10 Best Book Formatting Software for Professional Formatting

Whether self-publishing or working with a publisher, using the right book formatting software can save you time, ensure consistency, and enhance your book’s professionalism. Finding the right book formatting software can be difficult, as numerous tools are available, each with unique features.

This guide breaks down the 10 best book formatting software options to help you choose the one that suits your needs, budget, and publishing goals.

10 Best Book Formatting Software

Here are the top 10 book formatting software:

Squibler

Squibler is a versatile tool designed to support writers throughout the writing and formatting process. Known for its unique AI-driven features, such as a plot generator and content generator, Squibler offers a range of tools that help streamline writing and formatting tasks.

It’s great for authors looking to self-publish without navigating complex software. Squibler also includes export options tailored for eBook and print formats, ensuring your manuscript is publication-ready.

Ideal for authors who want a comprehensive tool to aid writing and formatting, Squibler provides a modern solution with flexible functionality to support various projects.

Vellum

Vellum is popular among indie authors for its intuitive interface and polished results. Vellum provides pre-designed templates that simplify creating professional-looking eBooks and print-ready books without a steep learning curve.

Its drag-and-drop functionality and real-time preview allow you to see how your book will look as you format it.

Vellum’s standout features include seamless export options for eBooks and print, customizable chapter headers, and the ability to handle large documents.

However, it’s currently available only for Mac users, which may be a drawback.

Scrivener

Scrivener is great for formatting, writing, and organizing. It might be your ideal choice if you prefer to draft, organize, and format your book all in one place.

Its design allows you to outline, arrange, and rearrange sections, which is especially helpful for complex projects like novels, research-heavy nonfiction, or multi-part stories. With its export options, you can format your manuscript for both eBook and print.

While Scrivener’s learning curve can be steep, especially if you’re new to book formatting, it is worth the time invested.

Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a professional-grade tool for book design. It is a solid choice if you’re looking to create a visually detailed book—like a coffee table book, cookbook, or graphic novel.

Customization options allow you to adjust your book’s appearance, such as typography, spacing, and page layouts. InDesign also supports PDF export.

While it’s an investment financially and in terms of time, InDesign is a trusted choice.

Atticus

Atticus is a newer, user-friendly software for self-publishing authors. This online tool combines the writing, editing, and formatting process into one platform, making it a convenient choice if you’re looking to streamline your workflow.

Atticus offers a variety of customizable templates, allowing you to format both eBooks and print books. Its cross-device compatibility means you can work on your project from anywhere, whether on a desktop or a mobile device.

Compared to other options, Atticus is priced affordably, providing an accessible solution for authors looking to self-publish without a steep learning curve or high upfront cost.

Reedsy Book Editor

Reedsy Book Editor is a free online formatting tool ideal for authors seeking a straightforward, no-cost solution. Designed by the Reedsy platform, this editor allows you to format your book without requiring any downloads or extensive learning.

Reedsy book editor features enables you to produce polished eBooks and print-ready PDFs. It also includes collaborative options, making working with editors and proofreaders directly within the platform easy.

Although its customization options are somewhat limited, this tool is an excellent choice for beginners or anyone simply looking for a quick, efficient way to format their manuscript.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word remains a staple for many authors, especially those looking for a simple and familiar book format.

With basic templates and formatting tools, Word is versatile for creating eBooks and print books. Its widespread use and accessibility make it an easy starting point, especially if you’re not ready to invest in specialized formatting software. While it doesn’t offer the advanced templates or automation of dedicated book formatting tools, Word still provides flexible layout options, easy editing, and customizable styles to produce a clean, professional-looking manuscript.

For authors comfortable with Word, it can be an effective, budget-friendly option for book formatting.

Kindle Create

Kindle Create is Amazon’s free book formatting software tailored for authors who plan to publish on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Kindle Create simplifies formatting by offering pre-set styles and templates, allowing you to prepare your manuscript for Kindle eBook publication.

You can add interactive elements like a clickable table of contents. While it’s limited to Kindle eBook formats and lacks advanced customization options, Kindle Create is an excellent choice if you want to publish directly on Amazon.

Jutoh

Jutoh is a flexible and affordable option for authors seeking customization for eBooks.

Jutoh makes it easy to create a professional-looking eBook compatible with different e-readers. Its interface is straightforward, and templates and editing tools allow you to adjust layouts, styles, and metadata.

It has a slight learning curve due to its comprehensive features. But the ability to produce high-quality results without a high price tag makes up for it.

If you need to self-publish an eBook and need a tool that offers control and flexibility, Jutoh is worth considering.

Bonus Free Option: Google Docs

Google Docs is a free and accessible option for authors looking to format their books without additional costs. While it doesn’t offer the advanced templates or design capabilities of paid tools, Google Docs is versatile enough to handle basic book formatting needs.

With options to customize fonts, headings, and spacing, you can structure your manuscript in a way suitable for both eBook and print formats. Google Docs also supports collaborative editing, making sharing your work with editors or beta readers easy.

Although it requires some manual formatting effort and may need adjustments for final publication, Google Docs is a solid, no-cost choice for authors who want to keep their publishing expenses to a minimum.

Tips for Choosing the Right Book Formatting Tool

Your choice depends on your needs, from budget to publishing goals. Here are considerations to guide you in making the right choice:

Define Your Budget

Book formatting tools come in a wide price range, from free options to high-end software with advanced features. Free tools are suitable for simple projects but may lack customization options or advanced formatting capabilities.

On the other hand, paid software often includes premium templates, customization, and export options. Determine how much you’re willing to invest and balance cost with the features you need.

Evaluate Your Technical Comfort Level

Some book formatting tools are designed with simplicity, while others offer advanced features that may require a learning curve.

If you’re not tech-savvy, consider tools with user-friendly interfaces and intuitive designs. Look for software with drag-and-drop capabilities or pre-made templates that simplify formatting.

Consider Your Publishing Format

Different platforms (such as Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and print-on-demand services) often have unique formatting requirements. Ensure your chosen software can export files in the formats you need, like EPUB, MOBI, or PDF.

Some formatting tools are tailored specifically for e-books, while others support digital and print formats.

Look for Template Variety and Customization Options

Templates can save time and ensure a professional look, but the ability to customize them is crucial to making your book stand out. Check if the software offers flexible templates that allow you to adjust fonts, chapter headings, and layouts.

If you have a specific style in mind, choose a tool that allows you to customize it to match your vision.

Check for Customer Support and Resources

Formatting a book can be challenging, especially for first-time authors. Reliable customer support, tutorials, and community forums can be lifesavers if you encounter issues or have questions.

Consider choosing software that offers accessible support, including help articles, videos, or live chat, so you have guidance if needed.

Factor in Future Needs and Updates

As your book formatting skills grow, you may want additional features or greater flexibility in your tools. Choose software known for regular updates and includes or plans to offer advanced features you may need later, such as support for complex layouts, multimedia inserts, or improved e-book formatting.

Try a Free Trial if Available

Many tools offer free trials, giving you a hands-on feel for the features and interface. Testing out software before committing helps you see if it meets your expectations and aligns with your needs.

Use these trials to compare your top choices before deciding on the best fit.

Common Book Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

Finally, let’s go over common formatting mistakes to avoid.

Inconsistent Font Styles and Sizes

Using multiple fonts or inconsistent font sizes can make a book look disjointed and unprofessional. Stick to a single font family for the main body and choose complementary styles for headings or chapter titles.

Ensure font sizes are consistent throughout, especially for chapter headings, subheadings, and body text.

Improperly Set Margins and Line Spacing

Tight or uneven margins and cramped line spacing can make the text hard to read and impact the book’s overall layout. Use industry-standard margins, typically 1 to 1.25 inches for printed books, and maintain consistent line spacing.

Book formatting tools often provide default margin and spacing settings, which can help avoid this issue.

Overuse of Decorative Elements

Too many decorative elements, like drop caps, borders, or background colors, can overwhelm the reader and distract from the content. Reserve these elements for key areas, such as chapter openers or title pages, and use them sparingly.

A clean, simple layout is often more effective than a highly stylized design.

Inconsistent or Missing Page Numbers

Page numbers are essential for navigation, especially in printed books. They should be consistently placed throughout the book, and they should not be placed in different spots on each page.

Most book formatting software includes options to add page numbers easily, but be sure to review and ensure they appear where expected.

Incorrect Section Breaks and Chapter Headers

Starting each chapter on a new page is a standard convention, but forgetting to use section breaks or manually creating page breaks can lead to formatting issues.

Use the software’s section break or chapter header functions to keep chapters separated cleanly, allowing for an organized and structured book layout.

Improper Image Placement and Quality

Images should be high-resolution and appropriately placed within the text to avoid awkward page breaks or misaligned content. Low-resolution images can appear pixelated in print, while misplaced images can disrupt the text flow.

Always use high-quality images and format them according to the book’s layout, checking how they appear on both digital and printed pages.

Lack of a Table of Contents for E-books

For e-books, a clickable table of contents (TOC) is essential for easy navigation. Skipping this feature or incorrectly linking chapters can frustrate readers. Most e-book formatting software includes TOC functions, allowing you to create linked headings.

Test the TOC to ensure each link works.

Ignoring Proofreading After Formatting

Even after a manuscript has been edited, formatting can introduce new errors. Overlapping text, missing spaces, or incorrect page breaks can appear in the final layout.

Conduct a thorough proofreading session after formatting to catch any layout issues or formatting errors that could detract from the reading experience.

Incorrect File Exporting

Exporting the file in the wrong format can cause unexpected issues during publishing. For example, a PDF may be suitable for print but not ideal for e-books, where formats like EPUB or MOBI are preferred.

Check the platform’s requirements and export the file in the correct format to avoid compatibility problems.

Not Testing on Multiple Devices

If you’re publishing an e-book, testing the file on various devices ensures it looks good across different screen sizes. Sometimes, formatting that looks fine on a computer screen may not display well on a tablet or e-reader.

Previewing your book on multiple devices can help you spot and fix any layout issues that may arise.

FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about book formatting software.

What is a book formatting tool, and why is it essential for authors?

A book formatting tool is specialized software designed to help authors prepare their manuscripts for publication. This tool streamlines organizing text, setting page layouts, and creating a polished, professional appearance for print or digital formats. A tool can save authors time by providing templates and features that simplify tasks such as setting page margins, adding headers, and managing font styles. This ensures the book is visually appealing and meets publishing standards.

What formatting options are typically available in book formatting software?

Most book formatting software includes various formatting options that allow authors to customize the look and feel of their books. These options usually cover font choices, paragraph spacing, text alignment, and chapter headings. Authors can also adjust page layout details such as size, line spacing, and indentation. Additionally, advanced formatting options may include adding images, inserting footnotes, creating a table of contents, and other design features that enhance the reading experience. Having flexible formatting options helps authors tailor the book to meet specific genre conventions or publisher requirements.

How does the book formatting process work?

The book formatting process generally starts after the manuscript has been written and edited. Using book formatting software, authors begin by importing their text into the program, where they can apply desired styles and layouts. Basic formatting options, such as font selection, paragraph settings, and chapter breaks, are typically set up first. Authors then refine the layout by adjusting page numbers, headers, footers, and additional design elements like images or illustrations. Once satisfied, the formatted book can be exported as a PDF or in other required formats for publishing.

Josh Fechter

Josh is the founder and CEO of Squibler. He's authored several best-selling books and created one of the largest communities of writers online.