Top-Ranking Book Formatting Programs for a Professionally Arranged Manuscript
Modern ebooks can be just as eye-catching as their physical counterparts, all you need is the right ebook writing software and the right techniques. Here's a roundup of some top-notch tools beyond the usual suspects like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Apple Pages.
Note: Our website offers a free ebook conversion tool for epub formats. Simply save your manuscript as a .docx file and drop it into the Content file field to convert.
Let's dive into other ebook writing apps that can assist you in writing, publishing, and even promoting your ebook:
Ebook Formatting Software
1. Reedsy Book Editor
- Cost: Free
- Platform: Cloud
- Output formats: EPUB, PDF
Reedsy's user-friendly ebook editor is fantastic if you're after a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor that generates a valid EPUB file. It's an online collaboration tool where multiple writers or publishing professionals can work together at the same time. This tool is great for maintaining consistency in your typesetting. Besides collaboration, it provides versioning, beautiful themes for ebooks or print, and distribution-ready manuscripts. Furthermore, Reedsy serves as an online marketplace where authors and publishing professionals can connect.
2. Scrivener
- Cost: Free 30-day trial, $69.99 for macOS & Windows, $23.99 for iOS
- Platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS
- Output formats: EPUB, PDF, RTF, and .docx
Scrivener is a premium ebook writing platform with features like formatting presets, import options for other files, and ease-of-use in handling complex texts. Originally created for compiling long and complicated texts, it's ideal for books, research articles, or screenplays. It excels with features like footnotes, endnotes, and thousands of references. Scrivener is revered as one of the best ebook writing editors ever created. However, due to its complexities, there are resources available to help you navigate its formatting complexities.
3. Vellum
- Cost: Free to download, $189.99 to export EPUB, $239.99 to export EPUB and POD (Print on Demand)
- Platform: macOS
- Output formats: MOBI, EPUB, PDF, .docx
Vellum, known for its user-friendly approach and design, is a Mac-exclusive ebook writing and formatting software for creating Amazon-, Kobo-, and Apple-friendly ebooks and POD books. If you don't own a Mac, you can rent a MacinCloud service for $1/hour to access Vellum via your PC. While there are cheaper software options available to perform similar tasks, Vellum stands out for its premium results. It creates not only professional but beautiful text-centric ebooks. If you aim for the best, Vellum is the way to go.
4. Ulysses
- Cost: $5.99/mo, or $39.99/ year (US price), 14-day free trial
- Platforms: macOS
- Output formats: EPUB, PDF, .docx
Ulysses is another premium writing platform and ebook formatter exclusively for Mac users. Characterized by its distraction-free interface, it's perfect for authors who write a lot. The interface is minimalist, and it comes bundled with a built-in proofreader and editing assistant.
5. Atticus
- Cost: $147 for a lifetime license
- Platform: Cloud
- Output formats: PDF, .docx, or EPUB
Atticus is both an ebook writer and ebook formatting software with an emphasis on the writing process. Unlike other tools that lean towards editing or formatting, Atticus was designed primarily for novel formatting. It boasts features that keep writers engaged and productive, such as Book Goal tracking or drag-and-drop chapters. It offers intuitive formatting features as well, including pre-built themes, image handling, full-bleed options, device previewing, and more.
6. Calibre
- Cost: Free and open-source
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux portable
- Output formats: EPUB, mobi, PDF
Calibre is a free software primarily for ebook management, including conversion from Microsoft Word to EPUB, MOBI, or PDF. Its interface seems a bit outdated, but its ability to convert files and manage metadata makes it a valuable tool. A disadvantage is that the code it generates can sometimes be cluttered, and various stores (like Amazon) may dislike it. If you use Calibre, check out our manuscript preparation guide to avoid such issues.
7. Jutoh
- Cost: Limited free trial, $45 (basic), $90 (plus)
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi
- Output formats: PDF, EPUB, MOBI, HTML
Jutoh, while somewhat unappealing in terms of user interface, creates impressively clean EPUB and MOBI files. Its Document Cleanup function is a must-have, as it removes rubbish from text editors such as tabs, line breaks, and more, ensuring exports are orderly. The program doesn't let you export your book until everything is in order.
8. Adobe InDesign
- Cost: Annual Subscription - $20.99/month, Monthly Subscription - $31.49/month
- Platform: Windows, macOS
- Output formats: PDF, epub, indd
In desktop publishing, Adobe InDesign dominates, setting the standards. It's a versatile software for publishing needs beyond just typesetting beautiful books. While it's not as intuitive and user-friendly as other options on this list, it's worth mastering for creating stunning designs for ebooks and more.
Are You More of a Dictation Type of Person?
If dictating your book sounds appealing, here are the top dictation software recommendations:
- Google Docs Voice Typing: Included in Google Docs. Works in a Chrome browser with cmd+shift+f on Mac or ctrl+shift+s on Windows. It supports about 80 languages and also offers voice commands (English only).
- GBoard: Google's keyboard app available on Android and iOS devices. Useful for brief notes or text messages but not recommended for long-form content.
- Dictation on iPhone, iPad, and Mac: Enabled through Settings (iOS) or System Settings (Mac). Directly accessible by double-pressing the fn button (Mac).
Technology can aid in transforming your manuscript into a professional-looking ebook. For instance, the Reedsy Book Editor is a free, cloud-based tool that offers collaboration, versioning, and beautiful themes, among other features. Alternatively, Scrivener, a premium platform, is renowned for its formatting presets, import options, and ease of handling complex texts, making it perfect for books, research articles, or screenplays.
