The Cost of Self-Publishing: Where to Spend and Where to Save

Self-publishing is exciting, but it can also feel like a maze of decisions and unexpected costs. Do you really need to spend on editing? Can you DIY your cover? What’s actually worth the money? Should I just outsource the marketing of my book? And a plethora of never-ending questions and doubts… 

The good news? The cost of self-publishing is pretty manageable. What you need is a smart plan. Here’s a breakdown of where to spend, where to save, and how to make your book shine without breaking the bank.

Start With Budgeting (Know What You Can Comfortably Spend)

Before you start searching for editors and graphic designers, your first step should be setting a realistic budget. Let’s start with something nobody will tell you: You don’t need a massive amount to publish a great book. You just need to know where your money will count the most.

Figure out what you can spend comfortably, not what others say you should. Whether it’s $500 or $5,000, having a clear number helps you prioritize wisely. Think of it as your publishing game plan; it keeps you focused, avoids surprise costs, and makes the whole process way less stressful.

Where To Spend?

Some parts of the self-publishing process are worth every penny. These are the areas that directly impact your book’s quality and how readers perceive it, so investing here can make all the difference. Here’s what you should never compromise on, 

Professional Editing

No matter how many times you reread your manuscript, you’re always going to miss something. That’s where a professional book editor comes in. They catch the plot holes you’ve become blind to, smooth out clunky dialogue, and make sure your story flows like magic.

In the process of finding editors, you’ll come across different types of editing. Developmental editing. Copyediting. Proofreading. Now, which one you need depends entirely on where you are in the process. It’s pretty normal if you’re not sure what your draft needs just yet. Fret not, here’s a guide for you to help you figure out when your manuscript is ready for an editor.

The toughest part? Fantasy readers are sharp. They’ll notice inconsistencies in your world-building or a character that suddenly does a 180 in a blink without reason. Investing in book editing for self-published authors means giving the readers the immersive, unforgettable experience they came for. 

Cover Design

Like it or not, readers do judge a book by its cover, especially in fantasy. Your cover isn’t just decoration; it sets the mood, shows off your genre, and most importantly, catches a reader’s eye in a sea of other titles. Sure, DIY-ing your cover might save you some cash upfront, but if it doesn’t look professional, it could end up costing you potential readers.

The smart move? Work with a designer who knows the fantasy genre inside out. A designer who understands current trends like illustrated artwork, bold typography, or moody, magical color palettes. In a crowded market, a strong, genre-appropriate cover can be the difference between getting scrolled past or getting added to someone’s TBR.

ISBNs

You must have seen those little numbers on the back of every book that seem super technical (and kind of easy to ignore). Here’s the thing: owning your own ISBNs is actually a really smart move. It gives you full control over your book’s identity across platforms, which is a big deal if you plan to publish widely or sell in bookstores later on.

Yes, they can be a bit pricey upfront, but think of them as a long-term investment in your author career. Using the free ones from Amazon is fine when you’re just starting out, but if you’re in this for the long haul, having your own ISBNs gives you flexibility and keeps everything under your name. It’s a small detail that makes you look like the professional author you are.

Where To Save

Now that we have talked about where you need to spend money, let’s talk about the areas where you can cut costs without cutting corners, especially if you’re willing to learn a few new skills or get a little creative.

Marketing

Marketing can easily become a money pit if you’re not careful, but as I already said, you don’t need a massive budget to get the word out. In fact, some of the most effective strategies are totally free. 

Focus on building genuine connections: grow your social media presence, engage in reader communities, start an email list, and offer value to your audience. Bookstagram, TikTok, Substack, fantasy Facebook groups, all these spaces are goldmines for new authors. You don’t need to hire any PR team; instead, what you actually need to do is: Be consistent. Be yourself. And let your passion for your book shine through. A little effort here goes a long way.

Interior Formatting

“How to format a book for self-publishing” is a question that haunts first-time authors. Interior formatting sounds technical, but trust me, you’ve got this. It’s one of those things that feels overwhelming at first, but once you get into it, you’ll realize it’s doable (and a great place to save some money). Tools like Reedsy, Atticus, or even Word can help you create a clean, professional layout without needing to hire a pro.

The trick is to have a plan. Once you’ve finished your first draft, don’t just jump straight into publishing; map out what comes next. Make a step-by-step editing timeline that walks you through it all, and most of the formatting process falls right into place along the way. So, no need to spend money on manuscript formatting, you can absolutely handle it like a pro. 

Give eBooks as Review Copies

Last but not least, you don’t need to print a bunch of books to get reviews. Sending out eBook copies is a super-easy and totally budget-friendly way to build buzz before launch day. Just convert your manuscript into a PDF or ePub and share it with early readers, beta readers, or book bloggers. You can use tools like BookFunnel, or even just email, it’s that simple. It costs you literally nothing.

Still Wondering If You Can Really Pull Off Self-Publishing?

You’re not the only one asking that question. Doubts are normal, especially when you’re trying to juggle writing, editing, design, and everything else that comes with self-publishing. It can feel like too much, but here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. 

At Once Upon a Manuscript, you’ll receive professional book editing services that will instantly move you one step closer to your self-publishing goals. From big-picture story structure to fine-tuned line edits, having a professional by your side means the most daunting part of the process, editing, is already in capable hands. 

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch today!