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)

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By Deb Haggerty | October 20, 2016

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Meet The Publisher

By Deb Haggerty | September 14, 2016

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