Quick Overview
- 1#1: Atticus - All-in-one writing, formatting, and publishing tool for creating professional ebooks and print books.
- 2#2: Scrivener - Comprehensive project management and writing software for organizing research, outlines, and manuscripts.
- 3#3: Vellum - Mac-only formatting software that generates beautifully designed ebooks and print-ready PDFs.
- 4#4: Ulysses - Distraction-free Markdown writing app with library organization and direct publishing to platforms.
- 5#5: Reedsy Book Editor - Free online collaborative editor for writing, formatting, and exporting books to EPUB, PDF, and Word.
- 6#6: Calibre - Open-source ebook manager for converting, editing metadata, and organizing digital libraries.
- 7#7: Adobe InDesign - Professional desktop publishing software for designing layouts of books, magazines, and interactive PDFs.
- 8#8: Affinity Publisher - Affordable professional page layout app for creating print and digital books without subscription.
- 9#9: Sigil - Free open-source EPUB editor for authoring, editing, and validating ebook files.
- 10#10: Kindle Create - Free Amazon tool for formatting manuscripts into reflowable and print replicas for Kindle publishing.
Tools were chosen based on rigorous assessment of their feature set, output excellence, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they cater to writers of all levels and publishable formats.
Comparison Table
Book software simplifies the process of writing, editing, and preparing manuscripts for publication, with tools tailored to different needs. This comparison table explores popular options like Atticus, Scrivener, Vellum, Ulysses, and Reedsy Book Editor, highlighting their key features, strengths, and ideal use cases. Readers will learn which tool may best suit their writing style, project type, or workflow goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atticus All-in-one writing, formatting, and publishing tool for creating professional ebooks and print books. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Scrivener Comprehensive project management and writing software for organizing research, outlines, and manuscripts. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 3 | Vellum Mac-only formatting software that generates beautifully designed ebooks and print-ready PDFs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | Ulysses Distraction-free Markdown writing app with library organization and direct publishing to platforms. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Reedsy Book Editor Free online collaborative editor for writing, formatting, and exporting books to EPUB, PDF, and Word. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 6 | Calibre Open-source ebook manager for converting, editing metadata, and organizing digital libraries. | other | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.1/10 | 10/10 |
| 7 | Adobe InDesign Professional desktop publishing software for designing layouts of books, magazines, and interactive PDFs. | creative_suite | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Affinity Publisher Affordable professional page layout app for creating print and digital books without subscription. | creative_suite | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 9 | Sigil Free open-source EPUB editor for authoring, editing, and validating ebook files. | other | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| 10 |  Kindle Create Free Amazon tool for formatting manuscripts into reflowable and print replicas for Kindle publishing. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.8/10 |
All-in-one writing, formatting, and publishing tool for creating professional ebooks and print books.
Comprehensive project management and writing software for organizing research, outlines, and manuscripts.
Mac-only formatting software that generates beautifully designed ebooks and print-ready PDFs.
Distraction-free Markdown writing app with library organization and direct publishing to platforms.
Free online collaborative editor for writing, formatting, and exporting books to EPUB, PDF, and Word.
Open-source ebook manager for converting, editing metadata, and organizing digital libraries.
Professional desktop publishing software for designing layouts of books, magazines, and interactive PDFs.
Affordable professional page layout app for creating print and digital books without subscription.
Free open-source EPUB editor for authoring, editing, and validating ebook files.
Free Amazon tool for formatting manuscripts into reflowable and print replicas for Kindle publishing.
Atticus
specializedAll-in-one writing, formatting, and publishing tool for creating professional ebooks and print books.
Single-source formatting that generates print-ready PDFs and ebooks (EPUB/MOBI) with pixel-perfect control and automated elements like page numbers and drop caps.
Atticus is an all-in-one desktop software for authors, combining writing, editing, and professional book formatting for both print and ebooks in a single intuitive platform. It supports goal tracking, customizable themes, front/back matter automation, and exports to PDF, EPUB, MOBI, and DOCX without needing additional tools. Designed for self-publishers, it eliminates the need for separate apps like Scrivener or Vellum, streamlining the entire book production workflow.
Pros
- One-time lifetime purchase with free updates, no subscriptions
- Professional-grade formatting for print and ebooks from one file
- Built-in goal tracking and productivity tools
- Highly customizable themes and previews
Cons
- Desktop-only (Mac/Windows, no web or mobile access)
- Limited real-time collaboration features
- Steeper learning curve for advanced formatting tweaks
Best For
Self-publishing authors seeking a comprehensive, subscription-free tool to write, format, and export books professionally.
Pricing
One-time fee of $147 for lifetime access and updates.
Scrivener
specializedComprehensive project management and writing software for organizing research, outlines, and manuscripts.
The interactive Corkboard and Outliner for visually planning and rearranging book chapters and scenes like physical index cards.
Scrivener is a powerful writing studio tailored for long-form projects like novels, non-fiction books, theses, and screenplays, allowing users to organize research, notes, and drafts within a single binder structure. It features visual tools such as the corkboard for rearranging scenes like index cards and an outliner for hierarchical planning, alongside full-screen composition mode for distraction-free writing. The software excels in compiling manuscripts into professional formats including PDF, ePub, MOBI, and screenplay specs, making it a comprehensive solution for book authors from planning to publishing.
Pros
- Unmatched project organization with binder, corkboard, and outliner tools
- Versatile compile engine for exporting to multiple book formats
- Cross-platform sync via Dropbox and robust import/export capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- Lacks real-time collaboration features
- Occasional performance lag with very large projects
Best For
Novelists, non-fiction authors, and screenwriters managing complex, long-form writing projects with extensive research and restructuring needs.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $59 for Mac/Windows desktop, $23.99 for iOS; free trial available.
Vellum
specializedMac-only formatting software that generates beautifully designed ebooks and print-ready PDFs.
Seamless live previews simulating exact rendering on Kindle, Apple Books, and print devices.
Vellum is a premium book formatting software exclusively for Mac users, enabling authors to create professional ebooks (EPUB, MOBI) and print-ready PDFs with minimal effort. It features drag-and-drop import of manuscripts, automatic generation of tables of contents, and customizable themes for elements like drop caps and footnotes. The tool excels in producing polished, device-optimized files ready for platforms like Kindle and Apple Books.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Stunning, professional output with precise typography
- Live previews for multiple devices and formats
Cons
- Mac-only availability limits accessibility
- High one-time cost with no free tier or trial
- Focused solely on formatting, lacks writing or editing tools
Best For
Mac-based self-publishing authors prioritizing effortless, high-quality ebook and print book formatting.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $199 for ebooks only, $199 for print only, or $249 for both.
Ulysses
specializedDistraction-free Markdown writing app with library organization and direct publishing to platforms.
Hierarchical library with keywords and unification for effortlessly managing complex book projects
Ulysses is a Markdown-based writing app for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS, optimized for long-form content like books, novels, and essays. It organizes projects into a hierarchical library of groups and sheets, allowing writers to structure chapters, scenes, and notes effortlessly. Key features include goal tracking, proofreading tools, keyword filtering, and exports to ePub, PDF, DOCX, and WordPress for seamless publishing.
Pros
- Intuitive sheet-based organization ideal for book structures
- Distraction-free Markdown editor with live preview
- Seamless iCloud sync and multi-device support
Cons
- Limited to Apple ecosystem only
- Subscription model required for full features
- Less advanced compiling options compared to dedicated tools like Scrivener
Best For
Apple-using authors seeking a clean, organized Markdown workflow for drafting and exporting books.
Pricing
Subscription: $5.99/month or $39.99/year (includes iCloud sync; free trial available).
Reedsy Book Editor
otherFree online collaborative editor for writing, formatting, and exporting books to EPUB, PDF, and Word.
Automatic professional formatting templates that generate print-ready PDFs with proper margins, folios, and front/back matter.
Reedsy Book Editor is a free, web-based writing and formatting tool designed specifically for authors to create professional manuscripts. It provides a distraction-free writing environment with goal tracking, real-time collaboration, and automatic formatting for print books, ebooks, and front/back matter. Users can export to PDF, EPUB, and DOCX formats, making it ideal for self-publishing workflows.
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden costs
- Professional formatting templates for print and ebooks
- Real-time collaboration and goal tracking
Cons
- Requires constant internet connection (no offline mode)
- Limited advanced editing tools like grammar checking
- Basic outlining compared to dedicated software like Scrivener
Best For
Indie authors and first-time self-publishers seeking a simple, free tool for manuscript formatting and export.
Pricing
Free for all features.
Calibre
otherOpen-source ebook manager for converting, editing metadata, and organizing digital libraries.
Powerful ebook conversion engine that preserves formatting across dozens of formats with customizable options
Calibre is a free, open-source ebook management tool that excels in organizing large digital libraries, converting between numerous ebook formats, and editing metadata. It includes a built-in viewer, device syncing capabilities for e-readers like Kindle and Kobo, and a content server for wireless access. With extensive plugin support, it allows deep customization for advanced users handling ebooks across platforms.
Pros
- Unmatched format conversion supporting over 20 input and output formats
- Comprehensive library management with tagging, searching, and metadata editing
- Extensive plugin ecosystem and content server for remote access
Cons
- Outdated, cluttered user interface that overwhelms beginners
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- High CPU and memory usage during conversions
Best For
Avid ebook collectors and power users needing robust format conversion and library organization.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source with no paid tiers or ads.
Adobe InDesign
creative_suiteProfessional desktop publishing software for designing layouts of books, magazines, and interactive PDFs.
Advanced typesetting engine with optical margin alignment and hanging punctuation for flawless book typography
Adobe InDesign is a professional desktop publishing application designed for creating complex layouts like books, magazines, and brochures with precise typography and page management. It excels in handling long documents through master pages, paragraph styles, and advanced text composition tools tailored for book production. InDesign supports high-quality PDF exports for print and interactive EPUBs for digital publishing, integrating seamlessly with other Adobe tools.
Pros
- Unparalleled typography controls like optical margin alignment and GREP styles for professional book typesetting
- Master pages and style sheets ensure consistency across hundreds of pages
- Robust export options for print-ready PDFs and reflowable EPUBs
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant time investment for beginners
- Subscription-only model with high ongoing costs
- Resource-intensive, demanding powerful hardware for smooth performance
Best For
Professional book designers, publishers, and layout artists handling complex, multi-chapter print or digital books.
Pricing
Subscription: $22.99/month (billed annually) for single-app plan; included in Creative Cloud All Apps at $59.99/month.
Affinity Publisher
creative_suiteAffordable professional page layout app for creating print and digital books without subscription.
StudioLink technology, enabling full access to Affinity Designer and Photo tools directly within Publisher for seamless workflows.
Affinity Publisher is a professional desktop publishing software from Serif, specializing in layout and design for books, magazines, brochures, and multi-page documents. It provides advanced tools for typography, master pages, text flow, and image placement, with excellent support for print-ready PDFs and EPUB exports. As part of the affordable Affinity suite, it integrates seamlessly with Affinity Designer and Photo, offering a compelling alternative to subscription-based tools like Adobe InDesign.
Pros
- One-time perpetual license eliminates recurring fees
- Robust book-specific tools like footnotes, indexes, and precise text handling
- StudioLink integration for vector and raster editing without app-switching
Cons
- Lacks advanced automation and scripting compared to InDesign
- No built-in cloud collaboration for teams
- Can be resource-intensive with very large book projects
Best For
Independent authors, small publishers, and freelance designers seeking professional book layout capabilities without subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $69.99 for Publisher standalone; $169.99 for the full Affinity Suite (Publisher, Designer, Photo); frequent sales at 50% off.
Sigil
otherFree open-source EPUB editor for authoring, editing, and validating ebook files.
Built-in EPUB validator and automatic fixer for ensuring standards compliance
Sigil is a free, open-source EPUB ebook editor that enables users to create, edit, and refine EPUB files with precision. It provides multiple editing modes including WYSIWYG Book View, raw Code View, and Preview, along with tools for metadata management, table of contents generation, and EPUB validation. Primarily targeted at technical users, it excels in producing standards-compliant ebooks without any subscription or licensing fees.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no hidden costs
- Comprehensive EPUB tools including validation, spellcheck, and regex search/replace
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons
- Dated interface that feels clunky compared to modern editors
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to heavy reliance on code editing
- Limited to EPUB formats, lacking support for MOBI, PDF, or direct export to other ebook types
Best For
Technical authors and publishers seeking full control over EPUB production without spending money.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions)
Kindle Create
specializedFree Amazon tool for formatting manuscripts into reflowable and print replicas for Kindle publishing.
Kindle Previewer that accurately simulates the book’s appearance across multiple Kindle devices and reading modes
Kindle Create is a free desktop application from Amazon designed to simplify ebook and print book formatting for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It supports reflowable ebooks, fixed-layout books like comics or children's books, and print replicas, with tools for importing Word documents, applying professional themes, generating tables of contents, and embedding images or audio. Users can preview their work on simulated Kindle devices before one-click uploading to KDP.
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden costs
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface ideal for beginners
- Seamless integration and direct upload to KDP
Cons
- Limited advanced customization and design flexibility
- Desktop-only (Windows/Mac, no web or Linux support)
- Primarily optimized for Amazon ecosystem, less versatile for other platforms
Best For
Beginner self-publishers and authors targeting Kindle ebooks who want quick, hassle-free formatting without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Entirely free to download and use.
Conclusion
The top book software reviewed each brings unique strengths, with [Atticus] leading as the best choice, offering a seamless mix of writing, formatting, and publishing tools. [Scrivener] follows closely for its exceptional project management and organization features, while [Vellum] stands out for its stunning design capabilities, particularly for Mac users. Together, they cater to a range of needs, ensuring writers of all styles find a tool that fits.
Begin your writing journey today with [Atticus] and experience the ease of creating professional books from start to finish.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison