Best UK Self Publishing Printers
With over 135 years of experience in printing, we’re probably one of the best self-publishing printers in the UK. We specialise in fine lithographic printing of beautiful books, brochures and more.
Providing excellent self-publishing book printing service throughout the UK
Hart & Clough offers you a complete book printing solution. We’re able to print almost anything, from a small print run of softback books to a million full-colour hardback books.
Why choose Hart & Clough?
Celebrating over 135 years of printing
Hart & Clough is proud to be a fifth-generation family-run business based a few miles from our original location
Expert advice every step of the way
Print can be complicated, so our friendly and experienced team are here to help guide you from artwork to delivery
Print options to suit every project
Our range of equipment allows us to offer high-quality printing at a competitive price, no matter how big or small the job
Taking steps to protect our environment
We’re committed to creating print in a way that preserves the planet and work closely with suppliers that share our ambition
Self Publishing Book Printing from the Experts
Are you looking for an established printing company with the expertise to transform your words into a high-quality printed book? At Hart & Clough we are a family-run company with over 35 years of expertise in providing a range of book printing services through our sister company, The Amadeus Press. We have earned a reputation as one of the best self-publishing printers in the UK and take great pride in working with first-time authors and seasoned writers alike. From coffee table publications and special editions to paperback books and stories for children, we’ll use our printing expertise to turn your dreams into reality
At The Amadeus Press, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive book printing services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clientele. As a leading UK publishing service, we work closely with both aspiring and published authors to bring their literary visions to fruition.
Our print-on-demand publishing service enables authors to efficiently publish their work without the need for large upfront investments or excessive print runs. This cost-effective approach ensures that authors can focus on their writing while we handle the intricacies of the publishing process.
Whether it’s a novel, memoir, poetry collection, or academic text, we cater to a wide range of book types. Our flexible printing options allow authors to choose the format and binding that best suits their project, ensuring a bespoke publishing experience from start to finish.
For independent authors considering traditional publishing routes, we provide comprehensive support throughout the publishing process. From manuscript preparation to distribution, our team of professionals is dedicated to guiding authors every step of the way.
At The Amadeus Press, we understand the importance of quality in book printing. That’s why we use state-of-the-art printing technology and premium materials to ensure that every book meets the highest standards of excellence.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond the printing process. We offer a range of additional services, including editing, design, and marketing support, to help authors maximise the potential of their work in the competitive publishing landscape.
With our expertise and dedication to excellence, authors can trust us to deliver outstanding results time and time again. Whether you’re a first-time author or an established literary figure, we’re here to help you bring your book to life.
In conclusion, The Amadeus Press is your partner in book printing and publishing. With our print-on-demand publishing service, a diverse range of book types, and commitment to quality, we’re here to support authors at every stage of their publishing journey.
Book formats to suit all requirements
At The Amadeus Press, we offer a variety of book formats to suit the preferences and needs of our authors and readers alike. Our diverse range of formats ensures that each book receives the attention to detail it deserves, from the cover design to the interior layout.
For those seeking a classic and versatile option, our Paperback format is an excellent choice. With its flexible cover and affordable pricing, Paperback books are ideal for novels, poetry collections, and non-fiction works. Authors can choose between glossy or matte finishes to enhance the visual appeal of their books.
For projects requiring a touch of sophistication and durability, our Hardback format is the perfect solution. Encased in a sturdy cover crafted from high-quality materials, Hardback books exude professionalism and prestige. This format is well-suited for memoirs, scholarly works, and coffee table books where durability and visual impact are paramount.
We also offer Wire-O binding for projects that require a lay-flat design, such as manuals, workbooks, and cookbooks. With Wire-O binding, pages lie flat for easy reference and browsing, making it an excellent choice for instructional materials and reference books.
Additionally, our Saddle Stitch format is ideal for booklets, brochures, and magazines. This format features staples securing the pages within a vibrant cover, adding a sense of immediacy and vibrancy to each publication. Saddle Stitch binding is perfect for projects with shorter page counts or those requiring a quick turnaround time.
Are You Looking for the Best Self Publishing Printers in the UK?
At The Amadeus Press we are proud of our reputation as one of the best self publishing printers in UK. We understand that each book is unique, and we are committed to providing our authors with the flexibility and options they need to bring their vision to life. Whether you’re publishing your first novel or your tenth academic text, we have the expertise and resources to ensure your book stands out in the marketplace.
Best Self Publishing Printers UK, FAQs
What does your best self publishing printers UK service include for first time authors
The service is designed to support first time authors from the very start of the publishing journey. It covers checking artwork and files for print readiness, providing advice on design and layout, producing proofs for review, then carrying out high quality printing, binding, and final finishing. Delivery across the UK is arranged so that completed books arrive safely and on time. This complete approach ensures that an author can focus on writing while the technical details of production are handled by experienced publishing printers.
Which file formats work for self publishing printers UK book printing
Print ready PDF files are the preferred option as they lock fonts, images and layout in place. Packaged InDesign files can also be accepted where fonts and images are supplied together. Guidance is given on bleed, margins, page order and spine width so that the final product is accurate and professional. By following the technical requirements of publishing printers, authors can avoid common pitfalls such as misaligned text, blurred images or incorrect pagination, which helps achieve a smooth and stress free process.
Do self publishing printers UK services include paperback and hardback options
Both paperback and hardback formats can be produced, giving authors flexibility in how their book is presented. Paperback books are often perfect bound, which is ideal for novels, memoirs and general reading material. Hardback options include case binding with cloth or printed covers, and sewn binding for added durability. Choosing between paperback and hardback depends on the intended audience, budget and distribution channel. Publishing printers can explain the pros and cons of each format and help decide which best fits the purpose of the book.
What trim sizes can I choose with self publishing printers UK book printing
A wide range of trim sizes is available. Standard choices include A5, 198 by 129 mm, and Royal, which are common in the UK trade book market. Custom sizes can also be created for more unique projects, such as children’s books or art publications. Spine width is carefully calculated based on the page count and paper type to ensure a professional look. By selecting an appropriate trim size, authors can achieve a book that feels comfortable in the reader’s hand and is competitive in retail displays.
What papers and finishes are recommended for self publishing printers UK projects
For text heavy titles, uncoated and book wove papers are ideal, as they are easy on the eye and provide a traditional book feel. For image heavy titles, silk or gloss stocks are recommended to bring out colour and detail. Covers can be enhanced with matte or gloss lamination to add durability and a high quality finish. Additional options such as spot UV or foiling can also be applied for special projects. Publishing printers usually guide authors through these choices so the final product meets both budget and creative goals.
Can self publishing printers UK services handle both black and white and colour interiors
Both black and white and full colour interiors can be produced. Books that are primarily text based, such as novels, are usually printed in black and white to keep costs lower. Where images or illustrations are included, publishing printers can recommend whether to use colour throughout or only in specific sections. Mixed printing options, such as colour inserts in a mostly mono book, are possible and often provide a cost effective solution. This flexibility allows authors to bring their vision to life while managing production costs.
Do self publishing printers UK services provide proofs before the full run prints
Proofs are offered as either digital files or physical copies before the main production run. A digital proof allows authors to check layout, fonts and images on screen, while a printed proof provides a true sense of how the finished book will look and feel. Signing off on a proof ensures that any errors can be caught early, reducing the risk of issues in the final run. This stage gives authors reassurance that the book matches their expectations before a larger investment in printing is made.
What run sizes are possible with self publishing printers UK services for books
Run sizes can be tailored to suit different needs. Small print runs are perfect for launches, crowdfunding campaigns or testing the market, while larger runs help meet broader distribution demands. Publishing printers often have the flexibility to produce short digital runs as well as larger litho print runs, depending on cost and timescale. Reprints can be ordered as needed, making it easy for authors to manage stock without overcommitting to large volumes at the start of their publishing journey.
Can ISBN and barcodes be added within self publishing printers UK services
ISBNs and barcodes can be added to a book cover design during the prepress stage. Authors who already own ISBNs can supply the numbers and barcode artwork, which publishing printers will then place in the correct location on the back cover. For authors who