Considering the Book Formatting: DIY or Professional Service?
When it comes to self-publishing a book, the decision of whether to hire a formatter or do it yourself can be a tricky one. Here are some factors to consider.
Hiring a Formatter
If you have some money to spare and want to avoid the hassle of formatting, hiring a formatter could be a good option. When choosing a formatter, it's essential to review their portfolio, star-rating, and testimonials to ensure they meet your standards. A detailed guide on how to hire a formatter is available.
Book Formatting Software
If you prefer to do the formatting yourself or want to save money in the long run, investing in book formatting software could be the answer. Two of the best options for self-publishing authors are Vellum and Atticus.
Vellum
Priced at $199.99 for unlimited ebooks or $249.99 for ebooks and paperbacks, Vellum is a macOS-exclusive software that offers very easy-to-use, professional output. It focuses on book formatting only, requires a finished manuscript, and is highly polished, making it a popular choice among serious self-publishers.
Atticus
With a one-time fee of $147 that includes all future updates, Atticus is a versatile option that's available on macOS, Windows, Linux, and Chromebook. It combines writing and formatting features, making it a convenient all-in-one tool for authors.
Other Options
For authors seeking a more budget-friendly option, there are other tools available. For instance, Squibler has limited book formatting capabilities, while the Hemingway App helps improve text quality but does not format books.
Professional Help
For authors who prefer to leave the formatting to the experts, typesetting and formatting services are available starting around $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the service and complexity.
DIY Formatting
If you're pressed for cash, doing it yourself with a program like Microsoft Word is an option. However, this may require more time and effort on your part.
In summary, Vellum and Atticus stand out as the best software for self-publishing book formatting, with Vellum offering premium Mac-only formatting and Atticus providing a cheaper, cross-platform all-in-one solution. When choosing between hiring a formatter and using software, consider your budget, time constraints, and preferred level of control over the formatting process.
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Here are two sentences that incorporate the given words:
- After the successful book launch, the author decided to delve into a lifestyle inspired by their narratives, with an emphasis on home-and-garden design.
- In the process of self-publishing, an author might choose to invest in various tools like book formatting software such as Vellum or Atticus for a polished lifestyle book launch.
