Whether you dream of writing a picture book, an adventure novel for eight year olds, non-fiction or a chapter book series.

The business of books in Britain has transformed dramatically from the 1970s to today. The UK publishing industry of the 1970s would hardly recognise itself in 2025. Back then, cigarette smoke filled offices in London’s West End handled typewritten manuscripts delivered by post to a business dominated by gentlemanly agreements and a fixed book price system.

This no-nonsense guide isn’t here to sell you a dream. It’s here to help you navigate the reality of freelancing.

The UK's 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA) reflect the creative and technological working processes of the late 20th Century.