Publishing in Bristol

Publishing a book no longer means finding a traditional publisher. Today, authors can produce books every bit as professional through self-publishing while retaining complete control over the project.

I am based near Bristol and help authors take a manuscript from an initial idea through to a finished book, ready to be sold around the world. Whether you're writing a memoir, local history, specialist non-fiction or something entirely different, I can help you navigate every stage of the publishing process.

Publishing from Bristol to a global audience

Although I'm based in Bristol, the books I help produce are not limited to local readers.

Using Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), books can be made available as paperbacks, hardbacks and Kindle ebooks in marketplaces throughout the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and beyond.

Your readers don't need to live in Bristol. They simply order the book through Amazon, where it is printed on demand and shipped directly to them.

That means there are no large print runs, no garage full of unsold books and no complicated distribution network to manage.

Publishing through Project Weird

Many of the books I work on are published through Project Weird, my independent publishing imprint.

This allows authors to benefit from an established publishing process while retaining a collaborative relationship throughout the project.

Project Weird has published books covering paranormal investigation, folklore, underground exploration, demonology, UFOs and specialist non-fiction, but the publishing process itself can be adapted to many different subjects.

More than simply uploading a file

Publishing is often misunderstood as the final step of uploading a PDF to Amazon.

In reality, the work begins much earlier.

A successful book needs careful editing, professional formatting, an attractive cover, the correct trim size, sensible pricing and accurate metadata before it reaches readers.

Those decisions affect both how the book looks and how likely it is to sell.

My publishing process

Every project is different, but a typical publishing journey includes:

• Developing the manuscript
• Editing and proofreading
• Preparing the interior layout
• Designing or sourcing the cover artwork
• Selecting the best trim size and paper type
• Preparing Kindle and print editions
• Uploading to Amazon KDP
• Testing printed proof copies
• Setting pricing and royalties
• Planning the launch and marketing

By considering each stage together, the finished book feels like a professionally published title rather than simply a manuscript that has been printed.

Choosing the right format

One of the advantages of self-publishing is flexibility.

Depending on the project, your book may be available as:

• Paperback
• Hardback
• Kindle ebook
• Audiobook

Not every book needs every format. Sometimes a paperback and Kindle edition provide the strongest launch. Other projects benefit from releasing an audiobook later to generate additional publicity and reach a different audience.

Making publishing commercially sensible

One of the biggest advantages of having published many books myself is understanding the balance between quality and commercial reality.

For example, choosing the wrong trim size or page count can significantly increase printing costs, forcing a higher retail price that may discourage readers.

Small production decisions can have a surprisingly large effect on royalties, competitiveness and long-term sales.

I help authors make informed decisions that produce a professional book while keeping manufacturing costs under control.

Face-to-face publishing support in Bristol

If you're based in Bristol or the surrounding area, we can meet in person to discuss your project.

Some authors prefer talking through ideas over a coffee rather than trying to explain everything in an email. Others like reviewing proof copies together before publication.

Of course, distance isn't a barrier. Most of the publishing process can also be handled remotely by email, telephone and video call.

Experience that shortens the learning curve

I've written, ghostwritten, developed and published numerous books across a range of specialist subjects.

That practical experience means I can often identify potential problems before they become expensive mistakes, whether that's formatting, cover design, pricing, production or marketing.

Rather than learning through trial and error, you benefit from a publishing workflow that has already been tested across multiple successful projects.

Publishing doesn't finish when the book goes live

Once a book has been published, the next challenge is helping readers discover it.

I also provide support with launch planning, websites, content marketing, search engine optimisation, podcast appearances, articles and long-term promotional strategies that continue long after publication day.

The aim is not simply to publish a book, but to give it the best possible opportunity to find its audience.

Ready to publish your book?

Whether you have a completed manuscript, an unfinished draft or simply an idea you'd like to explore, I can help you move from concept to professionally published book.