A Look at the Different Types of Self Publishing in the UK
Publishing a book used to be hard. Writers had to find a big publisher. They had to wait for months. Many got rejected. But things have changed. Now, anyone can publish their book. This is called self-publishing. It is fast, easy, and less expensive. Many writers in the UK are now choosing this path. You don’t need to beg a publisher anymore. You don’t need to wait for approval. You can take full control and decide how your book looks, where it gets sold, and how much you earn from it.
That’s why self-publishing companies are getting popular. They help new authors share their stories. You can also try Amazon self-publishing. Or just go for Kindle self-publishing if you want to sell an eBook. There are different ways to self-publish. Some are simple and free. Some cost money but offer more help. You can print your book. Or sell it online. You can even use print-on-demand services.
In this blog, we will explain each type of self-publishing. We’ll show what’s best for you. We’ll also compare costs, benefits, and tips. If you’re planning to publish a book in the UK, this guide will help you choose the right way. We’ve kept everything simple and easy.
Let’s look at how you can become a published author on your own terms.
Difference Between Traditional vs Self-Publishing
Before choosing a publishing path, you need to know the basic difference. Some people still use traditional publishing. Others prefer self-publishing. Let’s see how they compare self publishing companies with traditional publishing.
Traditional Publishing
This is the old way. You send your book to a publisher. They decide if they want it. If yes, they take care of editing, printing, and marketing. But you don’t get much control. And sometimes, you wait for months. Or even get no reply.
Self Publishing
This is the new way. You do it all yourself (or hire help). You control the writing, cover, printing, and selling. It’s fast, modern, and easier than ever. Many writers in the UK now go for this.
Traditional vs Self-Publishing
| Feature | Traditional Publishing | Self Publishing |
| Who decides to print? | Publisher | You |
| Time to publish | 6 months to 2 years | A few days to a few weeks |
| Creative control | Very little | Full control |
| Cost to publish | Usually free | You pay for services (optional) |
| Royalties (your earnings) | 10-15% | 35% to 70% (Amazon) |
| Book rights | The publisher owns some rights | You own all rights |
| Popular Platforms | Penguin, HarperCollins | Kindle, Amazon, IngramSpark |
Types of Self-Publishing in the UK
There’s no “one right way” to self-publish. Writers in the UK now have many smart options. Below are the main types of self-publishing you can choose from, each with its own pros and cons.
Kindle Self-Publishing (Amazon KDP)
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the most popular option today. It lets you publish both eBooks and paperbacks. It’s free to upload. You can reach millions of readers worldwide.
You earn up to 70% of royalties.
- Good for beginners.
- Best for eBooks.
- Tough competition.
Kindle Self Publishing Growth (UK Writers)
| Year | UK Authors Using KDP |
| 2018 | 25,000 |
| 2020 | 40,000 |
| 2024 | 70,000+ |
Print-on-Demand (POD) Services
With POD, books are only printed when someone orders. No need to print 100s of copies upfront. You just upload your file and cover. Popular POD platforms in the UK:
- Lulu
- IngramSpark
- Blurb
- No storage needed.
- Great for paperbacks and hardcovers.
- The printing cost per book is higher.
Hybrid Self-Publishing Companies
Hybrid publishers mix both worlds. They offer professional help but still give you control.
These companies:
- Edit your book
- Design the cover
- Print and list your book in big stores
- They charge fees or take a cut from your royalties.
Best Self-Publishing Companies in the UK:
- Troubador
- Austin Macauley
- New Generation Publishing
- Professional service
- Can be costly
Comparing Self-Publishing Types
| Method | Cost | Control | Support | Best For |
| Kindle Self Publishing | Free | Full | Basic | eBook authors |
| Print-on-Demand | Low | Full | Moderate | Print lovers |
| Hybrid Publishing | High | Partial | Full | Busy professionals |
Self-Publishing on Your Own Website
Some authors now skip platforms. They sell books directly on their own sites.
This means:
You get 100% of the sales.
You control everything — price, offers, customer list.
But…
- You need to build a website.
- You must handle shipping.
- Highest profit margin
- More technical setup
You can hire a design agency to help build a smart author website.
Audiobook Self-Publishing
Books are not just printed anymore. Many UK readers prefer audiobooks now.
Platforms like:
- ACX (by Amazon)
- Findaway Voices
- Google Play Books
Let you upload your book as audio.
- Growing market
- You need a voice actor or studio
How to Choose the Right Self-Publishing Method
Selecting a self-publishing method isn’t only about what is famous. It is about what is right for you. Here are some smart and simple steps to help you decide the best one.
Know Your Publishing Goals
- Ask yourself:
| Question | Why It Matters |
| Do I want to earn money? | Some methods offer higher royalties. |
| Do I want creative control? | KDP and website publishing offer full control. |
| Do I need professional help? | Hybrid publishers give editing and design help. |
| Do I want to publish fast? | KDP and POD are quick and easy. |
Think About the Type of Book You’re Publishing
Different books work better with different methods.
| Book Type | Best Method |
| Novels | Kindle Self-Publishing (KDP) |
| Children’s books | Print-on-Demand or Hybrid |
| Photo books | IngramSpark or Blurb (POD) |
| Non-fiction guides | Amazon KDP or Hybrid |
| Poetry collections | Lulu (POD) or sell on your website |
Consider Your Budget
Let’s break it down:
| Method | Cost to Start | Notes |
| Amazon KDP | Free | No upfront cost |
| Print-on-Demand | Low | Pay only when books are ordered |
| Hybrid Publishing | £800–£3,000+ | For editing, cover, and printing |
| Website Publishing | £150–£500 | For site setup and tools |
| Audiobook Publishing | £100–£1000+ | Voice actor or studio fees |
Summary Tip Box
Still confused? Here’s a quick guide:
- Just starting out? → Go with Amazon self publishing KDP
- Have a creative children’s or photo book? → Try POD
- Want help and have a budget? → Choose Hybrid Publishing
- Love audio? → Make an Audiobook
- Want to earn 100% profits? → Build your own website
Smart and Easy Marketing Tips for Self-Publishers in the UK
Publishing your book is just the start. Now, you need to help people find it. Marketing sounds hard and scary, but don’t worry. Here are some simple, beginner-friendly, and low-cost marketing tips to help your book shine.
Begin With Your Inner Circle
Your first fans are your friends, family, and co-workers.
| Who To Reach | How They Can Help |
| Friends & Family | Share your book on social media |
| Co-workers | Post about it in work groups |
| Online Friends | Leave reviews or comments |
Use Free Social Media Promotion
You don’t need to be a social media expert. Just pick 1 or 2 platforms and be consistent.
| Platform | Best For | What to Post |
| Photos, stories, reels | Book covers, writing process, and quotes | |
| Older audience, communities | Groups, personal page, reviews | |
| TikTok | Short, fun videos | “BookTok” trends, behind-the-scenes |
| X (Twitter) | Writers and quick updates | Tips, quotes, and links to your book |
- Try This: Record a 30-second video showing your book and saying, “This is my first book, and I’m so excited to share it with you!”
Get Book Reviews
Reviews help your book look trustworthy. Ask early readers for honest reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
| Method | Easy Tip |
| Ask readers | Send them a thank-you message |
| Book swap groups | Review someone else’s book too |
| Review sites | Try free sites like Reedsy Discovery or BookSirens |
Create an Author Website
Even a simple one-page website works.
What to include:
- Your book cover
- A short bio
- Purchase or download links
- Contact info
- Email sign-up form
Use This Monthly Plan
| Week | Task |
| 1 | Announce the book on socials |
| 2 | Share your writing journey |
| 3 | Post a review or feedback |
| 4 | Offer a discount or giveaway |
Repeat next month with new content ideas.
Offer Free Downloads or Bonuses
Freebies help grab attention.
| Free offer Type | Example |
| First two chapters | Read a sneak peek |
| Bonus worksheet | Good for non-fiction books |
| Audiobook preview | 1-minute sample clip |
| Free eBook (limited) | Only 100 free copies |
What Are Royalties?
Royalties are the money you earn from each book sale. You don’t get the full price; the platform takes a cut.
| Platform | Royalty Option 1 | Royalty Option 2 |
| Amazon KDP | 35% or 70% | (Depends on price) |
| Google Books | 52% | Fixed |
| Apple Books | 70% | Fixed |
| Kobo | 45% to 70% | Based on price |
| IngramSpark | 45% or less | Printing fees apply |
- Tip: Amazon gives 70% only if your eBook is priced between £1.99–£9.99.
How Much Do You Make Per Sale
| Book Format | Price | Royalty Rate | Your Earnings |
| eBook | £5.99 | 70% | £4.19 |
| Paperback | £9.99 | 60% (after print cost) | £2.80 |
| Audiobook | £6.99 | 25% to 40% | £1.75–£2.80 |
Income Growth by Sales Volume
Small sales = steady income.
Smart Pricing Tips
- Start with £2.99 or £3.99 for eBooks
- Use intro pricing (low for 2 weeks)
- Create bundle deals (buy 2 books, save more)
- Offer free reviews to boost exposure
How to Pick the Right Price
| Goal | Best Price Range |
| Gain more readers | £0.99–£2.99 |
| Earn a steady income | £3.99–£5.99 |
| Premium content | £6.99–£9.99 |
Non-fiction books can usually be priced higher than fiction. Self-publishing gives you long-term income. Once your book is online:
- It’s always available
- You earn even while you sleep
- You don’t need to print thousands of copies
Which Book Formats Earn the Best?
| Format Setup | Cost | Popularity | Profit Margin | Good for… |
| eBook | 0 | 5 stars | High | Beginners |
| Paperback | low | 4 stars | medium | Local readers |
| Audiobook | high | 2 stars | low | Busy listeners |
Start with eBooks, then add others as you grow. Platforms like Amazon let you launch a book before it’s done.
- Why it’s smart:
- Builds hype early
- You can gather reviews before launch
- Boosts Day 1 sales rankings
You can schedule pre-orders up to 1 year in advance.
Wrapping up The Royalties
Royalties range from 35% to 70% based on price and platform. You can earn £300+ monthly with just 2–3 sales a day. Start with eBooks, then explore paperback and audio. Use smart pricing and track your income each month.
Final Thoughts
Writing a book is like climbing uphill. But publishing it is easier now than ever before. You don’t need a big budget and a publishing deal. All you need is a good story and a little help. Platforms like Gumroad, Amazon KDP, and Ingram Spark let you transform your book into something that is real. Something people can buy and read.
- You can self-publish for free or very low cost.
- You don’t need tech skills as the tools are easy to use.
- You can sell on Amazon, social media, or your own website.
- Free templates and ISBNs are available.
- You stay in control of your book and your money.
Don’t wait, and start now. Even small steps can help. Upload your eBook. Try a test print.
Just begin, and your book is closer than you think. Many people are self-publishing in 2025.
You can do it too.