Software & tools
Best Book Formatting Software for Indie Authors (2026 Guide)
Compare book formatting software for self-publishing: desktop vs browser tools, EPUB and print export, pricing models, and who each option fits.
Self-Publishing Guides for Authors
Practical guides for book formatting, KDP export, EPUB3, trim sizes, and publishing software choices.
Amazon KDP
Best Software for KDP Authors: Writing, Formatting & Export
Software options for Amazon KDP authors: manuscript writing, trim sizes, EPUB/Kindle export, print PDF, and preview workflows explained.
How-to
How to Format a Book for Amazon KDP (Step-by-Step)
Step-by-step KDP book formatting: trim size, margins, bleed, typography, TOC, preview, and export for Kindle and paperback.
How-to
How to Create EPUB3 Files for Self-Publishing
Learn how EPUB3 works, what files stores expect, common formatting mistakes, and practical export workflows for indie authors.
Reference
KDP Trim Sizes & Print Layout Guide for Authors
Common KDP paperback trim sizes, margin rules, bleed requirements, and how to choose the right print dimensions for your book.
Software & tools
Self-Publishing Software: What Authors Actually Need
A practical overview of self-publishing software categories: writing, formatting, export, metadata, and distribution preparation.
Special formats
Children's Book Formatting Software & Illustrated Page Workflow
How to format illustrated and children's books for KDP print and Kindle: full-page images, bleed, fixed layout considerations, and preview.
Reference
EPUB vs PDF for Books: Which Format Do You Need?
When to use EPUB vs PDF for self-publishing: reflowable ebooks, fixed layout, print interiors, and KDP upload requirements.
About the software
Manusly is an online book editor (and optional desktop app) for independent authors and self-publishers.
What is Manusly?