Self-Publishing Budget Calculator
What it costs to publish your book
Self-publishing is free to upload but not free to do well. Editing, a cover, formatting and a little launch marketing are what separate a book that sells from one that sinks. This calculator builds a realistic budget from your word count and the choices you make.
How much does it cost to self-publish a book?
A common range is $500 to $3,000 for a well-produced first book, with editing usually the largest line. A tight budget might cover a copy edit, a premade cover and self-formatting for a few hundred dollars, while a fuller production with developmental editing and a custom cover runs into the thousands. Uploading itself is free.
Where should a small budget go first?
Editing and the cover, in that order. A great story with typos loses reviews, and a weak cover loses the click before anyone reads a word. If money is tight, prioritise a solid copy edit and a professional-looking cover, and handle formatting yourself with a tool rather than paying for it.
Can I publish for almost nothing?
Yes, technically, and some authors do. But readers can tell, and the market is crowded. The honest middle path is to spend where it shows, the edit and the cover, and save where you can, using tools to write, format and produce the rest yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to self-publish?
Commonly $500 to $3,000 for a well-produced first book, with editing the largest cost. Uploading is free.
What should I spend money on first?
Editing and the cover. A great story with typos loses reviews, and a weak cover loses the click.
Can I self-publish for free?
You can upload for free, but a professional edit and cover are what make a book competitive.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, and it runs entirely in your browser.