Introduction

Self-publishing is an exciting and empowering journey—but it can also feel overwhelming without the right tools in your corner. From writing that first draft to marketing your published book, the process requires a mix of creativity, structure, and strategic planning. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer going the indie route, having access to reliable, easy-to-use tools can make all the difference.

At All in the Edit, we work with authors at every stage of the self-publishing process. We've curated this list of top tools and resources across four key areas: writing, editing, formatting, and marketing—so you can move from manuscript to marketplace with confidence.

1. Writing Tools for Authors

Before anything else, every book starts with words on a page. These tools help you get those words down in an organized and distraction-free way.

Scrivener

Best for: Plotters and planners who like to organize large projects.
Scrivener is a beloved tool for authors who write long-form content like novels or nonfiction books. It allows you to outline chapters, rearrange scenes, and store research—all in one place.

📌 Why we love it: The corkboard view and binder structure make it easy to move parts around without losing your flow.

Google Docs

Best for: Collaborative writing and cloud-based access.
For writers who value simplicity and real-time collaboration, Google Docs is an excellent free option. Share drafts easily with your editor or beta readers, and never worry about losing your work.

📌 Pro tip: Use the “outline” feature to navigate longer manuscripts more easily.

Hemingway Editor

Best for: Self-editing and improving readability.
This free app highlights overly complex sentences, passive voice, and other readability issues. It's great for cleaning up your prose before sending your manuscript to a professional editor.

📌 SEO note: Keywords like "self-editing tool for authors" and "writing clarity tool" often link users to Hemingway.

2. Editing & Proofreading Tools

Editing is a crucial step in turning your rough draft into a professional, polished manuscript. While no app can replace a human editor (that’s where we come in!), these tools can help you catch obvious issues early on.

Grammarly

Best for: Grammar and spelling correction with real-time feedback.
Grammarly checks for grammar, punctuation, and style issues, offering real-time suggestions. It's helpful for both manuscript prep and marketing content like blurbs or emails.

📌 Why it’s useful: It integrates with Google Docs, MS Word, and even web browsers for everyday writing support.

ProWritingAid

Best for: In-depth manuscript analysis.
Think of ProWritingAid as Grammarly’s nerdier cousin—it analyzes your writing for things like sentence structure, overused words, pacing, and more.

📌 Bonus: Many authors love the in-depth reports and thesaurus suggestions.

All in the Edit – Professional Editing Services

Best for: Comprehensive editing tailored to your voice and goals.
Software can’t replace human insight. Our team at All in the Edit specializes in line editing, copyediting, and proofreading that maintains your voice while elevating your prose.

📌 Work with us: Explore our editing packages and see how we can support your publishing journey.

3. Formatting & Design Tools

Once your manuscript is polished, the next step is formatting it for publication—both in print and digital formats. These tools can help you make your book look professionally designed.

Atticus

Best for: Book formatting for print and eBooks.
Atticus is a user-friendly, all-in-one book formatting software made with indie authors in mind. It lets you create polished interior layouts with ease, and it’s compatible with most publishing platforms.

📌 Great for: Authors who want more control than Vellum but don’t use a Mac.

Vellum

Best for: Mac users who want beautiful interior formatting.
Vellum is known for its stunning templates and clean interface. You can preview your book in real-time for Kindle, Apple Books, and print.

📌 Worth noting: The one-time cost pays off if you plan to publish multiple books.

Canva

Best for: DIY marketing graphics, book covers, and social media content.
Canva makes it easy to design book covers (especially for eBooks), social media posts, promotional graphics, and more—even if you’re not a designer.

📌 Try this: Use Canva’s free templates for Facebook banners, Instagram carousels, or Amazon A+ content.

All in the Edit – Formatting & Cover Design Services

Best for: Authors ready to present a polished, professional book—inside and out.

Your words deserve to shine. At All in the Edit, we offer interior formatting and custom cover design that align with your genre, target audience, and publishing goals—whether you're publishing in print, digital, or both.

📌 Work with us: Browse our design packages and discover how we bring your vision to life.

4. Marketing Tools & Platforms

Your book is written, edited, and formatted—now it’s time to share it with the world. These tools help you get eyes on your book and build your author brand.

BookFunnel

Best for: Delivering free copies to ARC readers or building your mailing list.
BookFunnel simplifies the process of sending eBooks to readers and is ideal for growing your newsletter list or sharing advance review copies (ARCs).

📌 Bonus: It handles technical issues for your readers, so you don’t have to.

Mailerlite

Best for: Email marketing made simple.
Mailerlite is a user-friendly platform for sending newsletters and managing your email list. It offers automation, drag-and-drop design, and good analytics for tracking reader engagement.

📌 Authors love it for: Free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers and visually appealing templates.

StoryOrigin / BookSprout

Best for: Managing ARC teams and review campaigns.
These platforms help authors manage ARC distribution, collect early reviews, and track results. They also offer newsletter swaps and reader magnets to grow your audience.

All in the Edit – Book Marketing Plans

Best for: Personalized, author-specific marketing strategies.
We don’t just edit books—we help you launch them too. Our Book Marketing Plan service includes a step-by-step promotional roadmap tailored to your genre, audience, and goals.

📌 Ask about: Our High-Ticket Publishing Package that includes editing, marketing, and publishing timelines.

Final Thoughts

Self-publishing doesn’t mean doing it all alone. With the right combination of tools and professional support, you can turn your manuscript into a market-ready book that readers will love. The key is to invest in tools that save time, increase quality, and support your long-term author career.

Whether you're refining your prose, designing your layout, or launching your book to readers, there's a tool on this list that can help. And when you're ready to take your book to the next level, we're here to help you make it shine.

✨ Ready to Publish Like a Pro?

At All in the Edit, we specialize in editing, publishing support, and marketing for indie authors. Whether you need a professional editor, a launch strategy, or help navigating the self-publishing maze, we’re here to guide you from manuscript to bestseller.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a free discovery call or learn more about our services.
👉 Check out our author resources for tools, templates, and guides designed to support your journey.