Draft2Digital to Acquire Smashwords, Creating Self-Publishing Juggernaut

Combined Company will Publish and Distribute 800,000+ Titles from 250,000 Authors and Publishers

February 8, 2022 — OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. and PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — Draft2Digital, LLC and Smashwords, Inc., two pioneers in ebook self-publishing, today announced that Draft2Digital will acquire Smashwords. The acquisition unites the industry’s two most innovative and author-friendly publishing platforms into one, enabling the new Draft2Digital to drive even greater success for authors, publishers, and sales partners.

–To see authors’ concerns about this acquisition and Draft2Digital’s responses to author concerns, scroll down on Draft2Digital’s announcement here.–

Smashwords Draft2Digital Merger Concerns

Authors are concerned that books that Draft2Digital rejected but Smashwords accepted will now be continually rejected with no alternative aggregator route.

Draft2Digital and Smashwords are key catalysts behind the dramatic rise of self-publishing over the last fourteen years. Their publishing platforms enable 250,000 authors and publishers around the world to publish, distribute, market, and manage over 800,000 ebooks and 11,000 print on demand paperback books.

The combined company will operate under the Draft2Digital name and will be headquartered in Oklahoma City. All Smashwords and Draft2Digital employees are expected to join the combination.

Kris Austin, co-founder and CEO of Draft2Digital, will lead the combined company as CEO. Mark Coker, founder and former CEO of Smashwords, will join the Draft2Digital management team as Chief Strategy Officer and board member.

Both companies are entering the acquisition profitable and debt-free.

“I’m pleased to welcome Smashwords authors, publishers, employees and partners to the D2D family,” said Kris Austin. “Early in our discussions with Smashwords, we each immediately realized we can accomplish so much more for the indie author community by working together than working as competitors. The resources we once expended creating duplicative systems can now be redeployed to ramp up our R&D investments in next generation tools to empower authors and publishers.”

“I’m thrilled to join forces with Draft2Digital,” said Mark Coker. “Over the last decade, I’ve come to deeply admire Draft2Digital’s team, technology, and commitment to authors. Our shared business model is a key to our two companies’ success. We put authors first. By design, we only make money when our authors make money. This aligns our interests with the interests of our authors. Together we will lead the next chapter of the indie author revolution.”

The combination is expected to yield significant benefits for authors, publishers, retail and library partners, and readers.

  • Draft2Digital authors will gain access to the Smashwords Store and its myriad exclusive book marketing tools, including Smashwords Coupons, self-serve merchandising, Author Interviews, and the patent pending Smashwords Presales tool for book launches. Sales at the Smashwords Store have grown consecutively each of the last five years, with December 2021 sales up 20% over December 2020. Draft2Digital’s erotica authors can look forward to expanded distribution enabled by Smashwords’ proprietary erotica certification system, which allows retailers to carry erotic romance and mainstream erotica with greater confidence.
  • Smashwords authors will gain access to new tools that simplify print and digital publishing and drive greater success. Among these tools are D2D Print, the company’s Print on Demand service for paperbacks (currently in beta, which authors can join at https://draft2digital.com/printbeta/); improved metadata management tools for better book discoverability at retailers; automated end-matter for series books; payment splitting for co-authors and collaborations; and more payment options, including direct bank deposits.
  • Retailers and libraries served by the companies can expect greater title selection and unmatched merchandising recommendations. The new, merged company will offer retailers, subscription services, and libraries unprecedented data-driven insights into the world’s largest dedicated catalog of independently published books. This represents a unique and first-of-its-kind offering that Draft2Digital believes will improve the publishing industry.
  • Customers of the Smashwords Store can look forward to an improved store experience and an increased selection of books from the many great authors and publishers distributed by Draft2Digital.

“This acquisition is great news for indie authors,” said Joanna Penn, host of the Creative Penn podcast and bestselling author who has followed each company since its founding. “Two of the industry’s strongest advocates for indie authors are combining their unique toolsets, technologies, and energy to do more for the indie community. There are exciting years ahead!”

What’s Coming Next

The acquisition is expected to close on March 1, 2022.

To minimize workflow disruption for authors, publishers, and sales partners, the two platforms will combine their systems in gradual and incremental steps.

Authors and publishers of both companies can continue utilizing their current platform of choice with the understanding that over time the authors and publishers of both companies will gain access to a common dashboard, common distribution outlets (including distribution to the Smashwords Store for current D2D authors), and an expanded suite of new and improved tools for book publishing, distribution, and marketing.

Draft2Digital will broadcast a live Q&A session for authors and publishers on Wednesday, February 9th, at Noon Central, with Kris Austin and Mark Coker, moderated by Kevin Tumlinson, Draft2Digital’s VP of Marketing & PR. Kris and Mark will share additional insight about their plans to support the indie publishing community and welcome questions from the audience.

Visit https://D2DLive.com for links and launch time, and to attend live on either Facebook or YouTube. Live questions about the acquisition are encouraged. The live broadcast will be recorded for future inclusion in the Draft2Digital podcast, Self Publishing Insiders, and will be available as a blog post at https://draft2digital.com/blog.

Additional FAQs about the acquisition can be found at:

About Draft2Digital

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Draft2Digital is the world’s leading publishing platform for self-published authors and independent presses. The company offers a broad suite of free and powerful automated and self-serve tools that authors and publishers can use to build and grow their publishing businesses. This includes tools to simplify ebook and print publishing, distribution, metadata management, and marketing. Following its acquisition of Smashwords, Draft2Digital will serve more than 250,000 authors and publishers that collectively publish over 800,000 books worldwide. Visit Draft2Digital at https://draft2digital.com or follow on Twitter @Draft2Digital.

About Smashwords, Inc.

Founded in 2008 by Mark Coker, Smashwords was an early pioneer in ebook self-publishing. The company’s platform made it possible for writers to professionally produce, publish, and distribute ebooks at no cost. As a distributor, Smashwords was the first to open multiple major retailers and library ebook services to self-published authors, and worked in partnership with sales partners and payment processors to establish systems, standards, and professional best practices to foster a thriving ecosystem of indie-friendly booksellers and libraries. As of December 31, 2021, Smashwords was publishing 590,000 ebooks supplied by 150,000 authors, publishers and literary agents. The company was originally headquartered in Los Gatos, Calif, and most recently based in Pacific Grove, Calif. Visit Smashwords at https://smashwords.com, or follow the store at @Smashwords.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Publishing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Draft2Digital to Acquire Smashwords, Creating Self-Publishing Juggernaut

Book Launch: Snatched from the Foster System, Alone in a Magical Kingdom

Coraline Fray’s escape from foster care is about to turn into a fight for her life.

After Cora’s utter clumsiness lands her in a strange world, she’s immediately hauled off to Faerie Magic by Anna Applegatejail by a Fae guard. Now the freedom that had been so close is a distant memory…because humans who learn of Faerie can never go back.

Imprisoned as an energy source for the Unseelie Kingdom, Cora now serves the heir to the throne: Noah Driscoll. And although Prince Noah disagrees with the practice of imprisoning humans for energy-feeding purposes, that’s a secret the future Unseelie King needs kept quiet.

Which means even if he’s against it, he needs Cora to pretend he’s feeding, and she needs to keep up the ruse, too. Because if Noah isn’t feeding on her, she’ll be assigned to another Fae who will.

And yet, somehow she’s found herself loyal to these monsters the minute they’re threatened, and starting to fall for the Prince of the Unseelie himself…two mistakes that are about to cost her what little she has left.

Fans of Bella Forrest and Stephenie Meyer won’t be able to put down this new-adult, paranormal romance!

One-click now to escape to Faerie on this new, magical adventure!

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Book Launches | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Book Launch: Snatched from the Foster System, Alone in a Magical Kingdom

Book Launch: Active Shooter Training

Bad things happen, but you can be prepared when they do.

In the event of an active shooter, the first 10 minutes can decide whether you will live or 10 Minutes to Live by Michael Juliandie.

Security expert and professional speaker, Michael Julian, CPI, PPS, CPS shows how to stay A.L.I.V.E. in the event of an active shooter at your workplace, public event, house of worship, school, or other location.

Read about how the A.L.I.V.E. protocol can potentially save your life:

  • Assess
  • Leave
  • Impede
  • Violence
  • Expose

In 10 Minutes to Live, you will learn how you can use A.L.I.V.E. to help calm your mind and make a plan.

It involves learning how to access a situation as soon as the active shooter appears, as well as understanding the best ways to respond given your surroundings to increase your probability of survival, and what to do once the situation has ended.

Following this book and the A.L.I.V.E protocol can help you act more efficiently in a chaotic situation.

This book could literally save your life.

Buy the book in paperback or on Kindle

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Book Launches | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Book Launch: Active Shooter Training

Book Launch: Cozy Mystery

Olivia Greer is counting the days until her date with Michael Bellemare, when her sister, Deadly Admission by Bonnie HardySage, calls in a panic. As the principal of Lily Rock Music Academy, she meticulously planned the parent orientation weekend.

Then, an academic tutor is found dead.

While Officer Janis Jets investigates the case, Olivia is called in to coach the weekend headliners, the Tone Rangers and go undercover for the constabulary. With Michael, and her lovable labradoodle by her side, Olivia discovers clues that leave her questioning everyone from the faculty to the local law enforcement.

As accusations fly and rumors circle, can the trio expose the truth before the curtain rises? Or will someone see to it that the Tone Rangers final bow will be their last?

Read the Lily Rock Mystery series

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Book Launches | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Book Launch: Cozy Mystery

Book Launch: Political Nonfiction

What makes a good book?

For many people it’s a story of self-discovery where the protagonist overcomes obstacles inInspired by What's Right by Kelli Ward the face of great odds and turns misfortune into assets. And if it is true, it’s all the more captivating.

It is one thing to be inspired, it’s a whole other level to be inspired and then act.

This is your opportunity to learn the back story of a little girl who left the hills of West Virginia to become Chairwoman of the Republican Party of Arizona.

In Inspired by What’s Right, you will get the first-hand account of how Dr. Kelli Ward was inspired and then acted to take on the challenges that she felt stood in her way. You will have a front row seat to see how Kelli:

  • Navigated the challenges of medical school
  • Balanced marriage, motherhood, and a career in medicine
  • With no prior experience, ran for the Arizona State Senate and won
  • Took on the Republican establishment and instilled fear into John McCain
  • Caused a sitting U.S. Senator not to seek re-election
  • Became the second woman to chair the Republican Party of Arizona

Read Kelli’s debut nonfiction book

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Book Launches | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Book Launch: Political Nonfiction

Book Launch: Christian Urban Fantasy

What could be worse than death?

If you had until the next full moon to correct the mistakes of your life, could you do it?

Arnold Gantt is an affluent, well-dressed IT manager who has lived a self-centered lifeBetween Paradise and the Pit by E.W. Norwood valuing all the wrong things. On the dreaded day of May 20, Arnold dies and plummets into the Pit, the horrific realm of torment and flames.

When Danny, his angelic caseworker, saves Arnold from the Pit, he unknowingly travels back in time thirty days before his death. With only one month before his looming death date, he must spend every day attempting the nearly impossible task of redemption or else suffer for eternity in constant torture and agony.

Infuriated by Arnold’s escape, the diabolical caretaker of the Pit dispatches a team of adversaries to destroy Arnold’s chances of success. Will they succeed?

Make things right before time runs out.

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Book Launches | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Book Launch: Christian Urban Fantasy

Book Launch: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Who is behind the Christmas Secret?

Excitement builds in Hope’s Ridge in the lead-up to Christmas as whispered A Hope's Ridge Secret by Silver McKenzieconversations, incorrect assumptions, and plenty of scheming keep the town buzzing. Who is the organizer, what is the connection to the uninhabited Lake House, and why does the instigator insist on remaining anonymous?

Becca Hamilton can’t answer any of these questions. New to Hope’s Ridge and hoping to keep her demons locked in the past, she’s yearning for the fresh start the new town and job offer her.

Local bar owner Isaak Trader also craves a fresh start. To have any chance at a relationship, he believes he needs to leave Hope’s Ridge and start again—until he meets Becca.

With the Christmas Secret whirling around them, the flame igniting Becca and Isaak’s instant attraction is quickly extinguished as her past comes back to haunt her. Becca will need to put her demons to bed and move forward for the pair to have any chance at love. But how can she do that when Isaak’s lifestyle represents her biggest fear?

It will take more than a Christmas miracle for these two to have any chance of a future together, but as the Christmas Secret builds momentum, anything is possible.

Read the whole Hope’s Ridge series

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Book Launches | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Book Launch: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Book Launch: Mystery Romance

Detective Colt Jessup seeks solace and a break from police work on a Caribbean Island while on administrative leave, following a police-involved shooting. But a criminal wants revenge and Jessup isn’t sure if he is the target or someone else.

Jessup’s snorkeling adventure turns dangerous when he takes on gunfire in the water. HeRelentless by Susan Mills Wilson isn’t sure if the bullets are meant for him or his friend Jax. Or could the target be the mysterious woman who swims alongside him?

Peyton Campbell shows up on the boat for a prepaid outing, part of a package deal for her honeymoon. She claims to be a newlywed, but she shows up without a husband and refuses to explain his absence. Colt believes she is harboring a dangerous secret. Jax ignores Colt’s warnings against becoming involved with her and quickly becomes a willing captive ensnared by her beauty and charm.

After another attempt on their lives, Colt joins forces with the local police to find the person responsible. Before they can unravel the mystery, someone is murdered on a sailboat. Was the killing deliberate or intended for one of them? Colt and the police must find the killer before another person ends up dead.

RELENTLESS is Book Two of the Colt Jessup series. It can be read as a standalone.

Read the Colt Jessup novels

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Book Launches | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Book Launch: Mystery Romance

Book Launch: Paranormal Angel Romance

“On the rooftop of Heaven’s Gate, you said next time I need to do something ‘badly’, I do it with you or I don’t do it at all. This is something I need to do more than anything else. Will you help me? Please?”

“That was before you pushed me off the rooftop and pointed a gun at me.”

All Meghan May wants is her happily ever after, but until the war between the Fallen andAscended by Jaya Moon kin end, that will never be anything but a dream. She doesn’t want to live a life on the run. She can’t open herself up to love when dangers surround her; dangers that could take away those who have touched her heart. But will the key to unlocking her happiness destroy all hope of the one thing she desperately wants?

Has Meghan pushed Tallow, Mox, and Abriel too far?

Will trying to end the war cost her more than she wanted to lose, including her life?

Ascended is the third and final book in The Ascension of Meghan May series. It is a paranormal reverse harem #whychoose story intended for mature audiences (18+ years).

Read The Ascension of Meghan May series

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Book Launches | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Book Launch: Paranormal Angel Romance

Short Story Launch: Zombie Apocalypse

On Jane’s sixteenth birthday, the world ended and the zombies took over.

Two years later, Jane’s mom, a beloved small town yoga teacher, lost her fight for survival.Namaste Apocalypse by Jessa Forest

Now, Jane tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and continue on in the apocalypse, just like her mother would have wanted her too. At least she has her mom’s favorite yoga studio to fall back on in times of stress… as long as the owner’s husband can keep his hands to himself.

And the door properly locked.

“Namaste Apocalypse” is a character-driven short story of life after the apocalypse.

Speculative E-Shorts is a growing series of science fiction and fantasy standalone short stories. The characters and themes are as varied as the speculative genre itself. These bite sized tales are perfect for enjoying on your lunch break or whenever you have a few extra minutes to escape reality.

Read Speculative E-Shorts

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail
Posted in Book Launches | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Short Story Launch: Zombie Apocalypse