How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book?
By Jim Morris ยท Updated
It can cost next to nothing if you do everything yourself, or tens of thousands of dollars if you hire professionals for every step. Most authors land somewhere in between. Here's where the money goes. Book writing and publishing costs depend on how much you do yourself and where you need help.
The book writing stage of publishing
Free if you write it. If you hire a ghostwriter, this is usually the biggest cost. See our guide on ghostwriter pricing.
Editing
Developmental, line, and copy editing and proofreading are separate jobs, and pricing usually scales with word count. Skipping editing is the most common reason self-published books look amateur.
Cover design
Ranges from template covers to custom design. The cover sells the book, so it's worth spending here.
Interior formatting
Making the pages look like a real book in print and ebook. Simple to do badly, harder to do well.
Publishing and distribution
Listing on Amazon and other retailers can be free. ISBNs, proof copies, and wider distribution add small costs.
Audiobook
Narration, recording, and production. Can be a significant line item, and optional.
Marketing and launch
Ads, launch team, press, events. Costs vary more here than anywhere else.
Doing it with Human Touch Publishing
Every package is scoped to your book, so book a free call to get a custom quote. You get a fixed figure before you commit, Human Touch Publishing is the publisher of record, and you keep all the rights and royalties. See the packages page for what each level includes.
Straight answers
Is it cheaper to go with a traditional publisher?
Traditional publishers don't charge you upfront, but they're hard to get into and they keep most of the royalties and often the rights.
What should I never skip?
Professional editing and a real cover.
About Human Touch Publishing
We act as publisher of record for our authors, and you still keep every right and royalty. Human Touch Publishing is a book writing and publishing company in Nashville, and we work with experts all over the country. Real writers and editors help you take your book from idea through writing, editing, design, publishing and launch, and you keep all your rights and royalties. If you want to talk through your book, book a call with Jim.