Decision guide
Hire an eBook formatter or do it yourself?
An honest comparison of free tools, formatting software, freelancer marketplaces, and professional services, so you can pick the right option for your book and budget.
By the Real Self Publishing formatting team · Updated 7 min read
Key takeaways
- DIY makes sense for simple, text-only novels if you're comfortable learning a tool: Kindle Create is free, and Atticus and Vellum are one-time purchases.
- Hire a professional for books with images, tables, footnotes, fixed layout, or a launch deadline, or when you'd rather spend the time writing.
- Freelance marketplaces can be cheap, but quality varies widely. Always ask for samples and confirm you'll get EPUB and Kindle files.
- Real Self Publishing hand-formats Kindle and ePUB files from $45 with unlimited revisions, which is close to marketplace pricing.
Your formatting options compared
| Option | Cost | Effort | Output | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindle Create | Free | Medium | KPF (Amazon only) | Files can't be used on other stores |
| Draft2Digital formatter | Free with distribution | Low | EPUB, print PDF | Template-based look |
| Atticus | ≈ $147 one-time | Medium | EPUB, print PDF | Learning curve |
| Vellum | ≈ $200–$250 one-time | Medium | EPUB, Kindle, print | Mac only |
| Freelance marketplace | ≈ $50–$100+ | Low | Varies | Inconsistent quality, automated conversions |
| Real Self Publishing | From $45 | Lowest | Kindle + EPUB, unlimited revisions | Not a template: hand-formatted |
| AI book creator (e.g. GetPressReady) | ≈ $8/month | Lowest | Manuscript, EPUB, print PDF, cover | Writes new content, so not for finished manuscripts |
Starting from an idea rather than a finished manuscript? An AI tool like GetPressReady can create the whole book — manuscript, cover, EPUB, and print-ready PDF — from one prompt. See AI book creator vs eBook formatter to decide which you need.
When DIY formatting makes sense
- Your book is text-only fiction or simple non-fiction.
- You're publishing a series and want to reuse a template for every book.
- You enjoy the technical side and have time to learn the tool.
- You're comfortable checking the output in Kindle Previewer and fixing issues yourself.
Start with our step-by-step guide to formatting a book for Kindle.
When hiring a professional pays off
- The book has images, tables, footnotes, poetry, recipes, or an index.
- It's a picture book or cookbook that needs fixed layout.
- You have a launch date, a pre-order deadline, or a review campaign scheduled.
- KDP has already flagged formatting problems, or readers have complained.
- Your hourly value as a writer is higher than the formatting fee.
How to vet an eBook formatter
- Ask for sample EPUB or Kindle files in your genre, not just screenshots.
- Confirm the deliverables: EPUB and Kindle-ready files, and print PDF if you need it.
- Ask how many revisions are included and what counts as 'in scope'.
- Check that the price is fixed up front for your page count and features.
- Confirm that you own the final files outright.
Real Self Publishing has hand-formatted eBooks since 2008, with fixed prices you can see before ordering, unlimited revisions, and both Kindle and EPUB files. Check your price or view samples.
Want it done for you?
Hand-formatted Kindle and ePUB files from $45, with unlimited revisions. See your exact price in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vellum worth it compared with hiring a formatter?
Vellum is a strong choice if you use a Mac and plan to publish many text-based books, since it's a one-time purchase. For a single book, or anything with complex elements or fixed layout, hiring a formatter is usually cheaper and faster.
Is Kindle Create good enough?
For simple novels sold only on Amazon, Kindle Create works well and is free. Its KPF output can't be used on Apple Books, Kobo, or Google Play, so authors who publish wide also need an EPUB.
Are freelance marketplace formatters reliable?
Some are excellent and some just run an automated converter. Ask for genre-matched sample files, confirm the deliverables and revisions, and read recent reviews before ordering.