5 Tools Every Self-Published Author Should Be Using

Self-publishing is exciting, but let’s be honest: it can also feel overwhelming. You’re not just the writer — you’re also the editor, designer, marketer, and publisher. The good news? You don’t have to do it all alone. There are incredible tools out there that make the process easier, faster, and more professional. Whether you’re just starting out or already have books under your belt, these five tools can save you time and help your work shine.

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1. Scrivener (or Google Docs) – Writing & Organizing Your Book

Writing a book is more than stringing words together — it’s about organizing chapters, notes, and research in a way that keeps you productive. Scrivener is a favorite among authors for its ability to manage large projects, let you rearrange sections easily, and keep all your notes in one place. If you want something simpler (and free), Google Docs is a reliable alternative that makes collaboration and cloud storage effortless.

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2. Canva – Creating Professional Covers

Your book cover is the first impression readers see, and yes — people absolutely judge a book by its cover. Canva offers user-friendly design templates that even non-designers can use to create eye-catching covers. If you want to stand out on Amazon’s crowded marketplace, investing in a strong cover is non-negotiable, and Canva gives you the tools to do it without breaking the bank.

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3. Publisher Rocket – Keyword & Category Research

Publishing on Amazon isn’t just about uploading your book — it’s about making sure people can find it. Publisher Rocket helps you research the right keywords and categories so your book gets placed where readers are actually looking. Without it, you’re essentially guessing. With it, you’re making data-driven choices that give your book the best chance of visibility and sales.

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4. Grammarly or ProWritingAid – Editing & Proofreading

Even the best writers miss typos or grammar slips. Grammarly and ProWritingAid are powerful editing tools that help polish your manuscript before it goes live. They won’t replace a professional editor, but they will catch errors, improve clarity, and ensure your writing reads smoothly. Think of them as a safety net that saves you from embarrassing mistakes.

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5. BookFunnel – Delivering Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)

Building buzz before launch is crucial, and that’s where BookFunnel shines. It allows you to send out digital review copies to beta readers, early reviewers, or your email list in a professional, hassle-free way. No messy file transfers or formatting issues — just a seamless experience for your readers. The smoother the process, the more likely they’ll actually read and review your book.

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Final Thoughts

The journey of self-publishing is filled with moving parts, but the right tools make all the difference. Writing, editing, designing, marketing — each stage can feel like a mountain, but with tools like these, the climb gets easier.

If you’re serious about building a career (or even just a side hustle) through publishing, start by equipping yourself with the right resources. The more professional your process, the more professional your results will be.

👉 Which of these tools do you already use, and which ones are you excited to try?