Whether you’re publishing fiction, non-fiction or educational material, self-publishing puts you in charge of every decision. This step-by-step guide covers everything from ISBN registration and legal deposit to printing, finishing and distribution, helping you bring your book to market with professional results.

Contents

1. Preparation: how to get an ISBN and supply metadata

2. Legal deposit: how to submit copies to UK libraries

3. Production: how to print, bind and finish your book

4. Distribution: how to supply your book to libraries and retailers

1. Preparation: how to get an ISBN and supply metadata

What’s an ISBN?

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier for each edition and format of a book, allowing retailers, distributors and libraries to track stock and sales efficiently. It’s a 13-digit code recorded in the book’s metadata and typically displayed above a barcode on the back cover.

Key points:

• Each format — for example, paperback and e-book — must have a separate ISBN if you want them listed as distinct products.
• Each ISBN links to specific details including title, author, format, publisher or imprint name, and publication date.

When do you need an ISBN?

If your book is to be sold through retailers, listed in library catalogues or made publicly available in any format, you’ll need an ISBN. Some digital platforms such as Amazon KDP provide a free ISBN tied to their own imprint, which technically allows publication without purchasing one yourself. However, using a platform-supplied ISBN means that platform is listed as the publisher, limiting control over your own imprint, data and distribution.

Practical guidance:

• Decide how many versions you’ll publish — print, e-book or audiobook.
• For a single format sold only through one platform, a supplied ISBN may suffice.
• For multiple formats or full retail and library listing, purchase your own ISBN block to retain full publishing control.

How to get an ISBN

In the UK, ISBNs are issued by the Nielsen ISBN Agency (also known as Nielsen Books). You can purchase them online through the Nielsen ISBN Store.

You’ll need to create a publisher account, choose your quantity (single or block) and provide your imprint details. Once assigned, your ISBNs are yours permanently and can be allocated to future titles as you publish them.

What does an ISBN cost?

Current prices from the Nielsen ISBN Store are approximately £93 for a single ISBN or £174 for a block of ten, which offers better value if you plan to release more than one title or edition.

You’ll also need to budget for barcode generation (often provided free by the printer) and for registering your book’s metadata so retailers and libraries can locate it.

Does an ISBN help people discover my book?

Yes. Once your ISBN is assigned, it becomes the key to your book’s discoverability. By entering your title’s details into the Nielsen BookData database, you make it visible to bookshops, wholesalers, libraries and online retailers throughout the UK.

What to include:
Title, subtitle, author name, imprint or publisher name, binding type, page count, trim size, retail price and publication date.

Tips for visibility:

• Check all spelling carefully — metadata errors can prevent your book being found.
• Keep branding consistent across all formats.
• Use a distinctive imprint name if you’re publishing independently, as this helps your title stand out in catalogues and search results.

2. Legal deposit: how to submit copies to UK libraries

Do I need to submit my book to public libraries?

If your book is made publicly available in the UK — whether sold, distributed for free or published or distributed in printed form — you’re legally required to submit a copy to the British Library. This obligation applies to all publishers and self-publishers under the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003, even if you only print a small number of copies.

You don’t need to send copies to local public libraries, only to the national deposit libraries that form the UK’s legal deposit network.

Which libraries do I need to submit it to?

One printed copy must always be sent to the British Library within one month of publication.

Five other libraries — known collectively as the Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries (ALDL) — are also entitled to request a copy within twelve months of publication:

• Bodleian Library, University of Oxford
• Cambridge University Library
• National Library of Scotland
• National Library of Wales
• Trinity College Library, Dublin

If you prefer to anticipate those requests, you can send all six copies at once (one for each library) to the ALDL address.

How do I submit my book?

You can fulfil your legal deposit by posting your book to either:

Single copy route
Send one copy directly to:

Legal Deposit Office
The British Library
Boston Spa
Wetherby
West Yorkshire
LS23 7BY

Multiple copy route
To provide all six libraries in one step, send five copies to:

Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries (ALDL)
Unit 21 Marnin Way
Edinburgh
EH12 9GD

Include a cover note listing your book’s title, ISBN, author, imprint and publication date.

Is it free to submit my book to libraries?

Yes. There is no fee for submitting your book, although you cover the cost of the copies and postage. The libraries do not return or resell the copies — they are kept as part of the national archive to preserve a record of UK publishing.

What happens if my book is not submitted to libraries?

Failure to deposit can result in a formal notice from the Agency for the Legal Deposit Libraries requiring compliance. If you still fail to send a copy, the library may recover the cost of obtaining it, plus an administrative fee.

Legal deposit ensures your work becomes part of the UK’s permanent cultural record, preserved for future generations and accessible to researchers. Complying with it not only meets legal obligations but preserves your work for posterity.

3. Production: how to print, bind and finish your book

What’s the best binding option for self-published books?

For most self-published titles, a Perfect Bound Book is the ideal choice. This method uses a strong adhesive to glue the pages and cover together at the spine, then trims the three open edges for a neat, square finish. It’s the same process used for most paperbacks found in bookshops, giving your work a professional, durable result that stacks neatly and allows room for spine text.

Perfect Bound Books from Solopress are available in a wide range of sizes and orientations, with minimum and maximum page counts determined by the chosen paper stock. Once your layout and pagination are finalised, you can use Solopress’ downloadable templates to calculate your spine width automatically.

Which paper stocks can I choose for the pages?

You can choose from a range of interior paper types to suit the tone and purpose of your book:

• Silk: smooth with a slight sheen, ideal for colour photography, artwork or illustrated books.
• Gloss: vibrant and high-contrast, often used for image-heavy or promotional publications.
• Uncoated: classic paper feel, perfect for text-heavy novels or manuals where readability is key.
• Recycled: a sustainable option that gives a natural, tactile finish without compromising print quality.

Paper weights typically range from 100gsm to 150gsm, depending on your preference and page count.

What cover materials and finishes are available?

Covers are printed on sturdy card stock for durability and presentation. The most popular options at Solopress are:

• Matt laminate for a smooth, contemporary finish with minimal glare.
• Gloss laminate for rich, reflective colour that enhances imagery.
• Soft-touch laminate for a velvety, premium texture.

You can also explore Spot UV or Foil options through Solopress’ custom finishing services for titles requiring a distinctive visual or tactile element.

How should I prepare my artwork?

Solopress provides free downloadable Perfect Bound Book Templates to help you position your content correctly, including the spine and bleed areas. Just visit our Brochure Templates and click on Perfect Bound

To achieve accurate print results:

• Supply artwork as PDFs with a 3 mm bleed and text kept within safe margins.
• Use CMYK colour mode for colour interiors and greyscale for black-and-white content.
• Include front, back and spine in a single cover file.
• Flatten layers and embed all fonts before uploading.

Your artwork will be reviewed by the Solopress pre-press team before printing to ensure suitability.

Can I see a copy before I place a full order?

Yes. You can order a single copy or short run as a proof before committing to a larger quantity. This allows you to check paper stock, colours, binding and overall appearance before your main print run.

How many copies should I order?

That depends on your goals. Smaller runs are ideal for testing the market, proofing and promotional purposes, while longer runs bring down the unit cost per book. Solopress offers competitive pricing across a range of quantities, helping you balance budget and demand effectively.

How long does printing take?

Production times vary with quantity and finish. Many Perfect Bound Books are printed and dispatched within 48 hours of artwork approval, while larger runs or complex finishes may take longer. Delivery across the UK is free on mainland orders, with express turnaround available for urgent projects.

What’s the best way to plan my print run?

Before placing your order, create a simple production checklist:

1. Finalise your manuscript and pagination.
2. Choose your format, size and paper type.
3. Prepare artwork using Solopress templates.
4. Order a proof copy if required.
5. Approve the proof and confirm your print run.

With these steps complete, your book will be ready for printing and distribution.

4. Distribution: how to supply your book to libraries and retailers

How can I make my book available to retailers and libraries?

Once your ISBN and metadata are registered with Nielsen BookData, your title becomes discoverable to bookshops, wholesalers and library suppliers across the UK. This allows your book to appear in online listings and trade catalogues, giving it comparable visibility to traditionally published titles.

You can sell copies directly through your own website, approach independent bookshops, or make your book available via online retailers such as Amazon. Each route has its own pricing and fulfilment requirements.

Should I hold stock or use print on demand?

There are two main approaches to fulfilment:

• Holding stock: You order a full print run, store the copies yourself and dispatch as needed. This option offers lower unit costs and full control over quality and packaging.
• Print on demand (POD): Copies are printed individually as orders arrive, reducing upfront costs and storage needs but typically increasing unit cost.

Many authors prefer the first approach, as it allows for consistent quality and control over dispatch schedules.

How should I price my book for retail?

When setting a retail price, consider:

• Printing and production costs
• Retail and distributor discounts (typically 35–55%)
• Shipping or fulfilment costs
• Desired profit margin

Bookshops expect a trade discount and, in some cases, the option to return unsold copies. Factor this into your pricing from the outset to avoid losses later.

What about barcodes and identification?

Every printed book that will be sold through retail must carry an ISBN barcode on the back cover. This ensures it can be scanned and tracked by bookshops and distributors.

Solopress can generate and add this barcode to your cover artwork once your ISBN is confirmed. Remember to also include clear spine text for visibility on shelves.

How do I manage stock and reorders?

If you hold physical stock, keep a clear record of quantities, reorder thresholds and available storage space. Reprinting with Solopress is straightforward — your artwork files can be saved for future use, allowing you to restock quickly when demand increases.

Traditionally, publishers aimed to print as many copies as feasible per run to achieve the lowest unit cost. This meant balancing the risk of printing too few copies and missing potential sales against the cost of producing excess stock that might not sell.

Modern digital printing reduces that risk. High-performance presses such as the HP PageWide T250, among the first of its kind installed in the UK by Solopress, make short-run and on-demand production far more cost-effective. Books can now be printed in smaller batches or even to order, maintaining quality and price consistency without large upfront commitments.

Books can be packaged and shipped in bulk to arrive in sale-ready condition.

What’s the typical order cycle after publication?

Once your first print run is complete:

1. Check a sample from your delivered order
2. Send your legal deposit copy if you haven’t already
3. Register your book with retailers or distributors
4. Begin sales and marketing activity
5. Monitor demand and reorder as required to keep your book consistently available.

Self-publishing a book involves more than writing and design. It’s about understanding the practical steps that turn a manuscript into a market-ready product. By managing ISBN registration, legal deposit, professional printing and distribution effectively, you can produce a book that meets industry standards and reaches readers with confidence.