Book Distribution Costs Explained
For many authors, distribution is the big question after finishing a manuscript. How do you make your book available to readers across the UK and beyond? The good news is that today’s publishing platforms make it easier and cheaper than ever.
In this article, we’ll share the different options you have available so you can make the right decision for you.
Average Book Distribution Costs In The UK
The short answer is, book distribution in the UK can cost nothing at all if you’re using platforms like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital or IngramSpark directly.
Whereas, if you’d rather have a professional team handle everything, from retailer paperwork to optimising your listings, then professional distribution services typically start from £450+ VAT, with additional costs if you want extended access to UK high street shops.
Cheap & Free Book Distribution Options
If you have the technical skills, there’s nothing wrong with setting up distribution yourself. Both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark let you publish at no cost. Draft2Digital also provides a free route, with added simplicity.
- Amazon KDP is the obvious starting point. You can publish both eBooks and paperbacks here for free, but beware: accounts can be closed if Amazon believe you’ve broken their rules, even accidentally.
- IngramSpark allows wide distribution at no initial cost. However, revision fees apply after the first 60 days. They’re generally more stable than Amazon when it comes to long term account management.
- Draft2Digital is an often overlooked but powerful option. They distribute eBooks to a wide international network including Apple Books and Kobo and they now also provide paperback creation tools giving you a straightforward, low cost way to get into print without wrestling with technical layouts.
For confident DIY authors, these platforms are more than enough. Just be prepared to manage ISBNs, metadata, and updates yourself.
Professional Book Distribution
For authors who’d prefer a smoother process, and who want to make sure their books appear in UK bookshops, professional distribution is the natural step up.
At Spiffing Publishing, we’ve designed two clear options:
Core Distribution (£450 + VAT)
- Paperback distribution via Amazon KDP.
- eBook distribution via Amazon KDP.
- eBook and paperback distribution via Draft2Digital, giving you access to Apple Books, Kobo and other international retailers.
This package is ideal if you’re mainly focused on online sales but want to reach beyond Amazon.
Extended Distribution (£350 + VAT bolt on)
- Everything in Core Distribution.
- Print setup through IngramSpark for broad high street access.
- Crucially, we also handle the paperwork with UK wholesaler Gardners, which is what makes your book available for order at Waterstones family stores (including Foyles and Blackwell’s), as well as local independent bookshops.
- Extended reach to major international chains such as Barnes & Noble (US) and Chapters (Canada).
This option is the route into the traditional book trade. Without the Gardners paperwork in place, Waterstones simply cannot order your book for customers. With it, your book is available to buy over the counter in their shops.
Why Work with Spiffing for Distribution?
Working with Spiffing means you stay in control, while we handle the fiddly parts. We don’t take a share of your royalties or tie you down with long contracts. Instead, we provide professional setup and trade access in a way that leaves you as the decision maker.
We’ll:
- Configure your Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital accounts.
- Set up your titles with IngramSpark where needed.
- Put the necessary Gardners paperwork in place for Waterstones and other bookshops.
- Ensure your metadata: categories, keywords and descriptions are optimised for discoverability.
- Provide guidance on pricing and wholesale discounts.
It’s a collaborative process: you retain full ownership of your work, while benefitting from our experience and industry connections.
Get In Touch Today
At Spiffing, our Core Distribution gives you wide digital reach via Amazon and Draft2Digital, while Extended Distribution adds UK high street access by putting the right Gardners paperwork in place. Both tiers are transparent, affordable, and designed to keep you in control.
Ready to take your book to market? Contact Spiffing and we’ll set you up with the right distribution path for your publishing journey.
