Best Self-Publishing Tools & Services for Authors
Essential resources to write, format, publish, and market your book successfully
Whether you're a first-time author or an experienced indie publisher, this curated collection of 20 top-rated tools and services will help you navigate every stage of the self-publishing journey—from manuscript creation to book marketing and distribution.
Top 10 Book Publishing Tools
1. Free ISBN Tools
We have developed several free ISBN-related tools including our ISBN Barcode Generator, Hyphenator, and Converter to help authors manage their book identifiers.
Learn More2. Hookread - Book Marketing Platform
Essential book marketing tools designed specifically for indie authors to promote their books and reach more readers.
Learn More3. Atticus - Book Writing Software
All-in-one book writing and formatting software for self-publishers. Write, format, and export your manuscript in one powerful tool.
Learn More4. Publisher Rocket - Amazon KDP Research Tool
Powerful book marketing research tool for keyword research and competitor analysis on Amazon KDP. Find profitable niches and optimize your book listings.
Learn More5. Canva - Book Cover Design Tool
Popular drag-and-drop graphic design tool perfect for creating book covers, marketing graphics, and complete book layouts without design experience.
Learn More6. LanguageTool - Grammar Checker
Advanced writing assistant and grammar checker for authors. A powerful Grammarly alternative for editing and proofreading your manuscript.
Learn More7. Scrivener - Novel Writing Software
Industry-standard writing software for organizing complex manuscripts, research notes, and character development in one powerful workspace.
Learn More8. 99Designs - Book Cover Design Service
Professional design contest platform where authors can receive multiple book cover design options from talented designers worldwide.
Learn More9. Fiverr - Freelance Publishing Services
Global freelance marketplace for hiring affordable professionals for book cover design, editing, formatting, and marketing services.
Learn More10. Etsy - Author Merchandise Platform
Online marketplace for selling signed physical books, author merchandise, and book-related products directly to your readers and fans.
Learn MoreTop 10 Self-Publishing Platforms
1. Bookllo Publishing Services
Comprehensive self-publishing service provider helping authors publish, distribute, and market their books with professional support.
Learn More2. Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
The world's largest self-publishing platform for ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks, reaching millions of readers through Amazon's marketplace.
Learn More3. IngramSpark - Print Distribution
Professional-grade printing and global distribution services connecting indie authors with bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide.
Learn More4. Draft2Digital - Ebook Distribution
Simplified ebook distribution to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more retailers with free formatting tools and aggregated royalty reporting.
Learn More5. PublishDrive - Global Distribution
Multi-format distribution platform offering extensive global reach for ebooks, print books, and audiobooks across 400+ digital stores and libraries.
Learn More6. Barnes & Noble Press
Direct publishing platform for selling ebooks and print books through Barnes & Noble stores and online, reaching traditional bookstore customers.
Learn More7. Blurb - Premium Print Books
High-quality print-on-demand service specializing in photo books, art books, and visually rich content with professional printing options.
Learn More8. Lulu - Print-on-Demand Publishing
Established print-on-demand platform for books, calendars, and more with flexible format options, direct selling, and distribution services.
Learn More9. Kobo Writing Life
Self-publishing portal for distributing ebooks to Kobo's global network of readers across 190 countries with competitive royalty rates.
Learn More10. Google Play Books Partner Center
Publish and sell ebooks directly through Google Play Store, reaching Android users and Google ecosystem readers worldwide.
Learn More
Your Complete Self-Publishing Resource Guide
We've carefully curated this collection of the best self-publishing tools and services to help authors at every stage of their publishing journey. From writing and editing to publishing and marketing, these resources represent the most valuable and trusted platforms available to independent authors in 2026.
Our team regularly reviews and updates these recommendations based on user feedback, industry changes, and hands-on experience in the publishing field. We focus on tools that offer genuine value to authors, whether you're just starting your self-publishing journey or are a seasoned professional looking to optimize your workflow and reach more readers.
Each tool and service listed here has been selected for its reliability, user-friendliness, and proven track record in helping authors succeed. We understand that choosing the right publishing tools can be overwhelming, so we've done the research to bring you only the best options for indie authors and self-publishers.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We recommend these tools and services because we genuinely believe they are helpful and useful for authors, not because of the small commissions we might receive. Your trust is important to us, and we only recommend products and services we would use ourselves. Please make your own informed decisions based on your specific needs and research.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Publishing Tools
What are the best free tools for self-publishing authors?
The best free tools include our ISBN Barcode Generator, Canva's free tier for book cover design, LanguageTool for grammar checking, and Amazon KDP for publishing. These tools provide essential functionality without upfront costs.
Which self-publishing platform pays the best royalties?
Amazon KDP offers up to 70% royalties for ebooks priced between $2.99-$9.99. Draft2Digital and Kobo Writing Life also offer competitive rates. The best choice depends on your target audience and distribution goals.
Do I need different tools for ebooks vs. print books?
Yes, formatting requirements differ. Tools like Atticus handle both formats, while platforms like Amazon KDP support both ebooks and print-on-demand. IngramSpark specializes in professional print distribution.
What's the difference between KDP and IngramSpark?
Amazon KDP focuses on Amazon's marketplace with easy setup and high royalties. IngramSpark offers wider bookstore and library distribution with professional-grade printing but has setup fees and lower royalties.
How much does it cost to self-publish a book?
Costs vary widely. You can publish for free using KDP and free tools, or invest $500-$5,000+ for professional editing, cover design, and marketing. Most successful authors invest in at least professional cover design and editing.