How to Self-Publish on a Budget
Self-publishing has opened doors for countless writers and publishers to bring their work to readers without relying on traditional publishing houses. However, costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful. The good news? You can self-publish professionally while staying on budget. This guide covers essential steps, including ISBN number purchase, formatting, distribution, and marketing—all without breaking the bank.
Writing and Editing Your Book
Before diving into publishing, ensure your manuscript is polished. While hiring a professional editor can be expensive, budget-friendly alternatives exist:
Self-editing
Use tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Hemingway Editor to catch errors.
Beta readers
Exchange critiques with fellow writers or join writing groups for feedback.
Affordable editors
Platforms like Fiverr and Reedsy offer freelance editors at varying price points.
Formatting Your Book
Proper formatting ensures your book looks professional. Instead of paying for formatting services, consider these options:
Free tools
Kindle Create (for eBooks) and Reedsy’s Book Editor provide easy formatting solutions.
Templates
Many free Word and Google Docs templates are available for print books.
DIY software
Vellum (Mac-only) and Atticus are affordable one-time purchases for eBook and print formatting.
Designing a Professional Cover
A high-quality cover is crucial for attracting readers. Here’s how to get one affordably:
Premade covers
Sites like BookCoverZone and TheBookCoverDesigner offer professional covers for as low as $50.
DIY tools
Canva and Adobe Express have book cover templates for beginners.
Freelance designers
Hire affordable designers on Fiverr or 99designs (starting at around $100).
Buying ISBN Numbers
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is required for selling printed books in most retail stores. Here’s what you need to know about buying ISBN numbers:
Cost-saving tip
In the U.S., Bowker is the official ISBN provider. A single ISBN costs $125, but a bulk purchase (10 for $125) is more cost-effective if you plan multiple books.
Free ISBNs
Some platforms like Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital offer free ISBNs, but these limit distribution to their platforms only.
Important note
If you’re serious about self-publishing, ISBN number purchase from Bowker gives you full control over your book’s metadata and distribution.
Choosing the Right Publishing Platform
Several platforms allow you to self-publish for free while taking a percentage of sales:
Amazon KDP
Free to publish eBooks and paperbacks, with global distribution.
IngramSpark
Charges a small setup fee ($49 per title) but offers wide bookstore distribution.
Draft2Digital & PublishDrive
No upfront costs; they distribute to multiple retailers.
Pro tip
Use Amazon KDP for eBooks and IngramSpark for print to maximize reach without high costs.
Budget-Friendly Marketing Strategies
Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive. Try these low-cost tactics:
Leverage social media
Build an author platform on Twitter/X, Instagram, or TikTok.
Email lists
Use free tools like MailerLite to grow a reader base.
Book promotions
Submit your book to free or low-cost promo sites (e.g., BookBub Freebies, Bargain Booksy).
Networking
Engage with writing communities on Reddit (r/selfpublish) and Facebook groups.
Print-on-Demand (POD) to Avoid Upfront Costs
Traditional printing requires bulk orders, but POD services let you print books as they’re ordered:
Amazon KDP Print
No upfront costs; books are printed when purchased.
IngramSpark
Wider bookstore distribution with no inventory needed.
Conclusion
Self-publishing on a budget is entirely possible with careful planning. Focus on buying ISBN numbers upfront if you want full publishing control, use free or low-cost tools for editing and formatting, and leverage affordable marketing strategies. By making smart choices, you can publish professionally without overspending.
Now that you know the essentials, it’s time to take the next step—start publishing and share your story with the world!