Costs. It's a topic some entrepreneurs would rather avoid, while others prefer to navigate through it to "say something without really saying anything." But let's get to the point: what are the costs of self-publishing? The answer is: it depends 😉.
Certainly, you can do everything "on the cheap" and create something that no one will buy. However, that's not the goal, right? Let's try to look at the approximate costs of publishing an eBook (the costs of a printed book will be higher, although some expenses may overlap, such as editing or obtaining images or graphics; the most significant costs for a printed book are for printing and paper).
General Costs
General costs of publishing a book involve publishing outsourcing, meaning what you choose to outsource to others. Basic outsourced tasks include:
- editing;
- proofreading;
- typesetting (typographic design);
- distribution method;
- advertising activities;
- graphic design (drawings, charts, graphics, infographics, etc.);
- photos and their costs in photo agencies.
This article will focus on the first three points.
Experience of Collaborators and Price
Not only in the publishing industry but everywhere, you pay more for services from true specialists who have already established a reputation or are well-known. Collaborating with an inexperienced person may result in lower costs because they gain experience, and you pay less. However, you must consider that this person might not be able to deliver what you need or may require more time to complete the task. Conversely, if you want a creative person with experience and their own brand, prepare for significantly higher costs.
Cost of publishing an eBook
After explaining the basic unit, let's return to the question: what are the costs of publishing an eBook? Each book is unique. Therefore, it's difficult to state specifics. It's almost impossible to give a precise cost for publishing your work. No one can guarantee that a book you want to publish, which has 20 sheets, will cost, for example, $6,000. It's too detailed to specify the total cost.
Editing
Let's start with professional editing. Its cost depends on the number of sheets. But not only that: it also depends on the topic and complexity of your text, the number of corrections the editor will need to make, and their experience. It's good to send a text sample to the editor first to get a quote. Specialist texts or those written in a foreign language may be more expensive. The cost of a standard text, with not too many corrections, ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 net for a typical manuscript (if you're looking for developmental editing, it can cost between $2,000 and $5,000). You can also agree on a total price for the task with the editor.
Proofreading
After editing comes proofreading. The first and second proofreading can range from $1,000 to $3,000 for a typical manuscript.
Cover design
A polished text also needs a cover. The cost of designing it varies greatly, from $500 to even $1,000. The price depends on the complexity of the design and the number of samples and revisions. Remember, the cover sells the book, so it's worth investing in it.
Typesetting and Layout
Along with the cover, you can have the text formatted and typeset. This means your book won't look the same as it does in a word processor. So, don't waste your time arranging pictures, charts, or other elements in a word processor. Instead, note in the comments where these elements should be placed in the text. The typesetter will choose the font, word and line spacing, and arrange the text with images, drawings, graphics, or charts. The look of the text depends on factors like the book size you choose, margins, font type, and size. Typesetting costs range from $275 to $825, depending on the project's complexity, the number and type of tables, charts, graphics, footnotes, and the typesetter's experience.
