Recommended

Tools we actually use. Some links may be affiliate links — we only recommend things we’ve used personally on KDP projects.

• Affinity Publisher

  design

  One-time-purchase desktop publishing tool. Fast page layout, clean PDF/X export — solid for KDP cover and interior work.

  Visit

• Canva

  design

  Drag-and-drop graphic design with KDP-friendly templates. Best for non-designers and quick iteration.

  Visit

• Scribus

  design

  Free, open-source desktop publishing. Mature PDF/X export and CMYK support — a real Affinity/InDesign alternative for tight budgets.

  Visit

• BookBrush

  design

  3D mockups, ad creatives, and box-set covers for KDP and Amazon Ads. Useful once your manuscript is locked.

  Visit

• Atticus

  publishing

  Cross-platform book formatter for manuscript interior and KDP-ready PDFs. Replaces Vellum for Windows users.

  Visit

• Vellum

  publishing

  Mac-only, but the gold standard for fiction interior formatting. KDP-ready PDFs with one click.

  Visit

• Book Bolt

  research

  Niche, keyword, and cover-template research for KDP low-content and trade books.

  Visit

• Publisher Rocket

  research

  Amazon keyword and category research that actually maps to BSR — used by most six-figure indie authors.

  Visit

• Reedsy

  hire

  Vetted marketplace of cover designers, editors, and proofreaders. Higher floor than freelance platforms.

  Visit

• Miblart

  hire

  Cover-design agency with unlimited revisions and a flat fee. Popular among self-publishers shipping multiple titles a year.

  Visit