Self-publishing a book has become an increasingly popular option for authors who have difficulty finding a traditional publisher. Amazon has created a platform that makes it easier for authors to publish their work directly to the world’s largest online bookstore.
The cost associated with publishing a book on Amazon varies greatly depending on the type of publication, format, and other services that may be required.
Print Publishing
Amazon offers two different types of print publishing options; CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). With CreateSpace, authors can create physical copies of their book that can be purchased through Amazon, as well as other retailers. Print books are printed on demand when customers order them, which eliminates the need for authors to pay for large print runs up front.
The cost associated with printing through CreateSpace depends on the size of the book and the number of pages included. Generally, authors should expect to pay between $3 and $5 per book in printing costs.
eBook Publishing
Authors can also publish digital versions of their books through Kindle Direct Publishing. KDP offers several different options for formatting and distributing eBooks including Kindle eBook format, PDF format, and MOBI format.
Authors are able to set their own prices for eBooks but must adhere to certain guidelines set by Amazon. The cost associated with eBook publishing includes formatting fees which can range from $50-$100 depending on the complexity of the text.
Additional Services
In addition to printing and eBook publishing costs, authors may also choose to hire additional services such as editors or cover designers in order to improve their books prior to publishing them on Amazon. Fees associated with these services can vary greatly depending on the service provider and type of work requested.
Conclusion:
Publishing a book on Amazon is an inexpensive way for authors to get their work out into the world without relying on traditional publishers. The cost associated with self-publishing is dependent upon several factors including book format, page count, additional services requested, etc.. In general though, authors should expect to pay between $3 – $100 in fees when publishing a book on Amazon.