How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book?

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Author How-To & Mindset | 0 comments

How much does it cost to self publish a book

Self-publishing should never break the bank. While it’s possible to invest thousands of dollars to publish a book—or get scammed into spending thousands more by fraudulent vanity presses—it’s equally feasible to produce high-quality work on a shoestring budget. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer looking to take control of your author career, understanding these costs is crucial to your success. So how much does it cost to self publish a book?

While some authors fear self-publishing is expensive and won’t earn them a return on their investment, a 2023 Publishers Weekly story reported that self-published authors captured 51% of overall ebook unit sales and more than 34% of ebook retail revenue.  in 2021. In another story, Publishers Weekly reported that the average income for self-published authors in 2022 rose 53% over 2021, reaching a median income level higher than authors from traditional houses. In fact, with the digitization and subsequent democratization of the industry, self-publishing offers authors some key advantages over traditional publishing such as:

  • Faster time to market
  • Global digital distribution
  • The ability to retain 100% of your rights
  • Control (what our bestselling authors tell us is their favorite advantage)
  • Higher royalties

Let’s dive in and discover the costs of self-publishing.

Initial Considerations When Self-Publishing a Book

Before diving into the specific costs of publishing a book, it’s crucial to think about two key factors that will influence your budget and overall strategy: your goals and your audience.

Define Your Goals

What do you hope to achieve by publishing your book? Your answer to this question will help you allocate your resources more effectively and avoid unnecessary expenses. Consider the following common goals:

  1. Profit: If your primary aim is to make money, you’ll need to focus on marketability and efficient cost management.
  2. Exposure: If you’re looking to establish your author brand or, if you write nonfiction, establish yourself as an expert in your field, you might prioritize book marketing and distribution.
  3. Personal fulfillment: If publishing is more about personal achievement, you’ll have more flexibility with your budget and timeline.

Understand Your Audience

Knowing your target readers is essential for both budgeting and marketing purposes. Consider:

  • Who are they? Think about demographics like age, gender, interests, and reading habits.
  • Where are they? Understanding where your audience spends their time, both online and offline, will inform your marketing strategy.
  • What do they want? If you write nonfiction, what problem does your book solve? If you write fiction, identify the desires your story fulfills for your readers.

This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about everything from cover design to pricing to marketing channels. 

Writing and Book Editing Costs

The heart of your book lies in its content, making writing and editing crucial steps in the self-publishing process. Fortunately, the cost of writing tools is relatively low:

While premium tools like Scrivener offer specialized features for book writing, many authors create bestsellers using free options like Google Docs. 

Professional Editing vs. Self-Editing

Professional editing is often the largest upfront cost in self-publishing, but it’s also one of the most critical investments you can make. There are three main types of editing:

  1. Developmental editing: Focuses on the big picture, including structure, plot, and characters. Cost: $0.03 – $0.10 per word.
  2. Copyediting: Addresses grammar, style, and consistency. Cost: $0.02 – $0.05 per word.
  3. Proofreading: Final check for typos and formatting issues. Cost: $0.01 – $0.03 per word.

For a 60,000-word novel, the cost of professional editing might be anywhere from $600 to $6,000, depending on the level of editing required.

While not a complete replacement for professional editors, self-editing tools can help improve your work:

To find affordable professional editors, consider these tips:

  1. Use freelance platforms: We recommend the Editorial Freelancers Association. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, or Reedsy can also connect you with editors at various price points.
  2. Seek out editors who know your genre: It’s not enough to hire any editor. Look for editors who are intimately familiar with your genre.
  3. Join a writers’ club: Fellow authors can recommend experienced and/or affordable editors they’ve worked with. A Google search can reveal local clubs in your area, and many larger, national clubs offer online chapters.

Book Cover Design

You’ve heard the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but the reality is most readers do exactly that—and in a fraction of a second. Your book cover is usually the first point of contact between your work and potential readers. A professional, eye-catching cover can:

  1. Attract reader attention in a crowded marketplace
  2. Convey genre and tone at a glance
  3. Boost perceived value and professionalism
  4. Increase click-through rates on online bookstores

DIY Design

For authors on a tight budget, creating your own cover is an option. There are user-friendly tools that provide interfaces and templates specifically for book covers. While this approach can save money and give you full creative control, it requires a good eye for design and can be time-consuming for non-designers. Here are a few DIY tools to consider:

  • Canva: Free for basic use, $12.99/month for Canva Pro
  • Stock images: $1-$15 per image on sites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock
  • Typography: Free to $20 for premium fonts

Total DIY cost: $0 – $50

Hiring a Professional Cover Designer

Working with a professional book cover designer can result in a high-quality cover that stands out in a crowded market and “speaks” to readers of your genre. Designers bring expertise in typography, color theory, and current market trends, all of which can save you time and stress. As with professional editors, seek a cover designer who has familiarity with your genre. In fact, bestselling self-published authors tell us that if they’re going to outsource anything, the two things they’ll always outsource are professional editing and cover design. If you’re looking to connect with a professional book cover designer, BookCovers.com, which is operated by Draft2Digital, is an excellent resource for one-of-a-kind, affordable premade book covers.

Here’s a typical cost breakdown for professional design: 

  • Budget option (e.g., pre-made covers): $50 – $100
  • Mid-range custom design: $200 – $500
  • High-end custom design: $500 – $1500+

Interior Formatting

While often overlooked, interior formatting plays a crucial role in the reader experience and the professional presentation of your book. Let’s explore the key aspects of formatting for both print and ebook versions.

Print formatting focuses on the layout, margins, page numbers, fonts, line spacing, and page breaks. It also takes into account binding and bleed areas. On the other hand, for ebooks, flowable text that can adjust to different screen sizes is key for a good user experience. Often ebooks have a table of contents with jump links, which relies on a strong chapter title structure.

DIY Options

If you’re tight on budget, you can handle interior formatting yourself. It gives you an opportunity to learn valuable skills and puts you in full control of the process. The downsides are it can be time-consuming for beginners and you risk formatting errors if it’s not done correctly. Here are a few tools (and their associated costs) you could consider: 

  • Microsoft Word: Suitable for basic formatting, but can be challenging for complex layouts. Publishing platforms like Draft2Digital accept manuscripts formatted in Word. $69.99/year as part of Microsoft 365 Personal
  • Adobe InDesign: Professional-grade software with a steep learning curve. $20.99/month
  • Draft2Digital: Automated formatting that converts a Word Doc into an ebook or print interior, plus customer support if you get stuck. Free
  • Vellum: User-friendly software specifically designed for book formatting (Mac only). $249.99 for ebook and print book formatting
  • Reedsy Book Editor: Online tool for both writing and formatting. Free
  • Atticus: A newer all-in-one writing and formatting tool. $147 one-time purchase

Total DIY cost: Free – $250

Professional Formatting Services

Working with a professional book format expert saves time and reduces stress—plus it ensures your book looks professional since they’re familiar with publishing industry best practices. Naturally, a big downside is the cost and that you have less control over the process. 

If you’re looking for a formatting pro, Reedsy, Fiverr, and Upwork are good places to start. If you’re working with Draft2Digital, formatting is free and backed by a customer support team. Here’s what you can expect to pay when working with a formatting service:

  • Basic ebook formatting: $50 – $100
  • Print book formatting: $100 – $300
  • Complex formatting (e.g., cookbooks, textbooks): $300 – $500+

Choosing between DIY and professional formatting depends on your technical skills, available time, and the complexity of your book. For many authors, especially those publishing their first book, the investment in professional formatting can be worthwhile. 

ISBN and Copyright

ISBN, which stands for International Standard Book Number, and copyright are important logistical components when self-publishing a book. Let’s break down what you need to know about each.

ISBN 

An ISBN is a unique identifier for your book that enables the supply chain (i.e. the retailer or library, distributor, supplier [you]) to communicate about that specific book. An ISBN is essential for distribution through major retailers and libraries to track updates to your book (i.e. price changes), record the number of sales, and ultimately ensure you get paid. Different book formats (i.e., hardcover, paperback, ebook) require separate ISBNs. 

Some self-publishing platforms offer free ISBNs; note that when you use a free ISBN from a service like Draft2Digital, a retailer may list Draft2Digital as the publisher, not you. This publisher listing is a relic of the Bowker system, not a choice made by your self-publishing platform. Purchasing your own ISBNs will enable you to be listed as the publisher at the retailers, and you can buy your own directly from Bowker, the official ISBN agency in the US. 

ISBNs are priced by quantity, as follows: 

  • Free: $0 (through certain platforms)
  • Single ISBN: $125
  • Block of 10 ISBNs: $295 ($29.50 each)
  • Block of 100 ISBNs: $575 ($5.75 each)

Copyright

Copyright protects your intellectual property and gives you exclusive rights to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies, and perform or display the work publicly. Your work is automatically copyrighted upon creation, and formal registration through the U.S. Copyright Office provides additional legal protections. While not mandatory, copyright registration is generally recommended.

There are two different pricing options: 

  • Single work, not for hire: $45 (online) or $125 (paper)
  • Single work, made for hire: $65 (online) or $125 (paper)

Printing and Distribution

One of the most significant decisions in self-publishing is choosing how to print and distribute your physical book. Let’s explore the options available to you.

Print-on-Demand (POD)

Print-on-demand has no upfront inventory costs since books are printed as they’re ordered, and it’s easy to make changes to your book. The downside is it can sometimes have a higher per-unit cost and as a result a lower profit margin per book. There are many POD services to choose from, including D2D Print from Draft2Digital. Since POD books are digital files until they are ordered and printed, your POD book can be distributed widely, giving your readers the flexibility to order your POD book through physical bookstores. If the bookstore doesn’t have the physical book in stock, they can usually order it from their distribution partner.

Bulk Printing

With bulk printing, the per-unit cost is often lower, meaning a higher profit margin book, and you have more control over the paper quality and formatting. Naturally, this means higher upfront costs, storage space required, and more difficulty in making changes once printed. Bulk printing is typically the realm of publishers or well-established authors.

Ebook Distribution

Authors have a multitude of ebook distribution options. Some distribution services charge an upfront fee, while others take a small commission from your ebook sales. Authors also have the option to publish directly to leading retail stores in exchange for a higher royalty, while ebook distribution to libraries usually requires a distributor. 

Publishing directly to multiple retailers for a higher royalty may sound like a no-brainer. But the sheer amount of time it takes to upload a manuscript, make changes to your book(s), or download sales reports from multiple sales channels makes working with a distributor—who can distribute your work to dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of outlets with the click of a button—well worth the commission. Here’s a breakdown of the royalty rates from some leading retailers, as well as the commission Draft2Digital earns:

  • Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing has a 70% royalty for books priced at $2.99-$9.99 and 35% for other prices.
  • Apple Books has a 70% royalty regardless of price.
  • Kobo Writing Life has a 70% royalty for books priced at $2.99 and up and 45% for lower prices. 
  • Barnes & Noble Press has a royalty of 65% for books $2.99-$9.99 and 40% for other prices. 
  • Draft2Digital earns a 10% cut but distributes to global retail and library platforms, including each of the stores listed above. In mere hours, your book will be listed at all major online retailers, although it may take a day or two for your title to appear across all virtual store shelves at international locations. 

Book Marketing and Promotion

Even the best book won’t sell itself. Effective marketing is crucial for getting your self-published work into readers’ hands. A comprehensive marketing plan should include:

  1. Author website: Your online hub for all things related to your book and writing career.
    • Cost: Free (e.g., WordPress.com) to $100+/year for hosting and domain
  2. Social media presence: Engage with readers and build your author brand.
    • Cost: Free, but consider time investment
  3. Email list: Direct communication with your most engaged readers.
    • Cost: Some email services offer free prices for new lists, but increase steeply once certain thresholds are met. Author. Email, operated by Draft2Digital, starts at $10.99/month for up to 10,000 subscribers and increases only slightly once the next 10,000 subscribers are added.
  4. Launch strategy: Plan for book release, including pre-orders and launch day promotions.
  5. Ongoing promotion: Consistent efforts to keep your book visible long after launch.

Free and Low-Cost Marketing Strategies

  1. Social Media Marketing:
    • Engage authentically on platforms where your readers are active
    • Share behind-the-scenes content, teasers, and writing updates
    • Participate in writing and reading communities
  2. Content Marketing:
    • Start a blog related to your book’s theme or genre
    • Guest post on relevant blogs or websites
    • Create shareable content (infographics, quotes from your book)
  3. Book Bloggers and Reviewers:
    • Reach out to bloggers in your genre for honest reviews
    • Offer free ebook review copies (if you plan to give away physical copies, know that physical giveaways don’t guarantee reviews and may not be worth it)
  4. Goodreads:
    • Set up an author profile
    • Participate in groups and discussions
    • Run giveaways (cost of books + shipping)
  5. Local Outreach:
    • Contact local bookstores for potential signings or shelf space
    • Reach out to local media for interviews or features

Paid Marketing Options

For most newer authors, it’s probably best to eschew paid marketing options until you’ve earned enough from your book sales to invest in paid marketing programs. With that said, here’s a list of how some authors choose to spend their marketing budgets:

  • Amazon Ads: Target readers based on similar books or genres. You pay per click, not per impression.
    • Cost: Set your own budget, which can start as low as $1/day. Note, Amazon Ads are limited to the Amazon store, and sponsored ads are often buried under a pile of other sponsored ads in your genre that paid more. In fact, if you search for your author name on Amazon, chances are several other authors in your genre will appear above your author name, based on their ad spend.
  • Facebook Ads: Reach highly targeted segments based on interests and demographics. This can be effective for building mailing lists or promoting launches.
    • Cost: Flexible, can start with $5/day
  • BookBub Ads: Get in front of avid readers. While this can be expensive, it often yields good results.
    • Cost: Set your own budget, competitive for featured deals
  • Newsletter Promotions: Target established lists of genre-specific readers via newsletters such as Bargain Booksy and Fussy Librarian.
    • Cost: Varies widely, from $20 to $500+
  • Professional Blog Tours: Organizers arrange reviews and features across multiple blogs.
    • Cost: $50-$300+

Remember, marketing is an ongoing process. While a strong launch is important, consistent promotion over time is key to long-term success. Don’t be afraid to start small and try new strategies. Track your return on investment for each method, and be prepared to adjust your strategy based on results. 

Additional Book Publishing Costs

While we’ve covered the major expenses of self-publishing, several additional costs are optional, while others may arise unexpectedly. Being aware of these potential expenses can help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises.

  • Book Launch Events:
    • Venue rental: $0 (local library) to $500+ (bookstore or event space)
    • Refreshments: $50-$200, depending on the size of the event
    • Promotional materials (banners, bookmarks): $50-$150
  • Giveaways:
    • Cost of physical books: Cost of printing and shipping ($5-$15+ per copy)
    • Cost of ebooks: Free. Draft2Digital authors can use the coupon manager tool to share free private coupons where readers or reviewers can download your free ebook from the Smashwords store (Smashwords is operated by Draft2Digital).
    • Platform fees: Some sites charge for hosting giveaways (e.g., Goodreads charges $119+ for giveaways)
  • Review Copies:
    • Physical books: Cost of printing + shipping ($5-$15 per copy)
    • Ebooks: See above under “Giveaways”
  • Author Photos:
    • DIY or friend: Free
    • Professional photoshoot: $100-$500
  • Business Cards:
    • 500 basic cards: $20-$50
    • 500 premium cards: $50-$100

It’s a good rule of thumb to set aside a contingency fund of 10-20% of your total budget for unexpected expenses. Consider these costs as investments in your writing career, not just expenses for a single book.

Summary of How Much It Costs to Self-Publish a Book

Let’s recap the total costs we’ve discussed and provide some practical budgeting advice to help you navigate the financial aspects of self-publishing.

  1. Writing and Editing:
    • Writing software: $0 – $50
    • Professional editing: $600 – $6,000 (for a 60,000-word book)
  2. Cover Design:
    • DIY: $0 – $50
    • Professional: $50 – $500
  3. Interior Formatting:
    • DIY: $0 – $250
    • Professional: $50 – $500
  4. ISBN and Copyright:
    • ISBN: $0 – $125 (for a single ISBN)
    • Copyright registration: $45 – $125
  5. Printing and Distribution:
    • Print-on-demand setup: $0 – $49
    • Ebook distribution: varies by platform
  6. Marketing and Promotion:
    • Author website: $0 – $100+/year
    • Paid advertising: Starting from $100, can scale up significantly
  7. Additional Costs:
    • Miscellaneous (launch events, giveaways, etc.): $100 – $1,000+
    • Hidden costs: Vary widely, budget 10-20% of total for contingencies

Total Potential Cost Range to Self-Publish a Book

  • Budget option: $795 – $1,500
  • Mid-range: $2,000 – $5,000
  • High-end: $6,000 – $15,000+

Budgeting Tips

  1. Prioritize spending: Invest most in editing and cover design, as these directly impact book quality and marketability. Plus, allocate funds for marketing to ensure your book reaches its audience
  2. Use a phased approach: Spread costs over time by tackling one aspect of publishing at a time.
  3. Plan for the long term: View publishing as an ongoing investment rather than a one-time expense. As you earn money from book sales, set aside budget for ongoing marketing and promotion beyond the initial launch.
  4. Be realistic: Set a budget that aligns with your financial situation and publishing goals. Never go into debt to publish your book. Remember that higher investment doesn’t guarantee success; smart allocation is key. Be aware of scammers who prey on the hopes and dreams of authors. If something sounds too good to be true, it’s a scam.
  5. Track everything: Keep detailed records of all expenses for tax purposes and future planning. You’ll be glad you did as you prepare for your next book.

 Many financially successful, bestselling authors started their journey with limited resources. Books that explode virally do so based on reader word-of-mouth, so what matters most is your passion, the quality of your work, and your determination to share your words with the world. Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from pursuing your publishing dreams.

As you embark on your self-publishing journey, know that you’re entering into a global community—a tribe—of like-minded, passionate creators who share your journey and want you to succeed. It’s a place where you belong and where your words matter. As you take the next step, we hope you’ll choose to work with Draft2Digital to streamline your publishing and distribution, minimize your upfront expenses, and maximize your book’s reach.