Quick Overview
- 1#1: Atticus - All-in-one writing, formatting, and publishing software for creating professional ebooks and print books with goal tracking and themes.
- 2#2: Vellum - Mac-exclusive software for generating beautifully formatted ebooks and print-ready PDFs with customizable styles.
- 3#3: Scrivener - Comprehensive writing and project management tool with robust compiling features for ebooks and print books.
- 4#4: Reedsy Book Editor - Free online collaborative editor for writing and exporting professionally formatted ebooks in EPUB and PDF.
- 5#5: ProWritingAI d - AI-powered editing software delivering in-depth analysis and suggestions to refine self-published manuscripts.
- 6#6: Affinity Publisher - Affordable one-time purchase page layout software for designing book interiors and covers professionally.
- 7#7: Canva - User-friendly drag-and-drop design platform for crafting eye-catching book covers and marketing assets.
- 8#8: Adobe InDesign - Industry-standard desktop publishing application for precise typesetting and layout of print and digital books.
- 9#9: Calibre - Free open-source ebook library manager for converting, editing, and optimizing formats for self-publishing.
- 10#10: Sigil - Free open-source EPUB editor for fine-tuning ebook files with WYSIWYG and code views.
Tools were ranked by evaluating features (e.g., formatting capabilities, collaboration tools), output quality (professional standards), ease of use (accessibility for diverse skill levels), and value (pricing models, including one-time purchases and free options).
Comparison Table
Self-publishing software offers diverse tools, from Atticus to ProWritingAI d, and this comparison table breaks down their key features, usability, and focus areas to guide your choice. Readers will learn how each tool supports writing, editing, formatting, and distribution, ensuring they find software tailored to their unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atticus All-in-one writing, formatting, and publishing software for creating professional ebooks and print books with goal tracking and themes. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | Vellum Mac-exclusive software for generating beautifully formatted ebooks and print-ready PDFs with customizable styles. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Scrivener Comprehensive writing and project management tool with robust compiling features for ebooks and print books. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 4 | Reedsy Book Editor Free online collaborative editor for writing and exporting professionally formatted ebooks in EPUB and PDF. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | ProWritingAI d AI-powered editing software delivering in-depth analysis and suggestions to refine self-published manuscripts. | general_ai | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Affinity Publisher Affordable one-time purchase page layout software for designing book interiors and covers professionally. | creative_suite | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Canva User-friendly drag-and-drop design platform for crafting eye-catching book covers and marketing assets. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 8 | Adobe InDesign Industry-standard desktop publishing application for precise typesetting and layout of print and digital books. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 5.8/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | Calibre Free open-source ebook library manager for converting, editing, and optimizing formats for self-publishing. | other | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 10 | Sigil Free open-source EPUB editor for fine-tuning ebook files with WYSIWYG and code views. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.2/10 | 10/10 |
All-in-one writing, formatting, and publishing software for creating professional ebooks and print books with goal tracking and themes.
Mac-exclusive software for generating beautifully formatted ebooks and print-ready PDFs with customizable styles.
Comprehensive writing and project management tool with robust compiling features for ebooks and print books.
Free online collaborative editor for writing and exporting professionally formatted ebooks in EPUB and PDF.
AI-powered editing software delivering in-depth analysis and suggestions to refine self-published manuscripts.
Affordable one-time purchase page layout software for designing book interiors and covers professionally.
User-friendly drag-and-drop design platform for crafting eye-catching book covers and marketing assets.
Industry-standard desktop publishing application for precise typesetting and layout of print and digital books.
Free open-source ebook library manager for converting, editing, and optimizing formats for self-publishing.
Free open-source EPUB editor for fine-tuning ebook files with WYSIWYG and code views.
Atticus
specializedAll-in-one writing, formatting, and publishing software for creating professional ebooks and print books with goal tracking and themes.
Theme-based formatting engine that automatically generates print-ready PDFs and reflowable EPUBs with pixel-perfect layouts for multiple platforms
Atticus is an all-in-one writing and book formatting software tailored for self-publishing authors, enabling seamless manuscript creation, organization, and professional formatting in a single application. It supports drag-and-drop chapter organization, customizable themes for print and ebook layouts, and direct exports to EPUB, PDF, and DOCX formats optimized for platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital. Additional tools include goal tracking, spellcheck, and automated front/back matter generation, making it a comprehensive solution for indie authors.
Pros
- Exceptionally intuitive formatting with professional themes that adapt to various trim sizes and export needs
- Cross-platform support for Mac and Windows with lifetime updates included
- One-time purchase eliminates recurring fees, offering excellent long-term value
Cons
- Lacks real-time collaboration features for co-authors
- No mobile app, limiting on-the-go editing
- Advanced writing tools are solid but less robust than dedicated apps like Scrivener
Best For
Indie authors seeking a user-friendly, all-in-one tool for writing, formatting, and exporting books without subscriptions or complex learning curves.
Pricing
One-time fee of $147 for full lifetime access, including all future updates.
Vellum
specializedMac-exclusive software for generating beautifully formatted ebooks and print-ready PDFs with customizable styles.
Automatic generation of professional front/back matter, series pages, and interactive elements tailored to each publishing platform.
Vellum is a premium Mac-exclusive software for self-publishing authors, specializing in professional ebook and print book formatting. It enables users to import manuscripts, apply stunning templates, and generate distribution-ready files for platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and IngramSpark. Key features include live previews, automatic front/back matter, and seamless exports to EPUB, MOBI, and PDF formats, making complex formatting accessible without coding.
Pros
- Beautiful, genre-specific templates that produce print-ready results
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with live previews on multiple devices
- One-click exports to all major self-publishing formats with automatic metadata handling
Cons
- Available only on macOS, excluding Windows and Linux users
- High one-time cost with no free tier or trial
- Focused solely on formatting—no built-in writing or editing tools
Best For
Mac-based indie authors seeking hassle-free, professional-grade book formatting for ebooks and print without design expertise.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $199 for ebooks only; $249 for ebooks + print books (lifetime updates included).
Scrivener
specializedComprehensive writing and project management tool with robust compiling features for ebooks and print books.
The Compile engine, offering granular control over formatting, sections, and metadata for seamless export to multiple self-publishing formats.
Scrivener is a comprehensive writing studio for authors tackling long-form projects like novels, scripts, and non-fiction books, offering tools to organize research, outlines, and drafts in a single project file. It excels in structuring complex manuscripts with binder, corkboard, and outliner views, making it ideal for self-publishers managing large documents. The standout Compile feature enables exporting to professional formats like EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and DOCX, with customizable templates for front/back matter and metadata, streamlining the path to self-publishing platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing.
Pros
- Exceptional organization tools like binder, corkboard, and synopses for complex manuscripts
- Powerful Compile feature for precise ebook and print-ready exports
- One-time purchase with lifetime major version updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring tutorials for full mastery
- No real-time collaboration or cloud syncing
- Lacks built-in cover design or marketing/distribution integration
Best For
Experienced authors and novelists who need advanced organization and formatting control for self-publishing ebooks and print books.
Pricing
One-time license: $59 USD for Mac/Windows, $23.99 for iOS; includes updates within major versions, with upgrades ~$30-40.
Reedsy Book Editor
specializedFree online collaborative editor for writing and exporting professionally formatted ebooks in EPUB and PDF.
Automatic professional typesetting that generates print-ready PDFs rivaling paid tools like Vellum
Reedsy Book Editor is a free, web-based writing and formatting tool tailored for authors preparing manuscripts for self-publishing. It provides a distraction-free writing environment with features like goal tracking, inline notes, and real-time collaboration, culminating in professional exports to PDF, EPUB, and DOCX formats optimized for print and ebooks. Connected to Reedsy's marketplace, it streamlines the path from draft to publishable file for platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark.
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden costs or subscriptions
- Professional typesetting and formatting templates for print-ready PDFs and ebooks
- Intuitive interface with writing aids like goals, stats, and collaboration
Cons
- Requires constant internet connection with no offline mode
- Limited advanced customization for highly complex layouts or non-standard books
- Lacks integrated cover design, marketing tools, or direct publishing uploads
Best For
Indie authors and first-time self-publishers seeking a simple, cost-free way to format manuscripts professionally without steep learning curves.
Pricing
100% free for all core features, including unlimited projects and exports; optional paid services via Reedsy marketplace for editing/cover design.
ProWritingAI d
general_aiAI-powered editing software delivering in-depth analysis and suggestions to refine self-published manuscripts.
The Summary Report with 25+ specialized checks for creative elements like 'sticky sentences,' alliteration, and emotional tells
ProWritingAI d is a comprehensive writing assistant tool tailored for authors, offering advanced grammar, style, and readability checks with a focus on creative writing. It analyzes manuscripts for issues like repetition, pacing, dialogue tags, clichés, and overused words, providing detailed reports to refine self-published books. Integrations with tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Scrivener make it seamless for polishing novels before uploading to platforms like Amazon KDP.
Pros
- In-depth creative writing analysis including pacing, structure, and genre-specific critiques
- Extensive integrations with popular writing software like Scrivener and Google Docs
- Customizable reports and reusable style guides for consistent editing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to overwhelming number of suggestions and reports
- Performance can lag on very large manuscripts
- Limited free version restricts access to full features
Best For
Self-publishing authors of novels and long-form fiction seeking detailed stylistic feedback beyond basic grammar checks.
Pricing
Free limited plan; Premium at $10/month or $120/year; Lifetime access for $399.
Affinity Publisher
creative_suiteAffordable one-time purchase page layout software for designing book interiors and covers professionally.
StudioLink integration with Affinity Photo and Designer for live raster/vector editing without file exports
Affinity Publisher is a professional desktop publishing software from Serif, designed for creating high-quality layouts for books, magazines, brochures, and marketing materials. It provides robust tools for managing master pages, advanced text flow, image pinning, and precise typography, making it suitable for self-publishers producing print-ready PDFs or digital exports. As part of the affordable Affinity suite, it offers seamless integration with Affinity Designer and Photo for a complete design workflow without subscriptions.
Pros
- One-time purchase with no subscription required
- Professional-grade layout tools including master pages and data merge
- Excellent export options for print PDFs and basic EPUBs
Cons
- Steep learning curve compared to simpler tools like Canva
- Limited collaboration features and no cloud syncing
- Fewer self-publishing templates than specialized platforms
Best For
Independent authors and designers needing a powerful, cost-effective InDesign alternative for professional book layouts and print production.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $69.99 for version 2 (Mac/Windows); upgrades from v1 at $34.99; 6-month free trial available.
Canva
creative_suiteUser-friendly drag-and-drop design platform for crafting eye-catching book covers and marketing assets.
Magic Studio AI tools for instant design enhancements like background removal and image generation tailored to book covers
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform that enables self-publishers to create professional book covers, promotional materials, social media graphics, and basic ebook layouts using drag-and-drop tools and thousands of templates. It supports PDF exports suitable for print-on-demand services like KDP, making it accessible for authors focusing on visual elements of self-publishing. While powerful for design, it lacks advanced typesetting and formatting features found in dedicated self-publishing software.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface perfect for non-designers
- Extensive library of book cover and marketing templates
- Generous free plan with high-quality exports
Cons
- Limited advanced text formatting for complex book interiors
- Pro features required to remove watermarks and access premium elements
- Not optimized for precise print specifications or reflowable ebooks
Best For
Beginner self-publishers and authors needing quick, visually appealing book covers and promotional graphics without design expertise.
Pricing
Free plan available; Canva Pro at $12.99/month or $119.99/year (billed annually).
Adobe InDesign
enterpriseIndustry-standard desktop publishing application for precise typesetting and layout of print and digital books.
Master Pages and Styles system for effortless management of consistent multi-page documents
Adobe InDesign is a professional-grade desktop publishing software renowned for creating complex layouts for print books, magazines, brochures, and interactive digital publications. It provides unparalleled control over typography, page design, and multi-page documents, making it suitable for high-quality self-publishing projects like novels and illustrated books destined for print-on-demand services. While it excels in producing print-ready PDFs and EPUBs, it integrates seamlessly with other Adobe tools for comprehensive workflows.
Pros
- Exceptional typography and layout precision with advanced features like optical kerning and GREP styles
- Robust support for both print PDFs and interactive EPUBs/export options for self-publishing platforms
- Extensive template library and integration with Adobe Stock and Creative Cloud libraries
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant time investment for non-designers
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- Resource-heavy, demanding powerful hardware for smooth performance
Best For
Experienced designers and professional self-publishers handling complex, print-focused books and layouts.
Pricing
Subscription-based via Creative Cloud: $22.99/month (single app) or $59.99/month (all apps); annual plans offer discounts.
Calibre
otherFree open-source ebook library manager for converting, editing, and optimizing formats for self-publishing.
Advanced batch conversion engine with regex-based editing and heuristic content detection for seamless format transformations.
Calibre is a free, open-source ebook management tool that allows users to organize, convert, edit, and create ebooks in various formats. For self-publishing, it shines in converting manuscripts between formats like EPUB, MOBI, AZW3, and PDF, editing metadata, generating tables of contents, and performing advanced text processing. While versatile, it functions more as a swiss-army knife for ebook workflows rather than a streamlined publishing suite.
Pros
- Extremely powerful format conversion supporting over 40 input/output formats with customizable templates
- Full-featured ebook editor for inline edits, regex replacements, and CSS styling
- Comprehensive library management with metadata fetching from online sources
Cons
- Cluttered, outdated interface with a steep learning curve for beginners
- No direct integration with self-publishing platforms like KDP or IngramSpark
- Resource-intensive on lower-end hardware during batch operations
Best For
Tech-savvy self-publishers needing robust, free tools for ebook conversion, editing, and organization without platform-specific integrations.
Pricing
Completely free and open-source with no paid tiers or limitations.
Sigil
specializedFree open-source EPUB editor for fine-tuning ebook files with WYSIWYG and code views.
Integrated EPUB validator and flight-check tools that ensure files meet publishing platform standards before upload
Sigil is a free, open-source EPUB ebook editor designed for creating, editing, and validating EPUB files from scratch or existing documents. It provides a dual-pane interface with Book View (WYSIWYG), Code View (HTML/CSS), and Preview modes, along with tools for metadata management, table of contents generation, and structural editing. Self-publishers use it to format manuscripts into standards-compliant EPUBs for distribution on platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, or Smashwords.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- Powerful EPUB validation and repair tools for standards compliance
- Extensive plugin support for added functionality like clipping and math support
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring HTML/CSS knowledge
- Dated interface with occasional stability issues on non-Windows platforms
- Limited support for complex fixed-layout or multimedia-heavy EPUBs
Best For
Tech-savvy self-publishers comfortable with code who need precise control over EPUB formatting without paying for software.
Pricing
Free (fully open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions)
Conclusion
With a wide selection of tools tailored to every self-publishing journey, the top 3 emerge as standout choices—Atticus, the ultimate all-in-one solution for professional ebooks and print books with its integrative features, leads the ranking. Vellum impresses with its Mac-exclusive, beautifully formatted output, making it a top pick for those prioritizing elegant digital and print layouts. Scrivener, meanwhile, excels as a robust project management tool, ideal for writers needing comprehensive organization and compiling capabilities. Each offers unique strengths, but all deliver exceptional value.
Kickstart your self-publishing success by trying Atticus today—where seamless writing, formatting, and publishing come together to create your professional book.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison