What Does It Really Cost to Publish a Book?
May 19, 2025
So, you’ve got a brilliant nonfiction book idea—or maybe even a rough draft—and you’re wondering: How much is this really going to cost me?
Whether you’re aiming for bestseller status or simply want to bring your story to life, it’s important to understand that publishing a book involves much more than just writing. Many new authors are surprised to learn that ghostwriting fees—while significant—are just one part of the overall budget.
Here’s a stage-by-stage breakdown of what you can realistically expect when taking your book from idea to finished product.
Ghostwriting
Hiring a ghostwriter is optional but common, especially for first-time authors. If you have the ideas but not the time or writing experience to execute them, a ghostwriter can help bring your vision to life. Costs vary based on the writer’s expertise, the book’s length, and the complexity of the subject.
- Average cost: $10,000–$50,000+
- Higher-end projects (such as business books or memoirs requiring deep research or interviews) often cost more
- Alternative: Write the book yourself or work with a developmental editor or book coach
Ghostwriting is usually the largest single expense—but it’s far from the only one.
Developmental Editing
Once the manuscript is written, developmental editing is crucial. This stage focuses on structure, flow, and content development.
- Average cost: $1,000–$5,000
- Editors help refine big-picture elements like pacing, organization, clarity, and coherence
- Pricing depends on genre, manuscript length, complexity, and how much work is needed
Even if you wrote the manuscript yourself, professional editing is essential for producing a high-quality book.
Indexing
If your book is academic, research-based, or reference-heavy, a professional index adds credibility and usability.
- Cost range: $500–$1,500 depending on book length and topic complexity
- Typically done after the layout is finalized
- Expected in academic and library markets
A strong index not only helps readers—it shows your commitment to professionalism.
Copyediting & Proofreading
After structural editing, your manuscript needs a polish. Copyediting improves grammar, style, and consistency. Proofreading is the final pass to catch lingering typos and errors.
- Copyediting: $0.02–$0.03 per word
- Proofreading: $0.01–$0.02 per word
- For a 60,000-word book: $1,200–$2,400 total
These are nonnegotiable steps. A few small errors can undermine the credibility of your work.
Book Design (Cover & Interior)
A book’s design—both cover and interior—can make or break a reader’s first impression.
- Cover design: $300–$1,500
- Interior layout: $250–$1,000
- Most authors need both print and eBook formats
You can DIY with tools like Canva or Vellum, but for the most professional results, hire a designer. Premade covers are a budget-friendly option, but custom designs are best for standing out.
ISBNs and Legal Essentials
Every book needs an ISBN—your book’s unique identifier in the publishing world.
- ISBN (U.S. via Bowker): $125 each or $295 for 10
- Barcode: ~$25
- Copyright registration (optional but recommended): $45–$65
These smaller costs are often overlooked but are critical for book distribution and protection.
Printing Costs (Self-Publishing)
If you’re self-publishing, printing is a major budget factor. There are two main options:
- Print-on-demand (POD): $3–$8 per book
- Low upfront cost, but higher per-unit pricing
- Offset printing: $1–$5 per book
- Requires large print runs (usually 500+ copies)
- Lower per-unit cost, but higher upfront investment
Additional factors—like paper quality, color printing, or hardcover binding—can double or triple your per-unit costs. Don’t forget storage costs if you print in bulk: $50–$200+ per month, depending on volume.
Marketing and Promotion
You’ve published your book—now you need readers. Marketing can be the most variable (and ongoing) cost, but it’s essential for success.
- Basic strategies: ARCs, author website, email list – $500–$1,500
- Promotional campaigns: PR, podcast tours, influencer outreach, paid ads – $2,000–$10,000+
- Long-term efforts: SEO, social media, newsletters, reader engagement
Even a beautifully written and designed book won’t sell if no one knows it exists. Marketing is where you build your audience and momentum.
Sample Budget Scenarios
Here’s how a typical author’s budget might look, depending on your approach:
| Author Type | Estimated Budget | Key Characteristics |
| Self-Publisher | $2,000–$5,000 | DIY writing, basic editing, limited marketing |
| Indie Author | $7,000–$20,000 | Hires professionals, higher-quality design and editing |
| Fully Outsourced Project | $25,000–$75,000+ | Ghostwriter, professional team, full marketing rollout |
If you’re self-publishing, remember to factor in printing costs separately.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Writing
While ghostwriting often draws attention due to the cost, publishing a quality book involves many moving parts—from editing and design to legal details and marketing.
The good news? You don’t need to do everything at once. Prioritize your goals—whether that’s building a legacy, earning income, or creating impact—and build a budget that supports your vision.
By understanding the full cost of publishing upfront, you’ll be better prepared to make strategic decisions—and give your book its best shot at success.
