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Unleash Your Creativity

Design/Formatting

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Vellum is an exceptional choice for authors who want to streamline the publishing process and produce polished, market-ready books without hiring a professional designer. Its ease of use, high-quality templates, and reliability make it worth the investment, especially for indie authors who frequently release new titles. However, the Mac-only limitation and price tag may be drawbacks for some. For authors willing to invest in Vellum or who have regular publishing schedules, it is one of the best formatting tools available, providing efficiency and aesthetic results. Here's a summary of what Vellum offers writers and authors:

1. Intuitive Book Formatting: Vellum excels at making book formatting easy and visually appealing. Its drag-and-drop interface and instant previews allow writers to see exactly how their book will look across different devices and formats, including Kindle, iBooks, and print. This ease of use is one of Vellum’s biggest advantages, particularly for authors with limited design experience.

 

2. Beautiful and Customizable Designs: It offers a range of elegant styles and templates, making it easy to add professional-quality chapter headers, typography, and drop caps. While customization options are somewhat limited, they are usually sufficient for most authors aiming for a clean, professional look without needing to spend time on complex design work.

 

3. Seamless eBook and Print Book Creation: Vellum simplifies the process of creating files that meet the requirements of popular platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, and IngramSpark. Writers can format their books for both eBook and print, with the latter including options to adjust page size, add front and back matter, and generate print-ready PDFs.

 

4. One-Time Purchase Model: Vellum operates on a one-time purchase model rather than a subscription, which is attractive for authors who regularly release books or series. However, it can be pricey for authors with limited budgets or those who only need it for a single project.

 

5. Mac-Only Software: Currently, Vellum is available exclusively for macOS, which can be a significant limitation for authors who use Windows. While some authors find workarounds by using Mac emulators, this adds a layer of complexity and may not be convenient for everyone.

 

6. No Editing or Writing Features: Vellum focuses solely on formatting and doesn’t provide writing or editing tools. This means authors need to complete the writing and editing stages in another program (like Scrivener or MS Word) before importing the text into Vellum for final formatting.

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Scrivener is a robust tool for writers who prioritize organization and structure in their writing process. It's ideal for novelists, researchers, and other writers with large projects that require detailed planning. The extensive functionality and ability to consolidate research, notes, and drafts in one place make it a powerhouse. However, for authors who just need a straightforward, distraction-free writing space without too many bells and whistles, Scrivener may feel overly complex. Ultimately, for writers who thrive on organization, Scrivener provides unparalleled support for managing and executing large projects and remains one of the top choices among professional and aspiring authors alike. Here's a summary of what Scrivener offers to writers and authors:

1. Comprehensive Organizational Tools: Scrivener allows writers to organize complex projects by breaking them into manageable sections—ideal for authors working on long-form projects, like novels or research-heavy nonfiction. The corkboard and binder views make it easy to visualize the structure of a work, rearrange sections, and keep track of notes, research, and ideas in a centralized way.

 

2. Multi-Format Writing and Export: One of Scrivener's standout features is its ability to export projects to various formats, including Word, PDF, and eBook-friendly files, making it versatile for authors intending to self-publish. The “Compile” feature offers customizable export options, which can be a time-saver when it comes to creating manuscript-ready files.

 

3. Distraction-Free and Focused Writing Modes: Scrivener includes modes that allow writers to focus on the text without distractions. It provides customizable backgrounds, font options, and a fullscreen mode, which helps writers concentrate on the writing itself. This is especially appreciated by writers who prefer clean, focused spaces for drafting.

 

4. Research Integration and Multimedia Capabilities: Writers can add and view reference images, PDFs, web pages, and multimedia files within the project, which is particularly useful for authors whose projects involve extensive background research. Being able to store this within the project file keeps all materials easily accessible without having to switch between apps or documents.

 

5. Goal-Setting and Progress Tracking: Scrivener has built-in word count tracking, session targets, and project goals, making it well-suited for authors working with deadlines or trying to reach daily writing goals. This feature is popular among writers who participate in challenges like NaNoWriMo, where maintaining a consistent pace is important.

 

6. Learning Curve and Complexity: For all its strengths, Scrivener does have a learning curve, particularly for those who prefer simpler tools. Its interface and myriad of features can be overwhelming for first-time users. However, for those willing to invest time into learning the platform, the payoff can be a more organized and efficient writing process.

7. A 30-day free trial is available.

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Atticus is an impressive tool for self-published and indie authors seeking a streamlined, professional approach to writing and formatting. Its simplicity, all-in-one functionality, and low cost make it a particularly strong option for writers looking for a less complex alternative to formatting heavyweights like InDesign or Scrivener. While it may not yet be a full replacement for Scrivener’s in-depth outlining features, it provides ample functionality for straightforward writing and layout tasks. With frequent updates, Atticus is likely to become even more powerful over time, especially as it continues to respond to the needs of its author-centered community. Here is a summary of what Atticus can do for authors and writers:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Atticus offers an easy-to-navigate platform, which is one of its standout features. Writers and authors often find it less intimidating than more complex software, which makes it ideal for those who want to focus on writing and formatting without a steep learning curve. 

 

2. All-in-One Tool: By combining writing, editing, and formatting in one software, Atticus reduces the need for multiple tools. This is especially useful for self-published authors, who often juggle these tasks independently. Its templates and formatting tools are tailored to create industry-standard eBook and print-ready files without needing extra design software, such as Adobe InDesign.

 

3. Customization and Consistency: It allows authors to experiment with chapter designs, fonts, and overall layout while maintaining a consistent look. This is a huge plus for those who want professional results but may lack design experience.

 

4. Cloud-Based Accessibility: Atticus is cloud-based, allowing authors to work on their manuscripts across multiple devices. This offers flexibility and security, as work is automatically saved and can be accessed anywhere. 

 

5. Updates and Support for Authors: Atticus is updated regularly with input from the author community, making it responsive to independent publishing needs. The platform’s team is dedicated to expanding features based on direct feedback from writers, which shows a strong commitment to its user base.

 

6. Pricing and Ownership: Unlike subscription-based software, Atticus is a one-time purchase, which makes it cost-effective over time, especially for authors who publish multiple books. Once purchased, users don’t face ongoing fees, making it more accessible in the long run.

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Affinity Publisher is a powerful tool for writers and authors looking for an affordable and capable publishing program. It offers functionality comparable to Adobe InDesign, without the ongoing subscription costs, making it ideal for authors who value high-quality design on a budget. Additionally, its integration with the Affinity Suite enhances its flexibility, especially for self-publishing authors. These are the futures:

1. Professional Desktop Publishing: Affinity Publisher provides a highly professional platform for creating and formatting books, allowing writers and authors to design polished layouts for print and digital formats without needing extensive design experience.

 

2. Precise Typography and Layout Tools: With advanced typography options, column control, and text flow settings, Affinity Publisher supports book authors in maintaining consistency across long-form content, which is critical for readability and a professional look.

 

3. Image Integration and Adjustment: Authors can enhance their manuscripts by integrating visuals and making precise adjustments. This is especially useful for non-fiction authors or any project where images or illustrations accompany text.

 

4. Customizable Templates and Styles: The software supports creating and saving templates, ideal for authors who might use consistent branding or design elements across multiple books or promotional materials.

 

5. Full Color Management: Authors can manage color profiles (RGB and CMYK) and other color settings, ensuring that their book’s appearance is optimal for both print and digital publication, crucial for illustrations, cover designs, and branding consistency.

 

6. Real-Time Collaboration with Affinity Suite Integration: Affinity Publisher works seamlessly with Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer, allowing users to edit images and graphics without needing to exit the program, creating a smooth workflow, especially valuable for self-publishing authors or those coordinating with designers.

7. Plus it's FREE to download and use for 6 months!

8. Also, Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer are FREE to download and use for six months. If youu want to download all three, get the "Universal" license free for six months.

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Calibre is a versatile and powerful tool, especially useful for self-publishing authors or anyone managing extensive research libraries. While it’s a bit technical, the range of features it offers makes it worth the learning curve, especially for e-book creation and organization. Its open-source nature also means it’s highly customizable, allowing users to adapt it for a variety of needs. For authors looking to control every aspect of their e-books, from conversion to editing, Calibre is hard to beat. Here’s a summary of what Calibre does for writers and authors:

1. E-book Management: Calibre allows users to manage an extensive library of e-books, sorting by author, title, tags, series, and more. This feature is invaluable for authors managing their own collections of research or published works.

 

2. Format Conversion: Calibre supports converting files between popular e-book formats, including EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and DOCX. Authors can thus easily adapt their books for different devices and e-readers.

 

3. E-book Editing: The software includes a built-in editor for EPUB and Kindle formats, enabling authors to tweak the layout, formatting, and even the content if they want to refine the final version for different platforms.

 

4. Metadata Management: Calibre’s metadata editing allows authors to add or adjust details like title, author, cover image, and tags, which are critical for creating polished, professional e-books that are easy for readers to find and categorize.

 

5. E-book Viewer: The program includes a viewer compatible with many formats, allowing authors to preview how their e-book will appear on various devices.

 

6. Digital Rights Management (DRM) Removal: While controversial, Calibre can assist in removing DRM (when legal to do so), which is helpful if authors need full access to files they already own but are restricted by DRM.

 

7. Customizable Plugins: Calibre supports plugins that enhance its functionality, such as plugins for enhanced DRM removal, better format handling, and automated file management.

 

8. Library Sharing: Calibre lets authors share their library on local networks, which can be helpful for distributing books directly to a small audience or sharing drafts and copies with beta readers.

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Canva is an exceptionally versatile tool for authors looking to improve their visual presentation and marketing efforts. It’s easy to use, even for those without a design background, and provides a range of templates that can be customized to meet specific branding needs. While it doesn’t offer high-end design functionality, it covers the essentials well, making it a great choice for authors at various stages, from cover creation to marketing. Canva’s broad accessibility and variety make it a go-to option for many writers and authors. Here's a summary of what Canva offers for writers and authors:

1. Book Cover Design: Canva provides customizable templates and design tools to create professional-looking book covers. This feature is ideal for self-published authors or those wanting more control over their cover’s look and feel.

 

2. Social Media Graphics: Writers can design eye-catching promotional graphics for social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This helps authors increase visibility and engage readers online.

 

3. Marketing Materials: Canva offers templates for creating marketing materials, like posters, flyers, and postcards, useful for book signings, author events, and reader outreach.

 

4. E-book Layout and Formatting: Canva has templates for creating e-books or PDFs, which can help authors create free samples, newsletters, or digital editions of their work.

 

5. Blog and Website Graphics: For authors who manage their own websites or blogs, Canva provides tools to create attractive headers, infographics, and other visual elements that enhance content readability and visual appeal.

 

6. Branding Kits: Canva Pro users can access branding kits to create consistent visual identities. This is helpful for authors building an author brand, making it easy to coordinate fonts, colors, and logos across all platforms.

 

7. Presentation Creation: Canva allows users to create presentations, which can be helpful for authors hosting workshops, virtual events, or readings.

 

8. Collaboration Tools: Canva's sharing and collaboration features let authors work with other team members or designers in real time, making feedback and updates easier.

 

9. Publishing and Print: With Canva’s printing services, authors can order high-quality prints of their designs, from bookmarks and posters to cover art, adding a professional touch to physical materials for events or promotions.

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Microsoft Word 365 is a powerful tool for writers, providing advanced writing, editing, and collaboration features that are essential for both solo authors and those working with teams. While the subscription model may not suit everyone, the regular updates, cloud access, and professional tools make it a worthwhile investment, especially for authors who benefit from its advanced features and prefer reliable, standardized software for manuscript preparation. Here's a summary of what MS Word 365 offers for writers and authors:

1. Writing and Formatting: MS Word 365 offers comprehensive writing and formatting tools, including various font styles, headers, footers, and paragraph settings. It also supports advanced formatting like columns, footnotes, and endnotes, essential for professional manuscript presentation.

 

2. Editing and Proofing: The program includes robust spelling and grammar checking, with suggestions for clarity, conciseness, and style. In addition, the AI-powered Editor feature helps refine writing with suggestions for tone, readability, and language consistency.

 

3. Collaboration: Word 365 allows multiple users to work on a document simultaneously, making it easy for authors to collaborate with editors or co-authors. Comments and track changes can be added, which is essential for the editing and revision process.

 

4. Templates and Style Guides: Word 365 includes templates for different types of documents, including books and reports, which can be helpful for authors in formatting and structuring their manuscripts. Additionally, authors can create their own templates and style guides for consistency.

 

5. Cloud Storage and Access: With OneDrive integration, Word 365 allows writers to store their documents in the cloud and access them from any device. This feature ensures that work is securely saved and accessible for on-the-go writing or collaboration.

 

6. Research and Citations: The Researcher tool in Word 365 provides access to online resources, helping authors find information and add citations directly in the document. This is especially valuable for non-fiction authors or anyone conducting detailed research.

 

7. Customization and Macros: Word 365 allows authors to create custom macros to streamline repetitive tasks, such as applying specific styles or formatting sections. This customization can speed up workflow significantly for long-form projects.

 

8. Export Options: Word 365 offers various export options, including PDF, ePub, and HTML formats, making it easier to share manuscripts or prepare them for different publishing platforms.

9. The basic Web version is free and includes 5 GB of cloud storage.

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Sigil is an excellent choice for authors who want to handle all aspects of their ePub formatting without additional expenses. It offers powerful customization options, making it perfect for tech-savvy authors who desire precision control over their eBooks. However, for authors focused on a streamlined process, or those who need a quick output for multiple formats, it may require some additional learning or pairing with other tools. Overall, Sigil stands out as a solid, no-cost solution for indie authors committed to producing high-quality, self-formatted eBooks. Here is a summary of what Sigil offers for writers and authors:

 

1. Advanced ePub Editing: Sigil is best known for giving authors granular control over ePub files, allowing them to edit the HTML and CSS directly. This is particularly beneficial for those who want to customize formatting, layout, or other details not easily handled by simpler eBook formatting tools.

 

2. WYSIWYG and Code Views: Sigil offers both a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editor and a code editor, which makes it versatile for all skill levels. Authors who aren’t comfortable with code can still make visual changes, while more technical users can manipulate the code to achieve precise customizations.

 

3. Supports Metadata and Table of Contents Editing: With Sigil, you can easily edit an eBook’s metadata and manage its Table of Contents. This allows authors to ensure proper categorization, copyright information, and an organized reading structure, all of which improve eBook readability and discoverability.

 

4. Open Source and Free: Sigil is free to use, which is a major advantage, especially for authors looking for a cost-effective way to format and refine eBooks without compromising quality.

 

5. Limited Formats: Sigil only supports the ePub format, so if you’re looking to produce files for Kindle, it requires additional steps or tools to convert the ePub to the mobi or Kindle formats. This might involve using conversion software like Calibre.

 

6. Steeper Learning Curve: Sigil can feel complex to authors unfamiliar with HTML or CSS, as it lacks the simplified, drag-and-drop interfaces found in more automated tools like Vellum. Authors new to coding may face a learning curve, although the WYSIWYG mode eases this for simple edits.

                                                                                                                           **Affiliate Disclosure**
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