06-04-2013, 10:12 AM | #1 |
Gregg Bell
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Is Draft2Digital worth it?
I've been investigating Draft2Digital. My main goal is to have D2D whisk a novel (which is very time sensitive) into Apple so Amazon can "price match" (at free). I know D2D converts Word docs but I have EPUBs and D2D does nothing to the EPUBS (not that I'd want them to). So if D2D can save me time with getting into Apple with the time sensitive novel I'm all for it. But is D2D worth it in general? I mean, maybe if you're giving them Word docs and they do a decent job turning them into EPUBS (although I wonder about that too), but to take 15% just for submitting to Kobo and Apple and B&N? I looked at Kobo and it seemed easy to submit there. Are B&N and Apple that hard? I mean, wouldn't it be better to take the time, submitting yourself, having the direct relationship with the distributor rather than needing a go-between, and, of course, saving the 15%?
Anybody got any experience with this? Thanks. |
06-04-2013, 10:48 AM | #2 |
Wizard
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I suppose it depends. Over at the kboards writer's cafe, there's been a lot of talk about D2D. Some people use it to get into iBooks and for nothing else (apparently if you dont' have a mac it can be a challenge to get listed there). I'm considering using them for my stories, because I don't want to have to monitor so many outlets simultaneously - it's worth it for me to get the accounting done in just one place rather than setting up accounts for kobo, B&N, iBooks, Diesel, and however many other places.
I suppose that, if you're selling in the hundreds or thousands of copies, that 15% can really hurt, and it makes more sense to set up your own accounts. I don't think there's that kind of market for my fairy tales, and so it's probably worth it to not have the additional hassle. |
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06-04-2013, 05:43 PM | #3 |
Wizard
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Why not use Smashwords? They accept EPUBS and will get you in to Apple, Kobo, and B&N all for free.
Amazon may take months to price match, so if your plan is based on timing... it probably will not work. |
06-04-2013, 06:14 PM | #4 |
Wizard
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No, smashwords also charges 15% commission on anything they place.
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06-04-2013, 06:15 PM | #5 |
Wizard
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06-04-2013, 08:14 PM | #6 |
Wizard
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oh, I missed that; thanks.
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06-04-2013, 09:22 PM | #7 | |
Gregg Bell
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thanks
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06-04-2013, 09:33 PM | #8 | |
Gregg Bell
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okay vincent
Quote:
In regards to why not use Smashwords? Will Smashwords publish my epub without tampering with it, or putting it through its "meat grinder"? I don't know. What's better about Smashwords (than D2D)? I've heard not the greatest things about its style guide, the quality of the books it puts out. And, regarding the wanting to price match with Amazon at "free," will Smashwords facilitate that process any faster than D2D? (I've heard D2D is as fast as they get.) And lastly, since my plan is indeed based on timing, do you have any suggestions for me? thanks |
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06-04-2013, 09:43 PM | #9 | ||
Wizard
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Quote:
Quote:
Smashwords can get you into more places then D2D currently. I have not used D2D, but I suspect they are an up and coming competitor for Smashwords which hopefully will make Smash better. ( I have looked at them and read threads about them, so know a little that way) The ONLY complaint I have with Smash is they are slow. Slow to push books out, slow push out updates, slow to respond to customer service requests, and slow to report sales and royalties. Personally I push directly to: Amazon, Kobo, B&N and Smash currently. You need a Mac, or use Macincloud, to push to Apple and I have been told it is very much annoying. I have a Mac, but I have not tried yet. I let Smashwords deal with it. |
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06-05-2013, 11:18 AM | #10 | |
Gregg Bell
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thank you
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06-05-2013, 11:24 AM | #11 |
Wizard
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I produce a special epub just for Smashwords because they have a little pickiness about the copyright page. I do not link to my Amazon page. I link to my website, twitter, and mailing list.
The goal is to get people on your email list. That is your most important marketing tool (based on my research). So you should be thinking of finding ways to drive to that. In the past I have had links to Amazon in my epubs that have gone to Apple and they have not complained. |
06-05-2013, 09:41 PM | #12 | |
Gregg Bell
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thanks
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