For authors in the United Kingdom, the self-publishing landscape offers a wealth of options, from completely DIY platforms to comprehensive full-service providers. The “best” choice hinges on your budget, time availability, technical expertise, and desired level of control. This comparison focuses on prominent book publishing services frequently used by UK authors, highlighting their strengths and what they offer specifically for the British market.
Key Considerations for UK Authors
Before diving into specific services, UK authors should keep these points in mind:
- ISBNs: In the UK, ISBNs are purchased from Nielsen Book Services. You can buy them individually (£82.50 for one) or in blocks (e.g., 10 for £150, 100 for £390 as of mid-2024). While some platforms offer “free” ISBNs, these are typically registered under their imprint, meaning they are the publisher of record. For full control and professional branding, purchasing your own ISBNs is recommended.
- Copyright: In the UK, copyright is automatic upon creation of your work. You don’t need to register it. However, some authors opt to use services like the UK Copyright Service to create an independently verifiable evidence record, which can be useful in case of disputes.
- Distribution to UK Retailers: Beyond Amazon, consider how your book will reach other significant UK booksellers like Waterstones, independent bookstores, and online retailers.
- Print-on-Demand (POD) Quality & Location: While many services offer POD, consider the print quality and where the books are printed. Local printing can sometimes reduce shipping costs for author copies.
A Comparison of Self-Publishing Services for UK Authors
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
- Type: Direct-to-retailer platform (DIY)
- Key UK Offerings:
- Ebook & Print: Seamless publishing for Kindle ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks/hardcovers. Your book will be available on Amazon.co.uk and all other global Amazon marketplaces.
- Free: No upfront costs. Royalties are taken per sale (up to 70% for ebooks, up to 60% for print, minus printing costs).
- ISBN: Offers free KDP-assigned ISBNs (with Amazon as publisher of record) or allows you to use your own Nielsen-purchased ISBN.
- Royalties: Paid directly to your UK bank account.
- Promotional Tools: Access to KDP Select (for Kindle Unlimited exclusivity) and Amazon Ads tailored for the UK market.
- Pros for UK Authors: Dominant market share in the UK. Easy to use. No upfront fees.
- Cons for UK Authors: Print distribution primarily within Amazon; for wider UK bookstore reach, other services are often needed.
2. IngramSpark
- Type: Aggregator/Print-on-Demand powerhouse
- Key UK Offerings:
- Global Print Distribution: Crucial for UK authors aiming for physical bookstore and library presence. Ingram Content Group is the largest book wholesaler globally, including extensive reach in the UK. This means Waterstones and independent bookstores can easily order your book.
- Professional Print Quality: Offers a wide range of trim sizes, paper types, and binding options (including hardcovers with dust jackets), catering to professional UK publishing standards.
- Ebook Distribution: Also distributes ebooks to various UK and international retailers.
- ISBN: Requires you to provide your own Nielsen-purchased ISBN, ensuring you are the publisher of record.
- Pros for UK Authors: Best for comprehensive UK and global print distribution. High print quality. Full control with your own ISBN.
- Cons for UK Authors: Small setup fee per title (though often waived via promotions). Interface can be less intuitive for beginners.
3. Draft2Digital (D2D)
- Type: Aggregator
- Key UK Offerings:
- Wide Ebook Distribution: Gets your ebook into major UK and international retailers like Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and various library platforms without individual uploads.
- Integrated D2D Print: Offers a simple way to leverage IngramSpark’s print distribution network, covering Amazon, Waterstones, and other UK bookstores for print-on-demand.
- Free Formatting: Excellent free automated formatting for both ebook and print.
- ISBN: Offers free D2D-assigned ISBNs or allows you to use your own.
- Pros for UK Authors: Very user-friendly. Excellent for broad ebook distribution. Streamlined access to wide print distribution. No upfront fees (they take a percentage of royalties).
- Cons for UK Authors: Slightly less control over specific print options compared to direct IngramSpark.
4. Troubador Publishing (Loughborough, UK-based)
- Type: Full-Service Self-Publishing Company / Hybrid Publisher
- Key UK Offerings:
- Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide range of services including editing, design, formatting, and high-quality printing. They focus on producing books that look and feel like traditionally published titles.
- Strong UK Focus: Being UK-based, they have deep knowledge of the British market, distribution channels, and bookselling landscape.
- Direct Sales & Distribution: They manage storage, distribution, and even act as sales reps for their authors, aiming to get books stocked in high street and online bookshops. They pride themselves on not solely relying on print-on-demand.
- Marketing & Publicity: Offer in-house marketing and publicity services tailored for the UK media and retail trade.
- ISBN: Typically included as part of their packages (clarify ownership/imprint).
- Pros for UK Authors: Premium quality and service for authors serious about professional presentation and gaining traction in the UK market. Personalized support.
- Cons for UK Authors: Positioned at the more premium end of the market, meaning significant upfront costs. May have an application or acceptance process.
