The book industry is thriving, and self-publishing is on the rise! If you want to learn more about how to self-publish a book, you’ve come to the right place
Benefits of Self-Publishing
No Gatekeepers
There are no gatekeepers—no literary agents or publishers standing in your way. This allows diversity to flourish and underrepresented voices to finally have a space to share their work.
Higher Margins
Not only are the barriers to entry lower, but the margins are higher. When you work with a traditional publisher, they take a cut. By self-publishing your own book, you can earn more for each book that you sell.
More Control
When you self-publish, you own your work and have complete control over the publishing process. This is important for authors who want decision-making power throughout publishing.
Equal Quality
Self-published authors now have access to high-quality printing and distribution networks. Your book can look just as professional as traditionally published titles.
8 Steps to Self-Publishing a Book
Writing
Book Editing
Book Design
Book Metadata
Publishing
Distribution
Marketing
Join eSomeni Self-Publishing Community
How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book?
The cost varies depending on your budget, the type of book, and your publishing goals.
Below are the six most common areas where you may spend money to successfully publish a book :-
1. Book Editing
The cost to edit a book varies based on several factors:
Quality of manuscript – some manuscripts require more work
Genre – nonfiction and historical works require fact-checking
Experience – seasoned editors charge more
Some editors charge per word, page, or hour. The Editorial Freelancer Association provides standard rate guidelines:
Always request samples and references before hiring an editor.
2. Interior Design
Interior design focuses on readability, spacing, and fonts. According to Reedsy:
17% pay under $500
47% pay $500–$1,000
19% pay $1,000–$1,500
16% pay $1,500+
Costs increase with images, charts, and tables.
3. Book Cover Design
The typesetting process mainly focuses on readability, such as proper spacing and fonts. The cost to typeset a book will vary depending on length, genre, and whether or not you’d like to package it with a final proofread.
Cover design pricing depends on the designer’s experience. If publishing both print and ebook versions, hire a designer who can handle both formats. Expect to spend at least $500 for professional quality. You can find designers via graphic design services.
4. Publishing
One publishing cost is purchasing an ISBN unless you use a free one. Each book format requires a unique ISBN.
We recommend that ISBNs are valid and properly acquired. Each country has a single approved and designated agency that issues ISBNs for publishers and self-publishers located in that country.
If selling in physical bookstores, you will also need a barcode.
5. Printing & Shipping
Printing costs depend on:
Trim size
Interior color and paper
Binding type (paperback or hardback)
Laminate type (gloss, matte, or textured)
Page count
Quantity
Shipping location
6. Book Marketing
Always allocate a portion of your budget to marketing.
According to a NetGalley study, authors who spend more on marketing earn more. Marketing can be DIY or outsourced, but it requires planning and tracking results.
Pricing Your Book
If you plan to distribute your book, pricing matters:
Review competitor prices
Compare books in your genre
Visit local bookstores and study pricing
Consider Your Publishing Goals
Do you want to maximize profit or reach more readers?
Higher prices reduce audience size, while lower prices increase reach. Choose based on your audience and goals.
Author Salary
Many authors wonder how much they can earn.
In January 2019, The Authors Guild shared the results from their 2018 Authors’ Income Survey, concluding that:
Median incomes of all published authors who were surveyed—including part-time, full-time, traditionally published, self-published, and hybrid-published authors—for all writing-related activities was $6,080.
The median income for traditionally published authors who participated in the survey—based solely on their book-related activities—was $12,400. While many writers dream of being traditionally published, it’s important to remember that a traditional publishing deal doesn’t always equate to financial success.
The good news? Self-published author incomes are the only incomes on the rise from those surveyed. As the publishing landscape continues to change, more and more traditionally published authors are choosing to self-publish instead—taking back control of their book, their royalties, and ultimately, their livelihoods.
Final Tips for Self-Publishing
1. Get Your Book Edited
Professional editing is essential. Even best-selling authors rely on editors.
2. Avoid Overpriced Services
High cost does not always equal high quality. Always verify credentials and results.
3. Go Wide With Distribution
Use global distributors and avoid exclusive deals where possible.
4. Be Realistic
Set achievable goals based on comparable books in your genre.
5. Get Involved
Join writing communities, support local bookstores, and use library resources.
Credits: IngramSpark
