A curated list of awesome tools, resources, communities, and platforms for self-publishing authors.
Whether you're writing your first eBook, publishing a paperback on demand, or launching an audiobook, self-publishing empowers creators to bring their stories directly to readers. This list includes platforms, marketing tools, design resources, and educational content for every step of the self-publishing journey.
- Publishing Platforms
- Print-on-Demand Services
- eBook Creation & Formatting
- Cover Design
- Marketing & Promotion
- Distribution & Aggregators
- Audiobooks
- Writing Tools
- Legal & Business
- Communities & Learning
- Podcasts & Blogs
- Books
- Related Awesome Lists
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Self-publish eBooks and paperbacks to Amazon.
- Draft2Digital – Distribute eBooks to multiple retailers.
- Smashwords – eBook publishing and distribution platform.
- Lulu – Publish and print books, calendars, and more.
- Apple Books for Authors – Publish directly to Apple Books.
- Google Play Books Partner Center – Publish eBooks for Android users.
- IngramSpark – Global print and distribution services.
- BookBaby – POD, eBook conversion, and distribution.
- Blurb – Custom photo and trade books with print-on-demand.
- Reedsy Book Editor – Free online book formatting tool.
- Atticus – Writing and formatting tool for eBooks and print.
- Calibre – Open-source eBook management and conversion.
- Scrivener – Long-form writing and organization tool.
- Canva – Easy-to-use online design tool with book cover templates.
- BookBrush – Cover creator and marketing graphics for authors.
- 99designs – Custom book cover contests and designers.
- BookBub Partners – Promotions for eBooks and new releases.
- StoryOrigin – Cross-promotions, email list growth, and ARC distribution.
- BookFunnel – Deliver ARCs, grow your newsletter, and promote books.
- Booksprout – ARC and review management platform.
- Goodreads – Author profile and community engagement.
- PublishDrive – Global distribution for eBooks, print, and audiobooks.
- StreetLib – eBook, print, and audiobook distribution.
- Kobo Writing Life – Publish directly to Kobo.
- ACX – Audiobook production and distribution on Audible and iTunes.
- Findaway Voices – Audiobook narration and global distribution.
- Authors Republic – Distribute to 50+ audiobook platforms.
- Grammarly – Grammar and style checker.
- ProWritingAid – Writing coach and editor.
- Hemingway Editor – App to make your writing bold and clear.
- NovelPad – Cloud-based novel writing platform.
- Creative Commons Licenses – Licensing your work.
- Copyright Basics (U.S.) – Registering and understanding copyright.
- ISBN Canada – Get free ISBNs in Canada.
- ISBN USA (Bowker) – Purchase ISBNs in the U.S.
- 20BooksTo50K – Facebook group for indie authors.
- Self-Publishing Formula – Training and community for authors.
- Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) – Professional group for self-published writers.
- The Creative Penn – Writing and publishing advice with Joanna Penn.
- Self Publishing Show – Indie author interviews and tips.
- Kindlepreneur Blog – Marketing and Kindle publishing strategies.
- Let’s Get Digital by David Gaughran – How to self-publish and market your book.
- Write. Publish. Repeat. by Sean Platt & Johnny B. Truant – Blueprint for indie success.
- The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman – A realistic guide to earning a living as a writer.
- Awesome Blogging – Blogging tools, tips, and platforms.
- Awesome Content Marketing – Promote your book with effective content strategies.
- Awesome Email Marketing – Build and manage your reader mailing list.
- Awesome Ghost – Self-publishing content via Ghost CMS.
Contributions are welcome!
