What Authoring Tools Can Self-Publishing Writers Use with Microsoft 365?

Self-publishing writers often combine a word processor with separate tools for planning, proofreading, collaboration, EPUB conversion, and print typesetting. The useful choice depends on the stage of the manuscript, the required output format, the operating system, and whether collaborators need Word-compatible files.

Five Authoring Tools That Work Alongside Microsoft 365

1. ProWritingAid

• It integrates directly into the Microsoft Word interface, allowing you to run deep structural and grammatical edits without leaving the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
• Native Word add-in, comprehensive style reports, pacing analysis, and contextual grammar checking.
• You do not need to copy and paste text between apps; edits are saved instantly to your original .docx file.
• The desktop add-in requires an active internet connection to run the most advanced reports.

2. Atticus

• Atticus is built to ingest Microsoft Word documents correctly, preserving your chapter headings, italics, and bold text during the import process.
• Cloud-based typesetting, custom chapter themes, print-ready PDF generation, and standard EPUB export.
• Cross-platform compatibility (works on PC, Mac, and Linux) and highly accurate .docx file parsing.
• Lacks the heavy structural drafting features found in dedicated word processors.

3. Vellum

• Vellum is the industry standard for professional book formatting on macOS, and its entire workflow relies on importing a finalized .docx file from Microsoft 365.
• Instant preview across multiple device profiles (Kindle, iPad), beautiful drop caps, and advanced ornamental breaks.
• Produces arguably the most beautiful digital and print interiors with minimal learning curve.
• Exclusively available for macOS, and the initial software license is expensive.

4. Scrivener

• While Scrivener is a standalone drafting tool, its "Compile" feature is specifically designed to export to Microsoft Word formats for final collaborative editing and track changes.
• Digital corkboard, split-screen referencing, character sheets, and robust compiling settings.
• Unmatched for organizing complex, non-linear drafts and world-building bibles.
• Steep learning curve, and syncing files across multiple devices can sometimes cause conflicts.

5. Plottr

• Plottr visually maps out your story arcs and timelines, and then exports that precise outline directly into a formatted Microsoft Word document.
• Drag-and-drop scene cards, built-in story templates (like the Hero's Journey), and character tracking.
• Extremely intuitive visual interface that saves hours of manual outline formatting.
• It is purely for planning; you cannot write the actual manuscript text within the software.

Compare Editing, Drafting, and Typesetting Tools

Authoring Tool	Primary Function	Microsoft 365 Integration Method	Platform	Cost Model
ProWritingAid	Editing & Proofreading	Direct Microsoft Word Add-in	Windows, macOS	Subscription / Lifetime
Atticus	Formatting & Typesetting	Imports .docx files	Web-based	One-time fee
Vellum	Formatting & Typesetting	Imports .docx files	macOS only	One-time fee
Scrivener	Drafting & Outlining	Compiles/Exports to .docx	Windows, macOS, iOS	One-time fee
Plottr	Story Outlining	Exports templates to .docx	Windows, macOS, Mobile	Subscription / Lifetime

Self-Publishing Workflow FAQs

Do I need to buy formatting tools, or is Microsoft 365 enough to self-publish a book?

While Microsoft 365 is excellent for drafting and editing, it is not optimized for creating the specific EPUB files or precise print-ready PDFs required by Amazon KDP. Utilizing formatting tools like Atticus or Vellum, which ingest your Microsoft Word .docx files, ensures your margins, drop caps, and table of contents meet professional digital publishing standards.

How do I enable editing add-ins like ProWritingAid inside my Microsoft 365 environment?

To use editing add-ins, open Microsoft Word, navigate to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon, and click "Get Add-ins." Search for the desired tool (e.g., ProWritingAid or Grammarly), click "Add," and follow the authentication prompts. Once installed, a dedicated tab will appear on your Word ribbon containing the tool's specific editing commands.

Why do formatting programs require a .docx file exported from Microsoft 365?

Authoring and typesetting tools rely on the standardized XML structure of a .docx file to map your manuscript correctly. When you use proper Microsoft Word Styles (like Heading 1 for chapters and Normal for body text), external software automatically translates these styles into formatted chapter breaks and correctly aligned paragraphs.

Can self-publishing authors use Microsoft 365 macros alongside external authoring software?

Macros built inside Microsoft Word (such as Paul Beverley's editing macros) execute only within the Word environment. They are broadly compatible with your pre-publishing workflow, but you must run these macros to clean up your text before you import the document into external formatting tools, as macros do not carry over to third-party platforms.

Draft and Export a Manuscript with WPS Writer

If you are exploring what authoring tools can self-publishing writers use with Microsoft 365, you may occasionally encounter licensing costs or cloud syncing issues that prompt you to look for a streamlined alternative. It is important to note that WPS Office operates independently and cannot directly manage Microsoft 365 accounts, alter Microsoft cloud subscription settings, or run specialized Microsoft COM add-ins. However, if your underlying goal is to draft, format, and generate a self-published book locally, WPS Office provides a highly capable, cost-effective workflow.

Self-publishing writers can use WPS Writer to format their manuscripts without relying on external typesetting tools. To achieve a professional layout: open your manuscript in WPS Writer, navigate to the Home tab to apply strict Heading 1 styles for all chapter titles, and utilize the built-in WPS AI tool from the ribbon to analyze text pacing or rewrite clunky paragraphs. Once your text is polished and paginated, click Menu > Export to PDF. This straightforward workflow bypasses the need for complex toolchain integrations, delivering a print-ready PDF suitable for uploading directly to major self-publishing platforms.