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So, you’ve written a book—congrats! 🎉 But before you upload it to Amazon or pitch it on social media, you’ve got one critical step left: formatting. Yep, it might not be as glamorous as writing, but formatting is everything when it comes to readability and professionalism.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 book formatting tools for self-published authors, plus give you some juicy tips to help you pick the one that works best for your needs.
Let’s get your book looking just as good as the content inside!
Why Formatting Matters for Self-Published Authors
Ever picked up a book with weird line breaks or messy chapter headings? Odds are, you didn’t finish it.
Proper formatting keeps your readers focused on your story—not distracted by the layout. And when you’re self-publishing, the burden of presentation falls 100% on you.
That’s where formatting tools come in. Whether you’re publishing on Amazon KDP or going wide, a good formatting tool will ensure your book looks polished on every device.
Want to dive deeper into the publishing process? Check out this guide on self-publishing.
What to Look for in a Book Formatting Tool
Before we jump into the tools, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your formatting software.
Ease of Use
Unless you’re a tech whiz, you’ll want something that doesn’t feel like rocket science. Look for intuitive interfaces and good customer support.
File Export Options
Different platforms need different formats—ePub, MOBI, PDF, and DOCX. The more export formats your tool offers, the better.
Compatibility with Self-Publishing Platforms
If you’re planning to publish on multiple platforms (KDP, IngramSpark, Kobo), make sure your formatter can handle all those requirements.
Need help understanding the publishing landscape? Explore our section on traditional publishing vs. self-publishing.
Top 10 Book Formatting Tools for Self-Published Authors
Let’s dig into the top contenders.
1. Vellum
Vellum is the gold standard for indie authors—if you’re on a Mac. It creates stunning print and eBook files with minimal effort.
Pros of Vellum
- Beautiful templates
- Super intuitive
- One-click export for ePub and print
Cons of Vellum
- Mac only 😢
- Pricey ($199+)
Want more tips like this? Visit our tag for self-publishing tools.
2. Atticus
Atticus is a newer, cross-platform tool that combines writing and formatting.
Why Atticus Is a Rising Star
- Works on Mac, PC, and Chromebook
- Includes formatting and writing tools
- Great for collaboration
It’s a favorite among independent authors looking for an all-in-one solution.
3. Reedsy Book Editor
Free, online, and easy to use. The Reedsy Book Editor is perfect if you’re on a budget but still want a professional finish.
A Free, Powerful Online Option
- Clean interface
- Automatically formats your manuscript
- ePub and PDF export
Learn more about manuscript steps with Reedsy.
4. Scrivener
Scrivener is a powerhouse for writers, and yes—it formats too.
Formatting with Scrivener
- Tons of customization
- Ideal for complex manuscripts
- Includes compile tools for eBook and print
Perfect for writers who value organization and customization. Check out writing process tips for using Scrivener effectively.
5. Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital is more than a distributor—it’s also a killer formatting tool.
Auto-Formatting for Distribution
- Upload your doc, and it formats it for you
- Instant ePub creation
- Free to use
A must for those diving into book promotion.
6. Kindle Create
Kindle Create is Amazon’s own tool for formatting books for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
Optimized for Amazon KDP
- Seamless integration with KDP
- Templates for different genres
- Easy formatting for Word files
Great if you’re going Amazon-exclusive. Read more about selling books on KDP.
7. Adobe InDesign
The go-to for professional designers. If you want full control, Adobe InDesign is your best friend.
The Pro Tool for Perfectionists
- Industry-standard design software
- Custom layouts for print and digital
- Steep learning curve
Explore how pro authors tackle book publishing.
8. Microsoft Word (With Templates)
Oldie but goodie. Word + templates can still get the job done, especially for simple layouts.
The Classic Way (Still Works!)
- Easily accessible
- Tons of free templates online
- Not great for complex formatting
Don’t underestimate the classics! Check out tools in our author tools section.
9. Calibre
Calibre is an open-source software that’s incredibly powerful (and totally free).
Open-Source Flexibility
- eBook conversion and editing
- Metadata management
- Learning curve is a bit steep
Useful for those who like to tinker. Learn more through our free marketing and publishing hacks.
10. Pressbooks
Originally created for educators, Pressbooks is a great tool for indie authors too.
Book Formatting for Indie Publishers & Educators
- Web-based
- Creates ePub, MOBI, PDF
- Easy collaboration for co-authors
Get inspired to write your book using educational tools like this.
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Book
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—here’s how to narrow it down.
Consider Your Budget
If you’re bootstrapping, go for Reedsy, Kindle Create, or Calibre.
Consider Your Publishing Path
Going wide? Draft2Digital or Atticus. Amazon-only? Kindle Create or Vellum.
Think About Long-Term Goals
Want to turn this into a career? Invest in tools like Vellum or InDesign. Explore more on your author career journey.
Final Tips for Flawless Formatting
- Always preview your file before publishing
- Use styles consistently (chapter headers, body text, etc.)
- Don’t overdo fonts—keep it readable
- Make sure your book looks good on different screen sizes
And if you’re stuck, don’t forget there are publishing courses to help guide you!
Conclusion
Formatting doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right tool, you can give your book the professional finish it deserves—and stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re going for a sleek eBook, a beautiful paperback, or both, there’s a tool here that’ll fit your needs.
Ready to publish like a pro? Dive into the full book publishing guide at IntuitsBook and start turning your draft into a masterpiece.
FAQs
1. What’s the best free formatting tool for self-published authors?
Reedsy Book Editor is a great free tool with professional-quality output.
2. Can I format my book in Word and still publish it?
Yes! With the right template, Word can be used to format books for both eBook and print.
3. What’s the easiest formatting tool for beginners?
Kindle Create or Draft2Digital are super beginner-friendly.
4. Do I need different formatting tools for print and eBooks?
Some tools like Vellum and Atticus support both, but always check their output formats.
5. Is formatting different for Amazon KDP vs other platforms?
Yes. Amazon has specific requirements. Tools like Kindle Create or Draft2Digital can handle these seamlessly.
6. How do I avoid formatting mistakes?
Always preview and test your file. You can also hire a professional if you’re unsure.
7. Can I learn formatting on my own?
Absolutely! Tons of publishing hacks and author education resources can guide you.