Draft2Digital Buys Smashwords

The big news in the self-publishing world this week is that Draft2Digital is buying Smashwords. And here people thought Microsoft buying Activision was a big deal! 🙂

I’ve used both platforms for years. Initially I used Smashwords to get my books into first iTunes and now Apple Books. When Draft2Digital came along I started using it for Apple distribution because it was faster and generally less persnickety, but I kept using Smashwords for library service distribution. Also, the Smashwords Store has a small but very loyal following. Like, the really hardcore ebook people, the people who store their ebooks in elaborate arranged folder hierarchies they’ve been maintaining since the 90s, they use Smashwords. So I imagine this will save D2D the hassle of finding their own storefront.

Additionally, as you know if you’re one of my newsletter subscribers, I also use Smashwords coupon codes to give away short stories for free when I have a new release.

So, in practical terms, I don’t think much will change for you, the reader, and I don’t think all that much will change for me. D2D says it will keep the Smashwords Store and all its features going, so I can still give away books via coupon code to newsletter subscribers.

That said, it might be time to start rethinking how I give away free short stories. I’ve been dabbling with setting up a storefront of my own via PayHip, and perhaps it’s time to start using that to give away free short stories. As the D2D/Smashwords merger reminds us, change is the only constant. The best way as a self-published writer to weather change is to have control of one’s own website, mailing list, and potentially storefront.

-JM