Writing and creating an e-book can be a great way to reach a wider audience and gain loyal followers. If you have a great idea for an e-book with the sincere aim of helping someone solve a problem, then there’s no reason why you should put it off. With the many tools you can use to write, organize, style and publish e-books, it’s never been easier to become an e-book author.

Scrivener is an advanced writing software for authors who write novels and screenplays. To create an e-book, you need to enter your content just like you would a regular book. When you’re done, use the Compile feature to export it to e-book formats like MOBI, EPUB and Kindle.

Most Flexible Best eBook Creator Software of 2019 - Make and Publish Books After researching and signing up for eBook creator services, we think the Atavist platform is the best option, and it is versatile enough to help you with most of your web-publishing needs. YWriter is a free standalone app designed by an author who was striving to create the best fiction writing software. The yWriter software has been for PCs only, however, an Android version was recently released and there is a beta version for iOS. Mar 19, 2019  The age of handwriting your ebook and typing it up later is long gone.While I am a lover of beautiful stationery, ebook writing software can be much more useful. In our selection, we review the best editing, writing, dictation, and converting tools currently on the market. Some of them practically take you from the first idea to the virtual bookshelf, and others import your manuscript.

While it is easy to get your e-book made and published, there are a number of things to consider before the production process. These include details of your e-book such as what format it will be, where you plan to sell and promote it, who is your target audience, and other important factors that affect your e-book’s success.

Which is the best format for eBooks?

PDF (Portable Document Format)

The most common ebook format is the PDF. Go to any website offering a free ebook, and you’d usually get the freebie in PDF form. How serial communication works. Most computers and even mobile devices can open PDF files with a pre-installed PDF reader, so it’s the most user-friendly format you can have for an e-book.

MOBI (Mobipocket)

Originally used by the Mobipocket e-reader, the .mobi format is now used by more popular e-book readers, including Amazon Kindle and the Kindle apps for iOs and Android devices. This format is visually appealling, as it gives readers similar behaviors to physical books, such as swiping to turn a page and earmarking a page.

EPUB (ePublication)

The .epub format is similar to .mobi, but it’s a free, open-source standard for e-book publishing. Because of this, almost all e-readers support .epub including Amazon Kindle Fire, Apple iBooks and Google Books.

iBook (Apple iBooks)

This is an exclusive format for all e-books sold on the Apple iBooks store. It is built using the EPUB standard, but adds restrictions so it can only be sold and consumed within the Apple iBooks realm. Because of this, iBook formats are incompatible with readers which can read the standard .epub format.

Once you are familiar with these formats, you can now decide which one you want to have for your e-book. If you plan on selling it on Amazon, then the .epub format is the best option. If you’re making a quick e-book that you want to offer for free on your website, then it’s best to make it as a PDF. Ultimately, you need to think about which format might work best for your target audience.

Making your e-book

Once you know what kind of format you want for your e-book, you’re now ready to begin its production. There are two ways to do this: creating it with a software you can use independently or without connecting to the Internet, or creating it with a web-based app.

Web-based e-book apps tend to have simpler, user-friendly features as opposed to offline software which are mostly used for designing graphically intense content. If you’re looking to create a quick e-book without breaking the bank, there are lots of free online software available. On the other hand, if you have a budget to spend on software for creating a professional e-book, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go for a more advanced tool.

For further reading:

Ebook Writing Software

Web-based apps and WordPress plugins to create an eBook

1. Pressbooks

Pressbooks looks a lot like WordPress, but it’s run from an entirely different site. If you’re familiar with WordPress, then you shouldn’t have a hard time figuring out how everything works. You can add and edit chapters, change or add sections, and so on. Remember that Pressbooks is free to use, but to remove the watermark that will show on the e-book, you need to upgrade to a paid version (starts with a one-time payment of $19.99).

2. Beacon (WordPress plugin)

Beacon is a plugin for WordPress that turns your blog posts into e-books. You can choose which articles to include or filter them by category. The plugin converts blog posts into HTML5 or PDF format. Layout features are also included and you can design the ebook cover from within the Beacon dashboard. This plugin is free to use and requires a free account at beacon.by.

3. Google Docs
A simple way of writing and converting content into PDF online for free is by using Google Docs. Type in your content and have all the Google Fonts available for you to choose from all inside the Google Docs window. It syncs with your Google Drive account, so you can work on it from any device as long as you’re online.

4. Zinepal

Similar to Papyrus but with a dated interface, Zinepal also allows you to turn blog posts into content for your e-book. You can also start from scratch. Just note that the free account will put a Zinepal link on the bottom of each page of your book. A Zinepal Pro account starts at $5 for a single e-book without the Zinepal branding and other added features like publishing to Scribd.

5. PublishXpress

PublishXpress is an online conversion tool that takes DJVU, DOCX, TXT HTML, RTF and PDF files and converts them into MOBI and EPUB. This is perfect if you already have your e-book ready and just want to turn it into both MOBI and EPUB so it can be available to other e-book readers. The service is free, but watch out for any imperfections in your converted text.

Desktop tools to write/create an eBook

6. Open Office

While Microsoft Word is commonly used, Open Office is completely free to use and it converts .doc to .pdf without having to pay a single cent. Since it’s very similar to Word, you’ll be typing your content and be done in no time. When you’re done writing and proofing your content, simply click on File>Export to PDF and you’re done.

7. Adobe InDesign

If you’re familiar with the Adobe Creative Suite, using InDesign should be easier for you. Otherwise, you may need to go through some tutorials before using this tool. InDesign is a more advanced method of creating an e-book and it’s mostly if you want the graphics and all style elements in your e-book look polished and professional. To download and use InDesign, you need to subscribe to Adobe’s Creative Cloud plans. Single software subscription for InDesign starts at $19.99/month, paid annually or $29.99/month, paid monthly.

8. Kindle Gen

Kindle Gen is a command line app for converting HTML or any other e-book source into the Kindle e-book format (for selling on Amazon). If you’re familiar with using the command window, then this tool is not that difficult. In addition, there is a ReadMe file that comes with complete instructions for converting files into KPF (Kindle Package Format). To use a more user-friendly tool, download Kindle Previewer in addition to Kindle Gen, and you can convert other e-book formats into Kindle in an easier interface.

9. Microsoft Word

Anyone with a PC will be familiar with MS Word, so creating an e-book using this software is great for those who don’t want to learn another software. If you have the Microsoft Word 2016, you can convert your DOC file to PDF within MS Word without having to purchase an add-on. However, there are dozens of DOC to PDF converters online which you can use for free.

10. iBooks Author

iBooks Author is an e-book editing software for making books to sell exclusively on Apple iBooks. The format will only work for Mac and the iPad. While this might seem restrictive, keep in mind that some readers prefer to read on their iPads because of the clear retina display, so making your ebook with iBooks Author is going the extra mile for your future readers.

11. Calibre

Calibre is primarily a free e-book management software and e-book viewer, so you can store e-books and organize them into a library, but it also converts between PDF, EPUB, MOBI and other e-book formats. Converting e-books within its user-friendly dialog is great for beginners, and there’s a lot of changes you can make to your converted piece.

12. Scrivener

Scrivener is an advanced writing software for authors who write novels and screenplays. To create an e-book, you need to enter your content just like you would a regular book. When you’re done, use the Compile feature to export it to e-book formats like MOBI, EPUB and Kindle. It’s not a very simple process, but there are great tutorials online on how it’s done. There is a 30-day free trial to try Scrivener, after which you’ll need to purchase the software for $40.

Which is the best App to create an eBook?

There are many other tools to create an e-book online or off, but these are some of the most common ones used and recommended by authors. Of course, you can use more than just one tool listed above, especially if you want to have your e-book available in most formats and in as many marketplaces as possible. The key is to pick one tool and master it first, then move on to other tools and see which ones work best with your primary tool. Here are more hand-picked resources which will help you in launching & selling your first eBook:

Making e-books can be a fun and with these helpful apps, there’s no stopping you from creating your best piece of writing and sharing it with the world.

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Best eBook Creator Software of 2019 - Make and Publish Books

After researching and signing up for eBook creator services, we think the Atavist platform is the best option, and it is versatile enough to help you with most of your web-publishing needs. Since it isn’t exclusively an eBook creator, it can also help you publish photobooks and magazines. The application’s free version gives you access to online publishing tools, though we think it’s worth it to pay for a subscription if you’re serious about publishing online content. Its easy-to-use tools are accessible from the homepage, and there’s tons of support to help you navigate through all the options and settings.

Best Overall

Atavist

The best by far, Atavist lets you publish different types of online content using popular media file types so that you can insert video and photos directly into your text.

Best Value for Mac Users

iBooks Author

Free with an apple account, iBooks has tons of tools and lets you manage all your projects from a central location. It includes easy-to-use tools and lots of different template formats.

Best for Fiction Writers

Pressbooks

Pressbooks doesn’t support a lot of writing template types, including those for magazines and photobooks, but it can make creative fiction look professional and polished with its easy-to-use features.

ProductPriceOverall RatingFeaturesFormat CapabilitiesSupported FilesHelp & SupporteBook Selling AbilitiesFile TransitionsMulti-Language CapabilitiesBrandingeBook Trial PeriodPhoto RenderingContent ProtectionEase of UseCustomizable Page TransitionsTutorialsInstruction ManualDownloadableOnline SupportSoundGraphicMOBILITHTMLVideoPDFPDBEPUBEducational MaterialsTestsComic BooksMagazinesAlbumsProfessional Training ManualsGuidesPicture BookseBooks
AtavistView Deal5/510101010100
eBook Maestro PROView Deal4.5/59.6108.11095
iBooks AuthorView Deal4.5/58.110101085
LucidpressView Deal4.5/57.51010580
ScrivenerView Deal4/57.56.38.11095
PressbooksView Deal3.5/58.83.17.57.580
Ultimate eBook CreatorView Deal3.5/57.53.18.11080
CalibreView Deal3/55.63.18.17.550
eBooks CompilerView Deal2.5/56.91.33.81090
CreateSpaceView Deal2/56.32.52.57.570

Best Value for Mac Users

iBooks Author

Easy to keep your projects synced with your Mac user account
Can combine file types to create unique projects
Only works on Mac devices

With its many template types, you can use iBooks Author to create all kinds of digital content on your Apple devices, including presentations and photobooks. You can also combine file types to insert photos or videos into text or mix and match templates to create unique projects. The program has an intuitive design and is easy to use.

If you’re an Apple user, you have the benefit of keeping all your creative projects in one place and don’t need to maintain separate accounts on different sites around the web. iBooks lets you use your AppleID and password to access the application for free. Even though it’s a standard application released with Apple products, we found this eBook publisher’s templates to be better looking and of a higher quality than those in other programs we tested.
iBooks Author has many of the same features as other e-publishing software, including translation and branding tools, and you can use MOBI, PDF and HTML files in the application. One of the only problems we had with software during testing was that it had a slow loading rate – you have to wait around a bit while the app processes your input. Besides that, iBooks Author has all the support and tools you need get started with web and eBook publishing on your Mac device.

Best Overall

Atavist

Tutorials make learning to use features easy

Ebook Writing Software Free Download

Subscription required to access all the features
Can be a bit overwhelming for first-time eBook publishers

Atavist is an online publishing tool that can help you put your work online, even if you aren’t familiar with coding. Using this service, you can publish online magazines or photobooks, and it can help you publish eBooks.

The service connects with the major eBook publishers, Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as with their respective Kindle and Nook formats. It also lets you format content for mobile devices, which is useful if you publish online.
The service comes equipped with all the formats and features you need to make online content look good. You can embed videos and photos in articles and combine template types, though you might find this a bit challenging if you’ve never done it before. Atavist also does a decent check of your work to prevent errors in the uploading process.
What sets Atavist apart are the customization options it has that other online publication services, like Facebook’s Instant Articles, don’t. For example, you can select a tailored transition for the pages in your eBook.
Atavist also walks you through how to protect your work, allowing you to select whether the book is for profit or free to the public. There’s tons of in-program support to help you figure out how to use all the features, which is another reason it’s the overall best eBook software we tested.

Best for Fiction Writers

Pressbooks

Offers great support and tutorials
Customizable features for novel writing
Slow to load input
Geared toward professional publication rather than personal use

Pressbooks is a solid choice if you want to monetize your works of fiction. It’s missing some of the templates and online publishing options other programs have, but you can create professional-looking eBooks, and the software isn’t overwhelming to use.

This software can’t format online magazines or picture books, unlike other services. It’s also not the best place to try to design memorable family scrapbooks or personal mementos. This is because Pressbooks focuses on just two types of publications: novels and training manuals. As such, it has features and tools that let you create a truly unique eBook. There are tons of branding options you can use to put your stamp on your work, and you can customize font, photos and transitions to add to your readers’ experience.
You have to be a little patient when you use this software. In our testing, it took longer to load and process our input than any other online publishing service or downloadable application. Pressbooks makes it easy to share your work in formats like Amazon’s Kindle or CreateSpace. Overall, it’s a great publication tool for first-time eBook publishers.

Most Languages

Ultimate eBook Creator

Over eighty languages

Ultimate eBook Creator’s best feature is the number of languages you can publish your work in – the software supports more than 80.

However, its format selection is a little bare-bones, and it wasn’t as easy to navigate as some other services we reviewed. In fact, we were overwhelmed as we sorted through the project options in the software. It doesn’t have formatting options for magazines or comic books, though you can make more traditional projects like picture books, novels and guides. Ultimate eBook Creator also includes photo rendering tools to make images look clear. The company has ties with publishers, so it’s easy to monetize your projects. Ultimate eBook Creator downloads to your computer, so you don’t need an internet connection to access it.

Most Flexible

Lucidpress

Ebook Writing Software Creator

It includes lots of formatting and project options.
You need a reliable internet connection to use it.

Lucidpress gives you access to a lot of formatting and project options, making it one of the most versatile eBook creators we reviewed.

It also looks up to date – the layout and interface are much more accessible than those of some competitors. Lucidpress is an online program, so you don’t download it, and you store your projects in the cloud. Some may see it as a downside to need internet access to work on projects, but it’s fairly common practice nowadays. You can sign up for a free trial on Lucidpress’ site, and you can even access the software for free if you’re a student or teacher. However, the program’s project variety is what really makes it a great option. It includes publishing formats for business reporting as well as those to help educators make learning material more engaging. There’s also a space to create personal projects like family photo albums and picture books. The service makes it easy to add images and sound to your work.

Why Trust Us?

Platforms for online publishing are constantly evolving, and we’ve seen many come and go in the nine years we’ve researched the best eBook creator software and services. We update this site frequently to account for this ever-changing landscape. Since we know a bit about publishing content online, we have good insight into what features are useful for content creation. We research these sites extensively – reading reviews and reports about the software, checking their support options and reading their service agreements – before downloading or subscribing to each one to perform hands-on tests.

How Much Does eBook Creator Software Cost?

Like much of the software we test, eBook creators are in a bit of transition. Many still download to you desktop, but newer, more up-to-date programs tend to host their operating systems on the web. You often pay per project or for a subscription for online programs, while you purchase more traditional programs outright. We wouldn’t agree to a subscription costing more than $10 a month or a one-time payment more than $50, unless you’re publishing regularly.

How We Tested

We researched to find downloadable programs and online services for eBook publication, looking for options that have a variety of publishing templates. We counted the number of file types each software processes and how many template types each service has, taking note of those that include professional tools or support educators. We also looked for services that connect with the most popular eBook stores, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Ebook Writing Software

We used the support options, like email, FAQ, tutorials and manuals to see if they were easy to understand and offered enough information so that you could manage your projects effectively.

After researching, we downloaded or subscribed to all the services so we could try out each one’s features. We created profiles in each system and tried out all of the programs’ tools to get a sense of how they well they work for common tasks. We loaded content into each software and timed how long it took to process the data. We also noted if the program malfunctioned or performed slower than other eBook creators.

When you publish online, you also want to protect your content. As such, we looked for services that offer support and clearly state what types of release agreements are available – whether for profit or the public – and articulate the differences between them so you can make an informed decision about how and where to share your work.

Key Features to Look For

Ease of Use
Writing a book is hard enough, and you shouldn’t have to deal with clunky, unintuitive eBook publishing software on top of it. As you browse through the programs we reviewed, consider whether each one’s interface and support options fit your needs. During our research, we paid attention to each program’s layout and design and assigned it a grade based on how intuitive its interface is.

Multi-Language Capabilities
If you want to write a story partially or wholly in a language other than English, double-check that the eBook creator you choose supports it. The best software makes it easy to choose your language or switch between languages without disrupting your workflow or inadvertently creating weird characters, typos and unexpected formatting issues.

Cloud vs. Desktop
It’s worth noting how the software you choose stores your work. Does it save it to its server via the cloud, or do you download the software onto your computer? To use cloud software, you need a solid internet connection, so it is a good option if you plan to write at home or a cafe. On the other hand, if you write during your commute on the train, it may be better to find a program you can download. There are pros and cons to both, so consider your situation before making a decision.

Supported Formats
The more format options you have, the better. Applications and services that let you publish personal journals, magazines, professional texts, guides, manuals, comic books and other types of work in addition to eBooks provide the best value.

Support
However, services with lots of publishing options can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you have never loaded content into a publisher before. We found that the best software comes with enough guidance and support that extra features are beneficial rather than a hindrance.

We also considered how much support each offers. eBook creators that have tutorials, instruction manuals and contact information are much easier to use overall and received higher scores.

Output File Formats
Many online publishing services make it easy to share your work on the web. Look for one that supports the big names in eBook publishing, such as Kindle and Nook. In addition, choose a program that supports many of the most common file formats, including EPUB, PDB, PDF, video, HTML, LIT and MOBI.

A few of the platforms we reviewed mimic social media accounts – almost like LinkedIn accounts for self-publishers. These can be a great resource for finding opportunities to host your work or connect with other authors. We liked services that let you customize your profile and make professional connections so you can publish your work to as many places on the web as possible.

Licensing & Trademarks
Make sure you check any contracts and fine print associated with the eBook creator software you choose to ensure you aren’t signing over part or all of your rights to what you wrote. You can also look into trademarking your work first.

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