If you’re an indie author looking for a simple yet powerful way to publish your book across multiple platforms, you’ve probably come across Draft2Digital. This self-publishing service has earned a reputation for making the process of distributing eBooks and print books as seamless as possible. With user-friendly tools, flexible formatting options, and no upfront fees, Draft2Digital has become a go-to platform for authors worldwide. But is it the right choice for you? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what Draft2Digital offers for authors, its key features, and its advantages and disadvantages, so you can make an informed decision about whether this service aligns with your publishing goals.
What is Draft2Digital?
Draft2Digital (D2D) is a self-publishing platform that helps authors distribute their books to a wide range of online retailers and libraries. It was founded in 2012 with the goal of simplifying the publishing process for indie authors, and it has since grown into one of the most popular aggregators in the self-publishing space.
Unlike platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which is limited to Amazon’s ecosystem, Draft2Digital distributes your books to multiple retailers, including:
- Apple Books
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- Scribd
- Tolino
- OverDrive (libraries)
- Bibliotheca (libraries)
- Amazon (optional; note that many authors use KDP separately)
In addition to eBooks, Draft2Digital also offers print book distribution and some helpful tools for creating, formatting, and marketing your books.
Key Features of Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital stands out from other platforms because of its simplicity and versatility. Here are its most notable features:
- Wide Distribution Network
Draft2Digital allows you to distribute your book to multiple platforms, ensuring that it’s available to readers across the globe. It also connects with library services like OverDrive and Bibliotheca, which is a major plus for authors who want their books to reach public library systems.
- Free Formatting Tools
One of Draft2Digital’s standout features is its free formatting tool. You can upload a Word document (.doc or .docx), and Draft2Digital will automatically convert it into a professional-looking eBook or print-ready file. The tool also offers several pre-designed templates for you to choose from, making it easy to customize the look and feel of your book.
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- Universal Book Links
Draft2Digital offers Universal Book Links (UBLs), which are customizable links that direct readers to the retailer of their choice. Instead of listing multiple purchase links for each retailer, you can use a single UBL to simplify the buying process for your audience.
- Print Book Services
Draft2Digital offers print-on-demand (POD) services, allowing you to create and distribute print books in addition to eBooks. You can order author copies at cost, and your print book can be made available to retailers and libraries via IngramSpark’s network.
- Royalties and Payments
Draft2Digital takes a small percentage of your royalties (10% of the retail price per sale) but does not charge any upfront fees. You retain the rest of your royalties, and payments are made monthly. Additionally, D2D offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, direct deposit, and checks.
- Author Marketing Tools
Draft2Digital provides several marketing tools, such as:
- Preorders: You can set up preorders for your books on most platforms.
- Automated Back Matter: The platform can add links to your other books automatically in the back matter, making it easy to promote your full catalog.
- Promotional Materials: You can create promotional pages for your books, complete with UBLs, to simplify marketing efforts.
- No Exclusivity
Unlike Amazon’s KDP Select program, Draft2Digital does not require exclusivity. This means you’re free to publish your books on other platforms, including Amazon KDP, without any restrictions.
Pros of Using Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital has gained a loyal following among indie authors for a reason. Here are the main advantages of using the platform:
- Ease of Use
Draft2Digital’s intuitive interface makes it incredibly easy for authors to upload, format, and distribute their books. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can navigate the platform with minimal effort.
- Free Formatting
The free formatting tool is a major highlight. Instead of struggling with complicated design software, you can upload your manuscript and have it converted into a professional eBook or print-ready file in minutes.
- Wide Distribution
By using Draft2Digital, you can reach a diverse audience across multiple platforms, including library systems. This kind of reach is invaluable for authors who want to maximize their visibility.
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- Flexibility and Control
Draft2Digital does not require exclusivity, meaning you can use it alongside other platforms like Amazon KDP. You can also opt out of distributing to specific retailers if you prefer.
- Helpful Author Tools
Features like Universal Book Links, automated back matter, and promotional pages make it easier to market your books and create a cohesive author brand.
- Reliable Payments
Draft2Digital provides monthly payments and offers multiple payout options, ensuring that you receive your royalties in a timely and convenient manner.
- Excellent Customer Support
The platform is known for its responsive and helpful customer support team, which is available to assist authors with any issues or questions.
Cons of Using Draft2Digital
While Draft2Digital is a fantastic resource for many authors, it’s not perfect. Here are some of the potential drawbacks:
- Limited Customization for Print Books
While the print-on-demand service is useful, it doesn’t offer as much customization as dedicated POD platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark. For example, you won’t have as much control over trim sizes or paper types.
- No Direct Amazon Integration
Draft2Digital does allow you to distribute to Amazon, but many authors prefer to use Amazon’s KDP platform directly. This is because KDP offers better royalty rates and more marketing opportunities (e.g., Kindle Unlimited) for books sold through Amazon.
- 10% Fee
Draft2Digital takes 10% of the retail price as a fee for each sale. While this is reasonable considering the services provided, it’s worth noting that other platforms (like Amazon KDP) don’t charge this type of fee.
- Fewer Advanced Marketing Tools
Compared to platforms like BookFunnel or Reedsy, Draft2Digital’s marketing tools are relatively basic. If you’re looking for advanced analytics or email list integrations, you may need to use additional services.
- Focus on eBooks
While Draft2Digital does offer print-on-demand services, it’s primarily an eBook distribution platform. Authors who want a more robust print solution may need to use IngramSpark or KDP for their print needs.
Who Should Use Draft2Digital?
Draft2Digital is an excellent choice for:
- New Authors: If you’re new to self-publishing, Draft2Digital’s simplicity and user-friendly tools make it a great starting point.
- Wide Distributors: Authors who want to distribute their books to multiple platforms (beyond Amazon) will benefit from D2D’s extensive retailer network.
- Library-Focused Authors: If getting your books into libraries is a priority, Draft2Digital’s connections to OverDrive and Bibliotheca make it an ideal option.
- Authors Who Value Convenience: If you want a one-stop shop for formatting, distribution, and basic marketing, Draft2Digital offers all of these services in a straightforward way.
Final Thoughts
Draft2Digital is a powerful and reliable platform that simplifies the self-publishing process for authors. Its free formatting tools, wide distribution network, and flexible approach to publishing make it a favorite among indie writers. While it may not offer the same level of customization for print books or advanced marketing tools as other platforms, it excels in making the entire publishing experience hassle-free.
If you’re looking for a way to expand your reach across multiple retailers and libraries without locking yourself into exclusivity, Draft2Digital is definitely worth considering.
Ready to give it a try? Check out their platform at Draft2Digital and see how it can transform your publishing journey.
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