The 10 Best Free Ebook Creator Tools And Apps For New Authors

Free Ebook Creator Tools

If you are planning to write and publish an ebook, you will need some ebook creator tools.

Luckily, you have a lot of choices when it comes to apps and tools to write, format, and prepare your new ebook.

Better still, all the tools in this article are free for you to use.

Self-publishing an ebook is free and fun, and it can be profitable for some authors. Let’s look at what tools you will need to prepare and publish your 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 will be the best for you.

 

1. Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word logo

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 any need to convert.

 

2. Apple Pages

Apple Pages

If you use a Mac, Apple Pages is the best option for you and is in fact, ebook creation software for Mac

It is a great word processor too and has a lot of benefits. You can export in docx and epub but also 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

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

Canva logo

Every ebook needs a book cover. But 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

Kindle Create ebook creator tools for formatting

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

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 ebook creator tools

Calibre is often referred to as the Swiss Army Knife of ebook creator tools.

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 ebook creator tools for authors.

It is available for PC, Mac, and Linux.

 

8. Sonar

Sonar keywords

Before you self-publish on Amazon, you have 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 Sonar can help you find relevant search keywords for your ebook.

I did a lot of searches with Sonar, and I didn’t notice any restrictions. Another good point is that it doesn’t ask for your email address.

 

9. Book Description Generator

Kindlepreneur 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

DIY 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.

But using a flat version of your cover is not as appealing as creating a 3D version of your cover.

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 ebook creator tools.

The tools 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 book.

 

Related reading: Free Online Writing Tools For New Writers And Students

Derek Haines

A Cambridge CELTA English teacher and author with a passion for writing and all forms of publishing. My days are spent writing and blogging, as well as testing and taming new technology. More about Derek

Avatar for Derek Haines

9 thoughts on “The 10 Best Free Ebook Creator Tools And Apps For New Authors

  • Avatar for christine Aluoch
    July 10, 2023 at 11:20 pm
    Permalink

    Just perfect. I found my go to site for everything books

    Reply
  • Avatar for Alecs
    March 19, 2023 at 4:59 pm
    Permalink

    which is the best for creating ebooks which can then be turned into ‘real’ books for buyers?

    Reply
  • Avatar for Roméo Desmarais III
    January 3, 2023 at 2:43 am
    Permalink

    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?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Derek Haines
      January 3, 2023 at 9:30 am
      Permalink

      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.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Catharina-johanna
    September 17, 2022 at 2:41 am
    Permalink

    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

    Reply
    • Avatar for Derek Haines
      September 17, 2022 at 8:42 am
      Permalink

      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.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Joseph Barnett
    June 28, 2022 at 1:58 am
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    I made a docs ebook…but some photos are severely distorted uploading to kdl

    Reply
    • Avatar for Derek Haines
      June 28, 2022 at 8:30 am
      Permalink

      Try using Kindle Create and Kindle Previewer to check the problem. Also, make sure you use a docx file and not doc.

      Reply
  • Avatar for Michael
    May 9, 2021 at 12:35 pm
    Permalink

    Thank you very much, for great and useful information, you are always providing. Have a beautiful weekend. Michael

    Reply

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