The Best Tools for KDP Authors to Boost Book Sales

Publishing your book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is just the beginning. If you want to stand out and boost your book sales, you need more than just great content—you need the right tools to help you optimize, promote, and scale your self-publishing business.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the best tools for KDP authors in 2025 that can help you save time, improve visibility, and increase passive income from your books.

1. BookBolt – The All-in-One KDP Toolkit

Best for: Low-content books, keyword research, cover design

BookBolt is a favorite among KDP authors, especially those creating low-content books like journals, planners, and coloring books.

Key features:

• Niche and keyword research tool

• Interior designer and templates

• Drag-and-drop cover creator

• Product search for competition analysis

Why it helps: It simplifies research and design, giving your books a better chance of ranking and selling on Amazon.

2. Canva – Easy Design for Non-Designers

Best for: Book covers, promotional graphics, social media

Canva’s user-friendly interface is ideal for KDP authors who aren’t graphic designers.

Key features:

• Custom book cover templates

• Access to stock images and fonts

• Perfect sizing for Amazon requirements

• Pro-level designs with a free version available

Why it helps: First impressions matter. A professionally designed cover can make or break your sales.

3. Publisher Rocket – Deep Amazon Keyword Insights

Best for: Keyword and category research

If you want to get found on Amazon, Publisher Rocket is essential. It helps you understand what your readers are searching for and how to optimize your metadata.

Key features:

• Keyword competition analysis

• Category selection tools

• Competitor book tracking

• AMS keyword suggestions for ads

Why it helps: Knowing what your audience types into the Amazon search bar is a game-changer for discoverability.

4. Amazon KDP Keyword Research Tools (Free)

Best for: Manual keyword validation

If you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest yet, here are a few free tools and tricks:

• Amazon Autocomplete: Type in your niche to see real-time suggestions.

• Google Trends: See if your topic has long-term interest.

• KeywordTool.io: A freemium tool for keyword expansion.

Why it helps: Even simple research can uncover what customers are actively looking to buy.

5. Grammarly – Write and Edit Like a Pro

Best for: Polishing your manuscript and book description

Grammarly is your AI-powered writing assistant that ensures your manuscript and marketing materials are clean, clear, and professional.

Key features:

• Grammar and spell checking

• Style suggestions

• Readability analysis

Why it helps: Poor grammar = poor reviews. Clean writing earns credibility and reader trust.

6. KDSpy – Spy on Your Competitors

Best for: Market research and sales tracking

KDSpy is a browser plugin that gives quick insights into the best-selling books in any niche on Amazon.

Key features:

• Real-time BSR data

• Revenue estimation

• Category and keyword tracking

Why it helps: It shows you what’s already working so you can model successful strategies.

7. Vellum (Mac Only) – Beautiful Book Formatting

Best for: Formatting eBooks and print books

If you’re on a Mac, Vellum is the gold standard for formatting. It allows you to easily create professional-looking interiors.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop formatting

• Multiple export formats (Kindle, iBooks, PDF)

• Easy chapter and section creation

Why it helps: Great formatting = better reader experience = better reviews.

8. Atticus – A Vellum Alternative for Windows & Mac

Best for: Writing and formatting in one place

Atticus is a cross-platform tool that combines book writing, formatting, and collaboration.

Key features:

• Clean writing environment

• Pre-built templates

• Chapter management

• Export to KDP-ready formats

Why it helps: Ideal if you want a Vellum alternative for Windows users.

9. Reedsy – Marketplace for Freelance Talent

Best for: Hiring editors, designers, and marketers

If you’re looking for professional help, Reedsy connects you with top-tier freelancers who specialize in self-publishing.

Key features:

• Verified editors and designers

• Transparent pricing

• Project management dashboard

Why it helps: Sometimes, outsourcing gets you better results and saves time.

10. KDP Dashboard & Reports

Best for: Tracking sales and performance

Don’t overlook the built-in KDP Reports tool. It shows:

• Daily and historical sales

• Royalties earned

• Page reads (for Kindle Unlimited)

Why it helps: Knowing what’s working allows you to double down and scale effectively.

11. Email Marketing Platforms (ConvertKit or MailerLite)

Best for: Building an author platform

Collect emails through a reader magnet (freebie) and promote future book launches directly.

Why it helps: Amazon owns the customer. An email list lets you control your audience and build long-term success.

Conclusion: Use the Right Tools, See Better Results

Success on KDP isn’t just about writing — it’s about working smart. By using the right tools to design, research, publish, and promote, you can turn your books into profitable assets that generate passive income for years to come.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned author, start leveraging these tools today and watch your book sales grow exponentially.