Self-publishing: what’s involved?

In simple terms, self-publishing encompasses all the processes involved in publishing a written work, whether that is a book, eBook, or other written content, independent of a traditional publishing house.

There are pros and cons to the self-publishing approach. It gives an author full creative control, ownership of rights, and a larger share of royalties, but they will need to manage various stages, including editing, design, marketing, and distribution.

Digital publishing platforms and print-on-demand services have made self-publishing an accessible and affordable option for authors. But while self-publishing has opened doors for authors to share their words with the world, some costs need to be considered once they have finished writing their book. So what does it all cost? Well, “How long is a piece of string?” I’m not being difficult, but there’s a LOT to consider.

In this musing, I will discuss the various stages of self-publishing and touch on the financial ins and outs of the process.

Editing

Editing is an important step in the self-publishing process. No matter how well an author writes, every manuscript will benefit from the eyes of a professional editor to polish the words.

The cost of editing varies depending on the length and quality of the manuscript, and the level of editing required (from developmental editing to copy-editing). I always advise an author to self-edit their manuscript several times before passing it to their editor.

Editing may involve restructuring content or simply improving language, grammar, punctuation and clarity. So there are different types of editing which I won’t go into on this musing, perhaps in another! These include developmental or content editing through to structural editing, copy editing and line editing.

You see why I need to know how long the piece of string is? Editing can cost an author anything from £500 to £3,000.

Formatting/typesetting

Once edited, a manuscript needs to be formatted/typeset for publication; the layout and typographic design of the book. This includes setting the text, defining fonts and spacing, formatting the pages, inserting images, and creating an attractive layout. Lots of decisions!!

While some authors may be able to format their book, a professional typesetter will ensure it is consistent throughout, looks professional, and is easy to read.

The cost of formatting can vary considerably depending on the length, the complexity of the design, whether there are visuals and tables, and how many rounds of amendments are included. Formatting costs can range from £150 up to £1,000+ (excluding the actual design set-up).

Cover design

The cover of a book is an important marketing tool, it is a potential reader’s first impression. A well-designed cover can attract readers and, therefore, increase sales. So, don’t overlook or scrimp on this stage of the process.

Again, some authors may be able to design their own book cover, but a cover designer will create a professional, eye-catching cover that fits the genre. The cost will depend on the complexity of the design and if a bespoke illustration is needed.

Costs for professional cover designs can be high and will depend on the designer’s experience and the complexity of the design.

Proofreading

Years ago, a proofreader would check the typeset copy against the copy-edited copy to ensure the typesetter had interpreted everything correctly. These days, with everything being digital, a proofreader ensures the layout and design, pagination, cross-referencing, images and captions, front and back matter, headings, etc, are present, consistent and correct. They will also review, identify and correct any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that may have slipped through at the copy editing stage.

So, proofreading is typically the final step in the writing process, ensuring that the document is polished and as free from mistakes as possible before it is printed. It focuses on surface-level errors to improve accuracy and professionalism.

Authors have come to expect a lot from proofreaders, and proofreaders sometimes go far beyond their remit; often into areas traditionally occupied by an editor.

ISBN

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier assigned to every book. It’s required for all books sold through retailers, and can be purchased directly from the Nielsen ISBN store (the agency responsible for assigning ISBNs in the UK). The cost of an ISBN varies depending on the number being purchased (single £93 or 10 for £174). So, if you plan to publish more than one book it is a no-brainer to buy 10.

With print-on-demand through Amazon, you can get a free ISBN, but with this the book can only be sold on this platform which limits control.

Printing and Distribution

With self-publishing, an author can print and distribute books on demand, where books are printed and shipped as ordered. This eliminates the need for large print runs and storage fees. A number of print-on-demand companies offer affordable options.

If you have the funds, traditional printing of a larger quantity, for price-per-book savings and print quality, is a more cost-effective route. Traditional offset printers often produce clearer images, more vibrant colours, and can include customisations such as dust jackets, embossing, and foil stamps.

The cost of printing varies depending on book length, type of paper, whether printing in colour or black and white, soft or hardcover, and the number of copies in the print run.

As well as the printing costs, there are also distribution costs to consider. These include retailer/wholesaler fees if using one, or shipping (postage, packaging and time) if an author is doing this themselves, and possibly storage costs. Also, if selling through bookstores, a bookstore discount will need to be granted to incentivise the retailer (often 40–55%).

Marketing and Promotion

Once an author has printed their book, this isn’t the end of the journey! Oh no, there’s plenty to still to do to market and promote it! So, how do you find your readers? Some authors may have a built-in audience or a strong social media presence, but most will need to market and promote their books for sales. These costs will vary, and some authors will only use their social media channels and email marketing campaigns, etc, to market their books.

Marketing is crucial for a book’s success. While there are free methods (social media, email newsletters, etc.), an author may want to invest in paid ads, advertising material (such as reading samples), participation in book fairs and presentations, book launch services, or promotional platforms. Depending on your budget and goals, marketing can cost quite a lot, but effective book marketing is crucial to the success of a book.

Author website

Many authors will have an author website, which serves as a bookstore and provides readers with author and contact information. Some authors may be able to design their website, but many will need to hire a professional web designer. Website development costs can vary widely depending on the features included, such as whether a shop, blog, etc, is to be included.

A strong and consistent brand presence is important, and an author may want to enlist the support of a branding expert for logo design and social media branding. Again, these costs will vary depending on the services selected.

If this is your career, building a professional author website or investing in branding can be a wise investment if you aren’t experienced in this area.

Audiobook

If you want to release your book in audio format, this is another cost to plan for, and the price will depend on the length and the voice talent.

Conclusion

Self-publishing can be an affordable and accessible option for authors who want to take control of their publishing process. However, it’s important to understand the associated costs and to budget accordingly. By investing in editing, formatting, cover design, ISBN, printing and distribution, marketing and promotion, and author website and branding, authors can ensure that their book is high quality and reaches a wide audience.

While the total cost of self-publishing can vary widely depending on the services needed, it is an investment in an author’s career; there needs to be some planning and budgeting and, of course, upfront investment. Hopefully, any investment will pay off in terms of sales. Ultimately, the more effort and resources invested in the quality of a book, the better the chances of it standing out in a competitive market.

As you can see, it is difficult to put figures on the services an author will need, but they should expect to pay at least a few thousand pounds to self-publish their book. So, self-publishing needs careful consideration, planning and costing to set a realistic selling price for a physical book that covers costs and creates a reasonable profit.

[According to a survey by Reedsy, a self-publishing services marketplace, the average cost of book production in the UK is around £2,000 to £4,000.]

I hope this helps xx

If you’re an aspiring author looking to publish your book, I'm here to polish your words and create a professional, reader-friendly publication for you. I would love to support you on your publishing journey.

Contact me for a free editing and typesetting estimate, and let’s make your book shine!

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