Best Self-Publishing Companies in the UK (2026): An Honest Guide
The short answer
In the UK, Troubador is a long-established full-service provider that focuses on bookshop distribution. IngramSpark gives print-on-demand reach to retailers and libraries. Amazon KDP is the free do-it-yourself route, limited to Amazon. Jericho Writers offers a self-publishing course. Harmony Publishing is full-service with 100% royalties to the author, priced in US dollars.
Updated October 2026 · By Harmony Publishing · Harmony is one of the companies listed, so we show our sources for every claim.
The companies compared
Troubador (Matador)
Full-service self-publishing, with print runs as well as print-on-demand
Best for: Authors who want bookshop distribution and are comfortable at the more premium end of the market
- Troubador says it has self-published books for authors since 1996, is family-run and independently owned, and publishes over 500 books a year.Source: Troubador: the best self-publishing companies in the UK (company's own article)
- It says its distribution facility in Leicestershire distributes directly to UK bookshops, including Waterstones, to Amazon, and to wholesalers such as Gardners.Source: Troubador: the best self-publishing companies in the UK (company's own article)
- It says authors keep 100% of the rights to their work and receive quarterly royalty statements, and describes itself as positioned at the more premium end of the UK market, with a bespoke quotation for each project.Source: Troubador: the best self-publishing companies in the UK (company's own article)
IngramSpark
Per-title print-on-demand platform
Best for: Authors with print-ready files who want retail and library reach
- Signing up and uploading a print or ebook file is free. Its distribution page names UK retailers among its partners, including Waterstones, Blackwell and Foyles, and lists a UK print location.Source: IngramSpark: how distribution works
- No editing, cover design or done-for-you marketing is included.Source: IngramSpark: pricing
- Troubador's guide notes that bookshops are reluctant to stock print-on-demand titles and that IngramSpark does not specialise in the UK market.Source: Troubador: the best self-publishing companies in the UK (company's own article)
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Free do-it-yourself platform
Best for: Authors who are happy to do the work themselves and sell mainly on Amazon
- Uploading and publishing is free; Amazon pays royalties on sales. Ebook royalty options are 35% or 70% of list price (70% in eligible territories only).Source: Amazon KDP: ebook royalties
- Paperbacks can be opted into Expanded Distribution so booksellers and libraries can order them, but acceptance and orders are not guaranteed. Hardcovers are not eligible.Source: Amazon KDP: Expanded Distribution
- KDP Select is an optional 90-day programme for Kindle ebooks that includes Kindle Unlimited.Source: Amazon KDP: KDP Select
- No editing or cover-design service: you arrange those yourself.Source: Amazon KDP help
- Troubador's guide notes that KDP distribution is limited to Amazon platforms.Source: Troubador: the best self-publishing companies in the UK (company's own article)
Jericho Writers
Writing and publishing courses
Best for: Authors who want to learn the self-publishing process themselves
- Troubador's guide recommends Jericho Writers' Simply Self-Publish course for anyone who wants to learn how to self-publish.Source: Troubador: the best self-publishing companies in the UK (company's own article)
Harmony Publishing
Full-service self-publishing
Best for: Authors who want the whole process handled and want to keep 100% of their royalties
- A full-service self-publishing company: cover design, interior layout, ISBN and barcode, eBook conversion and global distribution through Amazon and IngramSpark, with the team handling the process for you.Source: Harmony: self-publishing packages
- Editing (copyediting and proofreading) comes from the Premium package up, and printed copies are included from the Complete package up. See the packages page for what each package contains.Source: Harmony: self-publishing packages
- You keep 100% of your royalties and all rights to your book.Source: Harmony: self-publishing packages
- Packages start at $699 (Essentials) and go up to $9,999 (Legend). Prices are in US dollars and are not converted to pounds.Source: Harmony: self-publishing packages
Company details come from each company's own website and help pages, checked 4 October 2026. Troubador's own article is cited for its description of itself and of other companies, so read it as the company's view. Prices and terms change, so confirm them before you commit.
Choose by what you need
- A full-service provider focused on UK bookshop distribution
- Troubador
- Retail and library reach with your own print-ready files
- IngramSpark
- Free, do-it-yourself, Amazon only
- Amazon KDP
- To learn the process through a course
- Jericho Writers
- Everything handled for you, with 100% royalties to you
- Harmony Publishing
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Which self-publishing company is best in the UK?
It depends on what you need. Troubador is a long-established full-service provider focused on bookshop distribution. IngramSpark suits authors with finished files who want retail reach. KDP is the free Amazon route. Harmony Publishing is full-service with 100% royalties to the author.
How do I get my self-published book into UK bookshops?
Bookshops order through distributors and wholesalers. Publishing through IngramSpark makes a title orderable by UK booksellers and libraries, and full-service providers such as Troubador describe their own distribution to bookshops. Being orderable is not the same as being stocked.
Does Harmony Publishing charge in pounds?
No. Harmony's prices are in US dollars for authors outside Nigeria, and are not converted. See the packages page for current prices.
Do I keep my rights when I self-publish?
With Harmony Publishing you keep 100% of your royalties and all rights. Check the same point with any company you consider.