HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SELF-PUBLISH A BOOK? 💰 exactly how much i spent to publish my book!

Today I'm breaking down the costs of self-publishing a book. I'll give you a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how much money I spent to publish my book, Song of the Dryad.

If you have questions or requests for video content, leave them in the comments below. And remember to sign up for my newsletter to grab your FREE Self-Publishing Budget and Costs PDF, as well as a Self-Publishing Checklist!

Thanks, and enjoy!

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[NataliaLeigh]

✨ Are you planning on self-publishing your book? Check out my Self-Publishing playlist to learn more! ✨

[mossonthenorthside]

You should totally make a "Things I Have Learned since Song of the Dryad" video, that way you can cover copyright and formatting and the tips. I'd definitely appreciate it! Also can you go into how to market a book?

[amarawoolery]

This video was so incredibly helpful. I'm 17 and strongly looking into self-publishing the novel I've been working on for two years, thanks to having heard a thousand different horror stories from some acquaintances who published their books traditionally. Like you said, no one does it perfectly their first time, but I am really trying to explore my options and find out what would work best for me. As a teenager who has no idea where to start, this video pointed out some things I hadn't even considered. Thank you. Now, I'm off to binge your videos.

[flywithty]

Thank you so much! This video was so helpful, and informative. I’m a 24 year old paralyzed quadriplegic, and currently writing my first novella as an introduction to the world. Thanks again 🤘🏼

[keanureeves]

Can you go into the nitty gritty details of self publishing, such what exactly to send in a manuscript to the copyright office especially when you are dealing with a cover designer...and how to format like a pro?

[feemuller]

Finally someone talks about it!! Thanks so much! I'm intending to self-publish so this was interesting. Thanks

[InsteadofWriting]

You're right on with the copyright. As for the non-registration vs registration distinction, as of a recent Supreme Court case, you can actually no longer file a copyright lawsuit until you've registered the work with the copyright office. Saw a few cases get thrown out this year because of that ruling. But, it's a procedure thing. You don't have to have the work registered at the time it gets infringed, but before you take your case to the court, you'll have to get around to registering it, anyway. So you might as well up front.

Plus! When you register your copyrighted work completely changes what types of compensation you can get in court if someone copies your stuff. If they infringe a registered copyrighted work, the copyright holder can go after them for up to $150, 000 per infringed work in court. If they infringe when your work isn't registered, then you register it so you can sue them, your damages are limited to pretty much what it would have cost them to pay you to license your work for their purpose.

All that aside, there's some movement right now at Congress for more options for smaller artists to enforce their copyright, because the average cost of a copyright lawsuit is upwards of $250k. Yikes.

[CarolinaBury]

I bought the ebook of Song of the Dryad, because I live outside the United States and shipping is a fortune. But I'm seeing the hardcover in your hand and it's so beautiful!

[Bobbypinker]

I ended up buying the pack of 100 ISBNs for $595. Big one-time expense, but each one only cost $5.95, and I am set for ISBNs for the foreseeable future. (I needed 24 ISBNs for one series, 8 books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook, so I had little choice.)

[TricommStrategies]

Every time I hear people talking about having to buy an ISBN, I’m amazed and horrified. They are free in Canada.

[alishaspages]

This was such an interesting breakdown! I'd love to know what copyediting courses you're taking/where you're taking them? I have a similar background to you (BA in Creative Writing with a minor in Publishing & Editing) but I'd really like to take some refresher courses just to stay on top of things!

[ApostleMan]

Thank you for this. I received an offer for publishing from a company based out of the UK (I live state-side) and this confirmed for me that the prices they pitched me, along with the equity split they brought, were hugely unfavorable to me. I would actually go ahead and describe them as downright predatory.

Best of luck to you with your future books as well.

[HeatherDeweyPettet]

That was very informative. Thank you for sharing! I might be going this route, but we'll see! I love the cover, as well as the illustrations.

[patriciadanna]

Great video. Thanks for breaking down costs...helps me as I'm thinking of self-publishing a children's book. Your information is invaluable.

[krysteendamon]

With the copyright, if you register you can seek legal options if someone plagiarizes you, but you can’t if you don’t register.

[drd_theSPORTSdoc]

Love the books, plants, candle and lights in the background, lol. That is so me...*

[TheSelfPublishingAgency]

Such a great resource for new authors to learn more about the nitty-gritty behind Self Publishing! Thank you for sharing your experience and your knowledge. The cost certainly veries depending on what self-pub avenue you take, and sometimes the investment is present in the outcome. The world of publishing is a fun one!

[charlie.cummings]

As far as I'm aware, using free KDP ISBN means that Amazon is the publishing house rather than (e.g.) Enchanted Ink, or our own publishing house/LLC.

I also know/as far as I'm aware in the UK at least (don't quote me if I'm wrong 🙈) you have to register (when you copyright, pre-publication) your book with 5 different places -
Book Depository*
British Library
Library of Congress
(Other 2 I cannot remember off the top of my head).

*Only 1 that's mandatory, the other 4 are good to have.

[mjlowen]

Anosther excellent video... but yes the cost was a little intimidating. I appreciate the "Pistol Daisy" follow up video....with lower costs, but I appreciate how you broke all the costs down. It has been an intimidating process trying to get through all the "self publishing" services "sales pitches" - to find a true breakdown of the wheres, whats, and whys. This video clarified it very well. Thank you.

[TinieMassive]

That whole process sounds so stressful 😭 awesome to see how far you've come!