Kindle Create vs Vellum: Free vs Paid Formatting

By Robert Prime

Last reviewed by Robert Prime — March 2026

Self-publishing authors in the UK face a bewildering array of choices when it comes to formatting their books for Kindle and print. Two of the most talked-about tools are Kindle Create and Vellum—one free, one premium, both promising professional results but with very different approaches, costs, and limitations.

As someone who has wrestled with formatting headaches for years—spending countless hours and over £130 on poor freelancers before building publishing.co.uk—I want to cut through the noise. This article is a deep, UK-focused, no-nonsense comparison that will save you time, money, and frustration.

Table of Contents

• What You Need to Know Before Starting
• Step-by-Step Guide
• UK-Specific Considerations
• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Tools and Resources
• Cost Breakdown (UK Pricing)
• Expert Tips from 25 Years in the Industry
• Real-World UK Case Studies
• Comparisons with Alternative Approaches
• Frequently Asked Questions

What You Need to Know Before Starting

If you’re a UK author preparing a manuscript for Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or print on demand, the choice between Kindle Create and Vellum matters more than you might think.

Kindle Create is Amazon’s own free tool designed for Kindle ebook and paperback formatting. It’s accessible, but has limitations in design flexibility and export options. Vellum, on the other hand, is a macOS-only paid software widely praised for its elegant book formatting capabilities across multiple platforms, including Kindle, Apple Books, and print. It costs a pretty penny upfront but offers refined control and professional output.

The publishing industry is still archaic: I remember when I was formatting Google. Panic. Repeat.—a deeply personal best-seller about my health anxiety. Despite my technical background, I spent hours navigating file formats, margins, and EPUB quirks. I paid £130 to a freelancer for formatting; the result was a shambles. I turned to Kindle Create and Vellum, and it became clear these tools weren’t created equal—and neither are their price tags.

Side-by-side screenshot comparison of Kindle Create and Vellum user interfaces

Key Definitions

• EPUB: The standard ebook file format readable on most devices including Kindle (via conversion).
• MOBI: An older ebook format used by Kindle; now largely replaced by Kindle Format 8 (KF8).
• Trim Size: The physical size of the printed book. Critical for print formatting.
• Bleed: Printing term where images extend beyond the trim edge; necessary for some print designs.
• Table of Contents (TOC): Hyperlinked navigation in ebooks and print, essential for usability and KDP acceptance.

Step-by-Step Guide

Kindle Create Workflow

1. Download and Install Kindle Create from Amazon’s official site. It’s Windows and macOS compatible.
2. Import your manuscript, preferably in DOCX format. Kindle Create supports DOC and DOCX but not PDFs or EPUBs.
3. Choose a Theme: Kindle Create offers a limited set of formatting themes tailored for novels and textbooks.
4. Edit and Preview: Use the built-in preview to see how your book looks on Kindle devices and apps.
5. Generate Table of Contents: Kindle Create auto-generates a clickable TOC based on your headings.
6. Export: Output is a KPF file ready for direct upload to KDP. No need to convert further.

Detailed Menu Path Examples in Kindle Create

• Import Manuscript: Go to File > Open and select your DOCX file.
• Manage Chapters: Navigate to Edit > Manage Chapters to insert or adjust chapter breaks.
• Preview: Use View > Preview to select device types like Kindle Paperwhite or Fire tablet.
• Export: Click File > Export, save your KPF file, and upload directly to KDP.

Vellum Workflow (macOS only)

1. Purchase and Download Vellum from the official website; a free trial lets you preview formatting but watermarks exports.
2. Import Manuscript: Supports DOCX files; you import your raw manuscript into Vellum.
3. Format Your Book: Vellum provides extensive style options—drop caps, chapter styles, custom headers, block quotes, and more.
4. Generate TOC: Vellum creates a professional, hyperlinked TOC for ebooks and print automatically.
5. Export Options: Export to Kindle (KPF), EPUB for Apple Books, PDF for print, and more.
6. Upload to KDP or other distributors: The exported files are KDP-ready with clean coding and formatting.

Detailed Menu Path Examples in Vellum

• Import Manuscript: Select File > Import Manuscript and choose your DOCX file.
• Adjust Styles: Open Format > Styles to customise drop caps, paragraph styles, and chapter headings.
• Edit TOC: Use Contents > Edit Table of Contents to reorder or rename chapters.
• Export: Navigate to File > Export, select your desired formats (Kindle, EPUB, PDF), and save.

Step-by-step process diagram illustrating Kindle Create vs Vellum workflows

UK-Specific Considerations

Pricing in GBP and Market Context

Unlike US-centric guides, UK authors face unique pricing hurdles. Nielsen is the exclusive ISBN agency here, charging £93 for a single ISBN or £174 for a block of 10 as of 2026. Many UK authors overlook this when budgeting for self-publishing, as free KDP ISBNs list Amazon as the publisher, which can restrict your rights and control.

When you purchase your ISBNs from Nielsen, you own your publishing metadata, maintain your imprint’s integrity, and ease distribution to UK bookshops, libraries, and wholesalers. It’s a small price to pay for control over your work.

Regarding formatting tools:

• Kindle Create is free but limited in advanced formatting features.
• Vellum charges a one-off licence fee of approximately $199 USD (~£160) for ebook export only, and $249 USD (~£200) if you want print (paperback/hardcover) formatting too. Apple’s macOS-only restriction means Windows users must find alternatives or use virtual machines (which adds cost and complexity).

UK Market Size and Impact

The UK publishing industry generated £7.1 billion in 2023, with self-publishing growing rapidly. Over 750,000 self-published books exist in the UK, up 68% in five years. This growth puts pressure on authors to produce professional-quality books that compete with traditional publishers, making formatting tools and services crucial.

The UK’s market nuances include:

• Distribution Channels: UK authors often seek IngramSpark or local printers in addition to KDP Print to reach bookstores and libraries. Print formatting flexibility is essential.
• VAT on Ebooks: Unlike print books, ebooks attract the full 20% VAT in the UK, affecting pricing strategy and net royalties.

Print Considerations for UK Authors

UK print standards differ slightly from US ones. For example, common UK paperback trim sizes include 198 x 129 mm (B-format), whereas US sizes are usually 6 x 9 inches (152 x 229 mm). Vellum offers flexible trim size options, but Kindle Create is more rigid, which can be a problem for UK print distribution.

If you want your book stocked in UK bookshops or distributed via wholesalers like Gardners or Bertrams, using Nielsen ISBNs and print files formatted to UK trim sizes is essential. Vellum’s advanced print layout features support bleed, gutters, and spine text, all critical to professional print presentation.

UK paperback trim size comparison chart versus US sizes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: Using Free KDP ISBNs Without Consideration

Many UK authors grab free ISBNs from KDP, unaware it lists Amazon as the publisher. This removes your control over metadata and rights. Paying Nielsen for ISBNs is a better business decision, even if it’s an upfront cost.

My Experience: I once advised a UK author who had used free KDP ISBNs for their entire backlist. When they tried to switch distributors to widen reach, the metadata was locked to Amazon, causing a logistical nightmare that cost weeks of rework.

Mistake #2: Expecting Kindle Create to Handle Complex Formatting

Kindle Create is fine for simple novels, but it chokes on complex layouts like tables, bullet lists, or non-fiction elements. I saw this firsthand when formatting a non-fiction title for a client—the tool simply couldn’t handle their tables and footnotes, forcing us to switch to Vellum.

Mistake #3: Ignoring UK Print Trim Sizes and Bleed Settings

Kindle Create’s limited print options can cause issues with UK distributors other than KDP Print. If you want to get your book stocked in UK bookshops or through IngramSpark, Vellum is better suited due to its advanced print formatting capabilities.

Mistake #4: Overpaying for Low-Quality Formatting Services

Before founding publishing.co.uk, I hired a “pro” formatter for £130 who delivered a mess. I then tried Fiverr—equally bad. Many freelancers don’t understand UK-specific standards or KDP’s quirks. It’s better to use a high-quality tool or trusted UK-based formatting service.

Tools and Resources

Kindle Create

• Official download: Amazon Kindle Create
• Supports DOCX import, KPF export
• Good for simple novels, beginners
• Windows & macOS compatible
• Free to use

Vellum

• Official site: Vellum
• Mac-only software
• Extensive formatting options for ebooks and print
• Exports KPF, EPUB, PDF
• Paid licence, one-off cost of ~$199-$249 USD (approx. £160-£200)
• Trial version watermarks exports

Alternative Tools (Brief Overview)

• Scrivener: Writing and basic formatting, but requires export to dedicated formatting tools. Good for Windows and macOS users.
• Atticus: Newer, cross-platform formatting tool priced around £100-£150. Growing in popularity, especially for authors who want a one-stop writing and formatting tool.
• Reedsy Book Editor: Free online editor with decent export, but limited print options. Useful for beginners on a budget.
• Adobe InDesign: Industry-standard print layout tool; high learning curve and cost, better suited for professional designers and hybrid publishers.

Publishing.co.uk

We built publishing.co.uk because no tool fully solves UK authors’ needs painlessly. Our automated formatting service produces KDP-ready and print-ready files tailored precisely to UK standards, saving hours and avoiding costly mistakes.

Tool comparison matrix showing features, platform, price, and UK suitability

Cost Breakdown (UK Pricing)

Additional Costs UK Authors Should Budget For

• Cover Design: Typically £300-£600 in the UK professional market.
• ISBNs: Consider buying your own via Nielsen to keep control.
• Proof Copies: Print proofing costs from £3-£6 per copy via KDP or IngramSpark.
• VAT: Remember, ebooks attract 20% VAT in the UK, while print books are zero-rated.

Expert Tips from 25 Years in the Industry

Tip 1: Focus on the Whole Funnel, Not Just Formatting

Formatting is the foundation, but without marketing, your book won’t sell. I run MrPrime.com, an Amazon growth agency, and have seen perfectly formatted books fail because their metadata and marketing were botched. Use formatting tools as part of a bigger picture.

Tip 2: Don’t Trust Fiverr for Formatting—Get UK Expertise

I’ve seen too many authors waste money on cheap Fiverr gigs that don’t understand KDP’s quirks or UK print standards. Use tools like Vellum if you’re a Mac user, Kindle Create for simple projects, or a UK-based formatting service like publishing.co.uk.

Tip 3: Test Your Files Thoroughly on Multiple Devices

Kindle Previewer is essential for testing. Vellum and Kindle Create provide previews but never rely on one device. Test on Kindle apps, physical Kindles, tablets, and print proofs.

Tip 4: Invest in Your ISBNs and Metadata

Owning your ISBNs via Nielsen (£93 for one, £174 for ten) is a smart business move. It signals professionalism and gives you control over your publishing record.

Tip 5: Master Your Print Trim Size Early

Decide your print trim size upfront. Kindle Create’s print options are limited and can trap you into US sizes. Vellum’s flexible print options align better with UK standards and wider distribution.

Tip 6: Factor in VAT and Tax Implications Early

Remember that VAT applies differently to ebooks and print in the UK. Plan your pricing accordingly to avoid surprises in net royalties.

Real-World UK Case Studies

Case Study 1: Fiction Author Using Kindle Create

Sarah, a debut novelist from Manchester, used Kindle Create to format her 75,000-word romance novel. She chose a simple Kindle Create theme, managed chapter breaks, and exported the KPF file without major issues. Her book launched smoothly on KDP but lacked print distribution outside Amazon UK because the print trim size was fixed to 6 x 9 inches US standard. Sarah later switched to Vellum for her second book to gain more print options.

Lesson: Kindle Create works for simple ebooks but limits print flexibility and wider distribution.

Case Study 2: Non-Fiction Author Using Vellum

James, a London-based financial advisor, wanted to self-publish an illustrated guidebook with tables and charts. Kindle Create failed to handle his tables gracefully. He invested in a Vellum licence, formatted his manuscript with custom styles, and exported both ebook and print-ready PDFs using UK B-format sizes. His book was accepted by UK libraries and independent bookstores thanks to professional ISBNs and print files.

Lesson: Vellum’s advanced formatting justifies its cost for complex, print-focused projects.

Case Study 3: Windows User Navigating Mac-only Vellum

Rebecca, a Windows user in Edinburgh, wanted Vellum’s polish but had no Mac. She rented a Mac in the cloud for £25/week to use Vellum, then downloaded the formatted files for KDP and IngramSpark. This workaround added cost but saved her hours of manual formatting.

Lesson: Mac-only software can add hidden expenses for UK Windows users but may be worth it for quality.

Comparisons with Alternative Approaches

While Kindle Create and Vellum dominate conversations, several alternatives deserve mention:

• Atticus: A newer cross-platform tool gaining traction for combining writing and formatting. Priced competitively, it supports UK trim sizes and exports multiple formats. Good middle ground for Windows and Mac users.
• Reedsy Book Editor: Free and online, easy for beginners but limited in print layout flexibility. Great for simple ebooks but not for professional UK print standards.
• Hiring a UK-Based Formatter: Outsourcing can deliver high-quality, tailored files but costs £130+ and requires vetting. Beware freelancers unfamiliar with KDP’s quirks or UK print trim sizes.
• DIY with Scrivener + Calibre: For tech-savvy authors, writing in Scrivener and converting via Calibre is possible but requires patience and technical know-how.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common mistake UK authors make with Kindle Create vs Vellum?

Failing to account for UK print trim sizes and relying on Kindle Create’s limited print options, which can cause problems with distribution outside Amazon UK.

How much does Kindle Create vs Vellum cost in the UK?

Kindle Create is free. Vellum costs between £160 and £200 for a licence. Adding ISBNs via Nielsen costs £93 for one or £174 for ten. Budget also for cover design and proofing.

What tools do UK authors recommend for Kindle Create vs Vellum?

Mac users with budgets prefer Vellum for its professional polish. Windows users often start with Kindle Create but move to UK-based formatting services or alternative tools like Atticus.

How long does the Kindle Create vs Vellum process typically take?

Kindle Create can take a few hours for simple novels. Vellum requires a steeper learning curve but saves time in the long run, especially for complex layouts, often a full day or more to master.

Can I handle Kindle Create vs Vellum myself or should I hire a professional?

If your book is simple fiction, Kindle Create or Vellum might suffice if you’re tech-savvy. For non-fiction, illustrated, or print books with complex layouts, hiring a professional or using publishing.co.uk’s automated formatting is advisable.

What are the UK-specific requirements for Kindle Create vs Vellum?

UK print trim sizes (e.g., 198 x 129 mm), Nielsen ISBNs instead of Bowker, VAT implications on ebooks, and ensuring barcodes use the EAN-13 format are key UK-specific factors to consider.

Formatting your book for Kindle and print is no small task, especially in the UK where standards and costs differ from the US market most tools target. Kindle Create offers a free, accessible starting point but lacks the sophistication and UK print support that Vellum provides—if you can afford it and use macOS.

From my 25 years’ experience, the best results come from combining the right tool with solid UK market knowledge and professional guidance. That’s exactly why publishing.co.uk exists—to bridge the gap between archaic publishing systems and modern author needs.

Before/after example showing raw manuscript vs professionally formatted book interior

About the Author

Robert Prime is a best-selling self-published author, veteran eCommerce strategist, and the founder of publishing.co.uk. With over 25 years of experience in digital business and 15 successful exits, he brings a battle-tested perspective to the publishing industry. After experiencing firsthand the archaic, headache-inducing process of formatting a KDP-compliant book for his own best-seller, Google. Panic. Repeat., Robert built publishing.co.uk to solve the problem for other authors. He is also a co-owner of the LoveReading.co.uk network (the UK’s largest book review platform), founder of the Amazon growth agency MrPrime.com, and a member of the Forbes Business Council.

This article is regularly updated to reflect the latest UK market data and self-publishing tools as of June 2024.