Counting the Costs: 13 things to know before you start self publishing.

order of how you would spend writing and self publishing a novel approximately 32,000 words (100 pages) long.

Coaching ($25-$500 per hour)

Many new authors and self publishers do not know how or where to start their writing journey. Writing and authorship coaches help people turn their thoughts and ideas into books by providing them counsel on:

• Outline Development
• Character/Dialogue 
• Brainstorming
• Organizational Skills
• Provide Helpful Criticism
• Genre Expertise
• Navigating Self-Publishing World
• Resources

Office Equipment and Supplies

What are you using to write your book? Computers, printers and ink, paper, pens, pencils, and other supplies cost money and should be considered upfront when writing. Costs will vary depending on how much or little you would like to spend on setting up your writing environment. Making sure you budget for maintenance of your office equipment is important as well.

Research/Reference

Is your book set in a destination you’ve never visited? How much research do you need to make your facts accurate? The costs associated with doing research should be considered when writing your book. Trips to the library, mileage, travel, research dues and subscriptions, and more should be included in your total budget when writing.

Editing

There are 4 major steps in the editing process. 

Manuscript Evaluation/Critique
Developmental Editing
Copywriting/LineCopy Editing
Proofreading

Manuscript Evaluation/Critique ($630)

This is the first and most basic form of editing. An editor gives a multipage overview and critique of the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript. Depending on the depth the author wants reviewed, evaluation includes:

• • Story line
  • Character development
  • Setting
  • Flow and narrative structure
  • Pacing
  • Accuracy of facts
  • Voice
  • Dialogue 
  • Format
  • Book and chapter title suitability
  • Intended audience
  • Marketability
  • Tone

Developmental editing ($1209).

This more intense edit is for authors who have been made aware of the critiques found in the manuscript evaluation but don’t know how to approach fixing them. The editor goes by the outline of the previous edit and provides suggestions for corrections. 

Copywriting/Line editing ($799)

A line editor analyzes and then polishes each sentence with respect to clarity and style. Some or all the following elements may be taken into consideration.

• • Clarity
  • Diction
  • Grammar
  • Paragraph breaks
  • Punctuation
  • Repetitiveness
  • Sentence and paragraph structure and flow
  • Syntax
  • Spelling
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Transitions
  • Verb tense
  • Vernacular usage 
  • Vocabulary level

Proofreading ($512)

Done after formatting, the proofreader is responsible for correcting any remaining technical errors (primarily spelling, punctuation, typographical, and formatting issues) and does a final check of the manuscript before it gets published.

Formatting ($80-$250)

If you have the expertise to format your own book, the cost of this step can be skipped. However, formatting a book for e-book and other digital formats may be a bit more complicated. A professional formatter will be familiar with the margins, page size and formatting necessary to make your book readable for both print and electronic reading.

Cover Design ($50-$1500)

Available from premade to fully customizable, book cover design is vital to the presentation of your manuscript. People will literally judge your book by its cover. Having an outside design that conveys your inside message is crucial. Consider this when designing or having your book cover created.

ISBN ($125/book or $295 for 10)

The international standard book number (ISBN) is the unique number used by publishers and distribution companies to identify a book. ISBNs may be purchased from an affiliate of the International ISBN Agency, such as Bowker, for $125 if you purchase a single one and $295 if you purchase ten. They are required only if you want your book available in libraries, bookstores, and other retailers. Some printing services, such as Amazon KDP, provide a “free” ISBN, however they are not owned by the author and are usually only valid on that particular selling site.

Copyright/Intellectual Property Protection ($45+)

Authors should always be proactive about protecting their intellectual property. The US Copyright Office issues certificates of copyright to protect authors and their original content. See https://www.copyright.gov/ for more information.

Some may want additional legal protections. Consulting a copyright and intellectual property attorney will result in additional costs and applications fees.

Printing ($3-5 per book)

Book printing services, such as Amazon KDP, Lulu, and Blurb, have very low costs for printing books in comparison to large printing and publishing companies. Costs depend on the size, page number, color, and cover of the book. Keep in mind that the price per book does not include shipping and handling, which will increase the upfront cost of having your books printed. Most of these type printing services do not charge a fee or service charge to upload your book for printing. Check each individual  sight for more information.

Distribution

The number 1 retailer of books on the internet is Amazon. There is no upfront cost to the distribution of your books on their site, however they do take a percentage of each book sale. There are other distribution services, such as IngramSpark and Google Play Books, with fees that start at zero and can go up, depending on the format uploaded.

Approximately 54% of all book sales take place online. Regardless of self or house publishing, all authors have the same access to online retail and wholesale distribution channels. How many different channels of distribution you choose to use depends on the domestic or international reach you are trying to have.

Marketing/Advertising

Marketing and advertising costs are important factors to consider when self publishing. Unlike a traditional publishing company that has huge departments dedicated to the promotion of a book, a self publishing author must initiate and maintain a marketing presence. Getting exposure beyond your family and friend circle takes effort, creativity and money. 
Costs for advertising and marketing include but are not limited to:

• Design service fees (Canva, Adobe Suite)
• Banners and signs
• Book sell sheets
• Website design and maintenance
• Author sheets
• Bookmarks and marketing materials
• Book, craft, or pop-up shop fair fees
• Social media advertising and content

Shipping and Handling

Many self-publishing authors don’t think about the costs of shipping and handling. Packaging, such as mailers, labels, as well as postage must be factored into the cost of selling books. Basic products can be used, but many authors use custom designed mailers, inserts, and even treats to give their readers a great customer experience. Make sure to include these costs in your budget

Continuing Education/Association Memberships

Most people are bitten by the authorship bug after writing and publishing their first book. To improve their writing skills or stay on top of current trends in their genre. Enrollment in classes or joining associations and groups is a great way to keep your skills honed and your readers impressed. Having certifications or membership to particular societies also increases your visibility, making room for new readers to have access to your books. Fees and tuition associated with furthering your education in writing should be examined as well.