Top 5 Ebook Design Tools & Services Indie Authors Swear By

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Top 5 eBook Design Tools & Services Indie Authors Swear By

Self-publishing has empowered indie authors around the globe to write, publish, and promote their own work without the need for traditional publishing houses. But while writing is the heart of the book, design is its presentation—and presentation matters.

Your eBook’s design service can make or break your reader’s first impression. Whether it’s a professional layout or an eye-catching cover, indie authors rely on specific tools and services to make their books stand out in a crowded digital marketplace.

If you're ready to elevate your eBook's appearance, here are the top 5 eBook design tools and services indie authors swear by, tested and loved for their ease of use, reliability, and results.

1. Vellum – The Gold Standard for Interior Formatting (Mac only)
Best for: Beautiful, professional eBook and print ...
... layouts with minimal effort.

Platform: macOS

Price: $199 for eBooks / $249 for eBook + print package (one-time fee)

Vellum is widely regarded as the go-to formatting tool among indie authors who use Macs. With its clean interface and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, Vellum allows writers to create stunning interior layouts without needing to know HTML or design theory.

Live preview shows how your book will look on different devices.
Built-in styles make it easy to create elegant, consistent formatting.
Automatically generates a table of contents, chapter headings, and page breaks.
Exports to multiple formats, including Kindle, EPUB, and print-ready PDF.

“Vellum turned my manuscript into a polished, professional book in under an hour. Worth every penny.” — Indie author review

2. Canva – Quick & Customizable eBook Cover Design
Best for: DIY eBook cover design on a budget.

Platform: Web-based (Windows, Mac, mobile apps)

Price: Free, or $12.99/month for Pro features

Canva is a powerful and beginner-friendly design tool that has revolutionized how indie authors create their own eBook covers. With thousands of templates, drag-and-drop tools, and an ever-growing library of graphics and fonts, Canva makes it easy to craft a beautiful and genre-appropriate cover—even if you have no design experience.

Tons of templates specifically for eBook covers.
Easy resizing and export for Kindle, Kobo, or Apple Books dimensions.
Access to millions of images (with Pro plan).
Fast, intuitive interface—ideal for indie authors on a deadline.

“Canva helped me create a cover that stands out without spending hundreds of dollars.” — Self-published author

3. Atticus – All-in-One Writing, Formatting & Publishing Tool
Best for: Authors who want writing, editing, and design tools in one platform.

Platform: Web-based (Mac, Windows, Chromebook)

Price: $147 (one-time payment)

Atticus is a relatively new but rapidly growing tool designed to be an all-in-one platform for indie authors. It combines a distraction-free writing environment with professional formatting tools, allowing you to write, format, and export your book in one place.

Works on all major platforms, unlike Vellum.
Combines writing and formatting into one seamless workflow.
Offers custom themes and layout designs for both eBook and print.
Supports collaboration with editors or co-authors.

“Atticus has saved me time and helped me maintain consistency across eBook and print formats.” — Indie romance author

4. Reedsy – Professional Design Services Marketplace
Best for: Hiring vetted professionals for custom eBook design, formatting, and cover creation.

Platform: Web-based

Price: Varies by professional (typically $300–$1,500 per project)

Reedsy is a curated marketplace where indie authors can connect with experienced professionals in editing, cover design, and eBook formatting. If you want a bespoke look or don’t want to handle design yourself, Reedsy is a trusted source of top-tier talent.

All professionals are vetted and experienced—many have worked with traditional publishers.
Offers transparent quotes and portfolios.
Provides everything from interior formatting to custom eBook cover design.
Built-in messaging and contract tools simplify project management.

“I found my cover designer on Reedsy, and they nailed the vibe of my book perfectly.” — Thriller author

5. Adobe InDesign – Advanced Design for Power Users
Best for: Authors and designers who want complete control over formatting and layout.

Platform: Windows and macOS

Price: $22.99/month as part of Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe InDesign is the publishing industry standard for book layout, including eBooks. It’s ideal for authors or designers who want granular control over typography, spacing, and design elements—especially for nonfiction, academic, or illustrated books.

Total creative control over every design element.
Supports interactive eBooks, PDFs, and print layouts.
Works well for image-heavy books, such as cookbooks or guides.
Produces high-quality, professional results.

“I used InDesign for my nonfiction book, and the result looks like something from a major publisher.” — Business author

Bonus Mention: BookBrush (Cover & Marketing Design)
If you're looking for a design tool specifically geared toward authors, BookBrush is another fan-favorite. It offers tools for eBook cover design, 3D mockups, and promotional graphics tailor-made for Amazon, social media, and email marketing.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tool for You

Every indie author has different needs, budgets, and skill levels. The key is to find the tools or services that best support your goals:

Tool/Service
Best For
Price




Vellum
Professional formatting (Mac only)
$199–$249


Canva
Budget-friendly cover design
Free–$12.99/mo


Atticus
Writing + formatting all-in-one
$147


Reedsy
Hiring expert designers
$300–$1,500+


Adobe InDesign
Full design control
$22.99/mo

Design is not just decoration—it's communication. The right eBook design tools help your message shine through and ensure your book is not only read but remembered. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, these trusted tools and services give indie authors the creative control and confidence to publish with pride.