Galley as a Vellum alternative
Last reviewed July 2026
The facts first: Vellum ($199.99 for ebooks, $249.99 with print, once) is a formatting app. It only runs on macOS, and you import a finished manuscript into it. Galley (€199 once) is for writing and formatting, and runs in the browser on any computer. Both are one-time purchases and both export a print-interior PDF and EPUB, but you only write the book in Galley.
If you ask self-publishers about interior design, most of them will mention Vellum, and for good reason. Its themes look great and the files it makes are clean. But there's no Windows version, and its makers have said there won't be. And you only use Vellum once the manuscript is finished, because it isn't a writing tool.
I built Galley because I think writing and formatting in separate tools causes most of the problems. If you're writing on the laid-out page, with the trim, typeface and scene breaks you'll publish with, there's no separate formatting step. Galley also has the things a formatting tool doesn't know about, like your characters, timeline, overused words and version history.
| Feature | Galley | Vellum |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €199 once | $199.99 ebooks · $249.99 with print, once |
| Platforms | Web: Mac, Windows, Linux | Mac only |
| Write your book in it | Yes, it's a writing app | No, import a finished manuscript |
| Print-interior PDF & EPUB | Yes, with KDP preflight included | Yes, and it's known for it |
| Decorative interior themes | Classic conventions + your own ornaments | Rich themed styles |
| Story bible, glossary, references | Built in | No |
| Revision analytics | Built in | No |
| Watermarked beta-reader drafts | Yes, per reader | No |
| Version history | Daily snapshots per chapter | No |
The workflow Vellum assumes
Vellum isn't meant for writing. You draft somewhere else (Word, Scrivener, Google Docs), finish the manuscript, then import the .docx into Vellum and style it. If you make changes after that, you either edit in Vellum's simpler editor or import the file again and check the styling again.
In Galley, writing and formatting happen on the same page. If you change a line in chapter nine the day before you upload, you don't have to import anything again. The export already includes it.
For the interior design itself, Vellum's themes are the best there are, and if you have a Mac and want one of them, it's worth buying. Galley uses classic conventions (mirrored margins, proper gutters, drop folios, your own ornaments) and shows them while you write, on any computer.
Choose Vellum if…
- You're on a Mac, your manuscript is finished, and you want one of its themes
- You already have a writing tool you like and only need to format the book
Choose Galley if…
- You'd rather write on the finished page than format everything at the end
- You want writing, a story bible, revision tools and exports for one payment, instead of buying a writing app and a formatter
Common questions
Is Galley a real Vellum alternative on Windows?
Yes. Vellum only runs on Macs, and its developers have said it will stay that way. Galley runs in the browser on Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebooks, and exports a print-ready PDF and EPUB 3 like Vellum does.
Are Galley interiors as beautiful as Vellum’s?
Vellum’s themed interiors are the best there are. Galley’s interiors follow classic book conventions (mirrored margins, proper gutters, drop folios, ornaments), and you see them while you write instead of after importing. If you want one of Vellum’s themes and you have a Mac, Vellum is a good choice.
Do I still need Vellum if I use Galley?
No. Galley exports the same files (a print PDF sized to KDP trims and an EPUB 3 with your cover), and you also get the writing, story bible and revision tools.
Vellum's details are from its public pricing pages, checked in July 2026, so check vellum.pub for current prices. If I've got something wrong, email me and I'll fix it.