What's The Cost To Self Publish?

Branch,
I have a story (book) I would  like to get published. I have been reading the free
preview download of your book Pathways
To Publishing, and I see you talk about how much it costs. How much do I need to spend?                                               
 
                                       Jeff D., Philadelphia, PA

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 Jeff, Thanks for your question and it’s a good one because your investment in the production of your book can vary depending on whom, and what company you are contracted with, or whether you intend to self-publish, and what your sales goals may be.

First, no matter which direction or path you take, there will be a financial investment on your part above and beyond the time and effort you (have) put into your writing, editing, and preparation. This will be determined initially by what your ultimate objective is when your book is actually ready for publication and sale.

Is your intention to sell your book through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other on-line distributors? At your local bookstore? Out of the trunk of your car? 
 
How many copies would you like to sell? Is this book a ‘hobby’ project, or the first step in what you hope to be a way of life and making a living? Your goals and sales objectives should be taken into account so a realistic budget of expenses can be developed based on your direction of distribution.

As mentioned in the book, there are basically five paths to publication you can take. The least expensive is to do it yourself at every step. Your final product will probably be a soft cover or spiral bound book copied, printed and bound at your local ‘Kinko’s store’. In this case your costs will be determined by the price of the materials and labor involved. Even at this stage you will have some expenses to take your manuscript from paper to finished book. 
 
The second and third ways are contracting with a publishing house; be it a small or private press, a university press, or a major publisher. These options represent investments with particular potential returns, because there will be agents, lawyers, company representatives, accountants, etc. at each step of the process. As with any dealings at a corporate level, you and your interests need to be protected and this costs money.

The fourth and fifth methods are, contracting with a Print On Demand (POD) or Vanity Press and self-publishing. The POD/VP ways can be expensive (usually $500-3000) but can be worth it, again depending on your goals and skill sets.

The self-publishing path is going to be similar in price but you will have complete control and discretion as to your overall plans. The long and short of these two paths is; if you have only one or two books in your hopper, then the POD/VP methods are invaluable. If you have a series or multiple books to be published, self-publishing can become cost effective over the long run.

If you get further in my book Pathways To Publishing,  you’ll see the cost broken down for you. Most important, be realistic in your goals, budget, direction and what you want to accomplish.

Hope this (briefly) helps. If you have more questions, send them along, I’ll give them my best shot.

All the best,
Branch