# The Professional Stack

> Invest in your book like a business — hire the best at every step

Source: https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/stacks/professional
Budget: $2,000+

## Picks

- writing-tools: [Scrivener](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/writing-tools/scrivener) — The industry standard for manuscript writing and organization — paired with Plottr for planning
  - Alternatives: [dabble-writer](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/writing-tools/dabble-writer)
- editing: [Reedsy Editors](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/editing/reedsy-editors) — Vetted professional editors with traditional publishing experience — expect $500-$2000+
  - Alternatives: [scribendi](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/editing/scribendi), [editmojo](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/editing/editmojo)
- formatting: [Vellum](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/formatting/vellum) — The gold standard for book formatting — produces the most beautiful layouts in the industry
  - Alternatives: [atticus](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/formatting/atticus)
- cover-design: [99designs](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/cover-design/99designs) — Get 30+ custom cover concepts from competing designers and pick the best
  - Alternatives: [reedsy-designers](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/cover-design/reedsy-designers), [miblart](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/cover-design/miblart)
- publishing: [IngramSpark](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/publishing/ingramspark) — Professional-grade distribution to 40,000+ retailers and libraries worldwide — plus Amazon KDP
  - Alternatives: [draft2digital](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/publishing/draft2digital)
- marketing: [BookBub](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/marketing/bookbub) — The most powerful promotional platform — a Featured Deal can sell thousands of copies in a day
  - Alternatives: [amazon-advertising](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/marketing/amazon-advertising), [bookfunnel](https://selfpublishingdirectory.com/marketing/bookfunnel)

## The Professional Stack

This is the stack for authors who treat publishing as a business. Every dollar spent here is an investment in a professional product that competes with traditional publishing.

**Estimated total: $2,000-$5,000+** depending on editing scope and marketing budget.

**Key insight:** The single biggest ROI investment is professional editing. A developmental editor ($1,000-$2,000) can transform a good manuscript into a great book. Don't skip this step.

**Marketing note:** Budget at least $500 for launch marketing. A BookBub Featured Deal ($200-$2,000 depending on genre) combined with Amazon Ads can generate significant launch momentum.