Frequently asked questions

Which publishing route is right for me?

There are three main publishing routes to consider: traditional publishing, hybrid publishing and self-publishing.

Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to publishers, usually through a literary agent or directly to publishers who accept submissions. A publisher then takes responsibility for producing and distributing the book.

With hybrid publishing, you pay for some or all of the publishing services, while the company provides support with producing and distributing your book.

With self-publishing, you take responsibility for the publishing process yourself, choosing and paying for the services you need.

The right route depends on your goals, budget, how much control you want and how involved you want to be in the publishing process.

Which software should I use to write my book?

Microsoft Word, Scrivener and Atticus are all useful options, but they are designed for slightly different purposes.

Microsoft Word is a familiar, flexible option that works well for writing and is widely used throughout the publishing process.

Scrivener is designed specifically for long-form writing and can be particularly useful for organising a large or complex manuscript.

Atticus is designed for both writing and formatting books for publication, including ebooks and print books.

The best choice depends on how you like to work and what you need your software to do.

Do I need an ISBN?

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique number used to identify a particular edition and format of a book.

If you are self-publishing in the UK, you don't necessarily need an ISBN to publish, but having your own ISBN can be useful if you want to establish yourself as the publisher and make your book available through different retailers and distribution channels.

Different formats of the same book, such as paperback, hardback and ebook, generally need their own ISBN.

What is print-on-demand?

Print-on-demand (POD) means your book is printed when a customer orders it, rather than you having to print and store a large quantity in advance.

This means you don't need to hold stock yourself or pay for a large print run upfront. Platforms such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark arrange the printing and fulfilment when a copy is ordered.

The cost per book is generally higher than printing a large quantity at once, but you avoid the expense and risk of storing unsold books.

What is an EPUB?

An EPUB is a file format designed for ebooks. Unlike a fixed-layout PDF, an EPUB can adjust to different screen sizes and allow the reader to change things such as font size and style.

EPUB files can be read on many ebook readers, tablets, phones and computers, and are commonly used when publishing ebooks through platforms such as Amazon KDP.

If you're self-publishing, your ebook will usually need to be prepared as an EPUB or another format accepted by your chosen publishing platform.

Here are some of the questions I’m most often asked by self-publishing authors

Where can I buy an ISBN?

UK ISBNs are purchased from Nielsen, the official ISBN agency for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

You can buy a single ISBN or a block of ISBNs, depending on how many you need. If you expect to publish more than one format or more than one book, buying a block may be more cost-effective.

If you are publishing through Amazon KDP, you can also choose to use a free KDP ISBN for eligible print books, but this comes with some limitations.

What should I include on my copyright page?

A copyright page usually includes your copyright notice, your name or publishing name, publication details, ISBN, edition information and any relevant rights or permissions statements.

You may also want to include details such as your publisher or imprint, website and an AI statement if you have used AI in creating your book.

The exact information you need will depend on your book and how you are publishing it.

Which platform should I publish my book on?

The two main platforms to consider are Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.

Amazon KDP is Amazon’s self-publishing platform, allowing you to publish ebooks and print-on-demand books for sale through Amazon.

IngramSpark is a print-on-demand and distribution platform, giving you access to a wider network of booksellers, libraries and online retailers.

You can use either platform on its own, or both, depending on where you want your book to be available.

Do I need to get my book professionally edited?

Professional editing can help improve your book's structure, clarity, consistency and readability before it reaches readers.

The type and amount of editing you need will depend on your manuscript and how much work it has already had. Developmental editing, copyediting and proofreading all have different purposes, so it's worth understanding what each involves before choosing a service.

If you are self-publishing, professional editing isn't a legal requirement, but it can be a valuable part of preparing your book for publication.

When should I have my book proofread?

It depends on the type of support you need.

A full manuscript proofread is usually carried out once your manuscript is as close to final as possible, after any major changes have been made and the book has been formatted.

However, you don't have to wait until your book is finished to get professional feedback. Having a few chapters reviewed earlier in the writing process can help you identify recurring issues and give you practical guidance to carry forward as you write.