There’s no shortage of writing tools out there, especially for indie authors. From the latest AI-powered editors to old-school word processors, it can feel like everyone has an opinion on what you should be using.
But here’s the truth: You don’t need a million programs. You just need the right ones — the ones that fit your workflow, your budget, and your brain.
In this post, I’m not giving you a long, exhausting list of tools. Instead, I’m going to walk you through the five programs that actually live in my indie author toolbox — the ones I use on a weekly, if not daily, basis.
I’ll also talk about a few tools I used to use, but have since lovingly parted ways with. Because not every shiny platform is worth your time.
What You Actually Need as an Indie Author
Before we jump into specific tools, let’s set the stage. As an indie author, your needs fall into a few categories:
- Writing and editing
- Formatting and layout
- Cover design and promo
- Metadata and marketing
- Project management and sanity maintenance
Notice how none of these mention “doing everything perfectly.” You’re not a one-person publishing house. You’re a creative — and that means building a workflow that lets you write, publish, and repeat without losing your mind.
Let’s dive into what works for me — and what didn’t.
1. Scrivener – My Brain on a Page
If I had to marry a program, it would be Scrivener. Yes, the learning curve is real, and yes, it’s not the sexiest interface on the market. But Scrivener lets me organize my books exactly how my mind works. Outlines, chapter folders, notes, character sketches — all in one file.
It’s the only writing tool where I can “see” my book the way I imagine it in my head. I can move scenes around easily, jot down dialogue ideas, and toggle between corkboard view and draft view without a hitch.
Why I love it:
- Perfect for plotting and pantsing
- Keeps research and writing in one place
- Works offline
Why I dropped Word:
Too linear. Constant formatting issues. And don’t get me started on tracking changes.
2. Atticus – For Clean, Clickable Formatting
I used to dread formatting. It felt like assembling IKEA furniture with one hand and no instructions. Then I met Atticus, and now I format my books while sipping coffee and listening to lo-fi beats.
Atticus lets you import your manuscript, select a theme, tweak the style, and export for both print and ebook — all in under an hour. It works on Mac, PC, and even Chromebook, which is rare.
Why I love it:
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
- Built-in previewer for Kindle and print
- Lifetime license (no subscription fatigue)
3. Publisher Rocket – Metadata Magic
This program is the unsung hero of my marketing strategy. Publisher Rocket helps me find profitable keywords, choose the right Amazon categories, and spy (a little) on what’s working for other authors.
Before Rocket, I was publishing into the void. Now I know exactly where my books fit — and more importantly, where they stand a chance of being found.
Why I love it:
- Keyword search shows Amazon data
- Category explorer helps with niche placement
- One-time purchase
Why I dropped wild guessing and Google searches:
Rocket gives me hard data, not hunches…not to mention ideas about what needs to be published.
4. Canva Pro – Covers, Ads, and Magic
You’ve probably heard of Canva, but if you’re still using the free version, consider the upgrade. Canva Pro is where I create my social media graphics, newsletter banners, reader magnets — and even mock-up my book covers for testing.
No, it’s not Photoshop. But for indie authors on a budget, it’s more than enough to build a strong visual brand.
Why I love it:
- Templates galore
- Magic Resize = social posts in a snap
- Brand kit keeps everything cohesive
Why I dropped Adobe Illustrator:
Too complex, too expensive, too slow for everyday use.
5. Trello – The Sanity Saver
Between writing, editing, posting, launching, and trying to remember if I fed the cat… it’s a lot. Trello is my command center. I use it to plan books, map out launches, schedule blog posts (like this one!), and track tasks.
Think of it as a visual to-do list you can actually keep up with.
Why I love it:
- Custom boards and labels
- Checklists keep me on track
- Free and cloud-based
Why I dropped random notebooks:
They’re cute… until you lose the one with your launch plan inside.
What I Don’t Use (Anymore)
- AI writing assistants: I’ve tested a few. They’re fun but not yet trustworthy for plot-heavy fiction. Maybe one day. But probably not, as they are so easy to spot.
- IngramSpark for wide distribution: Too expensive and slow for my needs. I prefer going wide with Draft2Digital.
- Facebook Ads: I know they work for some authors, but I burned too much budget too quickly. I’m currently focusing on organic growth and Amazon ads instead.
Final Thoughts: Your Toolbox Should Work for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all toolbox. What matters is finding tools that reduce friction, support your strengths, and help you publish confidently — not tools that make you feel like you’re failing.
If you’re new to the indie world, start with one tool per phase (writing, formatting, marketing). You can always build your kit from there. And if something’s not serving you? Let it go. Your energy is too valuable to waste.
Want to see how I use these tools in real time? Join my weekly newsletter, where I share behind-the-scenes snapshots, free templates, and real author wins (and flops).
Let’s build your dream author life — one tool at a time.
Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, bsc 
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