From Ben's desk
Writing Resources
The tools Ben uses and recommends for writing, publishing, and getting your book into the world.
The Course
The AI-Assisted Self-Publishing Playbook
Master self-publishing by watching over Ben Povlow's shoulder in recorded screen-share videos as he takes every single step to publish a book on Amazon KDP. Follow along step-by-step as Ben demonstrates how to co-author with AI, self-edit, format manuscripts in Word and Atticus, build wraparound covers in Canva, assign Bowker ISBNs, optimize SEO metadata, and hit publish! This practical video series takes away all the technical guesswork so you can release your book with total confidence.
See it in action
Watch Ben Write and Transcribe
Watch Ben Povlow record and then transcribe a portion of his first book — a behind-the-scenes look at his real writing process.
Tools of the Trade
Everything you need to write, protect, design, and publish your book.
Purchase Your ISBN Numbers
Buy your ISBN numbers from Bowker — the only official ISBN agency in the U.S.A. Every book needs one to be sold through major retailers.
Get Your ISBNs
Free Barcodes with Bookow
Bookow is a free tool for generating ISBN-13 barcodes, hyphenating ISBNs, calculating KDP cover sizes, and creating cover templates — everything you need for print-ready files.
Get Free Barcodes
Copyright Your Work
Register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office's Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) system. Protect your intellectual property before you publish.
Register Your Copyright
Book Cover Design
High-quality, professional book covers for only $100. A great cover is one of the most important investments you can make in your book's success.
Design Your Cover
Format Your Book with Atticus
Write and format stunning print books and eBooks easily with Atticus — the all-in-one book writing and formatting software Ben recommends.
Try Atticus
Edit with Grammarly
Grammarly is the #1 writing tool for catching grammar, spelling, and style issues. Ben uses it to polish every manuscript before publishing.
Try Grammarly
Plot Your Book with Plottr
Plottr is a visual book planning and outlining tool. Map out your story scene by scene, track characters and timelines, and organize your entire series — before you write a single word.
Try Plottr
AI-Powered Writing with Sudowrite
Sudowrite is AI-powered writing software built specifically for authors. Use it to brainstorm ideas, overcome writer's block, rewrite scenes, and accelerate your first draft.
Try Sudowrite
Microsoft 365
Microsoft Word remains the industry standard for writing and editing manuscripts. Microsoft 365 gives you Word, plus cloud storage and collaboration tools every author needs.
Get Microsoft 365
Deliver Books with BookFunnel
BookFunnel makes it easy to deliver eBooks and audiobooks directly to your readers. Perfect for reader magnets, ARC distribution, and direct sales — no tech headaches.
Try BookFunnel
Build Your Author Website with GoDaddy
Every author needs a home on the web. GoDaddy makes it easy to get your domain, build your site, and establish your author brand online — just like this one.
Get Started with GoDaddy
Freelance Services on Fiverr
Find talented freelancers for editing, formatting, cover design, marketing, and more. Fiverr connects you with professionals who can help bring your book to life.
Find a Freelancer
AWeber — Email Marketing for Authors
AWeber is the email marketing platform Ben uses to stay connected with his readers. Build your list, send automated welcome sequences, and grow your author brand with tools designed for creators — including AI-assisted email writing and custom sign-up forms.
Try AWeber FreeWhere to publish
Self-Publishing Platforms
Ben has published across all major platforms. Here are the ones he recommends for getting your book in front of readers worldwide.
Draft2Digital
The easiest way to publish and distribute your eBook to dozens of retailers worldwide — including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and more — all from one place.
Publish with D2D
IngramSpark
The gold standard for print-on-demand and global book distribution. Get your paperback and hardcover into bookstores and libraries worldwide.
Publish with IngramSpark
Kindle Direct Publishing
Amazon's self-publishing platform for eBooks and paperbacks. Reach millions of Kindle readers and earn up to 70% royalties on your sales.
Publish on Amazon KDP
Kobo Writing Life
Publish directly to Kobo's global eBook store and reach readers in over 190 countries. Strong international reach, especially in Canada and Europe.
Publish on Kobo
Apple Books for Authors
Publish your eBook and audiobook directly to Apple Books and reach millions of readers on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Free to publish, no subscription required.
Publish on Apple Books
Barnes & Noble Press
Publish your print book or eBook directly with Barnes & Noble and reach one of the largest bookseller audiences in the United States.
Publish with B&N Press
Google Play Books
Sell your eBook on Google Play and reach Android users and Google account holders worldwide. Simple setup, competitive royalties.
Publish on Google Play
PublishDrive
Distribute your eBook to 400+ stores and libraries worldwide, including Spotify, Scribd, and OverDrive. Ben's affiliate link gives you a head start.
Publish with PublishDrive
Smashwords
One of the original indie publishing platforms. Distribute your eBook to major retailers and library platforms with full author control over pricing and rights.
Publish on SmashwordsAudiobook publishing
Publish Your Audiobook
Findaway Voices
The leading audiobook distribution platform. Distribute your audiobook to Audible, Apple Books, Spotify, and 40+ other retailers and library platforms.
Publish Your AudiobookAffiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Ben may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. He only recommends tools he personally uses and believes in.