Self-Publishing Aggregators
In the evolving landscape of self-publishing, indie authors have multiple paths to distribute their books to a global audience. One significant option is the use of self-publishing aggregators. These companies streamline the distribution process by allowing authors to publish their books on multiple platforms from a single dashboard. This guide will explore what self-publishing aggregators are, why authors might choose to use them, and provide a detailed examination of two leading aggregators: Draft2Digital and PublishDrive.
What is a Self-Publishing Aggregator?
A self-publishing aggregator is a service that helps indie authors distribute their books across multiple retailers and libraries without the need to manage multiple accounts. Instead of uploading a manuscript to each store separately—such as Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and others—authors can use an aggregator to handle the process. This saves time and effort, especially for those who want to reach the widest audience possible.
Benefits of Using an Aggregator
One Dashboard, Multiple Stores – Aggregators simplify distribution by consolidating everything into one interface.
Easier Royalty Management – Instead of receiving royalties from multiple platforms, authors receive a single payment from the aggregator.
Simplified Formatting & Metadata – Aggregators often provide tools to format books and ensure they meet platform requirements.
Access to Hard-to-Reach Markets – Some platforms, like library distribution channels, may be difficult to access directly, but aggregators can facilitate entry.
Promotional Opportunities – Many aggregators offer promotional tools, including store-specific pricing and marketing features.
Reduced Technical Hassle – Instead of managing separate uploads, updates, and metadata changes across multiple stores, authors can handle everything from one place.
Draft2Digital: A Leader in User-Friendly Distribution
Company History and Founders
Draft2Digital (D2D) was founded in 2012 by David Wilson, Aaron Pogue, and Chris Cowden, a group of authors and entrepreneurs who recognized the need for a simpler way to distribute books. The company is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA, and has grown into one of the most respected aggregators in the self-publishing industry.
In 2022, Draft2Digital acquired Smashwords, one of the earliest and most influential self-publishing aggregators, founded in 2008 by Mark Coker. Smashwords was known for its extensive distribution network and pioneering efforts in helping indie authors reach multiple digital retailers. Mark Coker joined Draft2Digital as the Chief Strategy Advisor following the merger, bringing years of experience and a commitment to indie publishing innovation.
Main Services and Products
Draft2Digital offers a seamless way for indie authors to distribute eBooks and print books. Key services include:
eBook Distribution – Reach multiple online retailers such as Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Tolino, and library services like OverDrive.
Print Book Distribution – Through their Print Beta program, authors can publish print-on-demand books without needing a separate ISBN.
Auto-Generated Formatting – Authors can upload a Word document and have it converted into an eBook with professional-looking formatting.
Universal Book Links (UBLs) – A single link that directs readers to various online stores where the book is available.
Promotional Tools – D2D provides tools to adjust prices for sales events and gain visibility on retail platforms.
Integration with Smashwords – Authors can now access Smashwords' extensive promotional opportunities and library distribution via D2D.
Costs Associated
Draft2Digital does not charge upfront fees. Instead, it takes a 10% cut of an author’s royalties from sales on partner retailers. This means there is no cost to upload or distribute a book, making it a cost-effective option for many indie authors.
Pros and Cons of Using Draft2Digital
Pros:
No upfront costs
Easy-to-use interface
Free professional formatting tools
Automated backmatter creation (links to author’s other books)
Strong customer support
Wide distribution network
Integration with Smashwords' promotional tools
Cons:
No direct distribution to Amazon (though they provide a workaround by encouraging direct publishing to Kindle Direct Publishing)
Limited promotional tools compared to direct publishing on some platforms
Print distribution is still in beta and not as robust as other print-on-demand services
How Indie Authors Can Leverage Draft2Digital
Maximize Distribution – Use D2D to reach non-Amazon markets efficiently.
Leverage Free Formatting – Save on formatting costs by using D2D’s automatic conversion tools.
Use Universal Book Links – Promote books using a single, trackable link to all stores.
Combine with Direct Publishing – Use KDP for Amazon and D2D for all other retailers to maximize revenue.
PublishDrive: A Data-Driven Approach to Self-Publishing
Company History and Founders
PublishDrive was founded in 2015 by Kinga Jentetics, an entrepreneur and former researcher with a background in digital marketing and publishing. Inspired by the difficulties she faced in publishing her own book, she created PublishDrive to offer a more efficient, data-driven approach to self-publishing. The company is based in Hungary and operates globally.
Main Services and Products
PublishDrive is a full-service publishing aggregator offering:
eBook, Print, and Audiobook Distribution – Covers major retailers like Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, and Scribd, as well as libraries and niche platforms.
Subscription-Based Pricing – Unlike percentage-based aggregators, PublishDrive uses a subscription model where authors pay a flat fee.
AI-Powered Marketing Tools – Features include promotional campaign tracking, pricing automation, and analytics.
Royalty Optimization – PublishDrive allows authors to set up co-author royalty splits, making it easier for collaborative projects.
International Distribution – Offers access to non-English-language markets, including China and Eastern Europe.
Costs Associated
PublishDrive operates on a subscription-based model rather than a revenue-sharing system. Plans start at approximately $19.99 per month for one book and increase based on the number of books being published.
Pros and Cons of Using PublishDrive
Pros:
Keeps 100% of royalties (no revenue-sharing fees)
Distributes to unique international markets
AI-driven marketing and pricing tools
Supports eBooks, print, and audiobooks
Excellent for high-volume publishers
Cons:
Subscription fee can be costly for authors with low sales
Not ideal for authors publishing only a single book
Higher learning curve due to its data-driven approach
How Indie Authors Can Leverage PublishDrive
Optimize Sales with Data Tools – Use analytics and AI-based pricing to maximize earnings.
Expand Internationally – Reach markets that other aggregators may not cover.
Use for High-Volume Publishing – If publishing multiple books, the flat-rate model becomes more cost-effective.
Manage Royalties for Co-Authors – Utilize PublishDrive’s automated royalty-splitting tool for collaborative projects.
Conclusion
Both Draft2Digital and PublishDrive offer valuable services to indie authors, but they cater to different needs. Authors who want a simple, free distribution model may prefer Draft2Digital, while those focused on international markets and advanced analytics might benefit more from PublishDrive. By understanding their features, costs, and unique advantages, authors can make informed choices to optimize their self-publishing business.
