How to Publish a Book on Smashwords


If you’ve ever heard “publish on Smashwords,” here’s the latest reality: today you publish through Draft2Digital (D2D) and opt in to distribution to the Smashwords Store. Draft2Digital acquired Smashwords and merged the publishing systems, while the Smashwords Store remains a major sales channel known for high author royalties.

Why Smashwords (via D2D) is worth it in 2025

  • Industry-leading Smashwords Store royalties: typically around 80–83% of the sale price to authors.
  • One dashboard, many stores: publish once on D2D to reach retailers, libraries, and the Smashwords Store.
  • No upfront fees: D2D charges no formatting/update fees and takes only 10% of the retail price on sales it distributes.
  • Free ISBNs: D2D can automatically assign a free ISBN (or you can use your own).
  • Simple uploads + free conversion: upload DOC/DOCX/RTF or EPUB; D2D converts and even offers clean templates.
  • Built-in promos: Smashwords super sales (like Read an Ebook Week and the Summer/Winter Sale) are easily managed in your D2D dashboard.

Step-by-step: Publish your book to the Smashwords Store (via D2D)

  1. Create your Draft2Digital account
    Sign up on Draft2Digital.com. You’ll manage Smashwords Store enrollment from this dashboard.

  2. Prepare your manuscript & cover

    • Manuscript: DOC/DOCX/RTF or a validated EPUB. D2D converts your file for free.
    • Cover: upload a high-quality JPG/PNG that meets retailer specs.

  3. Start a new book in D2D
    Enter your title, subtitle, description, author name, keywords, and categories. Upload your manuscript and cover, then choose a layout style if you want.

  4. ISBN
    Use a free D2D ISBN or your own. Either way, your rights remain fully yours.

  5. Set your price & territories
    Pick your retail price (you can also make your book free).

  6. Choose distribution channels
    On the “Publish” step, opt in to the Smashwords Store and any other channels you want.

  7. Review, publish, and go live
    D2D will process your files and distribute. Once approved, your title appears in the Smashwords Store and other outlets you selected.

Optimize for discoverability (SEO + store visibility)

  • Title & subtitle: naturally include keywords readers search for.
  • Description: write a benefits-driven blurb, not just a summary.
  • Categories & keywords: choose the most relevant BISAC categories.
  • Samples & look-inside: polish your opening chapters.
  • Series strategy: price book 1 attractively to draw readers into sequels.
  • Coupons & sales: participate in Smashwords super sales and create custom coupons from your D2D dashboard.
  • Universal Book Links (UBLs): use Draft2Digital’s free Books2Read tool to give readers one smart link to your book across all stores.

Royalties: what to expect

  • Smashwords Store: about 80–83% to the author (one of the highest in the industry).
  • Other retailers via D2D: you keep the retailer-standard cut, minus D2D’s 10% of the retail price.

Common questions (2025)

Can I still upload directly at Smashwords.com?
Publishing now happens in Draft2Digital. You simply opt in to the Smashwords Store during distribution.

Does D2D give me a free ISBN?
Yes, or you can use your own.

Are the Smashwords super sales still happening?
Yes! Big seasonal sales like Read an Ebook Week and the Summer/Winter Sale continue, and you can join from your D2D dashboard.

Quick checklist before you click Publish

  • Clean DOCX/EPUB with proper formatting.
  • High-resolution cover image.
  • Keyword-rich, reader-focused description.
  • Correct categories and price set.
  • Smashwords Store distribution toggled ON.
  • Coupon or sale plan ready.


#SelfPublishing #Smashwords #Draft2Digital #IndieAuthors #BookMarketing #EbookPublishing #AuthorTips #WritingCommunity

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts