When you already know how to get a book published in the UK, you save time and money. Whether you publish your book through the traditional method or you want to know how to self-publish a book, follow these 5 steps properly. We will explain both ways of publishing your book in detail using five steps with realistic costs, especially for first-time authors. For first-time authors, it is really important to know how to publish a book without wasting money.
Key Takeaways
Learn these few important things before starting this guide on how to get a book published in the UK:
- You need to edit and proofread your books before submitting them to agents or publishers; they reject incomplete manuscripts.
- Most popular UK traditional publishers accept book submissions directly through literary agents, not from first-time authors.
- Traditional publishing costs authors nothing upfront. Self-publishing costs money when you cannot handle few tasks like book editing, designing, formatting and proofreading yourself. Meanwhile, you need to have a separate budget for book marketing in both cases.
- Fiction needs a finished manuscript. Non-fiction is usually pitched with a proposal.
- To speed up the book publishing process, self-publishing your book is a strong alternative, and it gives you full control.
Step 1: Get Your Manuscript Submission-Ready
The first step in getting a book published in the UK starts with completing your manuscript so that you can submit it to some agents. Genuine publishing agents read hundreds of book submissions every day; they reject unfinished manuscripts on the spot. You have to revise your manuscript until you no longer find any improvement opportunities. Then hire a professional editor for structure and a proofreader for a final polish.
What you submit depends on your genre, its important to know how to get a book published:
- Fiction: a complete, polished manuscript.
- Non-fiction: a proposal with an overview, author platform, competing titles, target audience and sample chapters.
- Memoir: it varies by agent, so check each agent’s guidelines.
Step 2: Find and Query the Right Literary Agents
Many major UK publishers avoid reading unsolicited manuscripts; that’s why you need an agent to help you with how to get a book published. You usually have to pay around 15% to agents as commission, and earnings remain zero until your book starts selling.
You can find agents specifically for your book genres through Writers’ & Artists’ agent listings. Make sure to verify that they belong to the Association of Authors’ Agents.
Before you send anything:
- Shortlist 10 to 15 agents who actively want books like yours.
- Personalise each query letter.
- Send in small batches so you can adjust your approach.
- Follow their submission guidelines exactly.
Protect yourself from disappointment by expecting rejections. Even most published authors had to deal with multiple agents before one said yes.
Step 3: Let Your Agent Pitch Publishers
The next step in how to get a book published is signing the contract. Once you sign, your agent sends your book to carefully chosen editors at publishing houses. You can call this stage “going on submission.” It usually takes days or many months before you receive some confirmation.
Editors must convince their sales and marketing teams that a book will sell, which explains the slow, selective process. If the first round fails, your agent may refine the pitch or suggest revisions before trying again.
Step 4: Choose the Right Publishing Deal
The most important step in how to publish a book in the UK is to write a contract with your editor. Your agent makes a contract after an editor offers something. Meanwhile, the contracts usually include an advance, royalty rates, and book rights. An advance is actually the upfront payment against your future royalties. You earn royalties only after sales cover that advance.
Ask your agent about:
- Territory and translation rights
- Rights reversion if the book goes out of print
- Marketing commitments
Once you’re published, register with the Public Lending Right scheme to earn payments when libraries lend your book. The Society of Authors also offers free contract vetting to members.
Step 5: Edit, Launch and Promote Your Book
After you sign the contract with your editor, they send an editorial letter with revision notes. Then comes the crucial part of publishing a book: copyediting, cover design, proofreading, and advance review copies. Likewise, you need to start working on book marketing and publicity in the final month of publishing.
At this important last step of how to get a book published in the UK, build a good relationship with your editor, because there will be no final say over your cover.
Traditional vs Self-Publishing: Which Route Suits You?
After exploring all the critical stages of how to get a book published, let’s compare both methods of publishing books:
| Factor | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing |
| Upfront cost | None to the author | You pay for editing, cover, and formatting |
| Speed | Often 18 months or more | Weeks to months |
| Creative control | Shared with the publisher | Complete |
| Royalties | Lower percentage, plus advance | Higher percentage per sale |
| Bookshop distribution | Strong | Harder to secure |
| Best for | Authors seeking wide retail reach | Authors wanting speed and control |
In case you dont want to get involved with finding an agent and talking to an editor for publishing your book, simply publish on Amazon through KDP for free. You will only require a UK-registered ISBN, available from the official source, Nielsen ISBN Store. You have to invest your money and time in book designing, formatting, editing and proofreading, because readers do notice all these details while reading your books.
Summary: How to Publish a Book?
In this guide on how to get a book published, you must have learnt two major ways of publishing a book: one is traditional, the second is self-publishing. You need to find the right agent, pitch well and select a publisher or self-publish with confidence.
For professional book editing and formatting services in the UK, do check out the experienced book publishing team at EagleBookPublishing.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to publish a book in the UK?
Traditional publishing almost costs you nothing, as the publisher pays. But you do have to spend some money while connecting with agents; they have a certain fee structure—self-publishing, on the other hand, costs based on the services you choose. If you hire someone to edit, format, proofread, or design your book cover, it costs you money. However, for those authors who handle everything themselves, it saves money.
How do first-time authors get their book published?
If you are a first-time author, start by finishing your manuscript or write a strong proposal if it’s non-fiction. Later, reach out to literary agents who represent your genre. You cannot skip the step of building author profiles on different platforms such as mailing lists or social media following, because it strengthens non-fiction pitches in publisher.
How can I publish a book with no money?
Self-publish through Amazon KDP, which charges no setup fee, and use free tools to format your interior. Alternatively, query agents, since traditional publishers cover all production costs. Even on a tight budget, ask a trusted reader to proofread.