Vellum turns a finished manuscript into an EPUB, a print-ready PDF, and a Kindle file through a live preview that updates as you adjust the styling. Chapter headings, drop caps, and front matter come from themes rather than from hand formatting, which is why self-published novelists use it instead of fighting Word styles. It reads Word documents and Scrivener exports directly, and builds a table of contents from your chapter headings.
Who it is for
Self-publishing novelists who want store-ready files without hiring a formatter.
Key features
- Live preview of ebook and print layouts
- Themes for headings and drop caps
- EPUB, PDF, and Kindle exports
- Imports Word and Scrivener files
- Store validation checks before upload
Where it falls short
It runs only on macOS, so Windows authors need a Mac or a paid formatting service, and the license covers one person with no team seats.
Pricing
One-time license around $200 for ebook only or $250 for ebook and print; no subscription, and no Windows version.
Prices move; the tier structure is the part that stays true. Check current pricing on Vellum.
Alternatives to Vellum
Frequently asked
How much does Vellum cost?
Vellum is paid software. One-time license around $200 for ebook only or $250 for ebook and print; no subscription, and no Windows version.
What is Vellum best for?
Self-publishing novelists who want store-ready files without hiring a formatter.
What are the best alternatives to Vellum?
The closest substitutes we list are Scrivener and Canva. They sit in a similar price bracket but make a different trade-off, so read the weaknesses section of each review before switching.
Which platforms does Vellum run on?
Vellum is available on macOS.