One of the most common questions I get asked is what tools I use or what has been the most helpful for creating my novels. Therefore, I created the list below of the my most used, most recommended and highly useful resources.

Evernote - note taking app

“Evernote helps people focus on what matters most to them.”

Never lose track of anything! Creating notebooks, and notes for book ideas, storing photos and clippings from websites.

Plans range from Free to 10.99 a month per user.

Microsoft office

While I am sure there are free versions that offer similar things, I personally love Microsoft. I use most of the programmes and they all have their place in my writing life.

scrivener - word processor

This is a tool that a lot of writers use, and one that I am only just venturing into. I know a lot of my friends do use it and they love it. Scrivener won't tell you how to write—it simply provides everything you need to start writing and keep writing.

vellum - formatting software

If you have a MacBook then this software is great for self publishing authors. With different templates and headers to choose from, Vellum instantly creates a smooth interior easily upload-able for any platform. You can do print, ebook, arc copies and box sets.

evenstar book formatting

Julia is a whiz at interior formatting and has everything you could ever need when it comes to your book. Whether you want paperback or ebook she’ll be able to make your interior look incredible!

Want to know more about formatting? It’s a fantastic skill to learn. Julia can show you how in The Book Formatting Formula – a book all about the interior design of books, what works and what doesn’t, and how to make it happen. Visit The Book Formatting Formula website and sign up to be notified when it is available!

book design templates - formatting

Need an affordable interior template? Easily create beautiful books right in Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, or Adobe InDesign with these! They also have a few genres and they're so pretty!

book brush - ad mock up generator

THE EASIEST WAY TO CREATE PROFESSIONAL ADS & SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGES FOR YOUR BOOKS

hemingway editor - app/webpage

Cut the dead weight from your writing. It highlights wordy sentences in yellow and more egregious ones in red. Write with power and clarity by highlighting adverbs, passive voice, and dull, complicated words.

grammarly - grammar checker

This intuitive text editor is your central place on the web to write and to customize the types of writing suggestions you see. It offers a web based version and browser extensions.

pro-writing aid - grammar and style checking 

A more in-depth report to help you strengthen your writing. It includes a fantastic grammar checker but also goes way beyond grammar checking to help you improve the style and clarity of your writing.

the writerly owl - graphics and branding

If you need professional looking author branding, graphics for your work or a cover design Cam needs to be your go to!

99 designs - book cover

You can create a design contest to receive dozens of submissions from designers worldwide. A great option if your limited for funds and not sure on how you want your cover to look.

the book cover designer

A great marketplace for pre-made book covers. Plus if you find a designer you really like you can ask them for their custom prices.

diy book formats

Their Master Package of book formatting templates has over 100 options to make your book beautifully unique, a package of genre-specific templates, and a whole new video series on book formatting that's more in-depth and easier to follow than the free version.

I have to say these saved my life before I got myself Vellum. So if you're a word user and want easy to follow instructions then this is the way to go!

publisher rocket

Rocket gives you real data that shows you exactly what Amazon book buyers type into Amazon, as well as how many people search for these things every month.

Any professional author will tell you that metadata is key to selling your books. So why not make it easy?

book funnel

Whether it’s delivering your reader magnet, sending out advanced copies of your book, handing out ebooks at a conference, or fulfilling your digital sales to readers, BookFunnel does it all.

Prices range from $20-$250 a year.

story origin

A BookFunnel Alternative. StoryOrigin is a cross-promotional marketing tool for authors - designed to help authors work together to build their email lists, increase sales/page reads, and get more reviews.

There are options for group promos, newsletter swaps, review copies, reader magnets and more! A great product and one I personally use. I especially love their goal tracker!

reedsy marketplace

A marketplace for authors looking to hire freelancers offering editing, marketing, design, publicity, and website services. Free to browse, though users must first create an account before gaining access to the marketplace.

Indie Publishing platforms

Kindle Direct Publishing; Amazon’s POD (print-on-demand) and ebook distributor. You can share your work with millions of worldwide readers, and earn up to 70% royalties — all with no upfront cost.

Ingram Spark; Self-publish and distribute your book to over 39,000 bookstores. This does cost money but they offer paperback and hardcover options for POD.

Draft2Digital; Distribute your ebook wide including Amazon, Overdrive, Barnes & Noble, Tolino, Kobo and Scribd.

author website creator with Brittany Wang

Do you need help creating an awesome Author Website? Or have you been struggling to improve your own?

You need Brittany’s help!

She can help you create a website that is it beautiful, modern and professional, leaving you proud to show it off to readers. Not only is she a fellow author, but she has helped many others build their own websites with her step by step guides.

Brittany takes all the guesswork out of design, layout and what to include.

Mark Dawson’s Self Publishing Formula

*Prices may differ to what is shown in the images

• Advertising for Authors is the premier social media advertising course specifically crafted for writers.

• Self Publishing 101 is a straightforward easy-to-follow guide that will take all the guesswork out of how to publish your book.

• Stuart Bache (Marks own cover designer) has put an exclusive course together to help indie authors, whatever genre they write in, craft their own cover designs, all aimed at boosting visibility in the marketplace and increasing sales.

• How to Write a Bestseller is done by a guest speaker. It’s a comprehensive guide to the bestseller secrets with Suzy K. Quinn