Tools We Actually Use
A working list of the software, platforms, and free tools that carry real books from manuscript to market — the ones tested on real client projects, not just recommended for a commission.
Get the words on the page, then make them better.
Drafting software and editing assistants that hold up across a full manuscript, not just a paragraph.
Scrivener
Long-form writing software built for organizing a full manuscript: chapters, research, and notes in one project instead of scattered files.
Explore Scrivener →ProWritingAid
Style and grammar analysis built for fiction and long-form writing, with reports that go deeper than a basic spell-check.
Start for Free →Hemingway Editor
A free browser tool that flags dense, hard-to-read sentences so your prose stays clear without losing your voice.
Use Free Tool →Build promotional assets without hiring a designer for every post.
Platforms for cover mockups, social graphics, and everyday author branding.
Canva
A flexible design platform for book covers, social graphics, and ad creative, with templates built for non-designers.
Start for Free →Book Brush
3D book mockups, ad creative, and social graphics built specifically for authors, with templates sorted by platform and genre.
Start for Free →Font Pairing Tool
Our own free tool for finding professional serif and sans-serif combinations for your cover and interior typography.
Use Free Tool →The infrastructure behind an author website and business that runs itself.
Hosting, page building, SEO, scheduling, and project management for authors managing their own operation.
Elementor
A visual WordPress page builder for building a clean author website without touching code.
Start for Free →DreamHost
Reliable WordPress hosting built for speed and uptime, a solid foundation for an author site that needs to stay online without constant maintenance.
View Hosting Plans →Rank Math SEO
The WordPress SEO plugin we use on our own site, for on-page optimization, sitemaps, and schema without needing a technical SEO background.
Get Rank Math →Cal.com
Open-source scheduling for author calls, coaching sessions, or launch-team check-ins, without the clutter of heavier booking tools.
Try Cal.com Free →Trello
A simple board-based way to track launch tasks, content calendars, and manuscript revisions without overcomplicating your workflow.
Try Trello Free →Get your book into stores, libraries, and every major retailer.
Wide distribution, formatting tools, and the free course that connects every step in between.
Draft2Digital
Free ebook distribution to major retailers and libraries outside Amazon, plus print-on-demand paperback distribution in one dashboard.
Create Free Account →Zero-Budget Bestseller
Our free 11-day email course for authors who want to understand what happens between finishing the manuscript and getting the book in front of readers.
Get Free Access →Cover Template Generator
Our own free tool for calculating exact trim, spine width, and full cover dimensions across KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu, and Draft2Digital.
Use Free Tool →Royalty Calculator
Our own free tool comparing real per-sale royalties across KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital, using each platform's actual formulas.
Use Free Tool →Get paid for the work you are already doing.
Platforms for selling digital products directly and accepting support from readers.
Payhip
Sell ebooks, templates, courses, and other digital products directly to readers, with no monthly fee and simple checkout.
Start Selling on Payhip →Buy Me a Coffee
A simple way for readers to support your work directly, with memberships and one-time tips built for creators.
Set Up Buy Me a Coffee →Every free tool in one place.
No sign-up, no email required. Built to answer the technical questions authors run into most often.
Copyright Generator
Generate a professional copyright page for print and ebook editions.
Use Tool →Royalty Calculator
Compare real per-sale royalties across KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital.
Use Tool →