You wrote an awesome book! Now you want to publish it for free on Amazon with their Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) program so the whole world can buy it digitally. But what hidden costs should you expect along the way before those royalties start rolling in? In this blog you will learn about the expenses of book publishing services for KDP.
Understand The KDP Basics
The first thing to know is KDP itself has no fees since Amazon wants as many books as possible. You keep 70% royalty from digital sales through KDP Select distribution. So besides your creation efforts writing the book, no hidden costs are required to digitally publish this way with a book publishing service if you skip the actual costs which are covered next. Value provided!
DIY Cover Design Average Costs
Though technically optional, most successful authors invest in eye-catching book covers since visuals make that critical first impression spurring clicks and sales. DIY amateur covers detract from content quality. Expect custom eBook cover design fees averaging $200-$800 from pros. Worth it for discoverability!
Professional Editing Support Services
Bet on budgeting for professional editing too before digital launch. Even strong writers gain from the objective second eyes of book editors catching small flaws. Pricing depends on manuscript size with basic copyediting averaging $500 for less than 50,000 words up to over $2,500 for 200,000+ word projects. Proofing polish matters.
ISBN Numbers and Barcodes
While technically optional too, securing your own ISBN book identifier barcode bought in bulk packs starting around $250 from Bowker builds long term portability. Otherwise Amazon assigns their ISBN making moving platforms tricky later. So ponder ISBN future flexibility before just relying on the free KDP (Amazon) ISBN assignment.
Keyword Selection and Categorization
Proper niche keyword selection and study of category nuance also drives discoverability in digital bookstores search algorithms. Many DIY authors spend hours unsuccessfully guessing here. Expect investing at least $300 with specialists at niche labeling so the right indexing happens behind scenes for your topic and style.
Formatting Design and Customization
Another add-on area is eBook formatting design convenience if you want to elevate beyond basic text flow into enhanced eBook offerings. Value-added touches might include embedded multimedia, interactive quizzes, audio/visual content, animated text, hyperlinked tables of contents, shareable quote graphics etc. Complex formats cost more.
Site Development and Tech Setup
To amplify book visibility further, publishers advise authors to invest in basic websites promoting their KDP book hub offering extras like maintainable news feeds, sales portals, media galleries and email subscription sign ups for $500-1500 upfront build fees plus annual hosting from $300 per year. Centralized promotion matters online.
Audiobook Production and Distribution
Expanding into the fast growing audiobook formats on various audiobook supporting platforms opens more royalties too! Production cost varies based on finished hourly runtime but estimate averaging $250 per completed hour for narrator, producer and editing fees to deliver retail ready files to listening outlets. Money earns from listening length.
Specialist Marketing Management Support
Of course discovery means marketing too – ads, social media, outreach etc. Many KDP authors realize quick limitations of DIY efforts here after launch. Expect investing at least $500 monthly and up for amplified book marketing management from professional firms with the connections and expertise you lack. Goals require funding!
Ongoing Overhead and Operation Costs
Additionally, account for general overhead like software fees for publishing tools such as design programs, stock imagery access or productivity suites. Plus incremental operating expenses like website hosting, email marketing, cloud backups, merchandise printing, book inventory shipping and advertising clips accumulate over time. Scale up budget to stay nimble. Exciting extras add up!
Purchase Author Copies and Merch
Finally don’t forget small real-world presence purchases too – advance author copies for marketing mailings, signed copies for super fans, audiobook codes giveaways for reviews and affordable merch options like postcards, bookmarks or tees for events. Estimate a few hundred dollars minimum per new release making great first impressions into the world beyond KDP. Soon book stacks fill your home office!
| Services | Cost |
| Cover Design | $200 – $800 |
| Editing Services | $500 – $2,500 |
| eBook Formatting | $200 – $500 |
| Marketing Services | $1500+ |
| Audiobook Production | $250 per hour |
Conclusion:
As you can see, while technically KDP publishing itself starts free, optional success services supporting design, editing, formatting, websites, audiobooks and marketing require reasonable financial investment. But going all in amplifies impact and income potential over the long run. Only bet what fits your personal goals and limits while keeping sights on the upside ahead!
