Smashwords is a popular platform for independent authors to publish and distribute their ebooks. However, there are several other ebook publishing and distribution platforms available in the market that offer similar or even superior features and services. In this article, we will explore the 10 best Smashwords alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP is one of the most popular ebook publishing and distribution platforms available. It offers a range of features such as royalties up to 70%, Kindle Countdown Deals, and free book promotions. Amazon KDP also has a vast audience base, making it an attractive option for authors seeking maximum exposure for their work.

Advantages:

Reading more:

  • Access to a large audience base.
  • Flexible pricing options.
  • User-friendly interface.

Disadvantages:

  • Exclusivity requirements for certain features.
  • Limited distribution options beyond Amazon.

2. Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is a popular ebook publishing and distribution platform that offers a variety of services to authors. It provides easy conversion of manuscripts into multiple ebook formats, distribution to major retailers, and royalty tracking. Draft2Digital also offers user-friendly interface and competitive fees.

Advantages:

  • Easy conversion of manuscripts to multiple ebook formats.
  • Distribution to major retailers.
  • Competitive fees.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited audience compared to some alternatives.
  • Limited customization options for book formatting.

3. BookBaby

BookBaby is a comprehensive ebook publishing and distribution platform that offers a range of services such as manuscript conversion, cover design, and global distribution. It also provides marketing and promotional services to help authors reach a wider audience. BookBaby offers a user-friendly interface and competitive pricing plans.

Advantages:

  • Comprehensive ebook publishing and distribution services.
  • Marketing and promotional services available.
  • Competitive pricing plans.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited customization options for book formatting.
  • Marketing services may require additional fees.

4. IngramSpark

IngramSpark is a popular ebook publishing and distribution platform that offers a wide range of services to authors. It provides easy manuscript conversion, print-on-demand services, and global distribution to major retailers. IngramSpark also offers competitive pricing plans and user-friendly interface.

Advantages:

  • Easy manuscript conversion and print-on-demand services.
  • Global distribution to major retailers.
  • Competitive pricing plans.

Disadvantages:

Reading more:

  • Limited marketing and promotional services compared to some alternatives.
  • Formatting and design options may be limited for some users.

5. Lulu

Lulu is an ebook publishing and distribution platform that offers a range of services to authors. It provides manuscript conversion, cover design, and global distribution to major retailers. Lulu also offers marketing and promotional services to help authors reach a wider audience. Lulu has a user-friendly interface and affordable pricing plans.

Advantages:

  • Comprehensive ebook publishing and distribution services.
  • Marketing and promotional services available.
  • Affordable pricing plans.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited customization options for book formatting.
  • Limited distribution options beyond major retailers.

6. Blurb

Blurb is an ebook publishing and distribution platform that provides easy manuscript conversion, design, and distribution services. It also offers print-on-demand services and marketing and promotional tools to help authors reach their audience. Blurb has a user-friendly interface and affordable pricing plans.

Advantages:

  • Easy manuscript conversion and design services.
  • Print-on-demand and distribution services available.
  • Marketing and promotional tools available.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited distribution options beyond major retailers.
  • Limited customization options for book formatting.

7. Smashwords Direct

Smashwords Direct is a new service offered by Smashwords that provides authors with the ability to sell their ebooks directly to readers from their own website or blog. It offers a range of features such as customizable book pages, shopping cart integration, and instant payment processing. Smashwords Direct also provides authors with greater control over their pricing and distribution.

Advantages:

  • Control over pricing and distribution.
  • Customizable book pages.
  • Instant payment processing.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited audience compared to some alternatives.
  • May require technical knowledge to set up.

8. PublishDrive

PublishDrive is an ebook publishing and distribution platform that provides a range of services to authors. It offers easy manuscript conversion, global distribution to major retailers, and marketing and promotional tools. PublishDrive also provides competitive pricing plans and user-friendly interface.

Reading more:

Advantages:

  • Easy manuscript conversion and global distribution.
  • Marketing and promotional tools available.
  • Competitive pricing plans.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited customization options for book formatting.
  • Limited distribution options beyond major retailers.

9. Kobo Writing Life

Kobo Writing Life is an ebook publishing and distribution platform that provides easy manuscript conversion, distribution to major retailers, and marketing and promotional tools. It also offers competitive royalties and user-friendly interface. Kobo Writing Life is a suitable option for authors seeking international distribution.

Advantages:

  • Easy manuscript conversion and global distribution.
  • Marketing and promotional tools available.
  • Competitive royalties.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited customization options for book formatting.
  • Limited distribution options beyond major retailers.

10. StreetLib

StreetLib is an ebook publishing and distribution platform that provides comprehensive services to authors. It offers manuscript conversion, global distribution, and marketing and promotional tools. StreetLib also provides competitive pricing plans and user-friendly interface.

Advantages:

  • Comprehensive ebook publishing and distribution services.
  • Marketing and promotional tools available.
  • Competitive pricing plans.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited customization options for book formatting.
  • Limited distribution options beyond major retailers.

In conclusion, while Smashwords may be a popular platform for independent authors to publish and distribute their ebooks, there are several other ebook publishing and distribution platforms available in the market that offer similar or even superior features and services. When choosing the best Smashwords alternative or competitor for your needs, consider factors such as pricing, distribution options, customization, and marketing and promotional tools.