Resources
The publishing world is full of predators ready to exploit writers—charging outrageous prices for mediocre work or convincing you to buy services you don't need. I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen to you.
Any vendor, business, or person I list here, I can personally vouch for, or it's used by so many authors I personally know of, that I feel comfortable offering it here. Their prices are affordable and their work is professional-quality—which is what you want.
The one exception is Fiverr, where quality varies wildly by individual seller. If you go that route, scrutinize reviews carefully and verify that the seller's portfolio matches exactly what you need.
Here are some quick links to sections on this page:
Writing Software
Scrivener
A lot of writers start out using what they're most familiar with: Word or Google Docs. But I have to tell you—you simply cannot go wrong with Scrivener. It's writing software created specifically for writers, and once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.
You can keep each scene, chapter, or idea in whatever order you want and rearrange them with a simple drag-and-drop. Split your editing window to reference another chapter while you write. Import research materials, images, and web links. Create folders for world-building, character profiles, research notes—whatever you need. Writing a series? Keep everything in one project and easily reference earlier books without juggling multiple files.
Best part? The price! No subscription fee—you buy it once and that's it. $59.99 for either Mac or Windows, or $95.98 for the Mac+Win bundle (prices verified as of Jan 1, 2026). There's also a 30-day free trial, so you can test-drive it risk-free.
Personal Note: I've been a confirmed WordPerfect user since the 1990s, so trust me when I say I'm not easily swayed. I tried Scrivener's free trial just to see what all the fuss in the writers' community was all about. An hour in, I had my current book imported and was editing. On the third day of the trial, I went all-in and purchased it—and I've never looked back.
Finding Agents & Editors
If you're pursuing traditional publishing, you'll need to research literary agents and publishing houses. Here are the most reliable resources:
Free Resources:
- AgentQuery - Free agent database, carefully vetted
- QueryTracker - Free version available (plus paid Pro version with more features)
- Reedsy Literary Agents Directory - Free directory of 600+ vetted agents
- Manuscript Wish List (MSWL) - Where agents post what they're actively seeking
Paid Resources:
- Publishers Marketplace - $25/month, industry standard for tracking deals and researching agents' sales history
- Writer's Market - Annual print guide (100th edition just released), includes thousands of listings for agents, publishers, magazines, contests
Author Services
Browse below for various author services, from editing to covers to marketing
Eeva Lancaster of The Book Khaleesi offers comprehensive author services covering the entire publishing and marketing spectrum. Her services include cover design, formatting (ebook, paperback, hardcover), editing and proofreading, Amazon optimization, website design, marketing banners and graphics, book trailers with original soundtracks, and social media marketing. She also offers full book management packages where she handles everything, allowing you to focus solely on writing.
Personal Note: I'm a regular client, and have been since 2019. Eeva creates all my book trailers and marketing banners, and I use her Book Spotlight service for every new release. For Wishes in a Bottle, the first book in my Magic of Wishes & Dreams series, she went the extra mile and created an original song from my book synopsis to pair with the trailer. See it here!
Black Thoughts Editorial Services
Stephen Black of Black Thoughts provides comprehensive editing services: developmental editing, copy editing, and line editing.
Fiverr is where you can find someone to do pretty much anything—cover design, formatting, proofreading, editing, trailers, marketing materials, you name it. Prices are usually affordable, which makes it tempting.
The catch? Quality ranges from exceptional to terrible, depending on the individual seller. Check reviews religiously, scrutinize portfolios, and verify their work matches what you need before you commit.
Personal Note: I still recommend Eeva, but that's just me!
Graphics Programs
BookBrush is built specifically for authors—every template, image, and tool is designed with books and writers in mind. You can create covers, cover mockups, marketing ads, book trailers, animated covers, and more. It's subscription-based and surprisingly easy to use, even for the design-challenged.
Personal Note: I create all my cover mockups and most of my marketing ads, and even some trailers, in BookBrush. If you prefer not to DIY, they also offer design services where their team creates custom graphics for you.
Canva is a popular graphics program with extensive templates and stock images. Many authors use it to create marketing materials, social media graphics, promotional banners, and even simple book covers. It has a generous free tier and is extremely popular with authors because it's easy to use—no design experience required. While I haven't used it myself, it's widely recommended in the author community and offers both free and paid tiers.
If you're writing fantasy or paranormal fiction with any kind of complex worldbuilding, Inkarnate lets you create professional-looking maps without needing graphic design skills. The free version gives you enough tools to get started, and if you find yourself using it regularly, the paid tiers unlock more detailed options. It's an investment in your worldbuilding that pays off in reader immersion.
Cover Design
Eeva Lancaster of The Book Khaleesi offers cover designs at highly competitive rates. Unlikc places like Fiverr, she does not use stock images, and she knows the market.
Personal Note: I hired Eeva for my medieval fantasy short story collections and gave her creative freedom—just told her what the stories were about. She chose the fonts, designed the layouts, and created a cohesive series with a gorgeous warm, epic fantasy aesthetic.
Freelance marketplace with cover designers at various price points. Be aware that most designers use stock photos, and there are increasing reports of AI-generated covers. If you go this route, request samples, check reviews carefully, and verify the designer's portfolio matches what you need. You get what you pay for—budget options may save money upfront but could cost you in sales if the cover doesn't meet genre expectations.
Personal Note: Again, I still recommend Eeva, but that's just me!
Romance Specific
Dar Albert at Wicked Smart Designs creates covers specifically for romance, both ebook and print, plus bookmarks, author branding, and series logos. What sets her apart is her ability to maintain a cohesive visual theme across an entire series—so readers recognize your books instantly while each cover still has its own personality.
Personal Note: Dar has handled all my romance covers since 2018—contemporary, paranormal, and 16th century fantasy/vampire romance—plus series logos for each collection. She also creates bookmark images for a small fee. Six years later, I keep coming back because she gets it right every time.
Marketing Images
This includes:
- Marketing Banner (usually a square or rectangular image for use in social media)
- Book Trailers (full size or reels)
- Animated Book Covers
Eeva Lancaster of The Book Khaleesi offers ALL the above, at extremely reasonable prices. Eeva also is a songwriter, and will write a song from your synopsis, and if you like, match it with a book trailer.
Personal Note: Eeva did a fabulous song and trailer for Wishes in a Bottle, the first book in my paranormal romance series. Watch it here on YouTube!
Promotional Services
Eeva Lancaster of The Book Khaleesi offers cover designs at highly competitive rates. Unlikc places like Fiverr, she does not use stock images, and she knows the market.
Personal Note: I hired Eeva for my medieval fantasy short story collections and gave her creative freedom—just told her what the stories were about. She chose the fonts, designed the layouts, and created a cohesive series with a gorgeous warm, epic fantasy aesthetic.
LitRing - Book Promotions & Giveaways
AuthorsXP - Book Promotions & Newsletter Builders
KindlePreneur Top Paid & Free Promotion Sites - Detailed list of book promotion sites—covering everything from free services to premium options, with insider tips on which ones deliver the best results.
Reference Books
Publishing:
Being Indie by Eeva Lancaster (yes, THAT Eeva!). This is a fabulous book, written for those of you on the fence about whether or not to go indie (self publish) or stick with the traditional publishing route. Frankly, if you have even the slightest interest in self-publishing, I cannot recommend this book too highly! It's available to read free with KindleUnlimited... but personally, I bought the paperback of this to have it handy on my reference shelf!
Grammar, Punctuation, et al.
Grammar Girl's Ultimate Writing Guide for Students (Quick and Dirty Tips). If you find traditional grammar guides dry and intimidating, Grammar Girl is your answer. Humorous and practical "Quick and Dirty Tips" are memory tricks that actually stick when you're mid-sentence wondering if you need "who" or "whom." It's accessible, genuinely funny, and covers everything from basic grammar to writing style in a way that makes you want to keep it on your desk as your go-to reference.
The Chicago Manual of Style. The industry standard for book publishing and what fiction editors actually use. It covers all the technical mechanics of manuscript preparation—punctuation, dialogue formatting, capitalization, and more. It's comprehensive and detailed, making it the definitive reference for serious fiction writers.
Strunk and White's Elements of Style. This is a classic! Dating back to 1918, it's kept contemporary, now on its fourth edition and is still used in high schools, colleges, and business courses.
Assorted Helpful Links
U.S. Copyright Office - Register your copyright here. Choose the One Work by One Author, which is $45.
- If you have other works in progress, you can register up to 10 unpublished works for $85. This protects your work-in-progress as it exists at registration, but you'll need to file again for the completed, published book.
Bowker - Buy your ISBN's here, singly or in packs.
Personal Note: This is the ONLY official source for ISBNs in the US. Anyone else selling you ISBNs is either reselling Bowker ISBNs at a markup or scamming you.
Authors Guild - America's oldest and largest professional writers' organization (17,000+ members). Benefits include free contract reviews, legal advice, website hosting, networking, educational resources, and advocacy for authors' rights. Starts at $149/year.
Created by Humans - A platform that puts you in control of whether AI companies can use your books to train their models. Partnered with the Authors Guild, it lets you choose which books to license, what rights to grant, and ensures you get paid when AI uses your work.
Writer Beware - A publishing industry watchdog maintained by SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association) that tracks and exposes scams, predatory publishers, fake agents, and other schemes targeting writers. Always check here before signing with anyone. You can also check back on my section about Hybrid & Vanity Presses.