Programs I Use for Producing My Books

In August of 2017, I finished writing, edited and published my first novel. I did the majority of the work using Microsoft Word, and my mom helped me design my cover using her photoshop. 

Now, almost eight years later, I've become much more intentional with the programs I use for each part of the process. Here are the programs I use, and what I use them for.

Microsoft Word
I use word for drafting and formatting my final documents. I've used Pages, Google Docs, Notes, etc., and I am familiar with and fond of Microsoft Word. I know of many other authors who use different programs out there - and many do not like to format their books with Word. I can totally understand that, but I’ve worked with it so long that I personally find it easy to use. I’ve learned lots of shortcuts and tricks that help my book formatting efforts be consistent, and I really haven’t had much of a problem (not since I upgraded from Word 2007, that is).

Procreate
I use procreate for designing my book covers, interior graphics, character art, and promotional graphics.

Preview
I typically print/order a proof copy of my books to write with, but I'm always looking for ways to improve the efficiency of my process. With my most recent book - as well as some books that I have edited for others - I have used the PDF previewer on my iPad, which allows me to actually write on the document. This seems to work pretty well, and may save me some time (and paper, and ink) in the final editing processes.

​Canva
I've only been using Canva for the last... probably eight months or so, and I'm a big fan. I use Canva to make professional looking posters and announcements for social media. Doing so has opened up the world of creating graphics for me quite a bit, and has saved me a ridiculous amount of time (while also allowing me greater access to more fun fonts, which is definitely a plus).

IngramSpark
I only started using IngramSpark when I released Bound back in September of 2024, and I know there are a lot of people who have issues with the user-friendliness (or lack thereof) of IngramSpark. However, I've been publishing for almost eight years, and it's only since I started using IngramSpark that I've started making more consistent sales - especially to bookstores. Now, I can't say that IngramSpark is solely responsible for this. I know that a huge reason that I've gotten more visibility is because I'm putting in more consistent work for it and I'm putting myself out there more. But still, I feel that using IngramSpark has helped.

Amazon
I started my self-publishing journey with Amazon KDP, and I still use this platform to upload my books and make them more widely available to the public.

Instagram
I do the majority of my marketing on Instagram, and I am so grateful for the connections I’ve made and the supportive community I’ve had the pleasure of becoming a part of. 

Other Programs I Use for My Books
​AllAuthor - I just signed up for this platform not long ago, so I will keep you updated if it evolves into anything big.
GoodReads - I have used GoodReads (though not religiously) since I published my debut novel all those years ago. I think it’s an amazing platform, and as a reader, I think it’s phenomenal. It’s like going into a library with a whole bunch of book nerds of all kinds sharing book recommendations. I absolutely love that. What I don’t love is that my books are spread across three or four different author accounts because it automatically connected by books and didn’t recognize my name the same each time. I do understand that because I published my debut novel under my maiden name, that and the other that was published under that name would link to another account. That makes sense to me. But it’s a liiiittle bit frustrating that all my others under my current name link to so many different accounts. Nevertheless, I do adore GoodReads.


​​Know of other programs that I could/should be utilizing to create, publish and promote my books? I’d love to know about them! ​