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Publishing quality books
We work with authors to publish, market and sell their books to the highest standards through partnership and mainstream publishing models.
Established excellence
For over 35 years, The Book Guild has earned a solid reputation for publishing high-quality books across a wide range of genres.
As a trade publisher, we focus on selecting titles with strong commercial potential and approach each project with a commitment to quality production standards and achieving successful sales. We publish books using both mainstream and partnership models, and we consider a variety of projects while always focusing on quality.
We invite all authors to submit manuscripts for consideration. Direct submissions are welcome and an agent is not required, although agent submissions are also accepted. Each manuscript undergoes a review process, during which we will decide whether to consider it for a partnership or mainstream publishing agreement.
Our publishing models
Partnership publishing
Our main publishing route, we partner with a select number of authors each year to take their manuscripts to market. These titles have strong commercial potential and we share the publishing costs with the author, ensuring a professionally published, distributed and marketed book. This unique model combines our expertise as a quality-focused publisher with the author’s investment.
Mainstream publishing
Our most exclusive model, where we cover all publishing costs, focuses on books with strong market potential. These titles, hand-selected by our submissions team of publishing experts, are chosen for their potential to appeal to the masses. This approach not only enhances the success of individual titles but also strengthens our presence in the marketplace.
What do our publishing models include?
Title set-up
We assign an ISBN to your book and manage the associated bibliographic data, ensuring the highest-quality metadata to maximise visibility to potential retail and trade buyers.
Editorial
Our on-screen manuscript editing refines grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency and repetition. The editor may also suggest structural changes to enhance characterisation and narrative flow.
Production
Our production process covers all the steps needed to create a high-quality, bookshop-ready title. We take care of everything in-house – from the text design and layout to the cover design.
Ebook conversion
We’ll convert your files into ebooks and distribute them worldwide to the most popular retailers including Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble and Google Play. We’ll also actively market your ebook to increase its visibility in the market.
Printing
We use UK-based printers of the highest possible standards, often featuring special cover enhancements such as spot UV, foil or embossing to ensure your book stands out to retailers and readers.
Trade marketing and sales representation
We market your book to UK retailers ahead of publication using industry-standard channels to access retailers. In the months leading up to the launch, our regional sales representatives actively promote your book to local and national retailers.
Storage and distribution
Our titles reach retailers through an extensive supply chain. We supply wholesalers, retailers, independent and chain bookshops as well as readers directly all from our dedicated UK distribution centre. Orders are processed and fulfilled by our in-house distribution team, who also manage all returns and sales logging on your behalf.
Publicity campaign
Every title receives a targeted publicity campaign, focusing on aspects most likely to capture media attention. Our team coordinates media outreach through our extensive network to ensure the maximum coverage possible.
Author royalties
Authors earn royalties ranging from 10% to 75% of net receipts from book and ebook sales, depending on any initial financial contribution. Royalties are paid biannually in January and July after statements have been generated.
Frequently asked questions
How many books does The Book Guild publish each year?
The Book Guild publishes up to 120 titles per year. We limit the number of titles released each month to ensure we dedicate our full attention to every project. We publish approximately 15% of the submissions we receive. As with any commercial publisher, we are selective about what we take on and will only offer a contract if we believe we can significantly enhance your book’s chances of success.
Do you accept submissions directly from authors, or must they come through an agent?
Yes, we accept submissions directly from authors. While we also welcome submissions from literary agents, authors without representation are welcome to submit their manuscripts to us.
Can I submit a book that has been published previously?
Yes. Although marketing previously published titles can be more challenging, we are happy to consider them for republication. All rights must have reverted to the author and/or the book should be removed from any self-publishing platforms ahead of republishing.
What is the difference between partnership publishing and mainstream publishing?
At The Book Guild, we offer two publishing routes: Partnership and Mainstream. Under our partnership arrangement, both The Book Guild and the author contribute financially towards the cost of publishing and marketing. Depending on the level of risk we are prepared to take on a new manuscript, The Book Guild will fund anywhere between 25% and 75% of the costs. Whereas our mainstream agreement is fully funded by The Book Guild.
Do you publish specific genres?
We welcome submissions across all genres, from non-fiction to children's picture books. However, we have a preference for commercial non-fiction and genre fiction, including crime and thrillers, romance and middle grade.
What should I include in my submission?
Your submission should include a copy of the full, final manuscript, a synopsis and an author biography. Visit our ‘Publish with us’ page to get started.
Do you work with Waterstones?
Yes, we supply the Waterstones group directly from our distribution hub as well as through Gardners, the main UK book wholesaler. This direct relationship is valuable for our authors, providing greater opportunities for visibility, accessibility and availability at one of the UK’s largest bookshop chains.
Do I need to sell a certain number of copies before earning royalties?
No, royalties are earned from the very first sale. We pay royalties bianually for authors that are owed over a certain threshold, with any sales not paid out in that period being carried over into the next one.
What factors do you consider when offering a mainstream contract?
Several factors influence our decision when offering a contract, whether it is for partnership or mainstream publishing. Most of our mainstream titles are non-fiction works that we believe have strong mass-market appeal. The fiction market is highly competitive, whereas specialised non-fiction reaches specific audiences that our team can effectively target. However, we do publish standout fiction under a mainstream agreement — typically from established authors with a proven readership or fan base.
Where will my book be sold? Can you share how major bookshops are currently responding to new titles?
All of our titles are available through all major online retailers, including Amazon and Waterstones. We also supply Gardners, the UK’s largest book wholesaler, which distributes to bookshops nationwide. It is difficult to predict bookshop uptake, as it can vary significantly from title to title, and we can never guarantee that a particular retailer will stock a book. The publishing market is highly competitive and retailers usually err on the side of caution when initially ordering stock. However, many of our titles do secure stock placement in bookshops across the UK.