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January 30, 2017 By penny Leave a Comment

Write Faster: Great Self-Publishing Apps For Novelists

Write Faster: Great Self-Publishing Apps For Novelists

If you’re new to writing fiction, the process of publishing your novels seems hopelessly complicated. Recently a friend who’s writing her first novel asked about the best self-publishing apps. I can only tell you about the apps I use, and find truly valuable.

Self-publishing apps for novelists, from book idea to publication

“All you need is Word, right?” my friend asked.

Yes, that’s right. You can write your novel in Word, save it in DOCX format, and publish it on Amazon — read about Amazon’s preferred formats here:

Amazon says: Most DOC / DOCX files convert well to eBooks. However, some files with complex formatting may not convert as well. Use the previewer to make sure your book converted successfully, especially if it has graphics or tables.

So if you have Word, you’re good to go. 🙂

Why use other apps? As I told my friend… much faster, much, much easier, and prettier…

Self-publishing apps to help you to publish faster, and more easily

Scrivener is the one app without which I’d truly be lost.

I’ve written several posts about Scrivener:

  • Scrivener helps you to start writing your novel;
  • Scrivener ends the chaos which leads to procrastination;
  • Scrivener makes revision and editing easy.

The challenge with Scrivener is that new authors tend to see it as just another word processor, and Scrivener is NOT a word processor. It’s a writing studio if you like, but it’s also a database. Since Scrivener is a database, rather than a word processor, the program handles all formatting as output.

Scrivener converts your manuscript into MOBI and EPUB (the primary self-publishing formats) with just a few clicks.

The best advice I can give you for getting to grips with Scrivener is:

  • Read the excellent tutorial;
  • Start writing in Scrivener without worrying about anything except your words;
  • Expect to feel a little lost for three weeks. Persist. A little discomfort now will turn you into a Scrivener master, and will (I promise) make writing and publishing a pleasure.

My next essential app is Write Or Die. I have a full-time job, so I need an app which ensures that when I write, I write. While it’s not for everyone, it works for me. Try it.

Finally, I love Scapple, which is made by the Scrivener folks. I’m not a huge outliner, so Scapple helps me to develop characters and ideas.

A self-publishing app for prettier ebooks: Vellum

For my first few novels, I used Scrivener to compile the manuscripts into MOBI and EPUB for publishing on the ebook retailers. It works brilliantly — no complaints at all.

Then someone told me about Vellum, and I had to have it.

Why? It makes very pretty ebooks.

What can I say? I’m shallow. And I obviously like playing around rather than writing, because using Vellum means another step before I can hit the Publish button on Amazon. (By the way, Vellum is Mac-only. )

“Can I hire someone to format my novel?”

My friend asked. Yes, you can, but why bother? If you use Scrivener, you simply hit the Compile button. A few more clicks, and you have your book formatted brilliantly.

If you’re a bare-bones purist, you can just upload your DOCX file to Amazon.

What’s your favorite self-publishing app? Share in the comments — I’m always looking for apps which make self-publishing faster.

The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall
The Lady And The Rake: A Scandalous Arrangement

The Lady And The Rake: A Scandalous Arrangement

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 1
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: regency

Melisande Eardley has a temper, and that temper gets the better of her.

More info →
Various Retailers
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The Lady And The Duke: A Dangerous Season

The Lady And The Duke: A Dangerous Season

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 2
Genre: Regency Romance
Tags: Recommended Books, regency

Her sister Catherine believes that Elaine's hair tells you everything that you need to know about her. It's flame-red. When Sir Oliver Destry trifles with Elaine, she decides on revenge. Elaine soon discovers the truth of the old saying that if you want to make the gods laugh, just tell them your plans.

More info →
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Lady And The Man Of Fortune: A Wicked Secret

The Lady And The Man Of Fortune: A Wicked Secret

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 3
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: romance

Although he's a prize on the Marriage Mart, wealthy and twice-widowed Lord Delmere thinks that nothing could ever tempt him to marry again. Until he meets the lovely Lady Kingston.

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The Lady And The Military Man: Conquer My Heart

The Lady And The Military Man: Conquer My Heart

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 4
Genre: Regency Romance
Tags: regency, romance

What happens when two people who won't consider marriage can't live without each other?

More info →
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The Lady And The Adventurer: Win My Heart

The Lady And The Adventurer: Win My Heart

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 5
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: regency

Henry (Henrietta) Eardley makes a huge mistake. Then she makes it worse. She's never known a man like Lord Devernwood, and he's never met a woman like her.

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The Lady And The Devil: If You Knew Me

The Lady And The Devil: If You Knew Me

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 6
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: regency romance

When Cerise and her sister are in danger, she relies on herself. There's no one else. Then she meets Lord Grayhurst.

 

 

More info →
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Lady Julia’s Destiny: A Love To Treasure

Lady Julia’s Destiny: A Love To Treasure

eBook: $4.99
Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall, Book 7
Genre: Regency Romance
Tag: regency romance

Julia doesn't know whether to be amused or angry when Lord Lyneham decides to find her a husband. He and Julia's cousin take charge of Julia's fortunes. Suddenly, Julia's an heiress and her life changes.

More info →
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Her sister Catherine believes that Elaine's hair tells you everything that you need to know about her. It's flame-red. When Sir Oliver Destry trifles with Elaine, she decides on revenge. Elaine soon discovers the truth of the old saying that if you want to make the gods laugh, just tell them your plans.

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