Writing a book is only half the battle; appropriate formatting and design are essential for making it appear professional and reader-friendly. However, employing a professional formatter or designer might be pricey. What is the good news? Self-published authors can easily format and design their books using a variety of low-cost tools.
In this post, we’ll look at five low-cost tools that will allow you to easily format and design your book.
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5 Best Affordable Tools for Book Formatting and Design
BlueRose is a user-friendly DIY (Do-It-Yourself) platform that streamlines the book formatting and design process for authors. This tool enables authors to generate professional-quality books by writing directly on the site or uploading print-ready files. Using configurable templates, authors may design both the interior and cover of their publications to meet global standards. Once the design is complete, BlueRose offers a variety of publication packages that allow authors to disseminate their work through many channels, including global platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart.
Key Features
- Beautiful premade templates.
- Exports in EPUB and print-ready PDF
- Real-time preview for different devices
Vellum is an excellent solution for Mac users seeking professional-looking book formatting without a steep learning curve. It enables authors to create attractively designed ebooks and print books with a few clicks. The software provides adjustable templates, automatic chapter formatting, and a live preview of the final layout. While Vellum has a one-time purchase cost, it eliminates the need for expensive design services, making it an affordable choice for self-publishing authors.
Key Features
- Beautiful preset templates
- Exports in EPUB and print-ready PDF
- Real-time preview for different devices
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Atticus is a low-cost book formatting application that is an excellent alternative to Vellum. Unlike Vellum, which is only available for Mac, Atticus is compatible with both Windows and Mac, making it more accessible to writers. It has an easy-to-use interface, adjustable templates, and cloud-based access, allowing authors to format their books from anywhere. With a one-time purchase charge, Atticus is a reasonable option for self-publishers seeking professional-quality book formatting.
Key Features
- Cloud-based and offline access
- Fully customizable styles
- Exports in multiple formats
Scrivener is more than simply a writing tool; it’s also a strong program for book formatting and design. It allows writers to organize chapters, format manuscripts, and export files in a variety of formats, including EPUB and PDF. Scrivener’s drag-and-drop interface and customisable templates make it simple to format books for self-publishing. Unlike expensive formatting software, Scrivener is a one-time purchase, making it a cost-effective solution for authors wishing to streamline the book production process.
Key Features
- Powerful outlining and research tools
- Exports to multiple formats
- Flexible chapter arrangement
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Canva is a simple design tool ideal for generating excellent book covers and interior layouts. Canva’s drag-and-drop tools, configurable templates, and extensive library of fonts and graphics make book formatting simple—even for beginners. The free edition provides several design possibilities, whereas the subscription version includes more powerful capabilities. Whether you’re creating an eye-catching cover or elegant chapter headings, Canva offers an affordable solution to improve the visual appeal of your book.
Key Features
- Thousands of templates
- Drag-and-drop design
- Free and Pro versions available
Comparison Table of the Tools
| Tool | Best For | Price | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BlueRose DIY |
Content |
$171 |
Online |
Easy to Use |
|
Vellum |
Mac Users |
$199+ |
Mac Only |
High-quality formatting
|
|
Atticus |
Versatility |
$147
|
Windows, Mac, Linux |
Full customization |
|
Scrivener |
Writers & Outliners |
$49 |
Windows, Mac |
Writing + Formatting |
|
Canva |
Cover Design |
Free/$12.99 (Pro)
|
Online |
Design-focused |
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Book
- For any books? → BlueRose DIY Platform
- Mac user wanting premium formatting? → Vellum
- Windows or cross-platform user? → Atticus
- Need both writing and formatting tools? → Scrivener
- Want professional book covers? → Canva
Final Thoughts
Finding the proper book formatting and design solution is determined by your budget, requirements, and technical abilities. Whether you want a free, beginner-friendly tool like Reedsy or a high-end formatter like Vellum, there are options for every writer.
