How Much Does It Really Cost to Publish a Book?

The Controversial Truth About “Free” Publishing

Here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud: publishing is never free.
If someone tells you it is, they’re either cutting corners or conveniently leaving out the fine print.

Yes, you can upload a draft to Amazon for $0.
But readers will spot it instantly—no editing, no formatting, no design, no strategy. And that shortcut will cost you far more in credibility than it saves you in cash.

Here’s the honest breakdown:

What Professional Publishing Actually Costs

• Editing: $500–$3,000+ depending on length and depth

• Formatting + Layout: $300–$1,000

• Cover Design: $500–$2,000 (a high-quality cover is NON-negotiable)

• Publishing Setup + Distribution: $0–$500

• Marketing/Launch: scalable, but budget at least $1,000+ if you want real visibility

Realistically: a professional, polished, sellable book costs $2,000–$7,500+.

No gatekeeping—just honesty. Because your words deserve more than a rushed upload disguised as a “book.”

Prose Publishing Handles It All

Our Done-For-You Publishing package includes:

• Editing

• Formatting

• Cover + interior design

• Publishing setup

• Launch strategy

• High-ticket integration

• Guaranteed bestseller

We don’t cut corners. We elevate your book into something you’re proud to put your name on.

Ready to Invest in Your Book the Way It Deserves?

Message us today. Let’s publish it right—with beauty, strategy, and bestseller results.