How Much Does It Cost To Write A Book And Get It Published

Writing a book is a dream for many—but turning that dream into a reality comes with a price tag. Whether you’re a budding novelist, a memoirist, or an entrepreneur writing a business book, the question inevitably arises: “How much does it cost to write a book and get it published?”

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your budget depends on multiple factors like the length of the book, whether you’re self-publishing or going the traditional route, and the professional help you hire. In this guide, we’ll break down all the major costs associated with writing and publishing a book so you can plan smartly and avoid surprises.

1. Writing the Book – Your First Investment

Writing the book may seem like the most “free” part—but even this phase can rack up costs depending on how you approach it.

a. Time = Money

If you’re writing the book yourself, the biggest cost is your time. Writing a full-length book (50,000–80,000 words) can take several months or even years. If you’re a busy professional, that time could be worth thousands in opportunity cost.

b. Hiring a Ghostwriter: $5,000 to $50,000+

If writing isn’t your strong suit or you’re short on time, hiring a ghostwriter is an option. Depending on their experience and niche, ghostwriters typically charge:

• New ghostwriters: $5,000–$15,000
• Experienced writers: $20,000–$50,000+
• Celebrity-level ghostwriters: $75,000 and up

Memoirs, business books, and thought leadership books often require ghostwriters to ensure professional quality and voice.

2. Editing – The Backbone of Quality

Once your manuscript is complete, professional editing is essential. Even bestselling authors go through several rounds of editing.

a. Developmental Editing: $0.07–$0.15/word

This is the big-picture edit. A developmental editor helps restructure the book, improve plot flow, character development, and eliminate inconsistencies.

For a 60,000-word manuscript:
Estimated cost: $4,200 – $9,000

b. Line Editing: $0.04–$0.10/word

This involves tightening sentence structure, improving readability, and polishing language.

Estimated cost: $2,400 – $6,000

c. Copyediting: $0.02–$0.04/word

Corrects grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Estimated cost: $1,200 – $2,400

d. Proofreading: $0.01–$0.02/word

Final polish before publication.
Cost: $600 – $1,200

👉 Total Editing Costs: $4,000 to $15,000+

3. Book Cover Design – First Impressions Matter

They say don’t judge a book by its cover—but readers absolutely do.

a. DIY (via Canva or similar): Free to $50

You can design your own cover if you’re on a tight budget. However, it’s not recommended unless you have a design background.

b. Professional Designers: $300 – $1,500

A professionally designed cover makes your book stand out. Most self-published authors spend between $500–$1,000 on this.

4. Interior Formatting – Looks Matter on the Inside Too

Proper formatting ensures your book looks polished in print and eBook formats.

a. DIY with tools like Vellum, Reedsy, or Atticus: $100–$250

These tools are user-friendly and ideal for self-publishers.

b. Hiring a Professional: $300–$1,000

This includes eBook + print formatting with a custom layout.

5. ISBN and Copyright Registration

a. ISBN (International Standard Book Number)

• Free with Amazon KDP (but only usable there)
• $125 for one ISBN from Bowker (U.S.)
• $295 for 10 ISBNs (bulk deal for future books)

b. Copyright Registration

• Optional but recommended.
• U.S. Copyright Office fee: $65

6. Self-Publishing Costs vs. Traditional Publishing

Let’s compare both routes:

Self-Publishing

Self-publishing gives you control, better royalties, and faster timelines. However, you’re responsible for all costs.

Category	Estimated Cost (Range)
Ghostwriting	$5,000 – $50,000
Editing	$4,000 – $15,000
Cover Design	$300 – $1,500
Formatting	$100 – $1,000
ISBN + Copyright	$125 – $200
Total	$9,525 – $67,700+

Of course, costs are lower if you write the book yourself or reduce services.

Traditional Publishing

If accepted by a traditional publisher, they typically cover the costs of editing, design, distribution, and even some marketing. Your primary costs may include:

• Literary Agent’s Commission: 15% of advance and royalties
• Query Coaching or Proposal Editing (if hired): $500–$2,000
• Time spent querying agents/publishers: 6 months to 2 years

Pros: No upfront cost
Cons: Competitive, time-consuming, lower royalty (typically 5–15%)

7. Marketing & Promotion – Don’t Skip This Step!

Writing a book is only half the journey. Getting readers to buy it is the other half.

a. Basic Marketing Budget: $500–$1,000

Includes:

• Social media ads (Facebook, Amazon, Instagram)
• Promotional graphics
• Basic email campaign tools

b. Advanced Marketing Strategy: $2,000–$10,000+

• Book PR agency or publicist
• Book launch team
• Author website ($500–$2,500)
• Book trailers, influencer outreach

c. Book Launch Packages (Optional)

Many marketing agencies offer done-for-you book launch services ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 depending on exposure.

8. Printing & Distribution (Print-on-Demand)

If you opt for print versions:

Print-on-Demand (via Amazon KDP or IngramSpark):

• Printing cost per book: $2–$6 (based on size/page count)
• You set the retail price; Amazon takes a percentage (around 40–60%)

If you’re printing in bulk for events:

• Offset Printing: $1,000–$5,000 for 500–1,000 copies

Real Author Budget Examples

Let’s look at realistic ranges depending on the type of author:

Budget DIY Author: $1,000–$3,000

• Writes book themselves
• Hires budget editor or uses beta readers
• Minimal marketing
• DIY formatting and cover design

Professional Self-Publisher: $5,000–$15,000

• Invests in top-tier editing
• Hires pro cover designer and formatter
• Allocates budget for launch marketing

Entrepreneur/Thought Leader: $15,000–$50,000+

• Ghostwriter
• Full team for editing, design, and marketing
• Media coverage, speaking tour, book funnel, website

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment?

Writing and publishing a book isn’t cheap—but it can be incredibly rewarding. Beyond royalties, books can:

• Build credibility in your industry
• Attract speaking gigs
• Open doors to new clients
• Leave a lasting legacy

Think of your book as an asset—an investment in your brand, business, or personal fulfillment. Whether you spend $2,000 or $50,000, the key is to align your budget with your goals.

FAQs

Q: Can I publish a book for free?

Yes, but expect limitations in quality. Using free platforms like Amazon KDP with DIY design/editing can reduce costs to nearly $0—but at the expense of polish and professionalism.

Q: How much do authors earn per book?

• Self-published authors earn 35–70% per sale.
• Traditionally published authors earn 5–15% royalties, plus potential advances.

Q: Is hiring a ghostwriter worth it?

If you’re not confident in writing or lack time, a ghostwriter can bring your vision to life with professionalism—especially for business or memoir genres.

In Conclusion

From writing to editing, designing to distributing, publishing a book can cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $50,000. While that’s a wide range, your unique goals, skills, and publishing path will define your final investment.