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,…
Indie author tools, compared honestly
IndieShelf is a niche directory of writing, formatting, covers, distribution, email, ads research, audiobook, and UK sole-trader tools — with plain-English blurbs and no fabricated feature lists.
Browse 73 tools
Atticus vs Vellum vs Reedsy vs FormatReady
D2D vs PublishDrive vs KDP vs IngramSpark
Kobo vs Apple vs B&N vs Google Play
BookFunnel vs StoryOrigin vs Prolific Works
Lulu vs IngramSpark vs KDP Print
ProWritingAid vs Grammarly vs AutoCrit vs Hemingway
Publisher Rocket vs KDSpy vs Book Bolt
BookSprout vs BookSirens vs NetGalley
ACX vs Voices by INaudio vs Author’s Republic vs Spotify
Scrivener vs Plottr vs Dabble vs Novelcrafter
Payhip vs Gumroad vs Shopify
BookBub vs Written Word Media vs Fussy Librarian
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Whether you draft in Scrivener, format in Atticus (a strong FormatReady / Atticus-alternative conversation for Windows authors), or deliver magnets with BookFunnel — pick the category that matches your bottleneck.
Writing apps
Drafting, outlining, and manuscript organisation tools for novels and long-form work.
14 tools
Formatting & layout
Ebook and print interior formatters — from free browser tools to Mac-only premium apps.
8 tools
Covers & design
Cover design, mockups, and marketing graphics for launches and ads.
7 tools
Editing & proofreading
Self-editing software and marketplaces to hire human editors and proofreaders.
9 tools
Distribution & aggregators
KDP, wide aggregators, and print networks that get your book into stores and libraries.
11 tools
Email & reader magnets
Deliver free books, ARCs, and grow a reader list without fighting broken download links.
12 tools
Ads & keyword research
Amazon keyword, category, and ads research tools used by working indie authors.
6 tools
ISBNs, identifiers & legal
ISBN agencies, identifiers, and related publishing setup for UK and global authors.
2 tools
Audiobook
Narration marketplaces and wide audiobook distribution.
6 tools
Author websites
Simple landing pages and fuller author sites for books and mailing lists.
4 tools
Accounting (UK sole traders)
Bookkeeping suited to UK indie authors trading as sole traders, including MTD-ready options.
2 tools
AI writing aids
AI assistants for brainstorming and drafting — with honest caveats about craft, rights, and retailer policies.
5 tools
Sales analytics
Royalty dashboards and sales trackers that pull KDP and wide retailer reports into one place.
2 tools
Selling direct
Storefronts, print-on-demand fulfilment, and payment tools for selling ebooks and print books straight to readers.
5 tools
Sample of the shelf
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…
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…
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…
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…
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, …
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…
Campfire
Modular worldbuilding and writing suite (maps, timelines, characters, manuscript). Especially useful for speculative fiction authors who need interconnected lore alongside drafting.
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…
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