How much does it cost to publish a book in the UK?

Guides for authors › How much it costs to publish a book

"How much will it cost?" is the first question most authors ask, and the honest answer is: it depends on what your book needs. Publishing can cost almost nothing or several thousand pounds. Here is where the money goes, so you can judge any quote you are given.

What is free

Uploading a book to Amazon KDP is free, and IngramSpark no longer charges to set up a title or to change your files. With print on demand you don't pay for printing until a copy is sold: the printing cost is taken out of each sale. So the platforms themselves are not where the cost lies.

Where the money goes

Editing

Usually the biggest cost, and the one that matters most. A proofread costs least; a copy-edit costs more; a structural edit, which looks at the whole book, costs most. The price depends on the length of the book and how much work the writing needs.

Cover design

A professional cover is the single most important sales tool your book has. Print covers include the spine and back cover, which must be sized to the exact page count.

Formatting and typesetting

Laying out the inside for print and ebook. Books with images, tables or illustrations take longer.

ISBNs

In the UK, ISBNs are sold by the Nielsen ISBN Agency. When we checked in October 2026, one ISBN cost about £93 and a block of ten about £174, including VAT. Each format needs its own, so a paperback and an ebook need two. Amazon also offers free ISBNs, with limits; our ISBN guide explains them.

Proof copies and author copies

You will want at least one printed proof, and copies to sell or give away at events. You pay the printing cost plus delivery.

Marketing

Anything from free (social media, local press, events) to paid advertising. Start small and only spend more on what is working.

What SoulScriptz charges

SoulScriptz publishes its prices, so you know the cost before you commit:

Package	Price
Foundation: light proofreading, cover design, print and ebook formatting, ISBN support and publishing setup	£599 – £1,000
Advance: adds a full copy-edit, premium cover, professional typesetting, metadata, wider distribution support and launch materials	£1,600 – £2,200
Legacy: a deep edit with structural feedback, bespoke design, author positioning and a full launch framework	£2,600 – £3,200

First-time authors get 50% off their first publication with SoulScriptz, so Foundation starts from £299.50. Your own price is confirmed in writing before any work starts. The full details are in Our Services.

Red flags when you are quoted

No clear list of what is included, or extra charges that appear later.
Being asked to sign away the rights to your book, or no clear way to leave.
Promises of bestseller status, guaranteed sales or guaranteed press coverage. Nobody can honestly promise those.
Pressure to buy the biggest package when your manuscript doesn't need it.

The SoulScriptz Author Promise sets out what you can hold us to.

Questions authors ask

Can I publish a book for free in the UK?

You can upload a book to Amazon KDP for free and use Amazon's free ISBN. The costs come from what makes a book good enough to sell: editing, a professional cover and proper formatting.

What is the most important thing to spend money on?

Editing and the cover. Readers judge a book by its cover before they buy, and by the writing after. Both affect reviews and word of mouth.

Does SoulScriptz offer a discount for first-time authors?

Yes. First-time authors get 50% off their first publication with SoulScriptz.

Ready to publish your book?

First-time authors get 50% off their first publication with SoulScriptz. Your manuscript stays yours, and the price is agreed in writing before any work starts.

Book a consultation Send your manuscript

Figures in this guide were checked in October 2026. Platform prices and rules change, so check the current figures before you rely on them. This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice.