Ever dreamed of seeing your name on the cover of a book? Well, it's possible without breaking the bank. With the rise of online book publishing platforms, aspiring authors can easily publish a book from the comfort of their own home—and at a fraction of the cost you'd expect.
Here's a guide on how to publish a book on a budget, complete with steps, and tips to help you save time and money as you begin your journey to delivering your stories to your audience.
Before getting into the steps, it’s essential to understand the appeal of self-publishing. Unlike traditional publishing routes, self-publishing allows authors to maintain control over every aspect of the book creation process—from the story itself to the pricing and marketing.
According to research carried out by the University of Glasgow’s CREATe (UK Copyright & Creative Economy Research Centre) self-published authors' average incomes are on the rise, showing a 53% increase in 2022 compared to the previous year. In 2022, the median income for indie authors was US$12,749, while authors with third-party publishers earned a median of US$8,600.
Given this trend, it's no surprise that self-publishing is increasingly becoming the preferred option for many authors, particularly those on a budget
So, how can you get started without spending a fortune? Let’s break it down.
The first step in how to publish a book is, of course, the writing. While the writing itself doesn’t cost anything, editing is a whole different ballgame. Good editing can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs.
One of the most significant advantages of modern self-publishing is the number of affordable online platforms available. When you learn how to get a book published, it's crucial to select the right platform.
A great cover is essential to attracting readers, but that doesn't mean you need to spend hundreds on a professional designer.
If you have a knack for graphic design, tools like Canva offer free templates specifically for book covers. Even without design skills, Canva makes it easy to create a professional-looking cover for your book.
On the other hand, if design isn’t your strength, you can reach out to budget-friendly designers on freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork who can create a good cover on a limited budget. Just be sure to check their portfolio and reviews before hiring.
Proper formatting is essential to ensure your book looks professional on digital and print platforms. While formatting can be tricky, there are plenty of budget-friendly tools available.
Now that your book is ready to go, it’s time to set the price. One of the major advantages of self-publishing is that you control the pricing and royalties. Platforms like Amazon KDP allow you to earn royalties of 35% or 70%, depending on the price of your book.
For paperbacks, Amazon takes a print fee (based on the book’s length and size), leaving you with about 60% of the list price as royalties. Again, use competitor books as a guide for pricing.
Marketing your book doesn't need to be expensive. Here are some free or low-cost promotional strategies:
If you're wondering how to publish a book on a budget, you should know that it's entirely possible with the right tools and a little creativity. By leveraging Littafi's digital book publishing consultancy, you can bring your story to life without draining your savings.
Our team of creative literary experts can help you with everything from copy editing to developmental editing and proofreading while helping to promote your work to global audiences.
Get a free consultation today!
The cost to publish a book depends on whether you choose to DIY or hire professionals. Expect to pay $100 to $500 for editing, design, and formatting if you're doing it on a budget.
To get your book published online, choose a platform like Amazon KDP or Draft2Digital, format your manuscript, create a cover, and publish your book. Most platforms offer free publishing tools and resources.
Yes, self-publishing on platforms like Amazon KDP is free. While there may be optional costs for editing, design, and marketing, publishing itself doesn’t require any upfront fees.
Royalties for self-publishing vary by platform. For Amazon KDP, you can earn 35% to 70% royalties for eBooks, and about 60% for paperbacks, minus printing costs.
Self-publishing is worth it for authors who want full control over their work and profit. With the right marketing and dedication, self-publishing can be a successful path to becoming a published author.
