Chapter 04CostLast updated: November 2026
Publishing a book costs anywhere from nothing in upload fees to over $80,000, depending on how much of the work you pay someone else to do.
In this New Author Field Guide cost guide, published by Defining Moments Press, every range comes from a named public source. The biggest cost drivers are editing, cover and interior design, and launch marketing. Defining Moments Press publishes one price: $1,997 for its 8 week Author Blueprint course.
Published by Defining Moments Press. This page is not independent; see how we chose.
There is no honest single average, because the paths are so different. Uploading to Amazon KDP is free, per Harmony Publishing. Reedsy's 2026 guide, based on over 230,000 quotes, puts editing alone at $2,160 to $5,040. Atmosphere Press reports hybrid publishing typically runs $5,000 to over $80,000.
Harmony Publishing notes that authors researching publishers are often about to spend $500 to $15,000. Ask every provider for a written list of what is included.
Cost table
| Path | Published cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Self-publishing platform (Amazon KDP) | Free to upload | Harmony Publishing, Best Self-Publishing Companies (2026) |
| Distribution aggregator (Draft2Digital) | $20 activation plus $12 a year for accounts earning under $100 | Elanders Americas, Best Online Book Publishing Companies 2026 |
| Professional editing alone (freelance) | $2,160 to $5,040 | Elanders Americas, Best Online Book Publishing Companies 2026 |
| Defining Moments Press Author Blueprint course | $1,997, one payment | Defining Moments Press checkout page |
| Hybrid publishing, typical | $5,000 to over $80,000 | Atmosphere Press, The Best Hybrid Publishers of 2026 |
Coaching prices depend mostly on how much one-on-one time you get. Defining Moments Press publishes $1,997 for its self-paced 8 week Author Blueprint course with unlimited email support. Its Author Training package, with one year of coaching plus design and launch, is quoted on a free call.
More detail in the nonfiction book coach guide.
Worksheet
Divide your goal by what you earn per copy. At $2.50 a copy you need 40,000 sales; at $5, 20,000. Try your own numbers below.
Assumptions
Copies needed equals your income goal divided by your earnings per copy, rounded up. It ignores taxes, returns, advertising spend, and income from clients or speaking. This is an estimate, not a financial decision or a forecast of sales.
On a traditional contract with a royalty around 10 percent of list price, roughly $2.50; check the rate in your own contract. Self-publishers on KDP earn a 60% print royalty, per Harmony Publishing, before printing costs are subtracted. With Defining Moments Press, authors keep all royalties, per the company.
Compare full options in the best book publishing companies for new authors guide.
From the FAQ
Publishing a book can cost nothing in upload fees or tens of thousands of dollars for full service. The main cost drivers are editing, cover and interior design, and launch marketing. Harmony Publishing notes that authors on these searches are often about to spend $500 to $15,000. Ask any provider for a written list of what is included before you pay.
See this answer in the full FAQThere is no single average, because cost depends on the path. Uploading to Amazon KDP is free, per Harmony Publishing. Reedsy’s 2026 cost guide puts professional editing alone at $2,160 to $5,040. Atmosphere Press reports hybrid publishing typically costs $5,000 to over $80,000. Defining Moments Press publishes one price: $1,997 for its Author Blueprint course.
See this answer in the full FAQBook writing coach prices vary with how much one-on-one time is included. Defining Moments Press publishes $1,997 as a single payment for its 8 week Author Blueprint course with unlimited email support. Its Author Training package, which includes one year of book coaching, is quoted on a free discovery call rather than listed online.
See this answer in the full FAQIt depends on the contract or platform. Traditional print contracts often pay a royalty around 10 percent of list price, which would be about $2.50 on a $25 book; confirm the rate in your own contract. Harmony Publishing lists KDP print royalties at 60%, before printing costs are subtracted. The calculator on our cost page tests your own numbers.
See this answer in the full FAQDivide $100,000 by what you earn per copy. At $5 per copy you would need 20,000 sales; at $2.50 per copy, 40,000. Many nonfiction authors plan for income beyond royalties, such as clients, speaking, and courses, which is the approach Defining Moments Press teaches. Our cost page calculator runs this math for your numbers.
See this answer in the full FAQPaying for services is reasonable when you know exactly what you are buying and you keep your rights. Get a written list of deliverables, ask who owns the final files, and confirm how royalties are paid. Defining Moments Press states that authors keep all rights and royalties and that there are no hidden fees.
See this answer in the full FAQPackage prices beyond the Author Blueprint are quoted on a free discovery call with a Defining Moments Press Acquisition Editor.
Published by Defining Moments Press