At this time of year, many of the writers I work with—and I’m usually juggling between three and six book projects at various stages of progress—ask the same question:
‘Do you think we can publish in time for Christmas?’
It’s an understandable instinct.
Christmas feels like the big finish line of the publishing calendar. People are buying gifts, bookshops are full, and there’s a general sense that readers are in a buying mood. On the surface, it sounds like the perfect time to release your book.
But in truth, I rarely advise it.
The festive publishing season is one of the most crowded, competitive, and unforgiving times to bring out a new book. Major publishers release their biggest titles-‘celebrity’ memoirs, heavily promoted ‘feel-good’ fiction, glossy cookbooks and TV tie-ins.
The shelves and online marketplaces are groaning under their collective weight.
Amid that tidal wave, an independently published book, however well written, beautifully designed, or deeply meaningful, can easily get swept aside.
I often tell clients that December publishing is a bit like trying to make yourself heard at a party where everyone’s shouting.
Your voice may be clear and worth hearing more than anyone else’s-but it’s up against the noise of the crowd.
And while I’d never completely dismiss all of those high-profile Christmas releases-more often than not, the same old handful of ‘celebrity’ titles dominating the displays-let’s just say December isn’t the time when subtlety, quality, or originality shine brightest.
Even if a manuscript is finished in late autumn, publishing before Christmas means racing through the production process-editing, proofing, typesetting, cover design, and marketing-and, in an industry that would normally be trailing in the wake of a glacier, at breakneck speed.
Corners get cut, stress levels rise, and there’s rarely time to build the thoughtful, sustainable launch campaign that a good book deserves.
The logistics can be tricky, too.
Printers, distributors, and postal services are all at full stretch in November and December.
The result?
Delays, stock shortages, and extra costs. Not exactly the festive spirit you were hoping for.
It’s also worth thinking about how people read at that time of year. In the run-up to Christmas, many of us are busy, distracted, or focused on family and work commitments.
Book buyers are looking for quick, obvious gifts, titles they recognise from television or supermarket displays.
Gifts that’ll be in charity shop windows across the country by the end of January.
Publishing in March, April or May, on the other hand, brings real benefits.
First, there’s space. The Spring market is calmer, with fewer competing titles-which means your book has a better chance of standing out and being noticed.
Then there’s the sense of renewal.
Readers in spring are often looking for something new for themselves as the days get both lighter and warmer; new voices, new perspectives, new ideas.
A well-crafted book released at that time feels fresh, relevant, and full of energy.
And from a practical point of view, a spring release gives you breathing room.
You can take the time to polish the manuscript, test cover designs, plan your publicity, and build a considered launch. It’s about publishing with purpose rather than pressure.
Of course, there are occasions when a December publication makes sense-for example, if your book has a strong seasonal theme or ties directly to the holidays.
A collection of Christmas stories, a winter-themed cookbook, or a book that makes a genuinely thoughtful gift can do very well.
But for most titles, patience pays off. Publishing isn’t just about getting a book out there; it’s about giving it the best possible chance to thrive.
And more often than not, that means letting the Christmas rush pass…
…and stepping confidently into the clearer, calmer light of spring.
If you have a book project in mind for 2026, now’s the perfect time to start planning it properly.
Get in touch at 07484 253473 or edward@couzenslakemedia.com- I’ll help you map out a realistic, professional timeline to make your publishing goals happen.
