Birmingham has always been a city of makers, creatives, and independent thinkers. From local historians and business owners to artists, photographers, and first-time authors, more people are choosing to self-publish as a way to share their ideas without relying on traditional publishing routes.
As one of the leading providers of self-publishing services UK authors trust, Ex Why Zed helps bring those ideas to life through high-quality, professional book printing.
We have helped Birmingham creators bring all kinds of projects to life, from personal memoirs and community histories to photography books, portfolios, and novels. While every book is different, they all represent something meaningful to the person behind it.
There is something special about seeing your work transformed from a digital file into a professionally printed book. For many Birmingham authors, that moment marks the beginning of a new chapter, and we are proud to help make it happen.
Getting a book printed can feel complicated when you’re doing it for the first time. There are files to prepare, paper choices to make, and plenty of small details that can quickly become overwhelming. We keep the whole process clear, straightforward, and easy to manage.
Step 1: Share Your Files or Ideas
Whether your book is fully designed or still a work in progress, you can send it over at any stage.
Step 2: We Review Everything Carefully
Before printing begins, we check your files for setup issues and flag anything that needs adjusting.
Step 3: Choose the Best Print Finish
From paper stocks to cover finishes and binding styles, we help you choose options that suit your book properly.
Step 4: See Samples Before Production
If you’d like to check colours, materials, or print quality first, sample copies can be arranged.
Step 5: Your Books Go Into Production
Once approved, your project is professionally printed, bound, trimmed, and finished by our team.
Step 6: Orders Are Packed and Shipped
We carefully package your books so they arrive looking exactly as they should.
Step 7: Your Finished Books Are Ready
Launch them, sell them, share them, or finally enjoy seeing your work in print for the first time.
Got a project in mind? Send us your files, and we’ll help you get started.
This video gives you a quick look at the print quality, finishes, and details that make Ex Why Zed books stand out.
Paper affects far more than people realise. It changes how colours appear, how the pages feel, and the overall experience of holding your book for the first time.
Some authors want a smooth, polished finish. Others prefer something softer, more tactile, and natural. That’s why choosing the right stock matters so much.
Paper weight matters too. Lighter stocks can feel more raw and handmade, while thicker pages create a more premium finish. Most self-published books tend to use 115gsm or 130gsm paper because it balances quality, feel, and cost really well.
The easiest way to decide? Hold the paper in your hands and see what feels right for your book.
Get your free paper samples today.
Book size changes everything. A small format can feel personal and easy to carry around, while a larger one gives artwork, photography, and layouts far more impact on the page.
A lot of people don’t know what size they want at the start, and that’s completely normal. Most authors figure it out once they start visualising how they want the finished book to feel.
Here are a few popular options people usually go for:
Different sizes create completely different reading experiences, so the best option really depends on the kind of book you want to create.
Binding affects far more than just how your book is held together. It changes the overall feel, presentation, and reading experience from the moment someone picks it up.
Most self-published books usually fit into one of these popular options:
Every self-published book comes together differently depending on the style, finish, and reading experience the author wants to create.
Here’s a closer look at one of the beautifully finished hardback books printed by Ex Why Zed.
1. Victorian Writers Then and Now
Victorian Writers Then and Now was produced as a premium heritage-style hardback with elegant finishing details designed to give the book a timeless, collectible feel.
Here are the key print specifications used for this project:
2. It Came From Beyond The Stars
It Came From Beyond The Stars was printed as a vibrant comic book project with bold colour reproduction and a clean, modern finish designed to make the artwork stand out.
Here are the key print specifications used for this project:
3. Street Photography by James Parsons
Street Photography by James Parsons was produced as a clean, minimal photography book designed to let the imagery take centre stage with sharp detail and rich tonal reproduction.
Here are the key print specifications used for this project:
Setting up print files can feel confusing at first, especially when you’re trying to figure out margins, bleed, page sizing, and export settings on your own.
That’s why we keep things simple. Whether you’re using Word, InDesign, or another program entirely, we’ll help you get your files ready without the confusing technical jargon or complicated process.
At the end of the day, all we need to print your book is a properly exported PDF.
Printing your book is exciting. Managing stock, packing orders, and making regular trips to the Post Office usually isn't.
As part of our self-publishing book printing services, Ex Why Zed can securely store your books, pick and pack orders, and ship directly to readers as purchases come in.
We can even integrate with platforms like Shopify and Squarespace, helping automate the process from purchase to delivery. Orders are tracked throughout fulfilment, with fast UK and international shipping options available.
That means less time spent handling logistics and more time focused on writing, marketing, and growing your audience.
Once your books are ready, you probably want them in your hands as quickly as possible. That’s why every order comes with free tracked UK delivery, so you can keep an eye on your shipment from dispatch to arrival.
No surprise delivery charges. No wondering where your books are. Just reliable printing and straightforward shipping that gets everything safely to your door.
Take a look at some recently printed projects to explore different formats, paper stocks, bindings, and finishing styles before planning your own book.
“My experience with working with Ex Why Zed has been amazing. They are super professional and helpful and considerate and have every aspect of the complex nature of a printing project covered including the delivery. My project included images of fine art paintings and the colour balance and intensity was perfect. But above and beyond this, they are friendly and bring a human quality into the procedure which is rare these days. I will certainly be recommending them to other artists and to anyone that needs their services.”
Sebastian
If you’re printing a book for the first time, you’ll probably have a few questions. Here are some of the things authors and self-publishers ask us most often.
Look for transparent pricing, strong print quality, real case studies, and helpful support throughout the publishing process. Companies like Ex Why Zed help independent authors maintain creative control while producing professional print books tailored to specific needs.
Be cautious of hidden upfront costs, vague royalty rate promises, poor communication, or companies pushing unnecessary services. Reliable self-publishing printing services should explain every step clearly and provide transparent quotes, timelines, and realistic publishing goals.
Yes. Print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP print books individually as orders arrive, while self-publishing companies often provide better print quality, more creative control, premium finishes, and support with book design, distribution services, and production decisions.
The 90/10 rule suggests many authors spend 10% writing the book and 90% promoting it. Building an author platform, using social media, and planning book marketing early gives self-published books the best chance of success.
In the UK, self-publishing a book typically costs anywhere from £300 to £5,000+ depending on editing, book cover design, trim size, paper choices, page count, and printing quality. Premium hardback books and bespoke finishes usually increase overall costs.
Popular UK options include Ex Why Zed, SilverWood Books, Troubador Publishing, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, and IngramSpark. The best choice depends on your publishing needs, creative goals, budget, and whether you want physical print books or ebooks.
Popular choices in the UK include Ex Why Zed, SilverWood Books, Troubador Publishing, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, and IngramSpark. The best self-publishing services usually offer strong print quality, creative control, expert support, and flexible publishing options.
Many self-publishing services offer editorial support, manuscript critique, book cover design, and interior design guidance. Some companies also connect authors with professional editors, designers, and dedicated account managers to support different parts of the publishing process.
Yes, many self-publishing services support new authors with book marketing guidance, online retailer setup, and distribution advice. Some also help optimise your publishing platform presence for Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and wider global audiences.
Yes, if you want your book sold through online retailers, bookshops, or distribution platforms, you’ll usually need an International Standard Book Number. An ISBN helps identify your book professionally across the publishing industry and the UK market.
