How Much Does It Cost to Get a Book Published?
If you're a new author, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely, "How much does it cost to get a book published?" The truth is, publishing costs vary significantly depending on the path you choose—traditional publishing, self-publishing, or working with a hybrid publisher. In this article, I'll clearly break down these options and the costs associated with each, helping you make the best choice for your budget and your book.
Traditional Publishing Costs
Traditional publishing can seem ideal—after all, the publisher covers the upfront production costs, including editing, design, printing, and distribution. However, traditional publishing is highly competitive, often requiring authors to find an agent first. It's important to note that while you might not pay upfront, you typically earn lower royalties (around 8-15%) and lose some (or most) creative control.
A common misconception is that traditional publishing is ideal for authors who want to avoid marketing their books, but this notion couldn’t be further from the truth. Authors of traditionally-published books are expected to do just as much of their own marketing as self-published authors. You may also need to budget for marketing expenses, as traditional publishers usually expect authors to actively promote their books and don’t offer much support. Authors commonly spend anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars on promotion, events, and author platforms within a few months of a book’s initial release.
Self-Publishing Costs
Self-publishing gives you complete control over your book, from content to distribution. However, it also means covering all costs yourself. Here’s what to expect:
Editing Costs
Professional editing is crucial for your book's success. Costs vary, but for most books, the costs are in the following ranges:
Manuscript Evaluation: $400-$600
Proofreading: $1,000 - $1,500
Copyediting: $1,300 - $1,800
Developmental editing: $1,800 - $3,500
While it's tempting to use budget editing options or software, nothing compares to professional editing. A poorly edited book can lead to negative reviews and fewer sales. To learn a bit more about the importance of a good, professional editor, check my recent post Why You Need a Professional Editor.
Design Costs
Cover design significantly impacts your book’s appeal:
Budget freelancer (Fiverr): $20 - $300
Professional freelancer (Reedsy): $300 - $1,200
Custom design (Full-service): included in packages like Foglio's Momentum, Signature, or Ulysses packages.
Remember, readers judge books by their covers. Investing in professional cover design helps your book stand out and sell more copies.
Typesetting and Formatting
Good interior layout (typesetting) ensures your book is professional and readable, and free of any typographical errors. Most text-only books fall into the following cost ranges:
DIY or basic formatting: $0 - $200
Professional typesetting: $1,500 - $3,000
Foglio includes professional typesetting in all our publishing packages—ensuring a polished, reader-friendly design.
Typesetting is more than words on a page. Learn more from our recent post, What is Typesetting?.
Distribution and ISBN
Amazon KDP and other platforms allow authors to distribute books at no upfront cost, charging a royalty on sales. However, you'll need an ISBN:
ISBN cost (Canada): Free through Library and Archives Canada
ISBN cost (U.S.): $125 for one, or $295 for ten from Bowker
Foglio assists with ISBN registration and distribution setup through our publishing packages. We don’t directly charge for ISBN registration, but ISBN service is included with most publishing packages.
Read more about distribution in this post: How to Publish Your Book on Amazon KDP.
Marketing Costs
Marketing expenses vary widely based on strategy:
Social media advertising: $100 - $1,000
Professional author website: $500 - $2,500
Publicity campaigns: $1,000 - $3,000
A comprehensive marketing strategy is essential to selling your book effectively. Foglio's Ulysses package includes extensive marketing support like press kits, author pages, and promotional consultations.
Hybrid Publishers & Freelance Marketplaces
Hybrid publishers like Reedsy offer professional freelancers at moderate prices:
Editing: $1,000 - $3,000
Design: $500 - $1,200
Typesetting: $400 - $800
While hybrid options can ensure quality, you'll still manage multiple freelancers yourself. In contrast, working with a dedicated publishing advisor like Foglio provides a cohesive publishing experience from start to finish.
Foglio Publishing Packages: A Clear Path to Publication
Foglio Custom Book Specialists offers comprehensive packages for authors seeking professional results with clear costs:
Launch ($2,400): Essential support, including professional book design and personalized guidance.
Momentum ($4,500): Enhanced production, professional ebook conversion, and improved guidance.
Signature ($11,000): Full editing, premium custom design, POD and ebook distribution, and basic marketing support.
Ulysses ($12,000): Unlimited revisions, elite design, extensive editing, comprehensive marketing support, and high-priority service.
Foglio’s structured approach ensures your book receives professional treatment at every step, and our dedicated project managers provide personalized support, making the publishing journey smooth and stress-free.
For more information, read Comparing Five Major Self-Publishing Services.
Final Thoughts: Invest Wisely in Your Book
When considering publishing costs, focus on value rather than just price. Cutting corners on editing or design might save money initially, but it can cost more in lost sales and reader trust.
Partnering with an experienced publishing advisor like Foglio ensures professional quality, cohesive support, and long-term success. From editing and design to distribution and marketing, our packages provide transparency and expert guidance every step of the way, empowering you to publish confidently and effectively.
Ready to publish your book professionally?
