The Cost of Self-Publishing

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)

Featured Blogs

Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. August Releases

By Deb Haggerty | September 13, 2018

A marriage of convenience in 1907 begins the union of one of the most intriguing founding families in Hamilton Harbor. The legacy of this couple provides the backdrop in which secrets of the past, and restoration in the present generates valuable lessons in faith, and love for the future. Short story prequel to And Then…

Read More

July Releases from Elk Lake

By Deb Haggerty | August 24, 2018

Three months ago, Ali Lamarque’s mother died in an accident Ali is convinced she could have prevented, and what little faith she had is fading. Grief-stricken, her father, a renowned scientist, has sold their California ranch and buried himself in his work. He will soon leave for Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest on business. Ali’s relationship with…

Read More

Second Quarter 2018 Releases from Elk Lake Publishing Inc

By Deb Haggerty | August 18, 2018

Elk Lake released twelve books in the second quarter: Be the Miracle-Second Edition by Delores Liesner The Last Aliyah by Mark Leslie The Mysterious Matt Barnes by Matthew Weigelt Cleansed by Death-Second Edition by Catherine Finger Shattered by Death-Second Edition by Catherine Finger Anchored by Death-Second Edition by Catherine Finger’ Dangerous to Know by Megan…

Read More

New Book Releases from Elk Lake

By Deb Haggerty | November 29, 2016

New Releases from Elk Lake: The Lost Generation by Erica Marie Hogan; Miracle on Maple Street by Linda Wood Rondeau; The White Rose by Ace Collins; Weighed Down by Laurie Boulden; Bible Characters Through the Ages: Books Four (Esther), Five (Isaac), and Six (Jacob); Pursuing Gold by Cynthia L. Simmons; 28 First Kisses by Sandra…

Read More

Elk Lake Committed to ‘Publishing the Positive’

By Deb Haggerty | October 20, 2016

Elk Lake Committed to ‘Publishing the Positive’ Independent Publisher Focuses on Inspirational Books PLYMOUTH, Mass. (October 20, 2016)—Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. announces the acquisition of the assets of Elk Lake Publishing from the Book Club Network, Inc. and looks forward to its future “Publishing the Positive.” An independent, royalty-paying publisher, Elk Lake offers over 100…

Read More
Posted in

Deb Haggerty