Publishing a book in 2025 can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out how much it will cost. If you’re asking, “What will I need to spend to get my book out there?”—you’re not alone. Plenty of writers, from first-timers to experienced authors, are asking the same question.
This blog breaks down the actual expenses involved in publishing a book this year. No fluff. Just honest numbers, clear explanations, and helpful tips to avoid spending more than you need to.
Start With One Big Question How to Publish a Book: Self-Publishing or Traditional?
Before talking numbers, let’s look at the two main publishing paths:
- Self-publishing means you cover the cost, but keep control and profits.
- Traditional publishing usually costs less upfront because the publisher pays, but they also take a larger share of your book sales.
This guide focuses mainly on self-publishing, since that’s where authors have the most direct costs.
Total Average Cost: $1,300 to $10,000+
Of course, you don’t need to spend at the high end. Smart planning and good choices help you stay under budget without sacrificing quality.
Editing and Proofreading Services
This is usually where most of your budget will go—and for good reason.
Editing helps shape your manuscript into something that readers will actually enjoy. Even the best ideas can be lost if a book is full of errors or awkward flow.
There are three key types of editing:
- Developmental Editing – Focuses on structure, plot, pacing, and overall content. Useful in early stages. Often the most expensive.
- Copyediting – Fixes grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and clarity.
- Proofreading – Final polish. Checks for typos, formatting issues, and minor slip-ups.
If your budget is tight, prioritize copyediting and proofreading services. They’ll improve readability and prevent bad reviews.
Many authors hire professionals from freelance platforms or companies that offer ebook writing services and ghost writing services—these often include editing packages.
Cover Design: First Impressions Matter
Even if your book is amazing, a bad cover can hurt sales. And yes, readers do judge books by their covers. A good cover matches your genre, grabs attention, and looks clean on both print and digital platforms.
There are two main options:
- Pre-made covers – Budget-friendly and quick (usually $50–$150)
- Custom design – Tailored to your story, usually $200–$600
If you’re working with a team that offers ebook writing services, ask if they include cover design. Some full-service providers will handle this part for you.
Formatting for Print and Ebook
Formatting helps your book look professional—inside and out. Clean page layout, consistent fonts, readable spacing. All small details that matter.
You can:
- Do it yourself using tools like Vellum or Atticus.
- Hire a formatter ($100–$500 depending on book size and format).
Ebooks need different formatting than print versions, especially for Kindle or iBooks. Formatting services are often bundled with ghost writing services or publishing packages. If your book includes lots of images, charts, or tables, expect a higher fee.
ISBN and Barcode is
An ISBN is your book’s unique identifier and an important factor in publishing a book. You’ll need one for each format—print, ebook, and audiobook (if applicable)
Amazon KDP provides a free ISBN (but only usable on Amazon).
If you want to publish a book wide, purchase your own through Bowker (in the U.S.) – one ISBN costs $125, or a block of 10 for $295.
You’ll also need a barcode for printed books. Bowker and other services offer those too.
Publishing Platform Fees
Publishing platforms are usually free or low-cost.
- Amazon KDP – Free
- IngramSpark – $49 per title (often waived with a coupon)
- Draft2Digital – Free to upload, takes a cut of royalties
These platforms let you distribute your ebook or paperback globally. No need to pay upfront printing fees thanks to print-on-demand services.
Marketing and Promotion
This is the wildcard.
Some authors spend $100. Others spend $10,000+. It depends on your goals.
You can:
- Run Amazon Ads or Facebook Ads
- Pay for a BookBub Featured Deal (if approved)
- Hire a marketing firm
- Build a website and email list
- Offer promotions and giveaways
Even spending just a few hundred dollars can give your book a strong start—especially if you’re targeting the right readers.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Software tools – Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Scrivener (optional but helpful)
Author copies – You’ll want printed versions for events or giveaways.
Email service – MailerLite or ConvertKit if you plan to grow your reader base.Audiobook production services – If you choose to record one, this could cost $500–$2,500+.
Not all of these are required. But it’s smart to plan for the extras.
Can You Publish a book for Free?
Yes, technically. If you:
- Do all editing yourself
- Design your own cover
- Format with free tools
- Use Amazon’s free ISBN
- Skip paid promotions
But most authors who publish for free struggle to sell copies. A few key investments—especially in editing—can make the difference between a book that sells and one that sits unread.
Using Ebook Writing and Ghost Writing Services
If you’re not a confident writer or just short on time, you can work with professional ebook writing services such as Jinnx Book Press. These companies or freelancers can help:
- Turn your notes into a complete manuscript
- Co-write with you
- Handle formatting, editing, and design
- Support publishing and marketing
Final Thoughts
Publishing a book in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive.With a clear plan and the right support, you can publish a professional-quality book on almost any budget. Whether you’re spending $1,500 or $10,000, the most important thing is to make smart decisions that match your goals.
