Traditional publishing can be a slow process between signing a contract and your book's release - sometimes eighteen months or more.
Many authors choose to bypass that option and self publish their books.
How much does self-publishing really cost?
Professional Editing: $500 - $5000
Developmental, copy editing, proofreading and length of the book will all be factors.
Cover Design: $300 - $1500
Formatting and interior design
ebook, $50 - $300; paperback and hardcover, $100 - $500
ISBN: Minimum $125
Must be purchased through Bowker, you can get a 10-pack for $295.
Distribution and Publishing
Amazon KDP Free to upload, but they take 20–40% of royalties depending on pricing and distribution choices.
IngramSpark: $49 per title setup (discounts available), with additional fees for revisions ($25 each). They offer wider distribution to bookstores.
Draft2Digital: Free to publish, but they take 10% of royalties.
Conclusion
Low end (DIY, minimal services): $0 - $1,000
Mid-range (some professional services): $1,500-$5,000
High-end (Premium services): $5,000-$15,000
Your cost to publish with Elk Lake Publishing: ZERO ($0)
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