Are you looking for the best free or paid eBook writing software to help you write and design a bestselling eBook?
You’re in luck!
As fellow eBook authors, we know a thing or two about publishing an eBook. No doubt you read our handy How To Write An eBook (From Start To Finish) guide, right?
Today, we’d like to share with you some of our favorite eBook writing tools.
Best eBook Writing Apps
1: Google Docs Voice Typing - Best Dictation Tool
Did you know that you could write an entire eBook without hardly putting your finger on your keyboard?
We’re not talking about hiring an eBook writing service.
We're talking dictation tools?
Google Docs Voice Typing is our favorite dictation tool for writing eBooks.
It’s also pretty easy to activate. Since it’s free, you only need a valid Google account.
It’s one of the most accessible tools for eBook writers.
To use this fantastic Google Docs feature, you’ll have to browse Google Docs using a Chrome browser. Once there, click on Tools and then on Voice Typing. Remember to have a microphone connected.
When reviewing Google Docs Voice Typing, we found that there were about 100 voice commands available. It also supports around 80 languages, some complete with regional accents.
Pros
- Free dictation software that’s perfect for eBooks.
- Available in over 80 languages
- Your work is automatically saved in the cloud.
Cons
- Compatible only with a Chrome browser.
- Commands only work in English.
2: Scrivener - Best For Complicated Writing Projects
Scrivener is well-known in the publishing world. This WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) writing tool comes jam-packed with several in-depth text editing features.
Writers can easily edit, format, and even add bullet points, footnotes, or pictures and references to their eBook.
There’s even the option of using custom fonts.
Once you’ve written your masterpiece, Scrivener makes it easy to export your eBook into various formats, from ePUB to MOBi.
Pros
- Once-off fee.
- Supports exporting to various formats.
- Great for long, complicated documents.
Cons
- Steep learning curve.
- No online interface for sharing your eBook.
3: Adobe InDesign - Best Professional Design Software
Adobe has been around for years, and one look at InDesign tells you that they know what they’re doing.
Today, InDesign is the preferred tool for traditional publishing houses.
While the software may look complicated, it’s got detailed documentation and tutorials to help get you started quickly.
With Adobe Indesign, you can write your eBook from start to finish, do your editing and even add some gorgeous designs to your eBook cover.
This software package integrates well with other Adobe software, such as Photoshop. By integrating this well, you can up the ante and create a very stylish and unique eBook.
Pros
- Powerful software tool for writing eBooks.
- Fantastic documentation.
- Significant changes to your eBook are easy to make.
Cons
- Monthly subscription.
- Exporting may not always work well.
4: Grammarly - Best For eBook Editing
You may have heard about Grammarly.
The internet’s entirely ablaze with praise for this easy-to-use spelling and grammar checking tool. There’s a handy free version that you can use to perform most of your essential editing.
However, Grammarly truly shines when you unlock the more powerful features with a monthly subscription.
Grammarly makes it easy to edit your eBook. Copy or upload your text to the cloud-based platform, and the tool will make helpful suggestions that can dramatically improve your writing.
Pros
- Intelligent, AI-based editing tool.
- Easy to use.
- Affordable monthly subscription.
Cons
- Only available in English.
- The AI suggestions may not always be spot on.
5: Vellum - Best MacOS eBook Software
If you plan on writing your eBook on a macOS system, then you have to consider Vellum.
This macOS app is easy to use and can create some of the most beautiful and text-rich eBooks we’ve seen.
While it is expensive and limited to macOS only, it provides users with several fantastic benefits over traditional eBook writing software.
Import your Word document and let Vellum turn it into a top publication.
Pros
- Simple user-interface.
- Apple, Amazon, and Kobo approved exports.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Only available for macOS.
- Very expensive.
6: Reedsy Book Editor - Best Free eBook Software
Not all eBook publishing software is made equally.
Yet this software is simply one of the best. Our next handy tool for creating an eBook is the popular Reedsy platform.
This cloud-based platform has been a favorite among self-published eBook authors for quite a while. It has a simple interface and is entirely free to use.
However, the best feature is that Reedy easily exports your eBook in several valid formats with a few simple clicks. While it may be limited on features, it gets the job done without any complicated steps to follow.
Pros
- Free, forever.
- Valid eBook exports that most stores accept.
- Great for online collaboration.
Cons
- Limited writing and editing features.
- Limited customization options.
7: LucidPress - Best eBook Design Software
One of the most daunting tasks for new eBook writers is having to design your eBook.
Our next tool makes designing an eBook quick and easy.
LucidPress believes that authors don’t have to master complicated design software to create beautiful eBooks. Their online, cloud-based platform is filled to the brim with editable templates to make your eBook look amazing quickly.
All you have to do is upload your content and choose one of the thousands of templates. The templates are all editable in an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. You can even collaborate in real-time with your colleagues.
Pros
- Several affordable pricing tiers.
- Easy-to-use deBook designer.
- Premium eBook templates.
Cons
- Limited features are available in the free version.
- Finding a suitable template can be time-consuming.
8: Designrr - Best For Existing Content
Do you have loads of blog posts that you’d like to include in an eBook? If so, then Designrr is the tool for you.
It’s easy to import content into Designrr. Take your blog and transform it into a newspaper-style eBook. One of the best features is how Designrr integrates with existing websites on WordPress, Shopify, and even Hubspot.
Designrr makes creating an eBook quick and easy. There are also various powerful editing and collaboration tools to help you make your eBook look its best.
While newspaper-style eBooks may not be for everyone, you can still use Designrr to edit and create a good-looking eBook by importing your text and choosing one of the premium templates.
Pros
- Easy integration with existing websites.
- Reuse existing blog posts to create an eBook.
- Great for short, lead magnet eBooks.
Cons
- Steep learning curve.
- Exporting can be buggy at times.
9: Kindle Previewer - Best For eBook Previewing
Now that you’ve written, edited, and designed your eBook, it’s time to have a final look at your eBook before you publish it.
If you plan on making money with your eBook on Amazon, we recommend downloading their free Kindle Previewer. This desktop tool, compatible with both Windows and macOS, is great for previewing your eBook.
You can view your eBook from a bird’s eye view or browse through individual pages to ensure that everything is in place.
This handy tool will show you exactly how customers will be viewing your eBook. It helps you spot formatting mistakes and to make a couple of final design changes before publishing your new masterpiece.
Pros
- Free to download and use.
- Regularly updated.
- Supported by Amazon.
Cons
- Limited to previewing your eBook only.
- Very little documentation is available.
eBook Writing Software FAQ
Why should I use software to help me write an eBook?
eBook writing software makes the writing and publishing process much easier and faster. eBook software can help you save valuable editing time, create awesome designs, and make it easier to publish and share your eBook.
What is eBook software?
eBook software is special publishing software that can export your eBook into a valid format for selling your eBook on popular distribution platforms such as Amazon.
Is it considered cheating when I use eBook writing software?
It’s not considered cheating when you use eBook writing tools. Every eBook author uses some of the software tools listed here to write, edit, design, and publish their eBooks.
What software do I need to write an eBook?
You will need software that helps you write and edit your eBook. Design software to create a beautiful layout and a cover page are also essential. Finally, your software needs to export your eBook into one of the acceptable, valid eBook formats, such as ePUB or MOBi. Unless of course you plan to just use a pdf download for your eBook.
What format should my eBook be in?
The most common eBook formats are MOBi, ePUB, and PDF formats. Your eBook software should be able to export your eBook into any of these standard formats.
How long should a typical eBook be?
The average eBook is anything between 2,000 and 5,000 words. However, it isn’t unheard of to find eBooks that are much longer than this. Typically, the length of your eBook is determined by its purpose. For example, if you are writing a thrilling sci-fi novel, it may be more than 10,000 words. However, if you want to publish your eBook as a lead magnet, it may be as short as 2,000 words.
Can you help me write my first eBook?
Don’t worry if you need help writing your first eBook. We’ve all been there. Our team of professional ghostwriters and content writers has years of experience in writing eBooks. All you have to do is send us a message, and we’ll happily get back to you to discuss your new masterpiece. Alternatively, check out our eBook writing service.
Are you ready to publish your eBook?
Writing an eBook is a simple process. Today, anyone can do it. Not only is there fantastic software available, such as the ones on our list here, but we’ve also written a handy How To Create An eBook (Beginners Guide) to help you along the way.
However, if you still have some questions that need answering, why not get in touch with us? We’re a professional content writing service with years of experience in creating and publishing eBooks (among other content).
We can share a cup of coffee and discuss your eBook ambitions in detail.
So, what’s your masterpiece going to be about?