Course 1: Plan Your Book and Publishing Route (Self-Publishing, UK and US) (PDF Guide)

A 33-page printable PDF guide for first-time self-publishers in the UK and US: plan your book, choose its formats, and decide between KDP, IngramSpark or both before you spend money on editing, design or ISBNs.

It is part of Self-Publishing: From Beginner to Pro, a ten-course series of printable PDF guides from Long Room Learning. Written in plain UK English with UK and US rules side by side. Facts, prices and platform rules were checked on the official websites on 27 October 2026.

What you'll learn

• Who your book is for, the promise it makes and how to pick comparable titles, with a one-page book brief
• Which formats to make (ebook, paperback, hardback, audiobook and others) and in what order
• KDP only, IngramSpark only, or both: a route chooser for print and ebook
• KDP Select explained: ebook exclusivity, 90-day terms, Kindle+, Countdown Deals and when it makes sense
• Your publishing model: who owns the copyright, the ISBNs, the accounts and the approvals, UK and US side by side
• Publishing someone else's work: what a written agreement should cover, with a worked royalty example
• A timeline worked backwards from publication day, and a budget with every cost line
• UK and US at a glance, mistakes to avoid, a glossary and six printable planning handouts

Who it's for

First-time self-publishers in the UK or the US who want to make the big decisions about their book before paying for editing, design or ISBNs. Also useful if you are publishing someone else's work, such as a relative's memoir or a co-written book.

Who it's not for

It does not teach writing technique, editing, permissions, file preparation, covers, buying ISBNs or the platform upload screens in detail (those have their own courses in the series). It does not cover finding a literary agent or a traditional publisher. It is not legal, tax or financial advice.

Common questions

How do I self-publish a book in the UK?

Treat it as five separate jobs: writing, production, identifiers (ISBNs), uploading and getting shops to stock it. Start by deciding who the book is for, which formats to make, which platform route to use and what it will cost. Course 1 walks through those decisions; the rest of the series covers each later step.

Should I use KDP or IngramSpark, or both?

KDP sells your book on Amazon. IngramSpark lists a print book in Ingram's catalogue so that bookshops, libraries and other retailers can order it. If print readers only need Amazon, KDP alone can be enough; if you want bookshops and libraries too, many authors add IngramSpark. Course 1 includes a route chooser diagram.

Is KDP Select worth it?

It depends on whether you want to sell your ebook anywhere other than Amazon. KDP Select runs in 90-day terms that renew automatically, and during a term the ebook cannot be sold or given away digitally anywhere else, including your own website. Print editions are not affected. Enrolled ebooks go into Kindle+ (Amazon's subscription, called Kindle Unlimited until 22 October 2026). Course 1 sets out when it makes sense.

Which formats should I publish my book in?

Each format (ebook, paperback, hardback, large print, audiobook, translation) is a separate product with its own files, proofing and record, and most print formats need their own ISBN. Start with the formats your reader actually uses. Course 1 helps you choose and order them.

Do I need a written agreement to publish someone else's book?

Yes, before production begins. In the UK a copyright assignment, and in the US a transfer of ownership, must be in writing and signed to be valid. Course 1 includes a checklist of what the agreement should cover and a worked royalty example (general information, not legal advice).

What you get

An instant-download A4 PDF (33 pages) to read on screen or print, plus six printable handouts: concept and audience with comps, format and product plan, publishing model and approvals, agreement checklist, timeline and budget, and a Course 1 checklist.

Digital download (PDF). General information only; not legal or financial advice. Platform rules and legal points were checked on the official websites on 27 October 2026 and can change at any time, so always check theofficial site before you sign, buy or upload. Long Room Learning is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Amazon, Kindle Direct Publishing, ACX, IngramSpark, NielsenIQ, the US Copyright Office or any other platform or organisation named. No product or service is endorsed.