Draft2Digital
- Oct 1
- 10 min read
Draft2Digital has become a cornerstone of independent publishing by offering authors a free, streamlined way to distribute eBooks and print titles across major retailers and libraries worldwide. Founded in 2012, the platform has grown rapidly, absorbing Smashwords in 2022 and expanding into print-on-demand services while maintaining its reputation for ease of use. Authors gain access to Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, and library networks such as OverDrive through a single upload, with consolidated payments and marketing tools like Universal Book Links simplifying management. Yet its convenience comes with tradeoffs: print distribution remains less extensive than IngramSpark’s, and authors must still handle their own marketing and visibility. Draft2Digital’s rise underscores both the opportunities and responsibilities of self-publishing in a digital-first era.
Draft2Digital: A Complete Guide for Independent Authors
Since its launch in 2012, Draft2Digital (D2D) has established itself as one of the most popular self-publishing platforms for independent authors seeking wide distribution and ease of use. Known for its author-friendly approach, Draft2Digital has grown into a central player in digital publishing by removing technical barriers and providing free tools that rival the services of traditional publishing houses.
At its core, D2D focuses on simplicity, reach, and author control—three factors that have helped it attract thousands of writers across genres. Unlike some platforms that profit from upselling services, Draft2Digital has built its reputation by streamlining the publishing process while letting authors retain full ownership of their work.
What Is Draft2Digital?
Draft2Digital, often referred to as D2D, is one of the most widely used eBook publishing and distribution platforms in the independent author community. Launched in 2012 by Kris Austin, Dan Wood, and Kevin Tumlinson, the platform was created to remove the technical and administrative barriers that had long frustrated indie authors. Early digital distributors required cumbersome file conversions, complex metadata entry, and intricate royalty structures.
Draft2Digital set out to simplify the process, creating an interface that allowed writers to focus on their manuscripts rather than wrestling with formatting or retailer bureaucracy.
At its core, Draft2Digital functions as an aggregator. Instead of authors having to open and maintain separate accounts with each retailer—such as Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and others—D2D acts as the single point of entry. Authors upload a manuscript once, fill out the metadata (title, keywords, categories, description), and the platform distributes the finished book to multiple online stores and library systems worldwide. D2D also collects sales data from all outlets and consolidates it into a single monthly royalty payment, eliminating the need for authors to manage dozens of separate dashboards.
Today, Draft2Digital’s distribution network covers the most important outlets in global publishing:
Amazon
Through Draft2Digital’s integration with Books2Read, authors can distribute their titles to Amazon while also taking advantage of universal book links. These links automatically redirect readers to the correct regional Amazon store or preferred retailer, eliminating barriers for international audiences and helping authors capture sales across multiple markets.
Apple Books
As one of the largest eBook marketplaces globally, Apple Books represents a significant sales channel, especially strong in Europe and Asia, where Apple devices have a dominant presence. Distribution here places books directly in front of millions of international readers, many of whom prefer Apple’s built-in reading ecosystem.
Barnes & Noble Press
Draft2Digital distributes directly to Barnes & Noble’s digital storefront, allowing authors to reach readers who purchase eBooks for the Nook platform. In addition, B&N Press offers a print-on-demand service, providing authors with an extra channel to expand their reach in both digital and physical formats.
Kobo
Kobo holds a leading position in Canada’s eBook market and extends its reach through partnerships with regional booksellers in Europe, Asia, and other international territories. Distribution to Kobo connects authors with a wide network of local retailers, giving them visibility in markets where Amazon has less dominance.
Google Play Books
With its integration across Android devices worldwide, Google Play Books is rapidly expanding its influence. Authors gain access to a massive built-in audience of Android users, many of whom purchase books directly from their mobile devices or tablets.
Tolino
A major force in continental Europe, Tolino is an alliance of German eBook retailers and device makers. Through this network, authors distributed via Draft2Digital can reach readers across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and neighboring countries, making Tolino a vital channel for European market penetration.
Smashwords
Once a competitor to Draft2Digital, Smashwords was acquired by D2D in 2022. This acquisition brought Smashwords’ long-standing retail and library relationships under the D2D umbrella, significantly broadening distribution opportunities for authors while uniting two of the most author-friendly platforms in self-publishing.
Libraries (OverDrive, Hoopla, Bibliotheca)
Library distribution remains a cornerstone of visibility for independent authors. By making titles available through services like OverDrive, Hoopla, and Bibliotheca, writers can reach readers who discover books through public libraries, generating both direct sales and the long-term benefit of word-of-mouth marketing.
This range of partnerships means that Draft2Digital provides a gateway to retailers, as well as providing an infrastructure hub that bridges independent authors with both mainstream marketplaces, such as Amazon and Apple, and niche distribution channels that most writers would struggle to access on their own. For example, through OverDrive, a self-published book can reach thousands of public libraries globally, while Kobo’s alliances with international chains like Indigo (Canada) and WHSmith (UK) put indie authors in front of readers who rarely shop on Amazon.
What sets Draft2Digital apart is its commitment to keeping the process free from upfront fees. Unlike IngramSpark, which charges setup and revision costs, D2D only takes a commission from royalties—specifically, 10% of the retail price of each book sold. This model allows authors to experiment with publishing across multiple platforms without financial risk, making it particularly attractive for new and mid-eliminates the friction of file conversion and metadata management, provides access to every major retailer and library channel that matters, and streamlines the financial back-end, allowing authors tolist authors who want to “go wide” rather than rely exclusively on Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem.
In short, Draft2Digital is both a publishing tool and a distribution partner. It eliminates the friction of file conversion and metadata management, provides access to every major retailer and library channel that matters, and streamlines the financial back-end, allowing authors to track their sales in one place. For many in the self-publishing world, it represents the single most author-friendly option for reaching readers globally without sacrificing ownership or creative control.
Key Features of Draft2Digital
Automated Formatting Tools
One of D2D’s signature features is its free, automated formatting system, which converts a manuscript into professional-quality EPUB and MOBI files with minimal effort. Authors can upload a Word document, select from multiple style templates, and receive ready-to-publish files in minutes. This feature is especially valuable for writers without design or coding skills, eliminating the need to hire costly formatters.
Universal Book Links (UBL)
Through its Books2Read service, Draft2Digital provides Universal Book Links—single URLs that redirect readers to the retailer of their choice. This makes marketing significantly easier, allowing authors to promote a single link across websites, newsletters, and social media while still reaching global audiences across multiple platforms.
Wide Distribution
Draft2Digital emphasizes “going wide”—distributing beyond Amazon to maximize visibility and diversify income. By connecting to more than a dozen eBook retailers and library networks, D2D ensures that authors are not dependent on a single ecosystem. For many writers, this approach offers long-term financial stability compared to Amazon's exclusivity programs, such as KDP Select.
Print-on-Demand Services
In addition to digital publishing, Draft2Digital now offers print-on-demand (POD) services, enabling authors to publish paperback editions without incurring upfront costs. While not as widely known as Amazon’s KDP Print or IngramSpark, D2D’s POD service integrates seamlessly into its distribution network and appeals to authors seeking a one-stop platform for both print and digital.
Author Payment and Royalties
Draft2Digital takes 10% of the retail price of each book sold (not 10% of the royalty), making its pricing structure transparent and competitive. Authors are paid monthly, with options for direct deposit, PayPal, or checks depending on location. Unlike some distributors, D2D consolidates all retailer earnings into a single payment, simplifying financial management.
Backlist and Catalog Management
Authors with multiple titles benefit from D2D’s catalog tools, which allow cross-promotion between books. Series management, automated “Also by” pages, and built-in endmatter make it easier to funnel readers from one title to another—critical for authors building a brand or sustaining a long-term career.
Draft2Digital vs. Competitors
Amazon KDP
Amazon remains the largest eBook marketplace, but its strongest promotional tools, such as Kindle Unlimited and Countdown Deals, require exclusivity. Draft2Digital appeals to authors who want broad distribution and control without being tied to Amazon-only programs.
Smashwords
Once Draft2Digital’s main competitor, Smashwords, was acquired in 2022. The merger combined Smashwords’ deep retailer and library network with D2D’s more modern technology, consolidating much of the wide-distribution eBook market under one platform.
Contine reading: Smashwords: A Pioneering Platform for Self-Published Authors.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark dominates print distribution, connecting titles to bookstores, libraries, and academic institutions worldwide. While D2D’s print-on-demand service is growing, it cannot yet match Ingram’s wholesale reach; however, it offers the convenience of managing both digital and print content from a single dashboard.
Contine reading: IngramSpark Self-Publishing: Global Print Distribution for Authors.
Lulu and BookBaby
These platforms cater to a broader range of publishing needs, including photo books, cookbooks, calendars, and corporate materials with branding. Draft2Digital does not compete in this space; instead, it focuses on trade publishing and streamlining eBook and print distribution for authors.
D2D’s advantage lies in its accessibility, transparent royalty structure, and ability to handle global eBook distribution alongside emerging POD services. While it may not lead in any single area, it functions as one of the most comprehensive all-in-one solutions for independent authors.
Benefits of Draft2Digital
No Upfront Costs
Draft2Digital eliminates financial barriers for authors by charging no setup fees, no distribution fees, and no hidden costs. Instead, the company earns a modest percentage from royalties on sales. This structure makes the platform a low-risk entry point for debut authors who may be uncertain about their first release, while also offering long-term value to experienced writers managing large catalogs. For authors publishing across multiple titles, the absence of recurring fees allows greater reinvestment into editing, cover design, and marketing, making Draft2Digital one of the most cost-effective options in digital publishing.
Ease of Use
From its inception, Draft2Digital was designed to eliminate the technical hurdles that deter many writers from self-publishing. The platform’s automated formatting converts a simple Word document into a professional-quality eBook, complete with functional tables of contents and clean design. Its dashboard offers intuitive navigation for uploading manuscripts, adjusting metadata, and monitoring sales, making the process accessible even for authors with no design, coding, or publishing experience. For those accustomed to more complex tools, D2D’s streamlined workflow significantly reduces time spent on production and troubleshooting.
Global Reach
One of Draft2Digital’s strongest advantages is its broad international distribution network. A single upload can place an author’s work on major global platforms, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Press, Kobo, Google Play, and Amazon (via Books2Read integration). Beyond retail, D2D distributes to library systems including OverDrive, Hoopla, and Bibliotheca, allowing books to reach readers who borrow through public institutions. In Europe, partnerships with Tolino connect authors with markets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, while Kobo’s network extends reach into Canada, Asia, and beyond. This comprehensive coverage ensures that books are discoverable in both mainstream and niche markets worldwide.
Marketing Support
Draft2Digital provides authors with marketing tools that extend beyond simple distribution. Universal Book Links (UBLs) enable writers to share a single link that redirects readers to their preferred retailer, thereby eliminating friction at the point of sale. Authors also gain access to customizable author pages with integrated mailing list sign-ups and promotional features. Automated endmatter inserts into eBooks, directing readers to backlist titles or new releases, ensuring that each sale has the potential to generate additional readership. Metadata optimization enhances discoverability in crowded online marketplaces by aligning titles with the search behaviors of potential buyers. Together, these tools provide authors with a foundation for sustained visibility.
Consolidated Payments
Instead of managing separate accounts with multiple retailers, Draft2Digital simplifies the financial side of publishing by issuing a single monthly royalty payment. This consolidation reduces administrative hassle and eliminates the delays that often occur when tracking revenue across different platforms. Authors receive clear, itemized sales data that can be downloaded for analysis, helping them spot trends, evaluate marketing effectiveness, and plan future releases with accurate financial insights. For writers with extensive backlists or those releasing multiple titles annually, this streamlined approach to payments and reporting is a significant time-saver.
Challenges and Limitations
While Draft2Digital offers a strong suite of services for independent authors, it is not without drawbacks. Writers considering the platform should be aware of the following limitations:
Retailer Dependence
Using Draft2Digital as an intermediary, authors gain efficiency but relinquish some of the flexibility that comes with managing their own direct retailer accounts. For example, Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) authors can run Amazon-exclusive promotions, such as Kindle Countdown Deals, or enroll in Kindle Unlimited, programs that are not accessible when distributing to Amazon through D2D’s Books2Read integration. Similarly, retailer-specific tools, such as custom merchandising opportunities on Kobo or direct pricing experiments on Apple Books, are not always available through D2D. This tradeoff means authors benefit from convenience but sacrifice a degree of control over platform-specific strategies.
Print Options Still Developing
Draft2Digital’s addition of print-on-demand publishing has been welcomed by authors seeking convenience, but it remains in an early stage compared to IngramSpark’s long-established system. While D2D makes it easy to create paperbacks alongside eBooks, its distribution network for print titles is not as wide. IngramSpark continues to offer superior access to wholesale channels, independent bookstores, and global retail outlets. As a result, Draft2Digital’s POD service is currently best suited for authors who want a straightforward way to produce physical copies for personal sales or limited distribution, rather than those seeking full-scale print exposure in the retail market.
Marketing Responsibility
Draft2Digital offers useful tools, including Universal Book Links, automated endmatter, and customizable author pages; however, these features are supplemental rather than comprehensive marketing solutions. Authors remain fully responsible for building visibility through advertising, social media, email lists, book tours, or publicity campaigns. A debut novelist, for instance, will not gain traction simply by uploading to D2D—the platform ensures the book is available, but the author must still drive readers to it. This is consistent with other self-publishing platforms, but it remains one of the most significant hurdles for authors seeking success.
Looking Ahead
Draft2Digital has earned its reputation as one of the most accessible and reliable platforms in the self-publishing landscape. Its free-to-use model, broad global reach, and intuitive formatting tools give authors an efficient way to publish and distribute their work without the upfront financial hurdles that often block entry. The addition of features like Universal Book Links, consolidated payments, and library access makes it both a distributor and an infrastructure hub for independent publishing.
At the same time, authors should approach Draft2Digital with realistic expectations. While it simplifies distribution, it does so at the expense of certain direct controls available through retailer accounts. Its print-on-demand services are growing, but not yet on par with IngramSpark’s industry reach. And like every platform, it provides tools for visibility but does not market books on an author’s behalf.
For writers who value wide distribution, simplicity, and transparent royalty management, Draft2Digital is one of the strongest options available. Success, however, still depends on professional-quality manuscripts, well-designed books, and the author’s own commitment to promotion. In that sense, Draft2Digital delivers the infrastructure, but the career-building work remains in the author’s hands.
