The cost of self-publishing a book depends on many factors, such as production costs (formatting, cover design, editing, printing, etc.), the platform you choose to distribute your book, marketing expenses, and any other costs that may arise.
Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a professionally self-published book. Here is a breakdown of a few common costs you will likely face:
Editing: Professional editing can cost anywhere from as low as $75 per hour to several hundred dollars per hour, depending on the editor’s experience and expertise. Most authors will budget between $1,000 and $2,000 for this service.
Cover Design: You can expect to pay between $99 and $499 for a professional cover design, depending on the complexity and the designer you choose.
Formatting: For print formatting, expect to pay between $100 and $200, while ebook formatting usually costs between $50 and $100.
Copyright: Copyright registration costs around $35 for a single application and $65 for a group application.
Printing: Your printing costs will depend on how many copies you plan to print. BookBaby, for example, offers a print-on-demand service in which you pay a fee per copy printed. Prices range from around $3.99 for a single paperback to $34.99 for a hardcover with full-color dust jacket.
Distribution: Once you’ve printed and formatted your book, you’ll need to choose a distribution channel. You may opt to list your book on Amazon, where you will pay a fee per copy sold. You can also opt to use ebook distributors such as Apple iBooks or Smashwords, which may also cost a fee per copy sold.
Marketing: It’s important to set aside some money for marketing expenses, such as promotions, advertising, and even giveaways. This would vary depending on your budget.
Ultimately, the cost of self-publishing a book depends on the services you choose and the production and marketing expenses involved. It is possible to spend as low as a few hundred dollars and as much as several thousand (or more!) to successfully self-publish a book. You might want to consider hiring a book publishing consultant to help you with your project. These professionals will be able to help you get the best value for your money and ensure that your book reaches its full potential.
