Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about publishing your book with us.
Getting started
How do I get started?
The best place to start is by contacting us. Tell us about your book and your goals, and we’ll give you honest advice on how we can help. There’s no obligation and no hard sell - just a friendly conversation about your project.
What do I need to send you to get a quote?
Just get in touch with a brief description of your book - the genre, approximate word count, whether it includes images, and what formats you’re interested in (print, ebook, audiobook). We’ll take it from there and give you a personalised quote.
Do I need to use all of your services, or can I pick and choose?
You can pick and choose. Some authors come to us with a finished manuscript that just needs a cover and printing. Others want help from start to finish - proofreading, design, printing, ebook, audiobook and marketing. We tailor our services to suit each book and each author.
Are there any types of book you won’t publish?
We publish a wide variety of books, but we don’t publish religious books, pornography, or anything containing hate speech.
Costs and pricing
How much does it cost to publish a book?
Every book is different, so we don’t have fixed packages. As a rough guide, a typical spend is around £1,800 - but that depends entirely on what you need. Some authors spend less, some more. See our prices page for more detail, or contact us for a personalised quote.
How much does proofreading cost?
Proofreading is typically around £12–£15 per 1,000 words, though this varies depending on the quality of the writing and how much editing is needed.
How much does an ebook cost?
To convert your manuscript to ebook format and distribute to Amazon/Kindle, we typically charge around £500.
How much does it cost to print a single copy?
With print-on-demand, printing one copy of a 250-page softback book costs around £3.50. Bulk print runs are priced individually - get a printing quote.
Timelines
How long does it take to publish a book?
Book projects typically take around three to four months from start to finish. The actual time depends on the word count, the number of images, and how many formats you want to publish (print, ebook, audiobook).
How quickly can you print a book once the artwork is approved?
Print orders are typically delivered within 3–5 weeks from approval of artwork.
Printing and formats
What binding types do you offer?
We offer several options:
- Paperback/softback - burst binding (recommended) or PUR perfect binding
- Hardback/hardcover - Smyth-sewn (best quality, lies flat) or PUR case binding
- Wire-O bound - ideal for notebooks, journals and manuals
- Flexi-bound - image-heavy books that lie flat with a soft cover
What special cover treatments are available?
We can add foil blocking, debossing, embossing, UV varnish, cloth covers, ribbons and dust jackets to give your book a premium finish.
What book sizes do you offer?
We print standard sizes including A Format (110×178mm), B Format (129×198mm), A5, Demy (138×216mm), Royal (156×234mm), A4, and US Trade (6"×9"). We can also do custom sizes in portrait, landscape or square formats.
Can you print just one copy of my book?
Yes, as long as it’s part of a larger project with us. For an initial print run, we usually recommend 250–500 copies, but there’s no minimum order.
Can I supply my own artwork?
Yes. We offer an artwork check service to make sure your files are print-ready - we’ll check bleed, embedded fonts, image resolution and colour settings.
Distribution and royalties
Where will my book be sold?
With print-on-demand, your book can be listed on all Amazon marketplaces, Waterstones online, and many other retailers worldwide. We also submit your book to Nielsen, making it available to the whole book trade. Ebooks go to Amazon/Kindle worldwide, and audiobooks are distributed to 40+ retailers including Audible, Apple Books and Spotify.
Do you take any of my royalties?
No. All royalties on sales are yours. We don’t take a percentage or commission.
How and when are royalties paid?
Royalties are paid quarterly in arrears. You’ll receive a royalties statement and payment for your royalties four times a year (January, April, July and October). The first payment can take up to six months from publication. Payments to UK bank accounts arrive within three business days of the statement; international payments are made via Wise.
Who owns the copyright to my book?
You do. We never take ownership of your copyright. Your book is yours.
ISBNs
Do I need an ISBN for my book?
An ISBN isn’t compulsory, but it is required by major booksellers like Amazon and high street bookshop chains. If you want your book to be widely available, you’ll need one.
Can you provide an ISBN?
Yes. We provide an ISBN as part of our service.
Do I need a barcode as well?
If you want your book stocked in bookshops with EPOS systems, yes. We incorporate the barcode into the cover design as standard.
Ebooks and audiobooks
Can you convert my printed book into an ebook?
Yes. We convert your manuscript to ebook format and distribute it to Amazon for Kindle readers worldwide. Learn more about ebook publishing.
How does audiobook publishing work?
We source and shortlist professional narrators for you to choose from, then handle the entire production and distribution process. Your audiobook is distributed to 40+ retailers including Audible, Apple Books and Spotify. Learn more about audiobook publishing.
Can you publish an audiobook if my print book was published elsewhere?
Yes, provided your existing contract allows it. You don’t need to have published your print book with us to use our audiobook service.
Proofreading and editing
What’s the difference between proofreading and editing?
Proofreading corrects spelling, punctuation and formatting errors. A copyedit goes further - tidying up sentence structure, consistency and readability. We recommend at least a proofread for every book, and a copyedit is often worthwhile. Learn more about proofreading.
How does the proofreading process work?
We use Microsoft Word’s Track Changes feature, so you can see every change we’ve suggested. You can accept, reject or query each one - you stay in full control of your manuscript.
Ghostwriting
Do you offer ghostwriting?
Yes. We can write your book for you based on your ideas and expertise. The process starts with a conversation to agree a brief, followed by research and writing. Learn more about ghostwriting.
If you ghostwrite my book, whose name goes on the cover?
That’s entirely up to you. The ghostwriter can be credited as a co-author, or they can remain anonymous - it’s your choice.
Business book publishing
Do you publish books for business owners and professionals?
Yes. If you’re a business owner, consultant or professional looking to grow your credibility and income using a book, take a look at Quartz Press - premium book publishing for business owners. Quartz Press is our premium publishing service designed specifically for professionals who want a high-quality book that positions them as an authority in their field.
About us
How are you different from companies like AuthorHouse or Xlibris?
We’re a small, UK-based team. You deal directly with real editors and designers - no call centres or automated processes. We’re transparent about pricing, we don’t push you towards expensive packages, and we never take a cut of your royalties. Read our reviews to see what our authors say.
Do you handle legal deposit library copies?
Yes. We handle the legal deposit process on your behalf, sending copies to the British Library and the Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries.
Where are you based?
We’re based in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, but we work with authors worldwide via video calls and email. We’re available during working hours by phone on 0191 743 4559 or by email at .
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Get in touch - we’re always happy to help.