If you’re a UK writer with a dream of publishing your first book, you’re not alone — but you might be walking straight into a trap.

Every year, thousands of new authors in the UK embark on the self-publishing journey with enthusiasm and end it disillusioned, broke, or burnt out.

Why?

Because they were sold the dream — and delivered the invoice.

💸 The Harsh Reality of Self-Publishing in the UK

• 94% of authors who paid to publish lost money.

• £1,861 is the average loss per writer through vanity or “hybrid” publishers.

• The median royalty? Just £68.

(Source: Society of Authors, Is It a Steal? report)

These aren’t isolated horror stories, they’re the norm in a system designed to extract money from hopeful authors, not to help them succeed. And it’s not just the money. There’s the emotional toll of being misled, the embarrassment of low-quality books, and the heartbreak of seeing your dream reduced to a PDF buried on Amazon with no reviews and no support.

🧠 Here’s What UK Writers Are Up Against:

• Vanity Publishers & “Hybrid” Scams: Slick websites. Flattering emails. Big promises. But in the end? No editing, no distribution, and no results, just thousands out of pocket.

• Marketing Mayhem: Facebook ads, Amazon ads, Goodreads promo, everyone says you need them, few can show you how to run them profitably. Many new authors pour money into marketing they don’t understand.

• DIY Disaster Zones: Formatting hell. Awful covers. Amateur layout. Many writers try to DIY without guidance and end up with a product that turns readers away at first glance.

• Gatekeeping & Invisible Books: Self-published books rarely make it into shops. Without a smart strategy, your book won’t just be under the radar, it’ll be under the pavement.

🚨 But What If You Could Publish Professionally Without Paying Thousands?

That's where First Word Problems comes in.

This isn't another theory-laden how-to book full of vague encouragements and platitudes. It’s a hands-on workbook designed to take you from “I have an idea” to “My book is live on Amazon and looks amazing”, without you needing to hand over your rights, your soul, or your savings.

✍️ What You’ll Learn (and Actually Do):

With First Word Problems, you will:

✅ Plan, structure, and outline your book like a pro

✅ Understand the editing process — and do it well

✅ Format for paperback & eBook the right way

✅ Learn how to handle your own ISBNs, pricing, and print-on-demand

✅ Avoid every common trap in the indie publishing world

✅ Create a professional-standard product on your terms

The First Word Problems workbook costs less than lunch.

No £2,000 “inclusive packages.”

No £500 “marketing bolt-ons.”

No unreadable contracts.

No 12-month waits.

Just the truth and the tools to do it yourself.

🔥 Why This Matters More Than Ever

Publishing today is a minefield. For every honest freelancer, there are ten grifters. For every bestseller, there are 10,000 authors who never recoup what they spent.

First Word Problems is a rebellion in workbook form. A DIY path with professional results. A publishing guide for people who want total creative control, full ownership, and actual readers, not invoices.

📘 You’ll Save Over 99% of Typical Publishing Costs

That’s not hype. Let’s break it down:

🙌 Write It. Publish It. Own It.

You don’t need permission.

You don’t need to wait for a gatekeeper.

You don’t need to risk £2,000 to see your dream in print.

You just need a plan and the confidence to say, I can do this.

First Word Problems gives you both.

📘 Grab your copy today and join the wave of UK authors who are doing it right — smart, sovereign, and scam-free.

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