When you self-publish, you often need to pick up some new skills or hire people who can do these things for you. An important part of this is assessing what your strengths and weaknesses are, and then determining a budget for these areas.

The most accurate budget can be made by reaching out to each service provider you intend to work with and gathering quotes. This can be a lengthy process. If you want a quick estimate or ballpark, look at each category below. It is estimated that the average cost to self-publish a book ranges from $500-$4,800 (source: Reedsy). The actual cost will depend on many factors!

Key areas, but certainly not all, are listed below. As you go through, think about whether you have this skill or will need to hire someone to do this for you. Then, build a rough budget based on this information.

We've included some rough estimates next to each category. Another great place to get estimates is this chart from the Editorial Freelancers Association.

WRITING

Ghostwriting is around 24-30 cents / word (source: Reedsy).

Will you need to partner with an author or hire a ghostwriter to write your story? Keep in mind that ghostwriters charge an average of 24 to 30 cents per word. If your goal is to hire a ghostwriter for a memoir, you could be looking at $20,000-$60,000 (source: Reedsy). Yes, you read that correctly; it takes a lot of time to write a book for someone. For some people, the desire to have your book written outweighs any such fees. For others, you might be looking for ways to get a bit creative. If you are wondering if you can simply offer the ghostwriter royalties for payment instead of an upfront fee, the answer is typically no. Rightly so, a ghostwriter will not want to spend months writing a novel not knowing if the royalties will ever pay off. Hiring a ghostwriter for lower content books could be a more affordable option depending on the complexity of the book. You may also be able to partner with an author to collaborate on a mutually beneficial book where you can offer a trade of services and/or split profits 50-50. If you have a desire to illustrate a children's book but need help writing, perhaps you can team up with a writer who also wants to work on children's books but needs an illustrator.

EDITING 

(Everyone will need this. Even editors need editors!)

Estimate between $0.013-$0.036 per word or sometimes a flat fee, e.g., $300-$500 for children’s books (source: Reedsy).

There are various types of editing you may need, which we’ll discuss in more detail in the editing section of this course. The cost for edits will depend on the genre of your book, the word count, the type of editing needed, and the experience of your editor. Keep in mind, you’ll often need more than one type of editing. You may have an editor perform a developmental edit at the beginning and then proofread it at the end before it goes to print. Typically, developmental edits are the most expensive and proofreading is the least expensive.

COVER DESIGN

Reedsy data estimates between $500-$800; Kindlepreneur.com provides an estimate of $299-$2,000, which shows just how wide the range can be.

Especially if you are looking to work with someone with considerable experience in designing trade book covers, you might expect $1,000-$2,000+.

Do you have the skills to design your book cover? Your cover is arguably the most important part to the sale of your book, and it is non-negotiable to have a professional design. Don’t skip this part.

TYPSETTING / INTERIOR DESIGN / FORMATTING

$250-$750 to hire someone (source: Reedsy). For highly visual books with complex interior design, estimate between $500 - $2,500 (source: brookevitale.com).

Just as your book cover is important, so is the inside layout of your printed book. It is important to point out that not all book interiors are equal, and not all typesetters will specialize in the formatting you need. While some books are mainly text, others contain images and graphics which require more complex layouts. Children’s books, cookbooks, photo books, textbooks, and other books with many images will need a designer who has experience with this type of complex interior design. 

EBOOK FORMATTING

Ebook formatting is typically cheaper than print formatting. Sometimes your print formatter can add this on as a package deal (like our Instructor Benita Thompson does at Kairos Book Design). Some authors also design ebooks themselves using free or low-cost software.

Sometimes your book formatter will be able to layout both your print and ebook, but other times you may need to hire someone who specializes in ebook formatting. This is especially helpful for books with many images and complex designs that need to be formatted appropriately for eReader devices.

ILLUSTRATIONS

Estimate between $2,000-$10,000 (source: Reedsy).

If your book requires illustrations, do you have the skills to do this? The range provided above depends on how many and how complex your illustrations are. If you want full-page, detailed illustrations, you will pay more than if you want just a few simple images. It will also greatly vary based on the illustrator's experience.

We have a directory of Catholic illustrators, many of whom are offering discounts to Members.

PRINTING

The cheapest way to print your book is “print on demand.” This means you only pay as a book is purchased. You have no upfront printing fees or inventory to hold. This works well for paperback, simple, text-heavy, black and white interiors. It is more challenging for children's books, high-end color printing, and specialty bindings. Even if you decide to go this route, you will likely still want to purchase some author copies to sell on your own. Amazon KDP is a common print on demand option and you can use their Printing Cost Calculator to get estimates.

For higher quality printing, I often recommend working with your own printer to purchase small runs of books up front. We have a list of printers in the Directory to help Members get started.

TECHNOLOGY

Are you good at using new technology? Examples include setting up an Etsy shop, uploading your book to sell it on Amazon, posting to social media, building a simple website, taking and editing photos, and setting up an email newsletter. If these things will be roadblocks for you, you might consider hiring a virtual assistant (VA) who can help you with these tasks. This could range from minimum wage to $40+ depending on the task, skill level, and experience of the VA.

Our peer-to-peer community for Members is also a wonderful place to ask these types of questions. Members are encouraged to share their knowledge and expertise and, if possible, trade services to help one another with different skill sets.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• ISBNs: $125+
• Copyright Registration: $45-$65
• Business license (fees vary by state)
• Business liability insurance: ~$500 (greatly varies!)
• Book indexing for nonfiction: $70-$500 (source: kindlepreneur.com)
• Website fees: ~$300/year
• Photography: Rates greatly vary
• Marketing: Depends on your marketing plan
• Packaging and shipping materials: e.g., $50 / box of 100 poly mailers
• Home printer and ink: ~$250
• Audiobooks: This could be an upfront fee, royalty share, or combination.