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How to Price Your Book in the UK: Cost, Royalties & Competitor Benchmarking Guide.

Setting the right price for your book is crucial for self-publishing success in the UK market. Price too high, and you risk turning readers away; price too low, and you might not cover your costs or earn fair royalties. This detailed guide covers everything UK authors need to know—from understanding print costs and royalties on major platforms to benchmarking against competitors—to help you confidently set a profitable and competitive price.

How to Price Your Book in the UK.

Pricing your book correctly is one of the most important—and often confusing—parts of self-publishing. In the UK, understanding local market expectations, printing costs, royalties, and competition is key to setting a price that attracts readers while earning you a fair income.

Key Factors to Consider When Pricing Your Book in the UK

1. Book Format and Genre
Your book’s format—ebook, paperback, or hardcover—significantly impacts pricing. UK ebooks typically sell for £1.99–£4.99, paperbacks from £6.99 to £12.99, and hardcovers command higher prices around £14.99+. Genre expectations also influence reader willingness to pay.

2. Print Costs and Platform Fees
Print-on-demand platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark calculate print costs based on page count, trim size, ink type, and binding. These costs directly reduce your royalty earnings. Always factor in these costs when setting your retail price.

3. Royalties on UK Platforms

  • Amazon KDP: Earn 70% royalties on Kindle ebooks priced between £1.99 and £9.99, and 60% royalties on paperbacks after print costs.

  • IngramSpark: Offers wider UK distribution but typically requires a 40–55% retailer discount, impacting royalties.

How to Benchmark Competitors’ Prices in the UK Market

Researching similar books in your genre and format is essential. Check prices on UK platforms like Amazon.co.uk, Waterstones, WHSmith, and Book Depository. Consider factors like book length, format, and publisher type (traditional or self-published) to find a competitive yet profitable price point.

Practical Pricing Formula for UK Self-Published Books

  1. Calculate your print cost.

  2. Decide on your target royalty per sale.

  3. Add retailer discounts (usually 40–55%).

  4. Round your price to popular UK pricing points (e.g., £6.99, £9.99).

Example: For a £4 print cost and £2 royalty target, price = (£4 + £2) ÷ 0.60 = £10 (approx).

Should You Discount Your Book at Launch?

Launching with a discounted price can help build early momentum, increase reviews, and improve Amazon ranking. UK readers respond well to promotions, especially on ebooks.

VAT and Tax Considerations for UK Authors

Both ebooks and print books are zero-rated for VAT in the UK, but royalties count as taxable income. Keep accurate financial records and consider registering as a sole trader if you plan to publish regularly.

Summary: Setting Your Book Price for UK Success

  • Factor in print and delivery costs.

  • Understand royalties and retailer discounts.

  • Benchmark competitor prices.

  • Use promotional pricing strategically.

  • Stay compliant with UK tax laws.

Ready to Price Your Book with Confidence?

At Inspiring Futures Media, we specialise in helping UK authors navigate every step of self-publishing—from pricing strategies and ISBN registration to formatting and marketing. If you need personalised advice to maximise your book’s success, contact us today for expert publishing consultancy.

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Who We Are?

Inspiring Futures Media is the professional organisation and publishing house that powers campaigns, books, and digital tools to support emotional wellbeing.

At the heart of our work is: The Cost of Silence®

Our registered trademark and emotional movement — dedicated to helping people, especially youth, speak up, get help, and heal.

Everything we do flows through this mission:

"The cost of silence is too high. Let’s give every voice the power to be heard."
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Why Our Mission Matters!

1 in 6 children has a diagnosable mental health condition

  • 1 in 3 young people has experienced cyberbullying

  • Suicide is among the leading causes of death for people under 25

Despite growing awareness, far too many still suffer in silence. Whether it’s emotional pain, bullying, anger, or suicidal thoughts — the silence around these issues is costing us lives.

We created Inspiring Futures Media and The Cost of Silence® to break that silence with real, relatable, life-saving tools.

 The Cost of Silence® doesn’t just affect individuals — it affects families, schools, and entire communities. Our mission is to speak where others stay silent, and to help others do the same.”
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Our Mental Health Support Books.

Explore our collection of books designed to guide, comfort, and empower readers facing emotional challenges.

It’s Okay Not to Be OK

A supportive guide for anyone pretending to be fine. You don’t have to hide your feelings — this book gives you space to be real.

It’s OK to Struggle

You’re not failing. You’re surviving. This book offers honest stories and tools for people facing emotional or mental health struggles.

Betrayal

Betrayal is a powerful novel that explores how abuse and neglect warp lives. It tells the story of young people silenced by fear from those who should protect them. As truths emerge, characters confront hidden pain, broken trust, and the cost of freedom.

🛒 Available now from Inspiring Futures Media.
Perfect for: parents, teens, teachers, therapists, support workers.

“Through powerful publishing and purpose-driven work, we’re turning silence into stories — and stories into change.”
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Our Vision.

  • We envision a world where silence no longer hides pain, and every voice has the power to be heard.

  • At Inspiring Futures Media, we build platforms that publish truth, design with purpose, and deliver powerful stories that change lives. Through our movement, The Cost of Silence®, we give voice to those who’ve been silenced — by fear, by stigma, by struggle.

  • We are working toward a future where:

  • Emotional health is treated with the same urgency as physical health

  • Struggling is understood as part of the human experience — not a weakness

  • Young people feel safe to speak, and parents feel equipped to support them

  • Silence doesn’t isolate — it invites conversation, healing, and change

  • Stories are not just told — they’re used to save lives

"The cost of silence is too high. We’re here to change the narrative — one book, one voice, one future at a time."
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Join the Movement.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, professional, or young person — you are not alone.

Take the first step:

"We don't need perfect words — just honest ones. Join the movement to end the silence."

Inspiring Futures Media is more than a publisher — we are a voice for those who have been silenced. Through books, campaigns, and education, we support mental health, prevent bullying, and guide people from darkness into light.

Because the cost of silence is too high. Let’s break it — together.

Get in Touch

Whether you're reaching out for support, collaboration, book orders, school resources, or just to share your story — we’re listening. Every message matters. Every voice counts.

Email Us

Email us at: info@inspiringfuturesmedia.com

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Feel free to reach out at 07427 872000 for any questions or support.

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