As someone who has published a novel and another on the works, I will be the first to tell you that it is not the easiest process.
Although traditional publishing comes with its own challenges, it at least gives you a clutch to hold on to when you face certain roadblocks.
But when you are on your own self-publishing, you need all the help you can get. One good way is to have all the essential tools for self-published authors so you can have a more seamless process.
If you are ready to start your self-publishing journey, follow along for those tools.
12 Essential Tools for Self-Published Authors
1. Word Document Editor
First on the list is a word document editor to help you note down ideas and write your book.
I could have mentioned a single one but there are many out there and the best for you would depend on your needs and preferences.
I particularly prefer Google Docs and that’s what I use for the majority of my work. Not only is it one of the free tools every self-published author needs, it also saves me from worrying about losing my work.
I don’t really enjoy offline document editors because there is no guarantee my work will be saved, especially if my computer goes off for some reason. I have been paranoid since my friend lost pages of her work because her computer went off.
So, I prefer editors like Google Docs that auto-save my documents in the cloud. I also like that you can collaborate on them and track changes. That means, if you are working with an editor and you want to see the changes they made, you can track it and undo the changes.
Moreover, they can suggest edit and give you the opportunity to accept or reject it instead of outrightly modifying the work.
Of course, this is just my preference. You can always use any of the other doc editors out there like Microsoft Word, WPS Office, and LibreOffice. The main thing is to have the right platform to write and edit your drafts.
2. Scrivener
Scrivener is a game-changer for authors who love to plan, plot, and organise. So, even though you can do some of the things Scrivener offers on your document editor, it is not as seamless because they are not built for it.
On the other hand, Scrivener is more than a writing tool; it’s a writing studio, where you can split your manuscript into scenes or chapters, move things around with ease, and store character notes, research, and outlines all in one place.
So, if you’re writing a complex story or non-fiction book with comprehensive research resources, look to Scrivener to help you stay on top of everything without losing your mind or your manuscript.
3. Grammarly
One of the horrors of most writers is publishing your book and finding errors after it has gone live. Even if you catch it before launch, it is still sometimes a lot because you may have printed a lot of copies by then.
That’s why it is always important to have a second pair of eyes, and Grammarly is that grammar nerd you need because it catches everything – in fact, even what it shouldn’t, lol.
Grammarly flags spelling and grammar issues, and also gives suggestions for clarity, tone, and style. So, it’s perfect for polishing your manuscript, emails, blog posts – basically anything with words.
Now, you could say you will run it by your close circle, and as a self-published author, beta readers will always come in handy.
However, some of them might not pay attention to the grammar as they might the story. Plus, even an editor can miss some things because they are human, and susceptible to mistakes.
Grammarly is, however, AI-powered to catch what the human eyes might miss.
Now, a word of caution – don’t take everything Grammarly says or points out because the fact that it is not human is both a blessing and a curse.
I have mentioned how it’s a blessing, but it is a curse because it lacks emotions and can miss subtlety and nuances in language.
So, sometimes, it will flag what’s accurate in human lingo as incorrect or even expressions that are contextual but not necessarily accurate in formal English language.
Try to put all these in mind when editing with Grammarly. But otherwise, it is an essential tool for self-published authors.
4. ProWritingAid
Although Grammarly is efficient for spelling and grammar, ProWritingAid is necessary for analysing your style, pacing, sentence structure, and even your use of clichés.
This tool is especially helpful when you’re doing a deep self-edit before sending your book off to a professional editor. It also helps you improve your craft while cleaning up your draft.
5. Hemingway Editor
If you tend to overcomplicate your writing – don’t worry, we all do; I’m sure you’ve found one or two in this article – Hemingway Editor is here to simplify things.
It highlights long, confusing sentences, passive voice, and overused adverbs. It flags all the stuff that slows readers down and can make reading tasking.
Of course, you don’t have to tighten every aspect of your work. Like I always say, those subtle grammar rules we unintentionally break are what make our work human.
Again, this depends on the kind of writing. If you are writing a more professional book, you will find Hemingway Editor particularly beneficial.
It’s great for tightening your prose and making your writing more punchy and readable.
6. Google Keyword Suggest Tool
I’m sure you don’t want to write books, you also want them to be read; that’s where Google Keyword Suggest Tool comes in.
Before you publish or even title your book, the Google Keyword Suggest Tool can give you insight into what people are searching for.
Since you are self-publishing, you will likely have a digital version for online book platforms. If yes, you need the relevant keywords for your book description, blog posts, or even titles.
This increases your chances of being found by readers, because it helps you speak your readers’ language and show up in search results.
Google Keyword is one of the tools to successfully self-publish books on Amazon and other platforms as it aids your marketing efforts.
7. Canva
As a self-published author who may not have a full design team, you need to find a way to get great designs. Canva is my go-to for that because of how easy it is to navigate as a beginner.
This design tool lets you create stunning book covers, promo graphics, social media posts, and more without prior design knowledge.
The platform is super intuitive and packed with templates, fonts, and images that you just need a basic idea of what looks good to manipulate.
By picking and dropping elements, you can quickly whip up mock ups, book covers or graphics for your launch.
8. Calibre
You need Calibre in your corner if you are publishing digital copies as I want to believe you are. This tool is a must-have to convert your manuscript into multiple eBook formats like EPUB, MOBI, PDF.
Additionally, it manages your digital library, and even lets you edit eBook metadata.
If you’re publishing across multiple platforms, you need Calibre. Besides the above, the best part about this tool is that you don’t have to be super techy to use it; it’s straightforward and incredibly useful for making sure your book is ready for any digital platform.
9. eBookTracker
Amazon KDP is the largest digital book platform, so if you want to publish online, you will need to put your book there.
But that’s not all; you will also want to monitor your book’s performance across Amazon. eBookTracker helps with that.
It lets you track rankings, reviews, and keywords for your book and even your competitors’. It also helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where you can optimize.
You need this kind of insight because you are not just the writer, you’re also the marketer of your book, and you need data.
10. Amazon Author Central
Also, if you’re publishing on Amazon, Author Central is another must. It is like your author dashboard from where you can manage everything concerning your book(s).
This tool allows you to create an author profile that makes you look professional and trustworthy, which can influence buying decisions.
It lets you create an author page, track sales data, and update your book listings. You can also link blog posts and add editorial reviews.
Just think of it as a simple way to build credibility and connect with readers directly.
11. Email Marketing Platform
Self-published authors need to build an email list. In fact, it is one of the smartest things you can do. You need a list of your supporters in one place so you can keep in touch and nurture them.
Tools like MailerLite and ConvertKit make it easy to create sign-up forms, send newsletters, and automate email sequences.
With any of these platforms, you can communicate with your readers about your old books and new releases. And you can build a loyal fan base, without relying entirely on social media algorithms.
There are several good ones though and that’s why I didn’t mention a specific one. Make sure to check all their features and read reviews to pick the best one for you.
Plus, most of them have free versions, so you could also use that first to see if it suits you before committing fully.
Also Read: 10 Best Email Marketing Platforms for Writers
12. WordPress.com
You also need an author website that can serve as your digital office where readers can find information about you and your work.
WordPress.com is a good option to get one up and running quickly because it’s beginner-friendly and has enough features to showcase your books, blog, and bio.
However, if you want more control over design, plugins, and SEO, you’ll want to self-host using WordPress.org and a hosting platform like Bluehost or Hostinger.
Either way, you need a website to give your readers a place to find and follow you.
Also Read: 8 Reasons You Should Have a Website as a Writer
FAQs
1. Do self-published authors need a website?
Yes and no. Technically, you can publish and sell books without a website, especially if you’re using platforms like Amazon. But if you want to build a long-term career and grow your readership, you need a website. It serves as your online office to showcase your books, collect email subscribers, and build your author brand.
2. How do I become a successful self-published author?
Success as a self-publishing comes down to three main things: great writing, smart marketing, and consistency. Start with a solid, well-edited book. Then learn how to position it with a strong title, compelling cover, and an optimized description. Promote it through email marketing, social media, and maybe even paid ads. And, you shouldn’t stop at one book, consistent publishing increases your visibility and income. Success may not happen overnight, but if you treat writing like a business, you’ll see results.
3. What is the best writing tool for authors?
There’s no one-size-fits-all writing tool; it depends on how you like to work. If you need structure and organization, Scrivener is a favourite for authors with complex works. If you prefer simplicity and easy collaboration, Google Docs is perfect. And for grammar and style support, tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid come in handy. It depends on what’s a priority for you. A good idea is to try a few and go with what keeps your creative juices flowing more.
4. How much do first-time authors make on Amazon?
The truth is that it varies. Some first-time authors make less than $500 annually while others can make up to $5,000 in their first month. It all depends on your niche, marketing efforts, pricing, and visibility. Most don’t strike gold immediately though, so don’t be worried if that’s you. Just make sure to take writing as a business, learn the game and stick with it, and you should soon build a solid, steady income. Focus on creating a great product and growing your audience, and the money will follow.
5. Can you become a millionaire by publishing a book?
Yes, but it’s rare, and it usually doesn’t happen with just one book. Some indie authors have built six- and seven-figure careers, but they treat it like a business. That means they have multiple books, strong branding, and consistent marketing. Your first book might not make you rich, but it can open doors to speaking gigs, courses, brand partnerships, and other income streams. So yes, the potential is there, but it takes strategy, hustle, and time.
6. How much does it cost to put a book on Amazon?
Publishing a book on Amazon via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is free. But if you want to produce a quality book, you’ll likely spend on things like editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing. Some do it all for under $300, while others invest $1,000 or more. Think of it like launching a product; if you want it to be the best, you need to put in the work and financial investment.
7. How successful is self-publishing on Amazon?
Self-publishing on Amazon can be very successful, but success is not guaranteed. The platform gives you global reach, control over pricing, and up to 70% royalty rates. So, many authors make full-time income on Amazon alone. That said, success depends on your genre, the quality of your book, how well you market it, and how consistently you publish. But if you’re willing to learn and put in the work, the odds are in your favour.
