Costs to be aware of
Understanding the costs ahead of time is important when deciding whether or not to go the self-publishing route. That's why at BookBaby, all our costs are noted up-front: no hidden fees, no surprise charges. Here are some of the costs involved in self-publishing your book.
Setup and proofing
We highly recommend ordering a single proof copy of your book (also called a press proof) so that you can see the quality that goes into the process from start to finish before it goes to print. It costs $99 to order a press proof, but it's well worth it so that you can see and feel the quality firsthand.
If you choose to go the POD or Print On Demand route, there are no setup charges — you only pay per copy printed, which is around $5-$8 for paperbacks.
Cost per copy
How much you pay per copy of your book depends on several factors including:
- Binding
- Trim size
- Paper choice
- Page count
Print On Demand, as mentioned, costs around $5-8 per copy. Hardcover and larger trim sizes cost more. For a more accurate quote on these types of books, we recommend getting an instant quote on our pricing page.
Add-on services
Oftentimes, authors need more than just printing. You'll be glad to know that BookBaby offers a one-stop shop for all things book- and publishing-related, including:
- Cover design starting at $399
- Interior formatting
- Editing services, including line editing, copy editing, and proofreading
- Distribution, including eBook and print. A minimalist launch including ISBN, basic formatting, and proof handled via POD costs around $200-500 while full-service packages can range from $1,100-$3000.
Quality assurance: what you get
So, what's included for the price in terms of quality? It's a good question and it's understandably on your mind if you're thinking of self-publishing. Keep in mind that not all Print On Demand or self-publishing companies are equal, and price shouldn't be the only determining factor in terms of whether or not you choose to self-publish your book. Here's what you can expect when you work with BookBaby.
Printing standards
We manage our own U.S.-based printing facility, which means we're able to produce books that are comparable in quality to major traditional publishers like Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, and HarperCollins.
Materials and finishes
We offer a number of binding and trim sizes, including softcover and hardcover, in typical trade size (6 x 9") or digest (5.5 x 8.5") as well as custom formats. For paper stock, you can choose between acid-free, uncoated paper (which is ideal for text-heavy books) or coated paper, for colored interiors. All papers are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and SFI-certified.
We also offer matte and gloss cover finishes for a unique, polished, and professional look. Choose gloss for more eye-popping, bold and vibrant colors, and matte for a softer, more elegant style.
Prepress checks and proofs
Every submission undergoes a free prepress review by our expert technicians to make sure your files are print-ready. Press proofs let you see exactly how your printed book will look, using the same process and materials as the final copies. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you aren't completely satisfied, we'll help make it right until you are. That's our promise to you!
How long does it take?
You'll be glad to know that press proofs are produced in around 1 business day for softcover books and 2 days for hardcover. For full print jobs, the timeframe depends on the order size, but we can turn around shorter print jobs in as little as 3 business days.
Print On Demand or bulk orders?
There are some pros and cons worth noting when it comes to deciding whether to go with Print On Demand or bulk orders. With Print On Demand, there's no setup fee and therefore a low upfront risk. Each copy costs anywhere from $5-$8, which is ideal if you're not sure about sales volume. It also makes global order fulfillment easy thanks to our online distribution channels.
Bulk orders, on the other hand, have a higher initial investment, but the price per unit is significantly less. If you need to stock copies of your books for in-person events, signings, schools, or bookstores, bulk orders can make it happen. In fact, authors who choose BookBaby typically save thousands of dollars over other self-publishing outlets like Blurb
Plus, we handle all of the Print On Demand distribution to places like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell's, libraries, and more. If you choose to sell your book through our BookBaby Bookshop, you'll earn up 50% royalties on print books, 75% royalties on audiobooks, and 85% royalties on eBooks (these percentages are unmatched by the rest). Additionally, our G7-certified color accuracy ensures that no matter how many books you order, the first will look just as crisp and colorful as the last.
Ready to learn more? Start by getting a $99 press proof to inspect the paper, binding, and design of your new book. From there, we can help you build out your strategy and next steps based on your specific timeline, chosen sales channels, and genre. With BookBaby, you'll always be confident in the quality of the results and in the costs. Turn to our experts when you need a premium, one-stop book printing solution with clear cost transparency and professional-grade printing. Whether you're doing a small, informal launch or something grand, we're here for you every step of the way. Get a free quote today to learn more.