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The Ultimate List of Tools for Authors: 150+ Writing, Publishing & Promotion Resources



Whether you're a seasoned indie author or just starting your publishing journey, finding the right tools can make a world of difference. From writing apps to marketing platforms, there are hundreds of options—so we’ve curated the ultimate list of 150+ tools, services, and resources to help you write better, publish faster, and sell more books.

💡 Bookmark this page! We’ll keep it updated as new tools launch and old ones fade away.

The Ultimate List of Tools for Authors




✍️ Writing & Editing Tools


From first draft to final polish, these tools help you craft better prose.


  • Scrivener – The gold standard for long-form writing. Visit

  • Ulysses – A clean, focused writing app for Mac users. Visit

  • Google Docs – Cloud-based, collaborative writing. Visit

  • ProWritingAid – Style editor and grammar checker. Visit

  • Grammarly – AI-powered writing assistant. Visit

  • WordKeeperAlpha – Track your word count goals. Visit

  • Pacemaker.press – Flexible writing schedule planner. Visit

  • Atticus - Online tool for writing your book Visit

  • Reedsy Studio - Free tool for writing your book Visit



🧰 Ebook Formatting & Conversion


Tools to help you turn manuscripts into beautiful ebooks.


  • Vellum – Elegant ebook and print formatting for Mac. Visit

  • Jutoh – Customizable ebook creation software. Visit

  • Calibre – Free ebook library and conversion tool. Visit

  • Kindle Previewer – Amazon’s official preview tool. Visit

  • Adobe InDesign – Industry-standard design software. Visit



📚 Publishing Platforms


Distribute your book to the world—print, digital, or both.


  • Amazon KDP – The biggest name in indie publishing. Visit

  • Draft2Digital – Distribute to multiple retailers with ease. Visit

  • IngramSpark – Print-on-demand with bookstore reach. Visit

  • Reedsy – Freelancers, book production, and more. Visit

  • PublishDrive – A global distribution platform. Visit




📣 Book Promotion & List Building


Get your book in front of new readers, grow your email list, and boost visibility across platforms with these trusted tools and services:

  • BookBub – The gold standard in book promotions. Run high-impact Featured Deals or targeted ads to a massive reader base. Visit BookBub →

  • Written Word Media – Operates Freebooksy, Bargain Booksy, and more. Offers affordable and effective promotions across multiple genres. Visit →

  • HelloBooks – Delivers genre-targeted deals and reader giveaways, with a focus on list building. Visit HelloBooks →

  • BookFunnel – Seamlessly deliver reader magnets, ARCs, and bonus content. Great for building your newsletter list and collaborating with other authors. Visit →

  • StoryOrigin – Ideal for newsletter swaps, group promos, and universal book links. Helps with both visibility and list growth. Visit →

  • Prolific Works – Run book giveaways and cross-promotions to expand your reach. Visit →

  • Booksprout – Distribute ARCs and manage reviews efficiently across Amazon and Goodreads. Visit →

  • Hidden Gems – Get honest ARC reviews from vetted readers. Their tracking system ensures only active reviewers stay on the list. Visit →



📬 Email Marketing Tools


Build and connect with your audience.

  • MailerLite – Simple and affordable. Visit

  • Wix - Built in, robust email service Visit

  • ConvertKit – Built for creators. Visit

  • Mailchimp – Reliable classic. Visit



📊 Marketing & Analytics

Get data-driven and optimize your efforts.

  • Kindlepreneur – Free tools, courses, and keyword research. Visit

  • K-lytics – Genre research and trend reports. Visit

  • ReaderLinks – Track clicks, sales, and more. Visit

  • BookReport – Visual KDP reports. Visit




🎨 Cover Design & Graphics

Create professional visuals that help your book stand out.

  • Canva – Easy graphics tool for authors. Visit

  • Book Brush – Made for author marketing graphics. Visit

  • Fiverr – Affordable freelance designers. Visit

  • CoverVault – Free 3D mockup templates. Visit




🧠 Learning & Inspiration


Keep learning from the best minds in the indie world.


  • "On Writing" by Stephen King – Amazon

  • "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott – Amazon

  • "The Story Grid" by Shawn Coyne – Amazon

  • "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" by Renni Browne & Dave King – Amazon

  • Dale L. Roberts YouTube Channel – Visit

  • Jenna Moreci’s AuthorTube – Visit



💬 Final Thoughts

This list is a starting point. Every author’s journey is different. Start with a few tools that fit your goals and budget, then build your stack as your career grows.

📩 Want the full list as a PDF? Download the guide here →

Or explore the interactive tools page → where you can filter by purpose, price, and platform.

Have a favorite tool I missed? Let me know here →

 
 
 

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