Self-publishing is a great way to get your book into the world without having to go through a traditional publisher. However, it can also be expensive. In this article, we’ll explore the current average cost of self-publishing a book. We’ll also discuss the factors that can affect the cost, and how you can save money on your self-publishing budget.
The average cost of self-publishing a book can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the genre of your book, the length of your book, the level of editing and design you want, and the marketing you plan to do, your own level of expertise, and the vendors or self-publishing platform you utilize. However, according to a recent survey by Reedsy, the average cost of self-publishing a book is between $2,000 and $4,000.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs associated with self-publishing a book:
- Editing: Editing is one of the most important aspects of self-publishing, as it can help to ensure that your book is free of errors and reads well. The cost of editing will vary depending on the level of editing you want and will depend upon the length of your manuscript since almost all editing costs are based upon word-count. But don’t be surprised to pay $1000 or more for an average-length manuscript.
- Cover Design: The cover design of your book is also very important, as it will help to attract readers and make your book stand out on the shelves and in those all-important thumbnail image results on Amazon. The cost of your design will vary depending on the complexity of your design and the level of services you want. For example, a simple book cover design can cost around $500, while a more complex custom design may cost upwards of $1,000. A full-color illustrated cover could cost even more.
- Interior Formatting: Formatting your book is important to ensure that it is properly formatted for both print and digital formats and properly incorporates any additional elements like images, charts, graphics, etc. The cost of formatting will vary depending on the complexity of your book, the level of services you want, and your expertise for delivery an initial document that demonstrates awareness for these complexities.
- Marketing: Marketing your book is essential if you want to sell copies. The cost of marketing will vary depending on the methods you use and the reach you want to achieve. For example, social media marketing can be a cost-effective way to reach a large audience, while print advertising can be more expensive but can also reach a wider audience.
- Post-Publication Administration: Self-publishing a book may sound like a hobby, but it’s more like operating a small business. There are long-term responsibilities like fulfilling orders, maintaining inventory, keeping track of sales tax, and paying the proper taxes on earned royalties. These costs depend upon whether you plan on rolling up your sleeves and handling these responsibilities yourself, or if you plan on outsourcing some, or all, of these tasks.
In addition to the costs listed above, there are also some other costs associated with self-publishing, such as the cost of acquiring an ISBN, a copyright, and an LCCN. However, these costs are typically relatively small compared to the costs of editing, design, and marketing.
These tasks are all complicated and time-consuming in their own way, which is why many authors nowadays rely upon a third-party self-publishing provider to provide most, if not all, these services for a single, easy-to-understand fee.
Some of the most popular and experienced self-publishing companies are also, not surprisingly, the ones who have been around the longest (twenty years or more, which is a lifetime in the Internet era), and they include: AuthorHouse, Dorrance, Outskirts Press, and Xlibris.
How to Save Money on Your Self-Publishing Budget:
There are a number of ways to save money on your self-publishing budget. Here are a few tips:
- Do your research: Before you start self-publishing, it’s important to do your research and understand the costs involved. This will help you to set a realistic budget and avoid overspending.
- Shop around: Get quotes from multiple vendors or self-publishing companies for editing, design, and formatting services. This will help you to find the best deals and avoid overpaying. Many vendors can perform multiple tasks and nearly all self-publishing companies roll-up all these services into a single base cost.
- Consider DIY options: There are a number of DIY options available for editing, design, and formatting. This can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to have the mandatory technical and creative skills to do a quality job. After all, as the old saying goes, “A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.”
- Self-promote: You can save money on marketing by self-promoting your book. This can be done through social media, online forums, and other channels. In fact, even if you have marketing expenses in your budget, you should still allocate time and effort toward self-promotion. After all, it’s your book — you should be its biggest fan!
Self-publishing can be a great way to get your book into the world, but it’s important to be aware of the costs involved. By following the tips in this article, you can save money on your self-publishing budget and get your book published on a budget.
Self Publishing Advisor 