn from Mark. They both truly love this industry and seek the common good. This is very rare to see!

[PaperTigerProductions]

The wrap-up question at 24:38 is the true gold in this entire interview. Self-publishing IS A BUSINESS! Great interview. Dale, thank you so much for organizing this chat!

[JohnHCarroll]

Thank you for doing this interview.
The descriptions of how they choose and test their retailers is both fascinating and impressive. I know things weren't always smooth in the beginning, but I know Smashwords is smooth whenever I add or change a book. (no experience with D2D (yet)).

[tzoneo]

You guys are great. And I am so in on this one. I love both CEOs, I love Dale too, what an inspiring interview. I am getting ready for the merger with two books hopefully in the next three months. Thanks

[PublishWithAndy]

Awesome interview, looking forward to all the good stuff in the future!

[HiButcher]

This is going to be a crazy year! Really great interview and very informative about what's up with the merge. Super dope!

[TaniasWritingRealm]

Great info and awesome Interview. I have applied for the D2D print beta, crossing fingers it doesn't take long to be approved. In their longer interview on their channel they did mention they are working to add more authors to the Beta, chunks at a time. Have you managed to test this yet Dale?

[andonrangelov]

Ok Dale, i got a question. I never used Smashwords But i use D2D so if i upload my books from D2D to Smashword do i gain more distribution channels or i will get the same distribution channels after several months when D2D & Smashwords are one?

[johnbalbin]

Can we publish coloring books, activity books, word searches, crosswords, sudoku, mazes, low content books, etc. on these platforms?

[MoniqueJoinerSiedlak_Author]

In the beginning, it was KDP and Smashwords for me. Cut my self publishing teeth with them. Sigh.