Best Tools to Write and Design eBooks (2025 Guide for Authors & Creators)
From writing and organizing your manuscript to creating stunning covers and properly formatting for platforms like Amazon KDP, this list of ebook writing software and ebook design tools will streamline the entire process.
Let’s get into the complete toolkit every digital author needs in 2025.
Why Ebook Creation Tools Matter in 2025
Choosing the best tools to create ebooks goes beyond convenience—it’s about delivering a product that looks, reads, and functions like a pro-published book.
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Organization: Outline, draft, and edit with focus.
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Design: Craft visually appealing covers and layouts that engage readers.
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Formatting: Ensure compatibility with devices (Kindle, Kobo, tablets, phones).
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Distribution: Publish to platforms like Amazon KDP and beyond with ease.
According to the Alliance of Independent Authors, authors who invest in professional writing and formatting tools see up to 60% higher reader retention and engagement.
Top Writing Tools for eBooks
1. Scrivener
Best for: Long-form writing, complex projects, professional authors
Scrivener is an all-in-one writing software that lets you plan, write, and rearrange large projects with ease. It’s trusted by bestselling authors for its flexibility.
Key Features:
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Split-screen and corkboard planning views
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Research integration, note cards, templates
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Export to EPUB, MOBI, PDF, Word
Why Choose Scrivener?
It's unmatched when it comes to organizing big projects like ebooks, making revisions smoother and more structured.
2. Microsoft Word
Best for: Traditional writing with editing tools
A classic and widely used word processor, Word supports detailed formatting, review features, and compatibility with all major ebook platforms.
Key Features:
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Review tools (Track Changes, Comments)
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DOCX compatibility with most formatting software
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Export options to PDF or HTML
Pro Tip: Pair with Reedsy or Vellum for final formatting.
3. Google Docs
Best for: Collaborative writing and cloud access
For teams or writers who need accessibility across devices, Google Docs provides real-time collaboration and autosave.
Key Features:
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Accessible anywhere with internet
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Version history and sharing permissions
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Easy to integrate with formatting tools
Best Tools to Design and Format eBooks
4. Canva Pro
Best for: Ebook covers and interior layouts (beginner-friendly)
Canva Pro gives you access to hundreds of professionally designed templates for ebook covers, chapter pages, and marketing graphics.
Key Features:
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Drag-and-drop editor
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Stock photos, fonts, and icons included
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Export as high-res PDF or JPG
Bonus: Also useful for lead magnets, checklists, and social media graphics.
5. Adobe InDesign
Best for: Full control over ebook layout and typography
InDesign is the gold standard in ebook design tools for authors who want top-tier customization. It's perfect for complex, image-heavy books.
Key Features:
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Precision typography and layout controls
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Exports to PDF, EPUB, and HTML
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Works well with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Note: Best for intermediate to advanced users.
6. Vellum (Mac only)
Best for: Beautiful formatting for Kindle, Apple Books, and more
Vellum is an intuitive, template-driven ebook formatter for Mac users. It’s ideal for authors who want attractive, consistent layouts without technical hassles.
Key Features:
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Real-time previews for Kindle, iBooks, and more
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Pre-styled chapter layouts and front/back matter
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Exports to EPUB, MOBI, and PDF
7. Reedsy Book Editor
Best for: Clean, professional formatting (free)
Reedsy offers a browser-based editor with built-in formatting and export features. It’s perfect for writers who don’t want to download software.
Key Features:
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Supports chapter organization and styling
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Professional-looking EPUB and PDF output
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No software install required
8. Sigil
Best for: Hands-on EPUB editing
Sigil is an open-source editor that gives you complete control over your ebook files. Ideal for developers or detail-focused authors.
Key Features:
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HTML and CSS editing for EPUB files
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WYSIWYG and code view
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Free and cross-platform
Ebook Publishing Tools
9. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Best for: Publishing directly to Amazon (largest ebook market)
KDP is the most popular self-publishing platform, letting you upload your formatted manuscript and start selling in hours.
Key Features:
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Reach millions of Kindle readers
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Tools for pricing, royalties, and promotion
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Print-on-demand options with KDP Print
10. Draft2Digital
Best for: Wide distribution to other ebook stores
Draft2Digital simplifies publishing by formatting your manuscript and distributing to platforms like Kobo, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble.
Key Features:
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Free formatting and conversion
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Automated back matter tools
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Sales analytics and reporting dashboard
11. Smashwords
Best for: Extra visibility through library and indie markets
Smashwords distributes to smaller marketplaces and libraries, offering a broad reach beyond Amazon.
Key Features:
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Multi-format support
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ISBN assignment
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Free marketing guides and tools
Bonus Tools for Authors
Here are a few more tools that enhance the ebook creation experience:
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Grammarly: Improve clarity and grammar as you write.
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Hemingway Editor: Simplifies your writing for better readability.
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Adobe Photoshop: Design high-quality ebook covers.
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ChatGPT: Generate outlines, brainstorm titles, and accelerate content creation.
Summary Table: Best Tools to Write and Design eBooks
| Purpose | Tool |
|---|---|
| Writing Software | Scrivener, Microsoft Word, Google Docs |
| Ebook Design & Layout | Canva Pro, Adobe InDesign, Vellum |
| Formatting Software | Reedsy Editor, Sigil |
| Publishing Platforms | Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, Smashwords |
| Editing & Productivity | Grammarly, Hemingway, ChatGPT |
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Final Thoughts: Build Your Ideal Ebook Toolkit
Whether you’re writing your first ebook or publishing your tenth, these tools will help you streamline your workflow, improve quality, and reach more readers. From AI writing assistants to professional ebook formatting tools, everything you need is available—some free, some premium, all powerful.
🔧 Choose your stack based on your style, budget, and publishing goals.
Got a favorite tool or one we missed? Let us know in the comments!
And don’t forget to share this guide with other aspiring authors and creators.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to software we’ve personally vetted and recommend. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission—at no cost to you.
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