# Self-Publish Your Book for $0

> Everything you need to publish a professional book without spending a dime

Source: https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/stacks/free
Budget: $0

## Picks

- writing-tools: [yWriter](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/writing-tools/ywriter) — Free scene-based writing software with manuscript organization
  - Alternatives: [campfire-write](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/writing-tools/campfire-write)
- editing: [ProWritingAid](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/editing/prowritingaid) — Generous free tier catches grammar, style, and readability issues
  - Alternatives: [grammarly](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/editing/grammarly)
- formatting: [Reedsy Book Editor](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/formatting/reedsy-book-editor) — Completely free professional formatting with ePub and PDF export
  - Alternatives: [kindle-create](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/formatting/kindle-create), [draft2digital-formatting](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/formatting/draft2digital-formatting), [calibre](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/formatting/calibre)
- cover-design: [Canva](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/cover-design/canva) — Free tier includes book cover templates and a drag-and-drop editor
  - Alternatives: [bookbrush](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/cover-design/bookbrush)
- publishing: [Amazon KDP](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/publishing/amazon-kdp) — Free to publish with up to 70% royalties on the world's largest bookstore
  - Alternatives: [draft2digital](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/publishing/draft2digital), [barnes-noble-press](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/publishing/barnes-noble-press), [kobo-writing-life](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/publishing/kobo-writing-life)
- marketing: [StoryOrigin](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/marketing/storyorigin) — Free tier gives ungated ebook delivery, universal book links, and a word count tracker
  - Alternatives: [booksweeps](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/marketing/booksweeps)

## The $0 Publishing Stack

You don't need to spend a single dollar to publish a professional book. These free tools cover every step of the process from writing to marketing.

**The trade-off:** Free tools require more time and effort. Your cover may look less polished than a professional design, and your editing will rely on AI tools rather than human editors. But many successful authors started exactly this way.

**Upgrade path:** As your books earn money, reinvest in professional cover design and editing first — these have the biggest impact on sales.