HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SELF-PUBLISH? | What I Spent on My Three Books (Author Money)

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Want to see how much I spent publishing my four book fantasy series, a collector's edition, a novella, and more? Check out my Author $$ Money Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL3IFBPbxQRyp1rbyE1NpQfwoUi450h0_9

[@natalierobertswriter7588]

Love how transparent you are with the costs. It would be interesting to know in a future video, how long it took for you to break even or make a profit. good luck :)

[@sha1841]

@@BethanyAtazadeh Have you done a video on this yet?

[@WriteOn1986]

Thanks for sharing! I love to see how much other writers spend. My first book I spent a decent amount, but the last two were all published under 700 dollars with everything included. I will say Audiobooks is where I make my money. Amazon takes a good chunk, but still I've made several grand after being refunded publishing cost. Maybe I should make a video about this too. Thanks again for sharing!😊

[@jenniferbodurtha5852]

Have you consider using Christian Faith Publishing? Am finalizing my first book and will likely NOT self publish. Too much to spend..

[@bytheBrooke]

Geez all these prices make me feel like I'm gonna pass out lol. You're such a trooper and I hope to be as successful as you in indie publishing! I've been loving all this content you've put out this month! Your Princesses and Castles books sound like a new fun adventure for you to work on!

[@zueism]

I've watched a LOT of writing advice videos, and yours is the clearest and the most straightforward. Thank you so much for sharing this! ♥️

[@hjstackofbooks]

Thank you for the break-down of costs Bethany! It's really good to see what you've learnt and the patreon is a lot of fun! So I'm glad to be supporting your next series :D

[@kristinjayne6720]

You are an amazing teacher! I really appreciate how clear and concise you are. Straight to the point, no uhh, umm, pauses or repetitions. A real joy to listen to! Thank you very much!

[@BritchifiedPrunk]

I love your videos because you're always transparent and give realistic portrayals of what to expect and how things are done! Thank you so much for this :)

[@ipastorbev]

I just recently discovered your videos and found very helpful. I have published my first book and I’m working on the 2nd Edition and 3rd book this year. I subscribe to many webinars and follow other authors and it has been very helpful in identifying all the mistakes I made the first time, but the step by step approach you take extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@carolinezina3543]

Thank you for taking the time to make this. SO helpful!!

[@limiabean]

Thank you for this! I'm currently working on revising the first draft of what I hope to become my debut novel, so your video has been incredibly helpful in trying to estimate costs. Definitely going to check out your books!

[@tommcdaniel2208]

One of the most informative videos I've seen on this topic. Thank you. BTW you're also a good, clear presenter.

[@melodykittles564]

I'm so thankful to you for sharing this! I didn't know about that formatting site. I published my ebook through Draft2Digital and they formatted it and gave me the option to download preset formatted pdf files which I could use at any other site. So I chose to publish physical copies through Lulu Publishing, which also didn't cost me anything up front. I had to find a company that would help me format my own cover. (Doing my own cover art is the route I have to go right now). Lulu did that. My main concern for book two is finding and hiring an editor and the cost of ARC's. This video encouraged me so much. Thanks, again!

[@santanasg8445]

Loved how you broke down the costs! This is very useful, thanks! :D

[@2010kalex]

Been obsessed with your videos for my self publishing on my first book/poetry book

[@englishnerd5580]

This price breakdown is super helpful. Thanks for being so transparent. I’m glad I had an idea beforehand of how much it would cost to make an excellent book; otherwise, I think I would have freaked out!

[@PhoebeWritesFiction]

Thank you so much for this insight - it's so valuable to see actual figures.

[@ulmmunster5292]

I love the lighting in that room!

[@DEYOCLUB]

I've been thinking about publishing several books and your videos are extremely helpful! Thank you so much for sharing this info because I had no idea where to start! And you got me to subscribe...lol

[@Angbwillinspireu]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This video was soooo informative.

[@MissLilly-vn2wt]

New subscriber and thank you so much for all the info, as this is the best video I've seen, thank you!

[@shakazaiyah]

Very cool video. I like every minute. nice spreadsheet, and thank you keeping it simple short and sweet. liked and subbed

[@anpe6524]

I just discovered you today!! Such Useful information :) thank you!!

[@eriol_mits3121]

Thanks for the info you have shared in this video. I have always wanted to put a book out, even if no one buys it. Started writing a new novel with the hope of getting a release by December. It's good to get an idea of costs for editors and such before getting a shock once the first couple of drafts have been done. Best start putting some money in the saving account based on this.

[@NicoleCamp88]

I had planned to spend about 6K to release my three books in a few years. I'm starting the saving now so by the time they are done I will have it. Thanks for the walk through. I think I'm headed in the right direction now.

[@iamshandraj]

Thank you for making this video. I am so grateful for the free information. =)

[@BritchifiedPrunk]

And after seeing those final numbers YIKES! Not sure if you have yet done this yet but creating workbooks on how to create maps, how to start a publishing company, or overall any of your experiences, I think it could definitely be a way to make some extra cash. I would DEFINITELY purchase any workbooks you'd create.

[@OnThatNoteWithPenelope]

Wow so glad I found your channel!!

[@craigmcmahan1315]

Thanks for the very detailed cost analysis. You seem to have done such a thorough analysis of your expenses, I have no idea how you ever found the time to actually write anything -- let alone 3+ books!

[@streetfamdjs]

I LOVE YOU!!! Very informative

[@NaomiJosephineJoy]

Wow this is SO cool! I just published my own fantasy novel on Amazon and this video is really inspiring me to keep on writing! You go girl! thx for all the tips! I used Wix too!!

[@NaomiJosephineJoy]

Bethany Atazadeh thank you much! 💛💛

[@catchdacraze]

Great information and advice. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheFarmerTed]

A fellow Minnesotan?! Definitely subscribing. Great informative video too!

[@doccomeau2770]

Thanks for the information, both in the video and throughout the comment section. Writing a book series now. It's going to be two to three books. I am going to finish them before publishing so I can copyright all three for $55 together, but I like to get and idea before I get there.

[@MeditateDailywithAndreaJean]

Thank you for this!! I am also from Minnesota ❤️

[@kellybonanno]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@investmenttudor1659]

Thanks for the link to the formatting. I am struggling with this part on Amazon self publishing

[@j.m.l5464]

Not having a editor would terrify me. But than again, you have background there. That is where I will be spending the most. I’m not happy about it, but I don’t really have much of a choice. Knowing I need it. Thank you for a fabulous video!

[@RipleyFechtmann]

Love your channel! I just finished a novel and need as many tips as I can get! Trying to find an agent right now for traditional publishing..... but who knows how that will go? 🤷‍♀️

[@Swimology]

Thank you so much for this incredible info. I’m currently working on how to swim and I was wondering how much it was to self publish or publish on Amazon.

[@kjoriginal]

Absolutely l-o-v-e-d your video! Am hoping to publish my debut book (I'm only 74!) preferably through a traditional publisher but, if not, by self-publishing. What I liked - besides your very natural (as against salesperson-style) presentation - was the openness and precision. No bullshit, no "could-be-that-could-be-this" estimates. Also, the comparison of budgets for the three publications was very enlightening. Nor did I find it long, as you seemed to apprehend, it was just the right length and I sat through it without moving from my seat. Just one thing I personally felt was missing - the OTHER side of the equation. This video was about COSTS. But I was keen to know (a) how you decided on the pricing of your books, (b) how was the marketing done (how did your books stand out among their competitors, and (c) how long did it take before you got back the money you had spent on each book. I realize this last part (section c) would depend on how successful your books were, but that brings me back to the marketing part (section b). I hope to see another video from you to answer these aspects. But keep going - if you continue to make videos like this, you will be encouraging many more authors. Thanks again

[@EmmaRosenBooks]

This is a fantastic video, thank you for being so transparent. I’ve spent a lot on Milk and I can see where I can cut costs for future projects. How did you get the codes for the POD company? That’s impressive

[@EmmaRosenBooks]

@@BethanyAtazadeh oh cool, will do!

[@oyeakin9932]

Thanks for the video :)

[@williamribardo8664]

Hi, The explanation of processing transactions is very informative.

[@AchRock1509]

Canva is really wonderful. I've been using it for my business to create yes and the like. It was interesting f to learn about the ins and outside of production for books and what all the process includes!

[@damilarearah]

thank you for this I will be helping out as a fellow author I thank you

[@johnterpack3940]

Thanks for making it clear that Copyrighting is a thing you have to do. I've seen so many people say that copyright is just something that happens as soon as you write anything. Which just isn't how it works. Copyright is a legal thing just like patents.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Haha I've done two self-publishing costs videos now and they always make me cringe because I hate talking money. I spent a ton publishing She's Not Here compared to my past books and while most of it was money well spent, definitely found places to cut costs for next time.

[@GustafsonDesigns]

Thanks for the information! And Heyyyo, I found another Minnesota KZbinr! I thought I was the only one out here haha

[@Lightillusionsstudios]

Great videos, love them!!! After hearing all those numbers, have you broken even after a year?

[@Bobbypinker]

Thanks for the transparency, the breakdown, and the spreadsheet. Much appreciated. If it makes you feel better about your expenses: I'm doing graphic novels, which means paying an illustrator per page, so my cost for HALF of one book (75 pages) is over $15,000, and that's just the physical book with the cover. I do my own editing since I was an editor professionally. I'm selling the book in halves, and starting with an IndieGoGo to launch the series. Even still, I had to take a loan against my 401k to afford the first half.

[@onestagetospace4892]

Really informative video! What software do you use for formatting, final formatting and how much does it cost?

[@peggyschaedler842]

Thanks Bethany. Very helpful. Quick question: how did you find the paper quality and color quality of your picture book? Also, what was the trim size of your picture book? I'm assuming that affects the cost of printing even paperbacks, right? Thank you again!

[@ABellyFullOfTea]

Hey Beth, the cost breakdown was helpful, however (and theres a chance I'm being silly or missed it) but how much was it to cover the cost of stocking/printing more books for retailers?

[@UncleRooftops]

Very cool! It was fun and educational to watch this. Did you get your books printed from IngramSpark?

[@jjemerald]

That was great Bethany, thanks for the breakdown it really helps me with publishing my debut. Interesting to see you had to pay for copyright in America, there's no fee in the UK and its only £12 to setup a limited company. Guess we got it good here. ;)

[@jjemerald]

@@BethanyAtazadeh yeah it's the same over here, you get copyright immediatly when you write something, but there isn't a register of the copyright works in the UK, so there's nothing to register. - Source: www.gov.uk/copyright All the best for Princesses and Castles. :)

[@AnnaMaledonPictureBookAuthor]

@@BethanyAtazadeh yes, it is

[@sl2427]

Yes this is ...the best!!

[@pedroelautor514]

Great video and great hair thank you so much for sharing, I was wondering if it was possible to publish a book in black pages & colored letters? Like is that an option that I will be given when I get to the publishing stages? I would truly appreciate it if you could help me out! Thank you so much in advance.

[@LoffysDomain]

On a sidenote, the light is fantastic in this video, coming in from the window/upper right like that.

[@victoria9565]

The photos you used in befunky where did they come from? Your videos and information are wonderful

[@agentlacidickey]

I'm so new to all this, so if you mentioned it and I didnt understand it I'm sorry. But who did you use to actually print the books and how much did it cost to print each copy? Do you print them, store them yourself and mail them out or do you have a company that does this? Thanks so much for the great videos!

[@raulalfaro3031]

Thank you for sharing your transparency on the cost of producing a book. Is it possible to find out how much revenue was made from each of the books you are describing. So that I can still be a balance on the NS and outs on making a children's book. Thank you

[@keshiamcentire9843]

thanks for the info

[@woody5of11]

How do you create your manuscript? Microsoft word? Any suggestions for a rookie? Thank you, great videos…

[@QueenCloveroftheice]

When you said how much you spent on your editor, I realized that I’m not charging enough for my services. Lmao

[@paigeh7086]

Hey, what paper should you use for my self published book with pictures since you have pictures in yours?

[@lizzie_calisto]

Can you help me understand the difference between editing and proofreading? Is editing more formal and proofreading more casual? I'm a total newbie! Thanks!

[@johnbostrom9165]

Dominion editing in the UK are the best value for the cost that I’ve found yet.

[@ChyarasKiss]

What a great video

[@thevictoriancatlady1530]

For your 1st book how many hard copy books does that include? Do you have to have a minimum of books printed? Thank you for your time..

[@vivianbutler5851]

You Rock...great video...I visited IngramSparks and I'm a little confused about their pricing....It says $49 to upload and publish your book ..but then it says Calcualte what it was cost to print your book"(Use this tool to determine how much you will pay to print and ship orders directly to yourself or to your customers. ) which comes up to an entirely different amount..I'm not sure what the distinction between the 2 are..Can you shed some light..what am I missing or not getting .. this whole self publishing thing is all new to me so please bear with my ignorance..thank you???

[@Falconlibrary]

Great info. My advice on websites: Weebly if you want a free one and Wix if you want a paid version.

[@BoudoirBoutiqueNC]

I spent a lot on my first book just like you did. Nuts in retrospect. It's totally not necessary unless you have a big following and know you'd better put out with high expectations. LOL

[@likemediaproduction]

What’s the name of the editor you use for your first book

[@evidencetartt9299]

I just want to say A Huge Thank You @BethanyAtazadeh. I watched this video I think in 2019 and I am still tremendously Blessed from it. I haven't watched it since I am looking to expand my business and your video came to mind now 2023. Because of your transparency about prices. I have published tons of books since watching your video solely on Ingramspark. So I am so grateful and will check out your new similar video! All the Best to you and your Family that GOD has ready to Bless You All With. Thanks again!

[@authoralaskawalters]

I find cover designers and editors on freelancer and my writing group on Facebook and it’s served me pretty well so far and is really cheep!

[@authoralaskawalters]

Cheap* also in Australia we don’t have to pay for copyrighting, woo! If you publish it, it’s your property.

[@TheMelMan]

I was looking for info on self-publishing comics but this was insightful. Where the heck do you get the time to do all those books?

[@TheMelMan]

@@BethanyAtazadeh Haha, I hear that. When I was unemployed, all I did was write and draw but now I have an 8 to 5 and I try to write, draw and film after work and on weekends. When it's good I have the best of both worlds because financial security and doing what I love but when I can get to doing what I love = financial security, that will be pretty sweet.

[@Edsshed]

with regards to copywriting, you dont need it.. the day you upload the book, and it is recorded, then it becomes copyrighted by law. you dont need to pay for that service, as long as it is recorded.. The best way is to place your book in an envelope, send it to yourself, and never open it.. The post office will stamp the postage with a date, that is also your copyright. all you have to do is prove you made or wrote the book before anyone else, thus recorded media, or unopened mail is just as effective.

[@megtheauthors8290]

It also just depends on those things w 2 though.

[@rosieran6106]

Is it possible to get the name of the 2 editors you used?

[@FalstaffBooks]

$1,200 for a 100K novel isn't bad. It breaks down to $.01/word, which is pretty standard now. When I started self-publishing in 2010, I told people to plan to spend $1,000 to get the whole thing edited, cover, and layout. Nowadays I tell folks to budget about double that.

[@sarahthompson5911]

I like your Book cover's

[@BillZebubproductions]

Thanks for this. This saved me some sleuthing.

[@vitasprayer]

Hello, Bethany. I have a question about self-publishing with KDP. I just published a paperback book on KDP and it is now ready to be purchased through Amazon, with Prime service. Now I have one big concern about the returns. Do I need to pay Amazon if someone buys and then returns my book? Worst case scenario, if someone buys tons of copies and then return them, I will be broke if Amazon wants me to pay for the cost. Could you share some insights on that, please?

[@vitasprayer]

@@BethanyAtazadeh thanks

[@nappyscribe1987]

My first book that I’m presently publishing is for someone else. I do all the writing and she pays to have it published.

[@SaraLea]

Is that content editing or proofreading for errors?

[@fisherstudiocompany]

Tyler Fisher 1 second ago This is great! I wrote a book about manifesting and how I broke through poverty through my football story called "Cardiac Cardinals" on Amazon. Im glad this video out here to help

[@imit1989]

Yeah, publishing books cost a heck of a lot. Have a blessed day, Bethany!

[@Veroamare]

Do you recommend a developmental editor for your first book?

[@theblankpage3351]

Hey if you were ever looking for Developmental edits check www.blankpageedits.com Be it your first or 500th book we would love to read it :)

[@ironduke6286]

What did kirkus say about your book?

[@roelescamilla6022]

I would be interested to know your cost to profit ratios. How long did it take you to cover your costs?

[@keithreinking6670]

@@BethanyAtazadeh please do

[@oyeakin9932]

How do you get the pod codes ?

[@SuperTONYC1]

your a star.

[@mickeymiles9394]

OMG!! Does your editor have a website? I am shopping around for one! Thats awesome!! Is this spreadsheet available for download?? 😊

[@nikkik2648]

Our proof copies and arc copies the same cost and same way to order them? I know you can order up the five author copies is that the same as a arc?

[@BethanyAtazadeh]

Yes

[@socialside5332]

Just to publish a book is so expensive and you hardly sell copies... I love reading books and I all appreciate them more than ever knowing how much goes into them

[@5Gburn]

You need your own ISBNs if libraries and brick and mortar stores are to carry your books.

[@MaceValor]

The free Amazon ISBN locks your book to Amazon being your publishers making it difficult to move your book elsewhere

[@rosieran6106]

You should check out AMS ADS profit course. It might help you

[@MereofallTrades]

Hi from Minnesota 👋 thanks for the information.