D2D acquired Smashwords in 2022 — but both platforms still operate. This is your complete 2025 guide to understanding the differences and choosing the right wide distribution platform for your books.
Key fact most authors miss:
Draft2Digital acquired Smashwords in March 2022. Both platforms continue to operate under their own brand names, but they now share backend infrastructure and distribution relationships. Mark Coker (Smashwords founder) remains involved as an advisor. For authors, this means both platforms have largely converged on retailer relationships — but they differ significantly in interface, features, and active development focus.
Founded in 2012 as a modern alternative to Smashwords. Known for clean UX, free interior formatting, and faster publishing. Post-merger, it is the primary platform receiving new features and development attention.
Founded in 2008 — one of the original indie ebook platforms. Has a dedicated reader community on smashwords.com and strong library relationships. Post-merger, it continues to operate but receives fewer new features.
| Feature | Draft2Digital | Smashwords |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | ✓Modern, clean, intuitive dashboard | Older interface, some legacy quirks |
| Interior Formatter | ✓Free, high-quality formatting tool built in | Basic — relies on Meatgrinder (showing its age) |
| Apple Books | Yes | Yes |
| Barnes & Noble | Yes | Yes |
| Kobo | Yes | Yes |
| OverDrive / Libby (libraries) | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated storefront | No dedicated storefront | ✓Yes — smashwords.com has active reader community |
| Amazon KDP | Not distributed (use KDP directly) | Not distributed (use KDP directly) |
| Payment frequency | ✓Monthly (min $10) | Transitioning to monthly (was quarterly) |
| Commission | ✓10% of author earnings | 10–15% depending on channel |
| Publishing speed | ✓Files live within 24–72 hours at most retailers | Generally slower; processing queue varies |
| Customer support | ✓Responsive email support, active community | More limited post-merger |
| Reader community | No dedicated reader-facing storefront | ✓Established reader community on smashwords.com |
| Universal book links | ✓Yes — Books2Read.com universal links | No equivalent feature |
| Free ebook options | Yes — set price to $0.00 | Yes — permafree supported |
| Best for | ✓New authors, modern workflow, global distribution | Authors already established on the platform |
Neither platform distributes to Amazon Kindle. For Amazon, you must publish directly through Kindle Direct Publishing (kdp.amazon.com). This is non-negotiable — Amazon does not accept ebook submissions from third-party aggregators. Use D2D or Smashwords for everywhere else; use KDP for Amazon.
Distribution channels may evolve post-merger. Always verify current channel list on the platform website before publishing.
Did Draft2Digital really acquire Smashwords?
Yes. In March 2022, Draft2Digital acquired Smashwords. Both platforms continue to operate independently under their own names, but they share infrastructure. Mark Coker, Smashwords' founder, remained involved as an advisor after the acquisition.
Which platform is better for new indie authors?
Draft2Digital is the clear recommendation for new authors. It has a modern interface, free formatting tools, faster publishing, and receives the most active feature development post-merger. Start with D2D unless you have a specific reason to use Smashwords.
Do I need to choose between them or can I use both?
You should choose one. Using both simultaneously risks creating duplicate listings on shared retailers and library platforms, which can confuse readers and complicate your reporting. Since they share distribution infrastructure post-merger, the conflict is real.
Will Smashwords be shut down?
As of 2025, Smashwords continues to operate. D2D has stated its intention to maintain both platforms. However, the development focus is clearly on D2D, and Smashwords' long-term standalone status is uncertain. New authors should not bet their distribution strategy on Smashwords' continued independence.
Does wide distribution affect my KDP Select eligibility?
Yes. KDP Select requires your ebook to be exclusive to Amazon. If you distribute through D2D or Smashwords, you cannot simultaneously be in KDP Select (Kindle Unlimited). You must choose: wide distribution or KDP Select exclusivity.
How do iWrity ARC readers work with wide distribution books?
iWrity ARC readers primarily post reviews on Amazon. However, gathering Amazon reviews for a wide-distribution book is still valuable — Amazon is the largest ebook retailer, and reviews there build credibility that flows through to other platforms and library acquisitions.
Whether you publish wide through D2D, Smashwords, or exclusively through Amazon KDP, iWrity connects your book with genre-matched ARC readers who post honest reviews — building the social proof that converts browsers into buyers everywhere.
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