Publishing a book is exciting, but knowing what comes next can feel overwhelming. If you’re searching for how to publish a book in Ireland, you’ve probably found advice that’s outdated or written for authors outside Ireland. The opportunity is real, though. According to NielsenIQ BookData, Ireland’s print book market recorded a 1.5% increase in consumer spending in 2025, showing continued demand for books despite a slight decline in print volume.
I’ve seen first-time Irish authors and self-publishers spend months perfecting a manuscript, only to get stuck on the next step. Should they pursue traditional publishing or learn how to self publish a book in Ireland? When do they need an ISBN from the Nielsen UK & Ireland ISBN Agency, and what about Legal Deposit, royalties, Revenue, and getting your book into Irish bookshops?
This guide answers those questions step by step. By the end, you’ll know how to publish a book in Ireland, avoid common mistakes, maximise your royalties, and confidently navigate the legal and practical steps before your book reaches readers.
How to Publish a Book in Ireland?
The first step in the process to publish a book in Ireland is to determine whether you want to go through the traditional publishing route or self-publishing. After that, you’ll edit your manuscript, format it professionally, create a market-ready cover, get an ISBN from the Nielsen UK & Ireland ISBN Agency, sell your book via IngramSpark or Amazon KDP, complete the Irish Legal Deposit requirements, and register your book with Revenue prior to getting royalties. By following these steps, you can publish a professional book that conforms with a high standard of Irish publishing.
Should I Self-Publish or Try to Get a Traditional Publishing Deal in Ireland?
When deciding whether to self-publish a book in Ireland or how to publish a book with a publisher, my advice is to opt for the one that fits your goals, budget, time frame and level of creative control.
A lot of new writers think that they must go through a traditional publishing house in order to get published. Traditional publishing has an established distribution, editorial support, and industry recognition but it is very competitive.
For those who have ever asked themselves how hard is it to get a book published, the answer is that it takes months or perhaps years to obtain a publishing contract. Many manuscripts never make it past the first reading and publishers often get thousands of submissions each year.
There’s also a loss of control in traditional publishing. Your publisher can have an impact on your book title, cover art, pricing, release date, and marketing plan. Royalties are typically modest, typically around 10% of the retail price of a book.
Self-publishing is entirely a different ball game.
As an author I am asked how to self-publish a book in Ireland and I say that it means they have total control of their work. The time of your book’s release, the way your book looks, where your book is sold, and the amount of money you make per sale are at your discretion.
While editing, designing, formatting and marketing your book will cost you at the outset, you’re likely to get far higher royalties than if you signed a traditional publishing contract.
Here is a quick comparison of self publishing vs traditional publishing Ireland.
| Self-Publishing | Traditional Publishing |
| Complete creative control | Publisher controls many decisions |
| Higher royalty rates | Lower royalty rates |
| Faster publication | Longer publishing timeline |
| Upfront investment required | No upfront publishing cost |
| Choose your own distribution | Publisher manages distribution |
Regardless of how you go about it, understand that it may take some time to achieve success in publishing. So if you are thinking about how to get a book published for the first time, then concentrate on creating a quality manuscript, on the Irish publishing process, and what’s right for you.
First-time authors may also find independent guidance from organisations such as the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), which provides resources on self-publishing, marketing, and author rights.
To get professional help on the way, you can always get support from a full-service Irish publisher that provides editing, design, publishing and marketing in one place.
What If I Have an Idea But Haven’t Written the Book Yet?
Numerous publishing manuals assume that you have already finished your manuscript. But not always is that true.
I have had the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs and professionals and memoir writers and first-time authors who had really great ideas but hadn’t even gotten a manuscript together. So if you’re in that position, don’t worry, you don’t need a completed draft before you begin your publishing process.
If your goal is to write and publish a book, the first step is turning your concept into a structured manuscript. This typically requires a well-drafted outline, pinpointing who you’ll address your content to, structuring your chapters, and establishing a writing roadmap to keep the project on track.
For some authors, the most effective solution is to work with a ghostwriter to develop your manuscript. A professional ghostwriter helps transform your ideas, notes, interviews, or recordings into a polished first draft while preserving your unique voice and message.
If you’re writing a memoir, a business book, leadership book or personal story but do not have the time or confidence to do so, this approach is especially helpful.
When editing and designing a manuscript, first make sure that it is complete, organised and ready for the professional eye before spending money on editing and design. Once you have a solid foundation, editing, printing and all things in between are much more efficient and cost-effective.
What Do I Need to Do Before My Manuscript Is Ready for Publishing?
When I am preparing to print, upload or market a book, I know I want to do this only if I have the strongest manuscript. As far as I’m concerned, the quality of your writing is more important than any marketing campaign.
If you’re researching how to publish a book, don’t rush into formatting or cover design. Every major change made after those stages costs more time and money.
Before formatting or publishing, there are 4 editing stages to go through.
1. Self-edit Your Manuscript
Check their own work first. Read aloud, print a hard copy and don’t touch it for a couple of days and then come back to it. When fresh eyes review the document, it is much easier to see awkward sentences, repeated ideas, and inconsistencies.
For those who haven’t done it before, you will be amazed at the improvement your writing receives before anyone else even reads it.
2. Developmental Editing
Developmental editing is a more holistic approach. Your book’s structure, pacing, chapter order, character development, and overall flow are all considered in the process of being reviewed by an editor.
In non-fiction they will evaluate the logical development of ideas and whether each section of the book adds something to the reader. If you’re publishing for an Irish audience, choose an editor familiar with Hiberno-English. They can preserve authentic Irish spelling, vocabulary, and expressions while ensuring your manuscript remains polished and consistent.
If you’re looking for developmental and copyediting services, this is usually the first professional editing stage authors should invest in.
3. Copyediting
When the structure is complete, copyediting enhances clarity, sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and consistency.
If you are an Irish author, it’s wise to hire an editor who is knowledgeable about the requirements for the Irish language and spelling to ensure that your writing remains true to the original language. They know the local spelling, phrases and language norms without losing your natural voice.
4. Proofreading
The last check before publishing is proofreading. This is the point where the layout is finalized and the proofreader searches for any last-minute spelling or formatting errors or typographical inaccuracies.
This is one of the biggest pitfalls of first-time authors that I see.
How Do I Choose the Right Editor?
The first step to editing is finding the right editor.
When comparing editors, look for:
- A sample edit
- Genuine client testimonials
- Experience in your genre
- Clear turnaround times
- Transparent pricing
Before hiring an editor, consider checking the Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders and Indexers (AFEPI). Members meet recognised professional standards, making it a useful starting point when choosing an editor for your manuscript.
What Trim Size and Format Should My Book Be for the Irish Market?
One question I hear surprisingly often is whether book size really matters. The answer is yes. Choosing the correct trim size affects printing costs, readability, shelf presentation, and even whether your book looks professionally published.
For most trade books in Ireland, I recommend using standard sizes that Irish printers and retailers already recognise.
Some of the most common options include:
- B-Format (198 × 129 mm) – ideal for fiction and memoirs.
- Demy (216 × 138 mm) – commonly used for non-fiction and business books.
Using recognised trim sizes also makes your book more appealing to Irish bookshops (Dubray, Eason, Kenny’s) because it aligns with industry expectations.
Don’t Forget Ebook Formatting
If you plan to publish digitally, you’ll also need a validated EPUB file.
Many first-time authors upload files that appear correct in Word but don’t display properly on eReaders.
Professional formatting ensures:
- Consistent typography
- Correct margins and gutter spacing
- Proper chapter navigation
- Clickable table of contents
- Valid EPUB files for ebook retailers
Before publishing, I always recommend you prepare your book for print and ebook formats rather than treating them as separate projects. Doing both together saves time and produces a consistent reading experience across every platform.
What Makes a Book Cover Stand Out in Irish Bookshops?
The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” is used a lot.
Readers do just that.
Your cover is your first marketing piece! Your blurb and opening chapter will give people a read beforehand, and they will determine if your book is worth reading.
That’s why I never suggest anybody using basic templates or poor quality stock.
Instead, I focus on creating cover design tailored to your genre.
A book that is a thriller should immediately be recognized as a thriller.
You should make a memoir personal. The best children’s books are those that convey their message in seconds. Genre expectations are important because people purchase a book very quickly.
Always Order a Printed Proof
So, one thing that I learned is not to approve a cover on screen.
The color typically varies with different paper stocks, finishes and printing equipment. Printed proof allows you to verify all details before going into the full print run.
If you’re planning high-quality printing for every format, reviewing a physical proof is one of the smartest investments you can make.
A cover designed professionally is not only going to help your book sell online, but it will work on the shelves of Irish retailers, at Irish events, as well as in your Irish book launch.
How Do I Get an ISBN for a Book Published in Ireland?
When I am asked what the worst mistake that first time authors make, I will almost always say the same thing. They put out the ISBN at the last minute.
If you’re learning how to publish a book in Ireland, securing your ISBN should happen before your book goes to print. It is needed to create a barcode for your cover, and your publishing metadata should be the same from the beginning.
So, how to get an ISBN in Ireland?
Every published book needs an ISBN to be recognised by retailers, libraries, and distributors. The International ISBN Agency manages the global ISBN system used in more than 200 countries, making it the international standard for book identification.
Irish authors purchase through Nielsen ISBN Ireland Agency. It is the only organisation authorised to issue ISBNs for Ireland, the UK, and the British Overseas Territories.
Working with free ISBNs might be a thing you encounter from publishing sites. They appear to be handy, but I don’t suggest using them very often. Most of the time it refers to a specific platform and might restrict you if you’d like to distribute it elsewhere at a later date.
Ownership of an ISBN provides you with significantly more control if you want to sell your book to independent bookstores, libraries, and several online book vendors.
One more tip I always give is to purchase your ISBN prior to commissioning your final cover. This will prevent unwarranted changes after the barcode is generated.
Do I Need a Different ISBN for Every Format?
Yes. Each version of your book requires its own ISBN. That includes:
- Paperback
- Hardcover
- Ebook
- Audiobook
If you plan to expand into additional formats later, keep this in mind when budgeting for your publishing project.
What Is Legal Deposit and Do I Have to Comply as a Self-Published Author?
Yes, you do. Many first-time authors don’t realise that Irish Legal Deposit requirements apply whether you publish independently or through a traditional publisher.
Legal Deposit is a legal requirement under Section 198 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000. It requires publishers to send copies of every book published in Ireland to designated libraries.
Under Ireland’s Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, publishers must deposit copies of qualifying publications with designated legal deposit libraries after publication.
This helps preserve Ireland’s published works for future generations and supports research, education, and the country’s literary heritage.
The designated libraries include the National Library of Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, the British Library, Dublin City University, the University of Galway, Maynooth University, University College Dublin, University College Cork, and the University of Limerick.
If you release a revised edition with substantial changes, you may also need to complete the process again.
Although it sounds like another administrative task, it’s an important part of publishing professionally in Ireland.
Do I Need to Pay Tax on Book Royalties in Ireland?
Yes, but that doesn’t always mean you’ll pay tax on every euro you earn.
Once you begin receiving royalties, you should register with Revenue and ROS, officially known as the Revenue Online Service (ROS). Many self-publishing authors are sole traders, so recording your finance from the get-go is easier to do.
One tax relief many authors ask me about is Artists’ Exemption royalties Ireland.
Qualifying literary works can enjoy the Artists’ Exemption under Section 195 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Royalty income may be excluded from income tax up to the annual limit as applicable.
Please bear in mind that this exemption does not apply by default. Must apply and adhere to Revenue requirements.
Authors may also be eligible for Public Lending Right (PLR) payments when their books are borrowed through participating public libraries.
I would also suggest that you save all your publishing costs. When filing your tax return, you may have to take into account the editing, formatting, cover design, ISBN purchases, printing and marketing costs.
It’s important to get a little organised now to avoid a lot of stress later.
Should I Use Amazon KDP or IngramSpark to Publish in Ireland?
This is one of the questions I get asked on a regular basis.
In reality, there’s no one platform that’s right. This depends on where you’d like your book to be available.
Amazon KDP is quick, easy and perfect when your primary customer base is on Amazon. It enables you to post content in a matter of seconds with little configuration.
However, if you’re serious about Irish bookshops distribution self published, I recommend looking beyond Amazon.
Most bookshops order through IngramSpark distribution, not directly from individual authors. That means your metadata, pricing, ISBN, and wholesale discount all need to be set correctly from the beginning. I generally recommend using both platforms for most authors.
With KDP you will have excellent online visibility and IngramSpark will increase your chances of getting your book into Irish bookshops (Dubray, Eason, Kenny’s) and library suppliers.
Having both also increases your chances of readers finding your book when they go online, visit their local book stores, or check out books in their libraries via the Irish library ebook lending service.
If you’re publishing an eBook, consider making it available through library lending platforms such as BorrowBox. This helps your book reach readers who borrow digital titles through Irish public libraries, extending your audience beyond traditional retail channels.
What Does It Cost to Publish a Book in Ireland?
The cost to publish a book in Ireland usually falls between €990 and €5,410+, depending on the quality of editing, cover design, formatting, printing, and marketing you choose. I found that every publishing decision affects the final budget, so it’s worth investing in the areas readers notice most.
Here’s what a typical budget looks like.
| Stage | Budget | Professional | Premium |
| Developmental editing | €250 to €600 | €800 to €1,500 | €2,000+ |
| Copyediting & proofreading | €200 to €450 | €500 to €1,000 | €1,500+ |
| Cover design | €100 to €250 | €300 to €700 | €1,000+ |
| Interior formatting | €80 to €150 | €150 to €350 | €500+ |
| ISBN & barcode | €108+ | €108+ | €108+ |
| Printing | Depends on page count and quantity | Higher quality paper increases costs | Premium finishes available |
| Marketing | €200+ | €700+ | €1,500+ |
The biggest price difference usually comes from editing. A manuscript often goes through developmental editing first, followed by copyediting and proofreading. Skipping these stages may save money initially, but it often leads to poor reviews and expensive corrections after publication.
I also learned that printing costs vary based on your trim size, paper quality, page count, colour pages, and print quantity. Ordering a small print run is usually safer for first-time authors because it reduces upfront costs and leaves room for updates if needed.
If you’re planning to self publish professionally, it’s worth budgeting for cover design tailored to your genre, developmental and copyediting services, and someone to prepare your book for print and eBook formats. These services help your book compete with traditionally published titles.
If you’d like a personalised estimate, explore our guide on the cost to publish a book or request a tailored quote for your project.
How Do I Get My Book Stocked in Irish Bookshops?
Getting your book into shops is about much more than printing copies. I discovered that bookshops focus on availability, pricing, and distribution long before they look at the book itself.
Large retailers such as Dubray, Eason, and Kenny’s usually order through IngramSpark distribution instead of buying directly from authors. That means your metadata, pricing, ISBN, and wholesale discount must already be set correctly.
For most Irish bookshops distribution self published strategies, a wholesale discount of around 55% gives retailers enough margin to stock your book. Many distributors also recommend making your title returnable because some bookshops avoid ordering non-returnable books.
Independent bookshops are often more flexible. I would approach them with a professionally printed sample, a short information sheet, and a proposed consignment agreement. A typical arrangement allows the shop to keep around 40% to 50% of each sale, although the percentage varies.
I also realised that buying your own ISBN through the Nielsen UK & Ireland ISBN Agency gives retailers greater confidence because your book is listed under your publishing imprint instead of Amazon’s.
Before contacting any retailer, I always make sure my cover, description, categories, and keywords are complete. Good metadata helps booksellers discover your title and improves its visibility across online catalogues.
If you’re printing physical books, keep an eye on the finished weight. Books exceeding 500g often incur higher domestic and international postage costs, which can affect your pricing and fulfilment strategy.
If you’d rather avoid managing the distribution process yourself, you can also get support from a full-service Irish publisher with established bookshop relationships.
How Do I Market a Self-Published Book in Ireland?
The best marketing starts before your book is published, not after. I found that building an audience early gave me a much stronger launch. Instead of trying to market everywhere, I focused on reaching readers who were already interested in my genre.
Ireland’s children’s and young adult categories continued to perform well in 2025, with Picture Books and Pre-School & Early Learning showing growth, according to
Here are the strategies that work well for Irish authors and self-publishers:
- Apply to Irish literary festivals early. Events like Listowel Writers’ Week, Dublin Book Festival, and West Cork Literary Festival often accept independent authors, but applications usually close months in advance.
- Partner with your local library. A book launch, author talk, or reading session can introduce your work to new readers. Many libraries also support Irish library ebook lending, helping your book reach a wider audience.
- Pitch local media. Regional newspapers, community magazines, podcasts, and local radio stations are often more interested in first-time authors than national media.
- Build your online presence. Share your writing journey, reviews, and behind-the-scenes updates to stay connected with readers.
- Collect reviews early. Send advance review copies to bloggers, book reviewers, and readers before launch to build social proof.
- Create launch assets. If your budget allows, a cinematic trailer for your launch can generate excitement across your website and social media.
I also found that marketing doesn’t end on launch day. Regular updates, festival appearances, reader events, and engagement with the Irish writing community keep your book visible long after publication.
Consider opening pre-orders before your official launch. Early sales can help generate momentum, validate demand, and offset initial printing costs.
Beyond online promotion, consider launching your book through local events. Festivals such as Listowel Writers’ Week, the Dublin Book Festival, and the West Cork Literary Festival give authors opportunities to connect with readers, network with publishers, and increase visibility within the Irish literary scene.
Staying involved in the Irish writing community through local writing groups, workshops, and author events can provide valuable feedback, networking opportunities, and ongoing support throughout your publishing journey.
If you’d rather leave promotion to professionals, explore our marketing support built for the Irish market to help your book reach the right audience.
What Practical Details Do First-Time Irish Authors Overlook?
Small details can make a big difference after your book is published. These are the practical lessons I wish I’d known earlier.
Keep your book under 500g
If possible, keep your paperback below 500 grams. This simple decision can reduce postage costs when sending review copies or fulfilling customer orders.
Use pre-orders before printing
Instead of printing hundreds of copies straight away, open pre-orders first. This helps you:
- Measure real reader demand.
- Fund part of your print run.
- Avoid paying for unsold stock.
Protect every copy during shipping
Good packaging prevents damaged books and unhappy readers. I recommend:
- Sturdy book mailers.
- Cardboard corner protection.
- Moisture-resistant packaging.
- Bubble wrap for signed editions.
Check these details before publication
Before approving your final files, I always review this checklist:
- Metadata is complete and accurate.
- The trim size matches publishing standards.
- Barcode placement is correct.
- Print and ebook files have been tested.
- The final proof has been reviewed for layout and colour accuracy.
Ordering one printed proof before approving the full print run can save time, money, and unnecessary reprints.
Finally, don’t rush your launch. Spending one extra week reviewing everything is usually better than fixing expensive mistakes after publication.
When you’re ready to print, we can also help with high-quality printing for every format to ensure your book looks professional from the first copy to the last.
Do I Need an Author Website or Audiobook Edition?
Neither is essential before publishing, but both can help you grow your readership over time.
An author website gives you complete control over your online presence. Instead of relying only on online retailers, you have one place where readers can learn about you, join your mailing list, and purchase signed copies directly.
A website also makes future marketing easier. Whether you’re launching another book, sharing blog updates, or promoting speaking events, your audience already knows where to find you.
Audiobooks are another opportunity worth considering. More readers are choosing audio formats every year, particularly during commuting, travelling, or exercising. Releasing an audiobook allows you to reach an entirely different audience without replacing your printed or ebook editions.
If you want to expand your reach even further, you can bring your book to listeners with an audiobook professionally produced for major audiobook platforms.
Both options aren’t required for publication, but they can become valuable long-term investments as your author career grows.
What Happens After My Book Is Published?
Publishing day isn’t the finish line. It’s the beginning of managing your book as a long-term project.
After publication, I regularly check that my book information remains accurate with the Nielsen UK & Ireland ISBN Agency. If I update the cover, pricing, or release a new edition, I also update the associated metadata.
If I publish a revised edition, I repeat the Irish Legal Deposit requirements because every qualifying edition must be sent to the designated libraries, including the National Library of Ireland.
I also keep accurate records of sales, expenses, and royalties throughout the year. If I’m earning income from my book, I submit my annual Form 11 through the Revenue Online Service (ROS). Authors who qualify for Artists’ Exemption royalties Ireland should remember that the exemption isn’t automatic and ongoing tax obligations still apply.
Finally, I continue promoting my book through events, reader reviews, library talks, and the Irish writing community. A successful publishing journey doesn’t end after launch. It grows through consistent visibility and meaningful connections with readers.
Ready to Publish Your Book?
Publishing a book involves much more than uploading a manuscript. From editing and ISBN registration to Legal Deposit, printing, distribution, and marketing, every step plays a role in your success.
If you’d rather focus on writing while experienced professionals handle the publishing process, we’re here to help. Whether you need editing, design, printing, or marketing, you can get support from a Irish publisher and publish with confidence from start to finish.