How Much Does It Cost To Write A Book On Amazon

Publishing a book on Amazon has opened the door for countless aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and storytellers. With platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), anyone can now turn their manuscript into a published book and sell it globally. But here’s the big question: how much does it cost to write and publish a book on Amazon?

If you’re planning to become a self-published author in the UK or anywhere else, understanding the true costs behind writing and publishing a book on Amazon is essential. This guide covers every expense you might encounter—from writing and editing to design, formatting, and promotional costs.

Why Choose Amazon to Publish Your Book?

Before jumping into the costs, it’s worth noting why so many authors choose Amazon:

• Amazon KDP is free to use.
• You keep up to 70% of royalties (depending on pricing).
• Your book becomes available globally within days.
• You can publish both eBooks and paperbacks without inventory costs.

But free publishing doesn’t mean free everything. While Amazon doesn’t charge upfront fees, professional book production still comes with essential investments.

What Does It Mean to Publish on Amazon?

Amazon offers a self-publishing platform called Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which allows authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks at no upfront cost. While KDP itself is free to use, the total cost to write and publish a book on Amazon depends on how much of the process you do yourself and how much you outsource to professionals.

Total Estimated Cost to Write a Book on Amazon

Let’s give a quick overview before we dive into each element:

Service	Estimated Cost (GBP)
Writing (Self-written)	£0
Writing (Ghostwriter)	£5,000 – £25,000
Editing and Proofreading	£500 – £3,000
Book Cover Design	£100 – £1,000
Formatting (eBook + Paperback)	£50 – £500
ISBN (optional, Amazon provides)	£0 – £89
Amazon KDP Publishing	Free
Total (DIY)	£650 – £1,500
Total (With Ghostwriter)	£5,650 – £30,000

Writing the Book: Free or Outsourced?

Option 1: Writing the Book Yourself

Writing the book, yourself doesn’t cost money directly, but it requires time, effort, and discipline. The real investment is your time.

Option 2: Hiring a Ghostwriter

If you’re not a writer or lack the time, hiring a ghostwriter can be the best option. Costs vary based on:

• Book length
• Genre
• Writer’s experience

Average Cost in the UK:

• Short eBook (10,000–20,000 words): £1,000 – £5,000
• Full-length book (50,000–70,000 words): £5,000 – £25,000+

Tip: Always request writing samples and clarify timelines and revision policies before hiring a ghostwriter.

Editing and Proofreading

Even the best writers need editors. Amazon readers expect a professional product, so proper editing is crucial.

Types of Editing:

1. Developmental Editing

Focuses on structure, plot, pacing, and flow.
Cost: £500 – £2,000

2. Copy Editing

Corrects grammar, sentence structure, and word choice.
Cost: £300 – £1,000

3. Proofreading

Final check for typos and formatting consistency.
Cost: £100 – £500

Total Editing Range: £500 – £3,000 depending on word count and quality.

Book Cover Design

Your cover is the first impression readers get. A professional-looking cover directly influences your book’s success on Amazon.

Design Options:

• DIY using Canva or KDP tools: Free or under £50
• Freelancers (Fiverr, Upwork): £50 – £300
• Professional designers/agencies: £300 – £1,000+

Important: Make sure the cover meets Amazon’s KDP specifications for size, resolution, and format.

Book Formatting for Amazon (KDP)

Formatting ensures your book looks great on Kindle devices and in print.

eBook Formatting:

• DIY using Kindle Create: Free
• Freelancer or Professional Service: £50 – £200

Paperback Formatting:

• Interior design (margins, headers, layout): £100 – £300

Total Formatting Cost: £50 – £500

Tools like Vellum (for Mac) or Reedsy Book Editor also offer high-quality formatting options.

ISBN – Is It Required?

When publishing through KDP:

• eBook ISBN: Not required. Amazon assigns a free ASIN.
• Paperback ISBN: Amazon provides one for free, but it ties your book exclusively to Amazon.

If you want to publish widely elsewhere (Waterstones, Barnes & Noble), buy your own ISBN from Nielsen UK:

• Cost: £89 for one ISBN or £164 for 10

Publishing on Amazon KDP: Free Platform

Publishing on Amazon is completely free via Kindle Direct Publishing.

Features of KDP:

• Publish eBooks and paperbacks
• Print-on-demand model (no inventory needed)
• Global distribution on Amazon marketplaces
• Up to 70% royalty on eBooks

No upfront publishing fees are charged by Amazon. You earn royalties every time your book is sold.

Optional: Amazon Ads and Marketing

While publishing is free, marketing your book is vital to gain visibility.

Common Costs:

• Amazon Ads (PPC campaigns): £50 – £500/month
• Social media ads: £100 – £1,000+
• Book launch campaigns or PR firms: £300 – £3,000

Marketing is optional but often necessary if you want your book to succeed in Amazon’s competitive marketplace.

Additional Tools and Services

Here are a few extra tools authors often use:

• Grammarly Premium (proofreading): £10/month
• Reedsy Marketplace (hire editors/designers)
• BookFunne (giveaway management): £15/month
• Scrivener (writing software): £47 one-time

How to Keep Your Costs Low

If you’re working with a tight budget, here are some ways to reduce your expenses:

1. Write the book yourself instead of hiring a ghostwriter.
2. Use free tools like Kindle Create and Canva for formatting and design.
3. Hire freelancers for affordable editing instead of agencies.
4. Publish the eBook only to avoid print formatting costs.
5. Start with organic marketing via social media and book reviewers.

FAQs: Writing a Book on Amazon

Can I publish a book on Amazon for free?

Yes. You can technically write, format, and publish a book on Amazon with zero financial investment, but quality will suffer without professional input.

Do I need to pay Amazon to sell my book?

No. Amazon only takes a royalty percentage from each sale (30%–65%), but there are no upfront costs.

 Is it better to hire a ghostwriter or write it myself?

That depends on your goals. If you have a strong message but lack time or writing experience, hiring a ghostwriter ensures high quality. If you love writing and want full control, do it yourself.

 How do I market a self-published book on Amazon?

Use Amazon ads, book promotion sites, social media, email marketing, and reviews. A well-marketed book often earns far more than it costs to publish.

Final Thoughts

Publishing on Amazon is one of the most accessible ways to become a published author today. Whether you’re a business professional writing a guide, a fiction writer launching your first novel, or someone turning personal stories into a memoir, Amazon makes it possible.

But remember: while publishing may be free, creating a book that sells requires strategic investments. By budgeting wisely for editing, design, and promotion, you can produce a professional-quality book that stands out from the crowd.

Need Help Writing or Publishing Your Amazon Book?
Hire experienced ghostwriters, editors, and marketers who specialize in Amazon KDP publishing. Whether you’re just starting out or polishing your manuscript, expert support can turn your ideas into a best-selling reality.