Here we’re talking about how much it costs to self-publish a print book, not an eBook.
For most doing book production, it’s straightforward. If you want to mainly DIY and write for a sideline, you can use a free layout tool (like Reedsy editor) and buy a cover design from a high-rated cover designer on Fiverr. So, no need to work with us at all.
Amazon KDP is free to upload your titles while competitor IngramSpark costs US$49. However, if you want in-store retail distribution, don’t use either, find a book distributor instead. (The costs for this include printing & shipping a bunch of books that may not sell).
Here, let’s suppose you want a professional finish. The book is going to add to your reputation.
Editing is usually the largest cost, or writing coaching if you want support from the start of writing. (This can include structural help).
The editor helps to determine whether it will be comprehensive editing or copy editing. You'll probably have some idea too, for example, if you can't keep track of repetition and topics are jumping, you'll figure you need more in-depth editing.
The next largest cost is book design, which is a good way to judge a book’s professional standards.
Why Have Professional Book Design/Typesetting?
One day in 2013 I was at an event and I picked up a book that was about LinkedIn. I looked inside and noticed that the line spacing was all single. That book would be hard to read. It is more usual to have at least 4 points between lines (e.g. 12pt type, 16pt leading).
Points are the standard measurement for line spacing and typefaces. Note the word ‘font’ means the particular weight (e.g. bold) and style of type, not the typeface, like Minion Pro. There are standard typefaces used for books--and non-standard.
It takes a professional designer to know the difference between a good book typeface and a hard-to-read one.
Illustration
... from $75 - $220 each for simple black and white line art, for example a cartoon figure. Australian illustrators charge about $699 + GST for a full page colour illustration or $311 for a colour chapter head. Black and white illustrations are cheaper.
Prices in AUD; collated from freelancer and agency websites, 2021. Indexing rates: ANZRI (Indexers society). Illustrator rates, circa ASA rates of pay.
ISBNs
These currently cost from $88 for a pack of 10 + $55 for new publisher registration.
Proofs
Print proofs range in price, but we ballpark about $30 including 5 day print, handling and postage to AUS address. Please note the setup charge is $65 and IngramSpark is the one who charges this fee.
It could cost around $5,000 to produce a book professionally, using Australian talent. However, that way you will be organising all the freelance talent and being disappointed that you cannot access high-level advice.
Our new editing prices are 4 cents per word (line editing) and 7 cents per word (comprehensive), however, some manuscripts are written up in the wrong way, and this costs more to fix.
If you take up our comprehensive editing package (medium length about $3,000 - 3,500) + publishing add-on, you only pay a negligible amount more but it will work out easier for you. This is not featured on this site but a full list is available on request.
Ignite Your Power:
With this 97,000-word book, Eve was worried about the results and had been told that her book needed one voice. Working with her book, we found that no, it needed both 'we' and 'I' voice, and very occasionally the use of direct voice (you) because it just made no sense otherwise. She also had a prototypical person speaking. Speaking was in italics, not in quote marks, which was the author's choice that we agreed with.
For the typesetting, Eve went to a local place, which outsourced it. This came with its own set of problems.
When choosing an editor, it pays to select someone who has done a university course in communications or languages. There are editors on Kindle Community Boards charging 1 cent a word, however, I suspect they are more looking for mistakes rather than creating a solid work, a great work.
Besides being an editor over seven years for private authors (and two years' equivalent of writing and editing my own books), I also know other experienced editors. Sometimes editors are better at a particular book or editing style.
I would like the author to get the best experience. So, a low-cost service of a manuscript assessment should provide a great overview of everything needed to improve.
Rather than pull your hair out with a Fiverr designer, hire a professional designer. I can fix book covers myself but you probably cannot, so contact Narelle (NGirlDesign), Red Raven books, Designerbility, or similar.
TL;DR
So, how much does publishing a book cost? It obviously depends on your quality level sought - amateur, fun publishing or professional, career publishing.
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