5 Apps to Help You Self-Publish

Writing a book can be a daunting task, but for self-publishing authors the road to success can seem twice as long. Here at Rowanvale Books, we’ve compiled a list of the best apps to help authors write, edit and publish their books without the aid of a big company. These apps provide helpful resources for those feeling overwhelmed, or who simply want to refine and improve their writing process. 
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• Scrivener 

Scrivener is currently one of the most popular apps for writers, with users publishing various materials from academic journals, news articles, screenplays and novels. Unlike other apps, Scrivener is made for long projects, making it ideal for manuscripts. Its features allow users to zoom in and out of large projects, which is great for fleshing out scenes as well as keeping the broader plot focused and consistent. Scrivener also allows you to export your work into common formats such as Final Draft, PDF, Microsoft Word or just plain text, which makes it much easier to share. 

•  yWriter 

This app is one of our favourites, and it’s completely free. It works as a word processor to break down the structure of your novel into smaller chapters and scenes, creating a more fluid mode of storytelling. The designer is an established programmer as well as a published author, and his experiences in both professions has shaped the features of yWriter to best suit authors. 
 

• Ulysses 

Ulysses is a program that is catered to Apple products, specifically for writing on a Mac, iPhone or iPad. While this narrows its target demographic to users of specific devices, it also means that it delivers a pleasant and easy-to-use product designed directly for your device. Ulysses provides a distraction-free digital workspace, and you can set a character limit or goal and track your progress. The program’s clear visual graphics help keep you motivated and focused while writing, making it great for hitting deadlines and wordcounts. These features are optimal for time-pressured projects, such as blog posts or essays, or even just for creating disciplined writing habits for authors. 
 

• Grammarly 

Grammarly can help in all aspects of book publishing, not just writing your manuscript. It corrects grammar and suggests ways for your sentences to flow more smoothly. While it can be a powerful editing tool to avoid clunky paragraphs and typos, it can also help you draft emails and cultivate a more professional and confident brand as an author. This is especially helpful for self-publishing authors who write all their own correspondences. You can also check out Rowanvale’s article on the ultimate guide to self-publishing for more help with this. 
 

• Natural Reader 

Natural Reader is a simple but innovative software. After long hours of looking at a screen, you put strain on your eyes. When your eyes are tired you are more likely to miss mistakes and may produce lower quality writing. Natural Reader is a software which dictates your writing, in a variety of speeds and natural human-sounding voices. This allows you to experience your writing with a fresh outlook, which can lead to you making important changes. For self-published authors without the backing of a publishing company, this can be a brilliant way to shake up the editing process. It is worth noting, however, that most Mac and Microsoft software already have these features built into their platforms. 
 
It’s important for authors to be aware of all the tools and resources available, and here at Rowanvale we hope these apps can be of great help on your journey as a self-publishing author.