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
August New Releases
Check out our August New Releases! New in Fiction Texas Faith Written by Andrew Roth Will things ever go right? When Johnny’s pa doesn’t come home after the war, the Garret ranch nears collapse, covered with back taxes and worthless cattle. While he struggles with bitterness and dread, his mother launches a spiritual quest for…
Read More
July New Releases
Check out our July New Releases! New in Fiction Deception in December: Fern Valley Mysteries Book 2 Written by Doreen McAvoy Thirteen-year-old Will Abbott is enjoying his eighth-grade year and looking forward to a fun-filled December packed with basketball games, snowball fights, and Christmas pageant practice. With Otis Mayfield safely behind bars, Will’s biggest problem…
Read More
June New Releases
Check out our June New Releases! New in Fiction Rules of Engagement Written by Claire O’Sullivan Army Ranger Scott Walker believes his missions have been compromised. They have been sidelined when a threat of an unchecked virus comes across the military radar. When he is given orders to protect a scientist, it is an assignment…
Read More
Elk Lake’s Selah Winners!
Elk Lake is happy to announce our TEN 2022 Selah Award winners! Congrats to our wonderful authors! 1st Place, Anthology Category We May Be Done, But We’re Not Finished by Deb DeArmond The nest is empty, professional path established or concluded. It should be an exciting time. We’re free to pursue the possibilities. But…
Read More
May New Releases
Check out our May New Releases! New in Fiction Once Upon the Shadows Written by Faith Colleen Weaver Everyone fights their Shadows. Not everyone can win. Kaley is lost in the dark. After years of unspeakable deals made with the Shadows, she fears her heart might be permanently bound to the darkness. In a final…
Read More