Draft2Digital Overview
Draft2Digital is a comprehensive self-publishing platform designed to simplify and streamline the process of publishing, distributing, and marketing ebooks and print books for independent authors and publishers. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Draft2Digital has established itself as a leading service in the self-publishing industry, particularly after its acquisition of Smashwords in March 2022, which expanded its reach to over 250,000 authors and publishers worldwide.
Key Features and Functionality
Wide Distribution
Draft2Digital offers extensive distribution channels, allowing authors to publish their ebooks and print books across a wide range of online retailers, including Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more. Additionally, it provides access to subscription services like Scribd and Kobo Plus, as well as a vast network of libraries such as OverDrive and Hoopla, with over 68,000 libraries combined.
Formatting and Conversion Tools
The platform includes powerful formatting tools that convert manuscripts into professionally formatted ebooks in EPUB and MOBI formats. It features 21 different templates with options for drop caps, phrase caps, and decorations, catering to various genres. The automated end matter feature generates common book elements like title pages, copyright pages, and “also by” sections, saving authors significant time and effort.
Print on Demand
Draft2Digital’s print-on-demand service, D2D Print, simplifies the process of creating and distributing print versions of books. Authors can upload their manuscripts, and the platform handles the entire production chain from print setup to order fulfillment, allowing for global distribution without the need for authors to manage printing details themselves.
Pricing and Royalties Management
Authors have full control over their book’s pricing and can manage territorial prices, automatically adjusting them based on exchange rates and local consumer preferences. The platform also allows for scheduling price changes in advance and provides insights into projected royalties, discounts, and price management for different digital stores and libraries.
Marketing and Promotional Tools
Draft2Digital offers several marketing tools, including Universal Book Links (UBLs) through its Books2Read feature. These links enable readers to choose their preferred bookstore platform, giving authors more flexibility and control over their sales channels. Authors can also create customizable Author Pages and use promotional features to schedule price changes and other marketing strategies.
User-Friendly Interface
The platform is known for its ease of use, requiring no advanced technical knowledge. Authors can upload their manuscripts, convert them into various formats, and distribute them to multiple stores through a streamlined dashboard. Excellent customer support is also available to guide authors through every stage of the publishing process.
Non-Exclusivity and No Upfront Fees
Draft2Digital operates on a non-exclusive basis, allowing authors to publish their books through other platforms simultaneously. There are no upfront fees; the platform only takes a small percentage of the net royalties as its fee for the services provided.
Conclusion
In summary, Draft2Digital is a robust and user-friendly platform that offers a broad suite of tools and services to help self-published authors and independent presses manage every aspect of their publishing business, from formatting and distribution to marketing and royalties management, all without the constraints of exclusivity or upfront costs.