Registering a business name

[saxy_jag]

I intend using a POD publisher/printer to produce a book for me. I have the option of using my own name/brand as the publisher, but in order to do that, I must register a business name.

But what's involved in registering a business name? Who do I have to register with? How much would it cost? I have a name that I want to use (not my own name), and I understand I have to search to make sure it's not already taken.

I have no intention of this becoming any bigger than just me, and the publisher will deal with matters of payment and royalties for me in the unlikely event that I'll make millions from it.

I had a brief look at Companies House website, and there was talk of stuff like constitutions and all that. It seems an awful lot just to register a business from which I don't really expect an awful lot - just a hobby, really, and it doesn't need to be a profitable one at that (although that would be nice).

Any small business experts who could help me?

[Nether Edge]

You can't really register a trading name as such. Until 1984, you could (under legislation originating in 1916 to stop Germans using British names during Great War).
What you can do, however, is:
i. register a limited company (at Companies House); or
ii. set up a website using your selected name.
You can then establish first use of the name and stop anyone else leeching off you ("passing-off", it's called).