How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book in 2025
- Donika Mishineva
- Mar 23
- 9 min read
Well, the quick answer is: it depends. You could technically publish your book for free if you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves and tackle every part of the process yourself. But let’s be honest—if you want to publish a professional-quality book that stands out and doesn’t just end up sitting in the corner of Amazon's vast library, you're going to need to put in a bit more than just elbow grease. So, let’s walk through the stages where costs can sneak in and how you can manage them effectively without emptying your pockets.
1
Book Editing Costs
Self-editing Tools
When you’ve written your manuscript, you’ll inevitably think, “I’m done, it’s perfect!” And maybe it is, in your eyes. But don’t kid yourself. Even Shakespeare had to edit (well, if he had Grammarly, he would have). Here's the truth: you'll need to self-edit, then bring in the big guns.
Let’s start with the self-editing tools. You’ve got some handy options to help catch those embarrassing mistakes:
Grammarly (Free version available, but Premium will set you back $12/month)
ProWritingAid (It also offers a free version, with premium at $10/month)
Hemingway App (Free, with a desktop version for $19.99)
Great, you’ve self-edited your manuscript, and the text is now virtually mistake-free (well, mostly). But here's a little insider tip: that’s just the start. There’s no substitute for getting fresh eyes on your work. Enter beta readers. They’re the folks who’ll spot what you’ve missed. Aim for readers familiar with your genre to get the best feedback.
Cost of Beta Readers
The beauty of beta readers is they can cost you absolutely nothing – but it’s good form to offer a token of gratitude. Maybe a free copy of your book or a reciprocation in kind (they’re writers too, after all). Make sure they’re well compensated for their time.
After getting your feedback, get ready for a round of revisions. Your manuscript is nearly there, but now it's time for a pro to work their magic.
Professional Editing: Getting the Fine Details Just Right
No matter how much self-editing you do, your manuscript will benefit from professional editing. Depending on the size and complexity of your book, this could get pricey, but it's an investment in your success. There are three types of editing you'll encounter:
Developmental Editing: This is the big picture editing—plot, structure, pacing, and character development. It typically costs around $45–65 per hour.
Copyediting: Here, it’s all about tightening up your writing. Expect to pay around $35–55 per hour.
Line Editing: This is where your writing gets a polish on the sentence level, making sure it flows smoothly. It can cost $5–10 per page.
Proofreading: It typically costs around $30-$45 per hour.
If you’re unsure which type of editing you need, you can consult with an assessment editor for around 2 cents per word. They’ll help you figure out what’s lacking in your manuscript.
2
Costs for Book Formatting
If you want your book to look just as professional as it reads, it’s time to think about formatting. This ensures that your book is easy to read and aesthetically pleasing. But, like everything else, it comes with a price tag.
If you decide to bring in a professional, the cost can range from $50 to $500, depending on whether you're formatting for digital, print, or both. However, if you've got the time and patience, it's a task you can easily tackle on your own.
However, if you’re feeling brave (and have a lot of time on your hands), you can tackle the formatting yourself using tools like:
Reedsy Book Editor (Free)
Atticus (One-time license fee of $147)
Scrivener (Free trial, $59.99 for a full license)
Don’t forget that your formatting also includes making sure your chapter headings, margins, and overall presentation are pleasing to the eye. Good formatting makes a huge difference in the reading experience.
3
Book Cover Design Cost: Which Type of Design Is Most Cost-Effective and Affordable?
Your book cover plays a pivotal role in attracting readers—make sure it’s sending the right message! It’s the first thing they’ll notice, and as we all know, first impressions are crucial. So, if you want your book to make an impact, investing in a design that stands out and looks professional is well worth it.
You might think about designing your cover yourself with Canva, but if you’re serious about your writing and book publishing business—and building your author brand for the long term—well, that could be a joke to your readers. While DIY options like Canva can save money, they often lead to amateurish covers unless you have years of professional design experience (5+ years). Even experienced designers can struggle with book covers, as they require a deep understanding of genre conventions, market trends, and reader expectations.
Why a Professional Designer Makes a Difference
A book cover designer does more than just make your book look appealing—they create a cover that fits your genre, attracts the right audience, and increases your book’s chances of success. They understand:
Market Trends: What works in fantasy won’t work in romance or thriller. A professional designer tailors your cover to the expectations of your target audience.
Typography & Composition: Fonts, spacing, and layout impact readability and visual appeal. A professional ensures that these elements work harmoniously.
Sales Psychology: Readers make split-second decisions based on covers. A designer crafts a cover that draws attention and invites curiosity.
Is it Worth the Investment?
If your goal is to position your book as high-quality and professional, hiring a designer is a worthwhile investment. A great cover not only elevates your book’s credibility but also helps it stand out in an oversaturated market.
Book Cover Design Cost
Investing in a professional book cover is essential for attracting readers, but it doesn't have to break the bank. One affordable yet professional option is hiring designers who specialize in photomanipulation.
What is Photomanipulation?
Photomanipulation blends and alters photographs to create visually striking book covers, offering high-quality designs without the higher costs of custom illustrations. This budget-friendly technique requires less time than hand-drawn art while still delivering stunning, genre-appropriate covers crafted by experienced designers.
Custom Cover Design using photomanipulation: For a high-quality design, prices can range from $300 to $800, depending on the book cover design style, genre, the designer, and the complexity of the work.
Premade Cover Designs: You can opt for premade covers, which are usually around $130–$350. These designs are good but offer less room for customization.
For premade covers, it's important to know that 90% of the cheap options are created by designers with little to no experience in book publishing. The low price should be a red flag.
I've seen many designers who don’t even know how to properly prepare a print file professionally, but authors often don’t realize this.
Also, not every artist is a great book cover designer. A pretty illustration doesn’t always translate into a market-ready book cover that will work its magic. Artists have skills in painting, but they often lack the knowledge of how to create great typography and use it effectively. Typography and design psychology are specialties of a designer.
However, the book cover is one thing you shouldn't skip or settle for an unprofessional design. If you want to make sure your cover is professionally done, check out this article to see if it meets all the necessary standards.
Illustrated Cover Design: A fully illustrated book cover can cost anywhere from $400 to $1500, depending on the style and complexity.
4
ISBN: Do You Need One?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier assigned to each published book. It provides essential details such as the edition, publisher, and physical attributes like trim size, page count, and binding. This number helps bookstores, libraries, and distributors track and locate books. While KDP does not require an ISBN for eBooks, it is necessary for publishing paperback and hardcover editions.
1 ISBN: $125
10 ISBNs: $295
Having your own ISBN gives you complete control over your book’s distribution and ownership. It means you’re listed as the publisher, not a third party, so you can manage your rights without restrictions. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to switch distributors or retailers if needed, helping you take charge of your author brand and long-term success.
5
Book Marketing Cost
Marketing your book is where things can get really pricey, but it’s essential for getting your book into readers’ hands. You could spend nothing, of course, and rely on organic growth, but that will take time (and a lot of sweat). On the other hand, paid marketing campaigns can get you noticed fast.
Here’s a look at some common book marketing costs:
Amazon and Facebook Ads: You can start with as little as $5–$100 per day, but it can quickly ramp up depending on your budget.
BookBub Ads: They’re great, but they don’t come cheap. These are pay-per-click (PPC) advertisements that appear in BookBub's emails and website. Advertisers set their own budgets and bids, allowing for flexibility. Some authors have reported running continuous campaigns with budgets as low as $10 per day, achieving consistent sales. However, the cost per click (CPC) can vary. For instance, some campaigns have experienced CPCs ranging from $0.45 to $0.75
Email Marketing: Mailchimp offers a Free Plan suitable for beginners, allowing management of up to 500 contacts and sending up to 2,500 emails per month. For growing needs, the Essentials Plan starts at $13 per month for 500 contacts, providing additional features like A/B testing and advanced templates.
Marketing Materials: Promo images start at $30-50, but you might want to get something snazzier.
Marketing Materials for Independent Authors | artofdonika.com Author Website: This can cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on whether you build it yourself or hire a pro. Example of a Stunning Fantasy Author Website
6
Hidden Costs in Self-Publishing
Revisions and Re-uploads
When budgeting for self-publishing, many authors overlook hidden costs, including fees for re-uploading files on certain print-on-demand (POD) platforms. While most services allow you to update your book at no extra cost, some charge fees that can add up if you need multiple revisions.
IngramSpark charges $25 per file revision, meaning every time you update your book’s interior or cover, you’ll pay this fee. This can be a significant cost if you need frequent adjustments.
However, POD platforms frequently update their policies, so it’s crucial to stay informed and review their terms regularly. What’s free today may come with a price tag tomorrow. Always double-check before uploading your files to avoid unexpected costs.
Distribution Platform Fees
When considering print-on-demand (POD) services for self-publishing, understanding the distribution fees of each platform is crucial. Here's a comparison between Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark:
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP):
Royalty Rates:
Standard Distribution: For paperbacks sold directly through Amazon marketplaces, KDP offers a 60% royalty rate. Your earnings are calculated as 60% of your list price minus printing costs.
Expanded Distribution: If you opt into Expanded Distribution, which allows your book to reach non-Amazon retailers and libraries, the royalty rate is 40% of the list price, minus printing costs.
Printing Costs: These vary based on factors like page count, ink type, and trim size. For a detailed breakdown, refer to KDP's printing cost guidelines.
IngramSpark:
Global Distribution Fee: IngramSpark imposes a 1% fee on all books sold through its global distribution network. This fee was introduced in May 2023 to support the maintenance and expansion of their distribution services.
Wholesale Discount: Authors set a wholesale discount for retailers, typically ranging between 30% to 55%. This discount influences how much retailers earn from selling your book and can impact your overall revenue.
Printing Costs: Similar to KDP, printing expenses depend on specifications like page count, ink type, and format. IngramSpark provides calculators to estimate these costs.
Key Considerations:
Royalty Calculation: KDP's royalty is a percentage of the list price minus printing costs, while IngramSpark's earnings are influenced by the wholesale discount you set and the 1% global distribution fee.
Distribution Reach: IngramSpark offers extensive distribution channels, including bookstores and libraries worldwide. KDP's Expanded Distribution also broadens reach but may not be as comprehensive as IngramSpark's network.
Fees and Costs: While KDP doesn't charge upfront fees for distribution, IngramSpark's 1% distribution fee and the wholesale discount should be factored into your pricing strategy.
By understanding these distribution fees and structures, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your publishing goals and budget.
7
Final Thoughts: How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book in 2025
Now, let’s bring it all together and figure out how much it costs to self-publish a book in 2025 on Amazon. If you’re looking for an eBook with a simple design and you’re doing everything yourself, you could spend as little as $0. But, if you want to publish a high-quality book with professional editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing, expect to pay between $1,500 and $10,000.
If you’re in it for the long haul, the upfront investment is totally worth it. With hard work and a bit of investment, you’re not just creating a book—you’re building a career as an author.
So, how much is it really worth to you?
How much are you willing to invest to bring your book to life and make it the best it can be? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let's chat!
how much does it costs to self-publish a book in 2025
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