If you plan on writing and publishing an ebook, you will need a few essential tools.
Luckily, you have plenty of choices regarding apps and tools to write, format, and prepare your new ebook. Better still, all the tools listed in this article are free for you to use.
Self-publishing an ebook is free and fun and can be profitable for some authors.
Let’s take a look at some of the best free tools to help you write, format, publish, and promote your new ebook.
Choose the best free ebook creator tools
If you want to self-publish an ebook, it’s easy.
The first stage is to write your book.
You can use almost any word processor, but some are better suited than others.
After you finish writing your manuscript, you will need to format your text so it is suitable for ebook publishing.
The next step is to create an ebook cover.
The last step is to use tools to help you promote your ebook.
When you write your book, you don’t need to worry about file types.
But later on, you might need some help to convert your ebook to epub, mobi, or pdf.
It’s all a straightforward process, but the tools below will make it easier for you each step of the way.
So let’s take a look at the choices you have so you can decide which ones are best for you.
1. Microsoft Word
While it’s not free, if you have MS Word already installed on your computer, you are ready to write your ebook.
The docx file format in Word is compatible with most free self-publishing companies, so you can upload your file without converting it.
2. Apple Pages
If you use a Mac, Apple Pages is the best option.
It is, in fact, ebook creation software for Mac.
It is also a great word processor with many benefits. You can export to docx and epub and publish directly to Apple Books.
All new Macs have it installed by default. But if you don’t have it, you can download it for free from the App Store.
3. Google Docs
Google Docs is an ideal alternative for both PC and Mac users.
It’s an online word processor, but you can set up Google Docs to work offline.
If you are familiar with Word, you will have no problems writing your ebook with Google Docs.
4. Canva
Every ebook needs a book cover. However, hiring a graphic designer or buying pre-made covers can be expensive.
The best free solution is to use Canva to create your ebook cover. You only need a free account to get started.
It’s super easy to use and comes with a range of free templates for ebook covers.
You can read our tutorial on creating a free ebook cover with Canva.
5. Kindle Create
Before you publish your ebook, you will need to format it perfectly.
The easiest way to do it is to use Kindle Create. You can style your manuscript to make it a pleasure to read on Kindle devices.
It is free software from Amazon KDP, available for PC and Mac.
6. Kindle Previewer
Kindle Previewer is a free program from Amazon and is available for Windows and Mac.
It is a helpful tool for authors who want to check the quality of a Kindle ebook before publishing it on Amazon KDP.
If you add images to your ebook, it is the most reliable way to check that you have formatted them correctly.
It also has an import and export function that can help you convert your ebook to an epub file.
7. Calibre
Calibre is often referred to as the Swiss Army Knife for ebooks.
There is so much you can do with it. But for most new authors, you will use it to convert your Word manuscript to mobi, epub, and pdf.
If you are technically minded, you can also edit your ebook in epub or HTML.
It truly is one of the most useful tools for ebook authors.
It is available for PC, Mac, and Linux.
8. Ahrefs Amazon Keyword Tool
Before you self-publish a book on Amazon, you need to select two categories and seven search keywords.
A lot of new authors make the mistake of not doing any research and then guessing at filling in the boxes.
You need to research your keyword selections well before you publish your ebook.
The most popular tool for finding keyword data for books on Amazon is Publisher Rocket, but it is not free.
If you want a free alternative to Publisher Rocket, then the Ahrefs Amazon Keyword tool can help you find relevant search keywords for your new ebook.
With the free version, you get 100 suggestions from each search, so you can find plenty of ideas. Another good point is that it doesn’t ask for your email address.
9. Book Description Generator
When you publish your book, you need to include your book description.
However, after you publish, it will appear as plain text on your Amazon book sales page.
A great way to improve the chances of selling your ebook is to format your book description creatively. But, unless you are familiar with editing HTML, it is not easy.
The quickest and simplest way to format your description is to use the free Book Description Generator from Kindlepreneur.
As a bonus, you can also format your description and editorial reviews for Amazon, as well as Barnes & Noble and Kobo.
10. Free 3D book covers
You always need to promote your book to find readers and book buyers.
Most authors use social media and a blog to help get the word out about a new book.
However, using a flat version of your cover is not as appealing as creating a 3D version.
There are many cover tools available, but I found one that is free and doesn’t require you to register or give your email address.
DIY Book Covers is so easy to use, and you can create your eye-catching covers in only a minute or two.
Summary
You don’t need to spend a penny on tools to help you publish ebooks.
The apps in my list have you covered for all aspects of writing, formatting, publishing, and promoting your new ebook.
All you need to do now is get to work on writing your new ebook.
Related reading: Free Online Writing Tools For New Writers And Students
I’m an illustrator and a writer who’s “thinking eBook,” and this post was enormously helpful. I’ve explored the JPA site a bit, and I can see its a goldmine. I shall definitely be back.
I followed you on X-Twitter, and your Douglas Adams quote there made me roar with appreciation– excellent! Thanks again, Derek– cheers!
Very happy to hear that you find my content useful, Mark.
Happy I found your site–everything I have read is so helpful! Thanks!!!
Thank you, Harriet.
I’m please to hear that the content of the site is helpful for you.
Just perfect. I found my go to site for everything books
Thank you, Christine.
That’s very kind of you.
which is the best for creating ebooks which can then be turned into ‘real’ books for buyers?
I have variably-sized jpg images I’d like to compile into an ebook. However, I refuse to use anything by Amazon for ethical reasons… Any alternatives, please?
You can use almost any word processor such as Word or Pages to compile images in an ebook. Then check your file with Calibre. Finally, you can publish with Draft2Digital.
I am not sure where to begin, but here it goes. I am catharina-johana from the house of bellekom age 87.
I began writing when two of my grandchildren asked for stories. I told the the story of the naughty bear and wrote it down. I have written three more about this bear. I did sent the frist story to a publisher who are keen to publish it, (at a cost?) I am not a vain person but if I could give others the enjoyment of reading this I would be very happy. These four stoies are not the only onces but it is a start. You realise it is rather difficult for me to do as English is not my first language. In fact gramar is my weakest point. So what can I do? I think I need advice and perhaps help?
sincerely; catharina-johanna
If you use a vanity publisher, it will be very expensive. It would be better if you have someone within your family or friends with some technical ability who could help you self-publish.
I made a docs ebook…but some photos are severely distorted uploading to kdl
Try using Kindle Create and Kindle Previewer to check the problem. Also, make sure you use a docx file and not doc.
Thank you very much, for great and useful information, you are always providing. Have a beautiful weekend. Michael