ACX
Amazon’s Audiobook Creation Exchange: hire a narrator (pay-for-production or royalty share) or upload your own finished audio, then distribute to Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books. Under Audible’s new royalty model you ch…
All tools
Filter by category or pricing. Search matches names and blurbs.
73 tools shown
Amazon KDP
Kindle Direct Publishing — the dominant self-publishing storefront for ebooks and print-on-demand. Optional KDP Select exclusivity unlocks Kindle Unlimited. Essential for most indies; not the only store if you go wide.
Apple Books (for Authors)
Direct ebook publishing to Apple Books. Create an Apple account, then upload an EPUB through the web publishing portal (Pages and Word conversion paths are also documented). Apple’s own comparison page states a 70% royal…
Atticus
Cross-platform writing-plus-formatting app (browser/PWA) aimed at indie authors who want Vellum-like output without needing a Mac. Strong for fiction interiors and print/ebook export; writing features are lighter than Sc…
Author’s Republic
Non-exclusive wide audiobook distributor with 50+ channels grouped into Audible/Amazon, preferred retail and library partners (Kobo, Google, OverDrive, Hoopla, Storytel, Chirp and more), and music streaming. A direct alt…
AutoCrit
Fiction manuscript analysis that benchmarks pacing, dialogue, and word choice against genre patterns. Best as a diagnostic pass for genre fiction, not a substitute for a skilled human editor.
Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble’s free self-publishing platform (formerly NOOK Press) for ebooks and print-on-demand on BN.com and NOOK. No platform fee and no exclusivity. Official payment terms state a 70% ebook royalty and a 55% print…
Book Bolt
KDP-oriented research and production suite popular with low-content and niche paperback publishers: keyword and product research, Amazon search-volume style data, a browser Spy overlay, plus cover/interior design helpers…
Book Report
Sales and royalty dashboard for indie authors. Imports reports from KDP and a growing set of wide platforms (for example Draft2Digital, Kobo, Apple Books, IngramSpark) into one view with page reads, returns, and series-o…
BookBrush
Author-oriented design platform with genre-sorted templates, 3D book mockups, and promo video tools. Built for marketing graphics and mockups rather than replacing a custom cover artist for every title.
BookBub
Reader discovery network used by indie authors for Featured Deals (editorially selected discounted-ebook emails), self-serve BookBub Ads (CPC or CPM auction), and free tools such as Author Profiles and New Release Alerts…
BookFunnel
Ebook (and audiobook) delivery for reader magnets, ARCs, group promos, and direct sales fulfilment, with strong reader tech support. Widely considered the default delivery layer for indie list-building. No public affilia…
Books2Read
Draft2Digital’s free sister site for Universal Book Links (UBLs): one shareable URL that routes readers to your ebook at their preferred store, with optional Amazon geo-routing and click stats if you create a free accoun…
BookSirens
ARC / honest review platform matching indie books with vetted readers for Amazon/Goodreads reviews, with secure delivery, reminders, and optional invite links for your own ARC team. Site claims ~75% site-wide review rate…
BookSprout
Honest ARC / review-copy platform for indie authors: recruit reviewers, distribute digital ARCs, track progress, remind non-reviewers. Free plan is for setup and growing a following; active review campaigns need a paid a…
Bookvault
UK print-on-demand printer based in Peterborough, run by printondemand-worldwide. Bookvault prints single copies, distributes to retailers including Amazon, Gardners, and Alibris, and connects to your own online shop so …
Bowker (MyIdentifiers)
Official US ISBN agency. Relevant if your publishing entity is US-based. UK authors should normally buy from Nielsen instead of Bowker.
Calibre
Free ebook library manager and converter supporting many formats. Excellent for converting and tweaking EPUBs; the learning curve for advanced editing is real. Pair with Sigil if you need deeper HTML-level EPUB surgery.
Campfire
Modular worldbuilding and writing suite (maps, timelines, characters, manuscript). Especially useful for speculative fiction authors who need interconnected lore alongside drafting.
Canva
Browser design tool widely used for simple ebook covers, ads, and social graphics. Fine for non-fiction and low-content experiments; competitive fiction covers often still benefit from a specialist designer.
Carrd
One-page site builder ideal for a clean author landing page, book links, and mailing-list signup. Fast to launch; less suitable if you need a large blog or shop.
ChatGPT
General-purpose AI assistant used by some authors for brainstorming, blurbs, and research summaries. Not a substitute for craft, voice, or legal/editorial judgement. Avoid pasting sensitive unpublished manuscripts into t…
Chirp (BookBub audiobook deals)
Audiobook retailer from the BookBub team that features limited-time discounted audiobooks in daily deal emails. Authors can’t list directly. Your title reaches Chirp via Voices by INaudio or Author’s Republic, and then y…
Claude
Anthropic’s AI assistant, often praised for long-context editing help and thoughtful critique. Same caveats as other LLMs: verify facts, protect your rights, and do not outsource your authorial voice wholesale.
Dabble
Cloud novel-writing app with a Plot Grid, story notebook, word-count goals, and real-time co-authoring. Simpler to learn than Scrivener and works on desktop, browser, iOS, and Android with automatic sync. It has position…
Deckle
Native desktop all-in-one for long-form fiction: Scrivener-like binder, codex, timeline and research plus Vellum-like print PDF and multi-store EPUB export from one offline app, with direct Scrivener project import. One …
Draft2Digital
Wide ebook (and print) aggregator that sends files to multiple retailers and libraries for a distribution commission. Includes automated formatting from Word. A common companion to KDP for authors who want Apple, Kobo, l…
Fictionary
Story structure and developmental-editing software for fiction: genre templates, scene-level feedback, story maps, and a guided Story Editing Journey so you can spot plot, character, and setting gaps before a human edito…
Fiverr (editing & covers)
Open freelance marketplace where you can hire editors, proofreaders, and cover designers at many price points. Vet samples carefully — results range from excellent to poor. Escrow helps, but you still need clear briefs a…
FormatReady
Manuscript in → KDP-ready EPUB3 & print PDF out. Browser formatter for indie authors: import Markdown, plain text, or DOCX; set metadata; pick KDP trim (5×8 / 5.5×8.5 / 6×9) and theme; run preflight; download print PDF +…
FreeAgent
UK accounting software built for freelancers and sole traders — invoicing, expenses, Self Assessment support, and MTD-oriented workflows. Especially attractive if your bank offers it free with a business account.
GetCovers
Budget custom book-cover design service with in-house designers and fixed package prices from US$10. Aimed at indie authors who want a designed ebook or print wrap without hiring a freelance cover artist for hundreds of …
Google Play Books Partner Center
Google’s Partner Center for selling ebooks on Google Play, with a preview on Google Books. UK seller sign-ups can also sell audiobooks. There is no listing fee and the programme is not exclusive. Google’s help centre sta…
Grammarly
Ubiquitous grammar and clarity assistant across browser and desktop. Strong for surface errors; fiction authors often find it over-corrects voice and dialect — review suggestions critically.
Gumroad
Creator storefront for selling digital products — ebooks, courses, memberships, and similar files — through your own Gumroad profile, direct links, or embeds. No monthly subscription: you pay a cut of each sale. Since Ja…
Hemingway Editor
Readability and clarity highlighter that flags hard-to-read sentences, adverbs, passive voice, and grade level so you can tighten prose. The free web app covers the classic colour highlights; the desktop app (~$19.99 one…
IngramSpark
Print-on-demand and ebook distribution via Ingram’s trade network — the channel bookshops and libraries often use to order. Higher bar for files and metadata than KDP Print; valuable when you want bookstore- and library-…
KDSpy
Browser-based Amazon research overlay for category and sales-estimate style insights while you browse the store. Useful for quick competitive checks; always verify figures against your own sales data.
Kindle Create
Amazon’s free formatter for Kindle ebooks and KDP paperbacks. Convenient if you are Amazon-first; output is oriented to KDP (including KPF), so authors going wide usually prefer EPUB-centric tools.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit)
Creator-focused email platform (rebranded from ConvertKit) with tagging, automations, and landing pages. Popular with authors who treat their newsletter as a business asset rather than a blast list.
Kobo Writing Life
Direct self-publishing to Kobo’s ebook and audiobook stores, with no exclusivity. Kobo’s help centre describes a 70% share of list price (excluding tax) when an original ebook meets published price thresholds — including…
LivingWriter
Cloud writing app for novels and screenplays with chapter drag-and-drop, boards for manuscript/elements/planning/research, goals, comments, auto-save sync across devices, and export to DOCX/PDF/EPUB plus Amazon KDP-orien…
Lulu
Long-running print-on-demand and ebook self-publishing platform known for format variety (paperback, hardcover, photo books, calendars) and direct-to-reader sales. Sell via the Lulu Bookstore, Lulu Direct (Shopify/Wix/Wo…
MailerLite
Email marketing with automations, landing pages, and integrations commonly used with BookFunnel. Frequently recommended as a cost-effective starter ESP for indie authors.
NetGalley
Industry ARC platform connecting books with librarians, booksellers, media, educators, and professional reviewers via secure digital review copies (and audiobooks). Strongest for trade visibility and library/bookstore di…
Nielsen ISBN Agency (UK & Ireland)
Official ISBN agency for the UK and Ireland. Buy your own ISBNs if you want your imprint listed as publisher (rather than a platform-assigned free ISBN). Not legally mandatory to publish, but expected for bookstore/libra…
Notion
Flexible databases and docs often used for series trackers, launch checklists, and editorial calendars. Fine for planning; less ideal as the sole drafting home for a 100k-word novel.
Novelcrafter
Browser-based fiction writing platform with a Codex story bible, series support, and scene-beat drafting. AI features are optional and need your own model API key, which you pay for separately. The cheapest plan has no A…
Novlr
Cloud writing workspace aimed at novelists who want goals, streaks, focus mode, and light planning notes without Scrivener-level complexity. Free tier covers two projects; paid plans unlock unlimited projects, analytics,…
Obsidian
Local-first Markdown notes with backlinks and a graph view. Not a dedicated novel app, but many authors use it for research, series bibles, and Zettelkasten-style planning. Offline-first and privacy-friendly.
Payhip
Storefront for selling ebooks, audiobooks, and other digital files directly to readers, with discount codes, bonus-file bundles, download limits, PDF stamping, and an affiliate option. Payhip collects and pays UK and EU …
Plottr
Visual outlining and series-bible software: drag-and-drop scene cards, timelines, structure templates, and character and place notes. Plottr is for planning rather than drafting, and most authors pair it with Scrivener, …
Prolific Works
Reader-magnet / giveaway and ARC platform (ex-Instafreebie lineage) for distributing free ebooks, previews, bonus content, and group promotions to grow newsletters and reach new readers. Complements BookFunnel delivery a…
ProWritingAid
Self-editing suite with deep style reports, integrations (including Scrivener), and fiction-oriented checks. Useful before a human editor — not a replacement for developmental or line editing on a commercial manuscript.
PublishDrive
Wide self-publishing aggregator for ebooks, print-on-demand, and audiobooks. Subscription model: keep 100% of net store royalties and pay a flat plan fee instead of an aggregator commission cut. Competes with Draft2Digit…
Publisher Rocket
Amazon keyword and category research for authors: estimate demand, inspect competition, and build keyword lists for metadata and Amazon Ads. One of the best-known paid research tools in the indie space.
QuickBooks (UK)
Widely used UK cloud accounting with sole-trader plans aimed at Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital readiness. Compare current Sole Trader vs Simple Start features if you are VAT-registered.
Reedsy Marketplace
Vetted marketplace of editors, designers, and other publishing freelancers. Strong for authors who want traditional-publishing credentials rather than open bidding. Browse portfolios, request quotes, and manage milestone…
Reedsy Studio
Free browser writing and formatting tool (formerly Reedsy Book Editor) with EPUB and print-ready PDF export, collaboration, and clean themes. Less customisation than Atticus or Vellum, but an excellent zero-cost starting…
ScribeCount
Royalty and sales dashboard that pulls reports from KDP, wide retailers, aggregators such as Draft2Digital, and direct-sales stores like Shopify and WooCommerce into one view. Also tracks Amazon and Facebook ad spend aga…
Scrivener
Long-form writing software built around a binder, corkboard, outliner, and research folders. Steep learning curve, but still the default for complex novels and research-heavy non-fiction. Files live on your own computer,…
Shopify
Full e-commerce platform many indie authors use to sell ebooks, print books, merch, and bundles from their own branded store. Strong when you want print-on-demand fulfilment via apps (for example Lulu Direct or Bookvault…
SmartEdit Writer
Free Windows novel-writing app from Bad Wolf Software: scene-by-scene drafting, research folders, character notes, and a built-in Editor Toolbar that flags overused words, adverbs, dialogue tags, long sentences, and simi…
Spotify for Authors
Spotify’s own portal for authors to upload audiobooks directly to Spotify, keep full rights, and see royalty reports and listener insights. Free and non-exclusive, so it sits alongside ACX or a wide aggregator. Spotify p…
StoryOrigin
Author marketing toolkit: reader magnets, newsletter swaps, group promos, ARC management, and universal links. A common lower-cost complement or alternative to BookFunnel for cross-promotion workflows.
StreetLib
Global ebook and audiobook aggregator with European roots (Italian HQ lineage) and distribution into many retailers and library channels. A practical alternative to Draft2Digital or PublishDrive when you want wide digita…
Sudowrite
Fiction-oriented AI writing assistant for brainstorming, rewriting, and expanding prose. Treat outputs as drafts you must heavily edit; check retailer and competition rules on AI-assisted work and be transparent where re…
The Fussy Librarian
Genre-matched ebook promotion newsletter: readers pick the genres they want and get daily free or bargain picks. The official site lists about 570,000 free-ebook subscribers and around 125,000 bargain readers. Free promo…
Upwork
General freelance marketplace used by authors to hire editors, designers, and assistants. Stronger contract tools than casual gig sites; still requires portfolio checks and a clear scope of work.
Vellum
Mac-only book formatter prized for polished fiction interiors, styles, and device previews. You import a manuscript, style chapters, and generate retail ebooks plus print PDF. Not available on Windows — many Windows auth…
Voices by INaudio (ex-Findaway)
Wide, non-exclusive audiobook aggregator (formerly Findaway Voices) reaching retail, subscription, library, and K–12 channels worldwide. You set your list price and keep 80% of what it collects. After the 2025 split, Spo…
WordPress.com
Hosted WordPress blogging and sites. Good when you want posts, series pages, and plugins-via-plans without self-hosting. Distinct from self-hosted WordPress.org.
Written Word Media
Ebook promotion company behind five reader newsletters: Freebooksy (free ebooks), Bargain Booksy (US$0.99–US$5 deals), Red Feather Romance (romance only), NewInBooks (new releases) and Audio Thicket (audiobooks). The off…