Independent publishers will now have iPad distribution channels available thanks to Apple deals with Lulu and Smashwords. Lulu announced that it would automatically convert books from its own format into the ePub format at no cost, unless the author declines the service.

The author would then get the remainder of proceeds after Lulu and Apple are paid a percentage when the book sells via iBooks. Lulu supports the ePub and PDF formats with and without digital rights management included. For its part, Smashwords stated that authors selling ePub formatted books included in their premium catalog will see distribution on Apple's iBookstore at iPad launch.