As a self published author, you want to get your books into as many marketplaces as possible. So, how do you do that?
It’s easy. Sign up for an account with one (or both) of the following book distribution networks:
When I started publishing in 2011, I started out with Smashwords. As a Canadian, it was one of the only ways to get my books into Barnes & Noble at the time.
I’ve now switched to Draft2Digital in order to maximize distribution (and minimize frustration as the Smashwords interface SUCKS), and recently I’ve begun to incorporate Pronoun into my publishing system simply because their price structure is better for lower priced books, and so I make more money.
Here’s a quick overview of how I use each of these distribution networks in my publishing strategy:
Smashwords
If you write erotica, you’ll probably want to create an account with Smashwords as it’s one of the few remaining distribution channels that accept it. And just to be clear, I don’t mean erotic romance which is still accepted at most marketplaces. I’m talking about good old fashioned hardcore smut.
I use Smashwords to distribute my books directly to their own marketplace as well as a few channels that aren’t available through Draft2Digital or Pronoun, such as Gardners and Baker & Taylor. I also use Smashwords to create coupons for my books. It’s a pretty cool feature, and they’re currently the only ones to offer that.
Still, if I had to cut one of the channels from my publishing system, it would be Smashwords.
Draft2Digital
I publish all of my books through Draft2Digital that aren’t in Kindle Unlimited. D2D gets me into Kobo, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Inktera, Scribd, Tolino, 24Symbols and Playster.
Draft2Digital’s interface is really user-friendly. You can easily add meta data to your book such as a Table of Contents, copyright information and “Other Books by You”.
Best of all, D2D does a terrific job of formatting your book so it looks awesome. This was a lifesaver because when I first started self publishing, formatting my books was an absolute nightmare. It took hours and by the time I was done, I was ready to throw my laptop through the window. So, yeah, D2D simplifies all that.
(And they actually look really good when put through the Draft2Digital formatting software. Not as great as they do with Vellum, mind you, but close! Just upload your Word doc and let their system do the work.)
