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Software for Self-Published Authors

The apps and services authors use to write a book, publish it and sell it, sorted by category. Each ranked product has a BookBird Author Score built from what its own site says it does for an author, what it costs and how widely it is used. Nobody can pay for a score or a place in the rankings.

Prices and data checked October 7, 2026 to November 1, 2026 · Author Score computed by a published formula, not paid for · List your tool

110 of 110 shown · How the Author Score works

  1. 1

    Amazon KDP

    Amazon's own self-publishing service for Kindle ebooks and print books

    Publishing platforms

    9.99/9 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    246K+32%searches a month
    web
  2. 2

    Wix

    Drag-and-drop website builder with free plan, store, blog and email

    Author website builders

    9.77/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $17 a month (billed yearly)Free plan + paid plans
    673K−18%searches a month
    web
  3. 3

    IngramSpark

    Ingram's print-on-demand and ebook distribution service for independent publishers

    Publishing platforms

    9.69/9 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    50K+14%searches a month
    web
  4. 4

    Lulu

    Print-on-demand publisher with its own bookstore and retail distribution

    Publishing platforms

    9.29/9 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    5.4K+7%searches a month
    web
  5. 5

    Type.ai

    Browser word processor with built-in AI for long-form creative writing

    AI writing tools for fiction

    9.27/7 author jobs
    $96 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    18K+22%searches a month
    web
  6. 6

    Draft2Digital Formatter

    Free web formatter inside the Draft2Digital distribution account

    Book formatting

    9.07/8 author jobs
    Free planFree
    9.9K+0%searches a month
    web
  7. 7

    Milanote

    Visual boards for notes, images, character profiles and story outlines

    Story planning & worldbuilding

    9.06/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $9.99 a month (billed yearly)Free plan + paid plans
    91K−12%searches a month
    web · Mac · Windows · iOS · Android · browser extension
  8. 8

    ACX

    Audible's marketplace for producing audiobooks and selling them on Audible, Amazon, Apple

    Audiobook production

    8.95/6 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    2.9K−6%searches a month
    web
  9. 9

    Sudowrite

    Browser-based AI writing partner built for fiction authors

    AI writing tools for fiction

    8.97/7 author jobs
    $10 a month (billed yearly)Subscription
    22K+0%searches a month
    web
  10. 10

    Placeit

    Browser-based mockup, video and design template generator from Envato

    Book mockup generators

    8.86/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $89.69 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    18K−52%searches a month
    web
  11. 11

    ProWritingAid

    Grammar checker and style editor with fiction and manuscript reports

    Editing & grammar

    8.87/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $120 a yearFree plan + paid plans, one-time option
    18K−45%searches a month
    web · Windows · Mac · browser extension
  12. 12

    Novlr

    Browser-based writing studio with notes, plot grid and author websites

    Book writing software

    8.78/8 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $8 a month (billed yearly)Free plan + paid plans, one-time option
    3.6K+1%searches a month
    web
  13. 13

    Inkfluence AI

    AI ebook creator for fiction, guides, workbooks, covers and audiobooks

    AI writing tools for fiction

    8.66/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $89 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    720+100%searches a month
    web · iOS
  14. 14

    Kindle Create

    Amazon's free desktop app for formatting Kindle ebooks and KDP print books

    Book formatting

    8.67/8 author jobs
    FreeFree
    5.4K−43%searches a month
    Windows · Mac
  15. 15

    Vellum

    Mac app that turns a Word manuscript into styled ebooks and print PDFs

    Book formatting

    8.68/8 author jobs
    $199.99 one-timeOne-time licence
    320+34%searches a month
    Mac
  16. 16

    Bookwiz

    Browser AI writing room that drafts books and prepares KDP files

    AI writing tools for fiction

    8.57/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $140 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    170−64%searches a month
    web
  17. 17

    Campfire

    Modular writing and worldbuilding app with manuscript, maps and timelines

    Story planning & worldbuilding

    8.56/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $12 a monthFree plan + paid plans
    2.9K+6%searches a month
    web · Mac · Windows · iOS · Android
  18. 18

    Canva

    General online design app with a free book cover maker and templates

    Book cover designBook mockup generators

    8.55/6 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $20 a monthFree plan + paid plans
    2.4K−9%searches a month
    web · Windows · Mac · iOS · Android
  19. 19

    StoryOrigin

    Author marketing platform for reader magnets, review copies and newsletter swaps

    ARC reviews & reader building

    8.46/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $50 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    1K+20%searches a month
    web
  20. 20

    BookCoverZone

    Marketplace of premade book covers customised online, each sold once

    Book cover design

    8.36/6 author jobs
    $99 one-timeOne-time licence
    110−31%searches a month
    web
  21. 21

    Google Docs

    Free browser word processor with real-time co-editing

    Book writing software

    8.36/8 author jobs
    FreeFree
    20.4M−54%searches a month
    web · iOS · Android
  22. 22

    DIY Book Covers

    AI cover generator, template editor and 3D mockups by designer Derek Murphy

    Book cover designBook mockup generators

    8.25/6 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $19 one-timeSeveral ways to pay, one-time option
    880−23%searches a month
    web
  23. 23

    WordPress.com

    Hosted WordPress with a free plan, themes, newsletters and plugins

    Author website builders

    8.26/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $48 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    6.6K−24%searches a month
    web · iOS
  24. 24

    Aeon Timeline

    Timeline and story-structure app that syncs with Scrivener and Ulysses

    Story planning & worldbuilding

    8.17/7 author jobs
    $65 one-timeOne-time licence
    1K−4%searches a month
    Mac · Windows · iOS
  25. 25

    BookBub Author Websites

    Author website and email list builder from the BookBub team

    Author website builders

    8.16/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $7.99 a month (billed yearly)Free plan + paid plans
    320+51%searches a month
    web
  26. 26

    Grammarly

    AI writing assistant checking grammar, spelling and tone across apps

    Editing & grammar

    8.15/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $144 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    2.7M−61%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · web · iOS · Android · browser extension
  27. 27

    Author's Republic

    Audiobook production marketplace and wide, non-exclusive distributor

    Audiobook production

    8.04/6 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    1K+30%searches a month
    web
  28. 28

    AutoCrit

    Online manuscript editor with fiction-focused editing reports and story analysis

    Editing & grammar

    8.06/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $180 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    4.4K−24%searches a month
    web
  29. 29

    BookSirens

    ARC service promoting review copies to 51,000+ reviewers, plus free private ARCs

    ARC reviews & reader building

    8.05/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $10 one-timeSeveral ways to pay, one-time option
    4.4K+31%searches a month
    web
  30. 30

    World Anvil

    Browser-based worldbuilding platform with wiki articles, maps, timelines and manuscripts

    Story planning & worldbuilding

    8.05/7 author jobs
    Free planFree plan + paid plans
    27K−18%searches a month
    web
  31. 31

    Draft2Digital

    Ebook and paperback distributor to many stores and libraries, owns Smashwords

    Publishing platforms

    7.97/9 author jobs
    $12 a yearSeveral ways to pay
    9.9K+0%searches a month
    web
  32. 32

    Blurb

    Print-on-demand platform for photo books, trade books and magazines

    Publishing platforms

    7.87/9 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    2.9K−29%searches a month
    web
  33. 33

    LegendKeeper

    Worldbuilding wiki with interactive maps, timelines and whiteboards in the browser

    Story planning & worldbuilding

    7.85/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $90 a yearSubscription
    2.9K+7%searches a month
    web
  34. 34

    LivingWriter

    Cloud writing app with planning boards, story templates and optional AI

    Book writing softwareAI writing tools for fiction

    7.87/8 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $179 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    1.3K−29%searches a month
    web · Windows · Mac · iOS · Android
  35. 35

    Prolific Works

    Ebook giveaway platform for reader magnets, ARCs and group giveaways

    ARC reviews & reader building

    7.86/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $20 a monthFree plan + paid plans
    260−36%searches a month
    web
  36. 36

    Barnes & Noble Press

    Barnes & Noble's self-publishing portal for ebooks and print books

    Publishing platforms

    7.76/9 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    15K+7%searches a month
    web
  37. 37

    ElevenLabs

    AI voice platform that narrates manuscripts and publishes to ElevenReader and partners

    Audiobook production

    7.74/6 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $6 a monthFree plan + paid plans
    260+129%searches a month
    web
  38. 38

    Scrivener

    Desktop and iOS app for drafting and structuring long manuscripts

    Book writing software

    7.77/8 author jobs
    $59.99 one-timeOne-time licence
    720+0%searches a month
    Mac · Windows · iOS
  39. 39

    Ulysses

    Markdown-based writing app for Mac, iPad and iPhone

    Book writing software

    7.67/8 author jobs
    $39.99 a yearSeveral ways to pay
    1K−1%searches a month
    Mac · iOS
  40. 40

    HostingAuthors

    Author website builder that starts the site from an ISBN

    Author website builders

    7.57/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $90 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    no search data
    web
  41. 41

    PublishDrive

    Subscription aggregator for ebook, print-on-demand and audiobook distribution

    Publishing platforms

    7.57/9 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $16.99 a month (billed yearly)Free plan + paid plans
    880−47%searches a month
    web
  42. 42

    Publisher Rocket

    Desktop app for Amazon book keyword, category and competitor research

    KDP research & sales tracking

    7.55/7 author jobs
    $199 one-timeOne-time licence
    1.9K−24%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · Chromebook
  43. 43

    Storyist

    Mac and iOS writing app for novels and screenplays

    Book writing software

    7.57/8 author jobs
    $19 one-timeOne-time licence
    260−46%searches a month
    Mac · iOS
  44. 44

    Tertulia author websites

    Author website builder that sets up the site from an ISBN

    Author website builders

    7.56/7 author jobs
    $7.99 a month (billed yearly)Subscription
    6.6K−6%searches a month
    web · iOS
  45. 45

    Bookow

    Web service that typesets a Word manuscript into print PDF and EPUB

    Book formatting

    7.46/8 author jobs
    $80 one-timeOne-time licence
    320−24%searches a month
    web
  46. 46

    KDSpy

    Browser extension for Amazon book category, keyword and competitor research

    KDP research & sales tracking

    7.45/7 author jobs
    $79 one-timeOne-time licence
    590−47%searches a month
    browser extension
  47. 47

    Weblium

    Template-based website builder with store, blog and CRM

    Author website builders

    7.47/7 author jobs
    $132 a yearSubscription
    880−52%searches a month
    web
  48. 48

    Carrd

    One-page site builder with a free tier and low yearly Pro plans

    Author website builders

    7.34/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $9 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    91K−6%searches a month
    web
  49. 49

    LanguageTool

    Multilingual grammar, spelling and style checker for 30+ languages

    Editing & grammar

    7.35/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $69.90 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    8.1K−42%searches a month
    web · browser extension · Windows · Mac · iOS
  50. 50

    Microsoft Word

    General word processor in Microsoft 365, desktop, web and mobile

    Book writing software

    7.35/8 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $179.99 one-timeSeveral ways to pay, one-time option
    1M−44%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · iOS · Android · web
  51. 51

    Book Brush

    Browser-based design app for book covers, ads and mockups for authors

    Book cover designBook mockup generators

    7.25/6 author jobs
    $149 a yearSubscription
    1.6K−16%searches a month
    web
  52. 52

    Plot Factory

    Browser-based story planner and manuscript editor with narration and exports

    Story planning & worldbuilding

    7.25/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $90 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    390−38%searches a month
    web
  53. 53

    yWriter

    Free Windows novel organiser that splits a book into scenes

    Book writing software

    7.26/8 author jobs
    Free planSeveral ways to pay
    2.4K−36%searches a month
    Windows · Android · iOS
  54. 54

    bibisco

    Desktop novel planner and editor focused on characters and structure

    Book writing software

    7.16/8 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $69 one-timeSeveral ways to pay, one-time option
    720−40%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · Linux · iOS · Android
  55. 55

    Booksprout

    ARC platform sending review copies to its reviewer community, with review tracking

    ARC reviews & reader building

    7.14/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $9 a monthSubscription
    4.4K+0%searches a month
    web
  56. 56

    Plottr

    Visual book outlining and series bible app for desktop and browser

    Story planning & worldbuilding

    7.17/7 author jobs
    $150 one-timeSeveral ways to pay, one-time option
    2.9K−17%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · web
  57. 57

    Squarespace

    General-purpose website builder with templates, store and email campaigns

    Author website builders

    7.16/7 author jobs
    $19 a month (billed yearly)Subscription
    673K+6%searches a month
    web · iOS · Android
  58. 58

    Atticus

    Browser-based book writing editor and formatter for ebook and print

    Book writing softwareBook formatting

    7.06/8 author jobs
    $147 one-timeOne-time licence
    1K+25%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · Linux · Chromebook · web · iOS · Android
  59. 59

    Marlowe

    AI developmental-feedback reports on a finished fiction manuscript

    Editing & grammar

    7.05/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $29.95 one-timeSeveral ways to pay, one-time option
    30+50%searches a month
    web
  60. 60

    NovelistAI

    Web platform generating novels, gamebooks and stories page by page

    AI writing tools for fiction

    7.05/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $108 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    110−67%searches a month
    web
  61. 61

    Voices by INaudio

    Non-exclusive distributor of finished audiobooks to retail, library and education channels

    Audiobook production

    7.03/6 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    1.6K−27%searches a month
    web
  62. 62

    BookBeam

    Web app and Chrome extension for KDP niche, keyword and sales research

    KDP research & sales tracking

    6.96/7 author jobs
    $348 a yearSubscription
    880−8%searches a month
    web · browser extension
  63. 63

    Venngage Book Cover Maker

    Browser design tool with book cover templates and an AI cover generator

    Book cover design

    6.93/6 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $120 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    8.1K−52%searches a month
    web
  64. 64

    Reedsy Studio

    Free browser book editor that typesets print PDF and EPUB

    Book writing softwareBook formatting

    6.85/8 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $52.99 a year (add-on)Free plan + paid plans
    5.4K−13%searches a month
    web
  65. 65

    ScribistIQ

    AI book generator that drafts a whole manuscript from a premise, or continues one you import

    AI writing tools for fiction

    6.87/7 author jobs
    $288 a yearSubscription
    50+1467%searches a month
    web
  66. 66

    Kobo Writing Life

    Rakuten Kobo's free portal for self-publishing ebooks and audiobooks

    Publishing platforms

    6.75/9 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    1K+10%searches a month
    web
  67. 67

    Kotobee Author

    Desktop interactive ebook editor exporting EPUB, Kindle, PDF, Word and apps

    Book formatting

    6.75/8 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $150 one-timeFree plan + paid plans, one-time option
    170−38%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · Linux
  68. 68

    Manuskript

    Free open-source novel planner and editor using the snowflake method

    Book writing software

    6.75/8 author jobs
    FreeFree
    1.3K−7%searches a month
    Windows · Linux
  69. 69

    Titans Pro

    Self Publishing Titans' KDP keyword tool and Chrome extension inside a wider suite

    KDP research & sales tracking

    6.74/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $180 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    260−30%searches a month
    web · browser extension
  70. 70

    BookFunnel

    Ebook and audiobook delivery service for reader magnets, ARCs and direct sales

    ARC reviews & reader building

    6.66/7 author jobs
    $30 a yearSubscription
    12K−18%searches a month
    web
  71. 71

    Hemingway Editor

    Readability editor that highlights hard sentences, adverbs and passive voice

    Editing & grammar

    6.64/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $19.99 one-timeSeveral ways to pay, one-time option
    12K−52%searches a month
    web · Windows · Mac
  72. 72

    KDP Cover Creator

    Amazon KDP's free built-in cover builder used during title setup

    Book cover design

    6.63/6 author jobs
    FreeFree
    390+8%searches a month
    web
  73. 73

    Scribens

    Free multilingual grammar checker with style analysis and readability stats

    Editing & grammar

    6.64/7 author jobs
    Free planFree plan + paid plans
    4.4K−29%searches a month
    web · iOS · Android · browser extension
  74. 74

    Affinity

    Free all-in-one design app by Canva with a page-layout studio

    Book formattingBook cover design

    6.53/8 author jobs
    FreeFree
    12K−3%searches a month
    Windows · Mac
  75. 75

    BookBaby

    Paid self-publishing packages with ebook and print distribution

    Publishing platforms

    6.56/9 author jobs
    Not confirmed in USDOne-time licence
    6.6K−23%searches a month
    web
  76. 76

    Novelcrafter

    Web novel-writing app with a codex and bring-your-own-key AI

    Book writing softwareAI writing tools for fiction

    6.55/8 author jobs
    $4 a monthSubscription
    8.1K+0%searches a month
    web
  77. 77

    RaptorWrite

    Free browser AI writing editor where you bring your own model key

    AI writing tools for fiction

    6.54/7 author jobs
    FreeFree
    210−43%searches a month
    web
  78. 78

    Book Bolt

    KDP research suite plus cover, interior and puzzle book designer

    KDP research & sales tracking

    6.44/7 author jobs
    $239.88 a yearSubscription
    9.9K−29%searches a month
    web · browser extension
  79. 79

    Calibre

    Free open-source e-book manager, converter and EPUB/Kindle editor

    Book formatting

    6.43/8 author jobs
    FreeFree
    3.6K+33%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · Linux
  80. 80

    Google Play Books

    Google's portal for selling ebooks and audiobooks on Google Play

    Publishing platforms

    6.44/9 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    1.3K+135%searches a month
    web
  81. 81

    Dabble

    Cloud novel-writing app with plot grid, notes and offline sync

    Book writing software

    6.17/8 author jobs
    $19 a monthSubscription, one-time option
    1.9K+12%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · Linux · Chromebook · web · iOS · Android
  82. 82

    Dramatica

    Story-structure platform built on Dramatica theory, with optional AI

    Story planning & worldbuilding

    6.13/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $100 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    1.3K−13%searches a month
    web
  83. 83

    MockupsJar

    Free online mockup generator with a book category, API and AI tools

    Book mockup generators

    6.14/7 author jobs
    FreeFree
    30−75%searches a month
    web
  84. 84

    Wavemaker

    Free progressive web app for planning and writing novels

    Book writing software

    5.94/8 author jobs
    FreeFree
    170+18%searches a month
    web
  85. 85

    Apple Books

    Apple's free portal for selling ebooks and audiobooks on Apple Books

    Publishing platforms

    5.63/9 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    260+98%searches a month
    web
  86. 86

    EditGPT

    AI proofreader and editor that returns Word files with tracked changes

    Editing & grammar

    5.64/7 author jobs
    $96 a yearSubscription
    1.9K+31%searches a month
    web · browser extension
  87. 87

    Ginger Software

    AI grammar and spelling corrector with rephraser and translation

    Editing & grammar

    5.63/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $45 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    1.6K−55%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · web · iOS · Android · browser extension
  88. 88

    Slick Write

    Free browser-based grammar and style checker with flow statistics

    Editing & grammar

    5.63/7 author jobs
    FreeFree
    1K−74%searches a month
    web · browser extension
  89. 89

    Book Leopard

    AI book marketing kit for KDP: cover, wrap, description, keywords, ads

    Book cover design

    5.42/6 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $49 one-timeOne-time licence
    30+567%searches a month
    web
  90. 90

    Designrr

    Cloud ebook and lead-magnet builder with templates, PDF, EPUB and KDP print

    Book formatting

    5.45/8 author jobs
    $297 a yearSubscription
    4.4K−38%searches a month
    web
  91. 91

    Mockup App

    Online mockup editor from ls.graphics with book, print and device mockups

    Book mockup generators

    5.44/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $99 a yearFree plan + paid plans
    no search data
    web
  92. 92

    Sigil

    Free open-source EPUB editor with code and preview views

    Book formatting

    5.42/8 author jobs
    FreeFree
    590+27%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · Linux
  93. 93

    Squibler

    AI book and screenplay generator with an editor, on credits

    Book writing softwareAI writing tools for fiction

    5.43/8 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $15.83 a month (billed yearly)Free plan + paid plans
    8.1K−53%searches a month
    web
  94. 94

    Adobe InDesign

    Adobe's professional page-layout app for print and digital publishing

    Book formatting

    5.33/8 author jobs
    Not confirmed in USDSubscription
    22K−28%searches a month
    Windows · Mac
  95. 95

    Scapple

    Freeform mind-mapping app for writers, from the makers of Scrivener

    Story planning & worldbuilding

    5.22/7 author jobs
    $20.99 one-timeOne-time licence
    2.9K−19%searches a month
    Mac · Windows
  96. 96

    NetGalley

    Digital review-copy platform connecting publishers and authors with reviewers and librarians

    ARC reviews & reader building

    5.12/7 author jobs
    Not confirmed in USDSubscription
    74K+30%searches a month
    web
  97. 97

    PerfectIt

    Consistency and house-style checker for long documents, from Intelligent Editing

    Editing & grammar

    5.14/7 author jobs
    $115 a yearSubscription
    1.3K−14%searches a month
    Windows · Mac
  98. 98

    Google Play auto-narration

    Free AI narration that turns Google Play ebooks into audiobooks

    Audiobook production

    5.03/6 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    no search data
    web
  99. 99

    KDP Builder

    AI studio that drafts a book and packages the interior, cover and listing copy for KDP

    Book formattingBook cover design

    5.06/8 author jobs
    $190 a yearSubscription
    no search data
    web
  100. 100

    Kindle Virtual Voice

    KDP beta that turns eligible Kindle ebooks into computer-narrated Audible audiobooks

    Audiobook production

    5.03/6 author jobs
    No upfront feeThe platform takes a share of sales
    no search data
    web
  101. 101

    Adobe Express

    Adobe's template-based online design app with a free book cover maker

    Book cover design

    4.81/6 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $7.99 a monthFree plan + paid plans
    90+46%searches a month
    web · iOS · Android
  102. 102

    Voracious Readers Only

    Matches novels with readers who request copies and are asked to review

    ARC reviews & reader building

    4.82/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $30 a monthSeveral ways to pay
    110−46%searches a month
    web
  103. 103

    Hidden Gems Books

    Pay-per-reader ARC program that sends books to a genre-matched reviewer list

    ARC reviews & reader building

    4.73/7 author jobs
    $20 one-timeOne-time licence
    390+15%searches a month
    web
  104. 104

    ScribeCount

    Royalty and sales dashboard pulling data from 40+ publishing platforms

    KDP research & sales tracking

    4.62/7 author jobs
    $5.99 a monthSubscription
    90−41%searches a month
    web · browser extension
  105. 105

    StreetLib

    Milan-founded aggregator distributing ebooks and audiobooks worldwide

    Publishing platforms

    4.65/9 author jobs
    $99 a yearSeveral ways to pay, one-time option
    390+30%searches a month
    web
  106. 106

    BookBub Partners

    BookBub's paid and free promotion tools for authors and publishers

    ARC reviews & reader building

    4.51/7 author jobs
    Free planSeveral ways to pay
    720−23%searches a month
    web
  107. 107

    Fictionary

    Story-structure editing software for novelists, with AI scene feedback

    Editing & grammar

    4.44/7 author jobs
    $168 a yearSubscription
    880−23%searches a month
    web
  108. 108

    BookReport

    Sales and royalty dashboard for KDP and other publishing platforms

    KDP research & sales tracking

    4.01/7 author jobs
    Free plan; paid from $19 a monthFree plan + paid plans
    10+0%searches a month
    web · browser extension
  109. 109

    K-lytics

    Monthly Kindle market reports and genre data by category

    KDP research & sales tracking

    3.32/7 author jobs
    $37 a monthSubscription
    140+18%searches a month
    web
  110. 110

    Adobe Photoshop

    Adobe's professional image editor for desktop, web and mobile

    Book cover design

    2.21/6 author jobs
    $19.99 a monthSubscription
    70−56%searches a month
    Windows · Mac · web · iOS · Android

Prices in USD from each vendor’s own site, checked October 7, 2026 to November 1, 2026. Searches: US Google searches a month for the product’s name, with the change over 12 months. Score out of 10, by one published formula; nobody pays for a rank or a score in this list.

Software by job

A self-published book passes through several kinds of software: something to draft it in, something to plan it, a check on the prose, a formatter for the ebook and print files, a cover, a store to sell it in, and tools to find readers. Each category has its own page with the full ranking and a short guide to choosing.

Write

Publish

Sell

Free tools for the numbers

Software helps you write and publish the book. For the numbers around it, our free tools work in your browser with no sign-up: the words to pages calculator for page count, the cover calculator for spine width and cover size, and the royalty calculator for what you earn per copy on Amazon.

How the Author Score works

Every score comes from one published formula: author jobs (50 points: the jobs an author needs that kind of software to do, counted only when the vendor’s own site confirms them), cost (25 points: what a year of use costs one author) and adoption (25 points: how many people in the US search for it by name, and the trend). Each product is compared only with others in its category. No score is adjusted by hand, and sponsored listings are labelled and have no score.

The formula, step by step, with every product’s points