Is It Cheaper to Self-Publish or Go the Traditional Route? Let’s Break It Down

So, you’ve written a book—or at least you’re planning to—and now you’re staring at the crossroads of publishing: Do you go the traditional route and try to land a book deal? Or do you take matters into your own hands and self-publish? One of the big questions that usually comes up (right after “Will anyone even read this?”) is: Which one is cheaper?

Let’s talk about it in real terms, no sugarcoating.

The Traditional Publishing Route: Low Cost, High Hurdles

From a purely financial standpoint, traditional publishing doesn’t really cost you money upfront. That’s a big reason many authors pursue it. If you get a deal, the publisher typically handles the big-ticket items: editing, cover design, typesetting, printing (if it’s a physical book), marketing, and distribution. They also usually give you an advance—a chunk of money paid against future royalties. So in theory, you’re getting paid before your book even sells.

Sounds great, right? Well, it can be. But here’s the thing: getting a traditional book deal is notoriously difficult, and it’s a process that can take months or even years. You’ll probably need a literary agent to even get your foot in the door with most big publishers, which adds another layer to the gatekeeping and the time it takes to get published.

Also, when you do land a deal, you’re trading upfront costs for long-term earnings. Royalties from traditional publishing are usually around 10-15% of the book’s retail price. That means if your book sells for $20, you might only make $2–$3 per copy.

Self-Publishing: You’re the Boss (and the Bank)

Now, flip the coin: self-publishing.

On the surface, it is more expensive. You’re footing the bill for everything a publisher would normally do. That includes:

Editing: Developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading can run you anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on your book’s length and the editor’s rates.Cover design: A professional-looking cover is crucial. Budget around $100 to $500 (or more if you’re going high-end).Formatting: Ebook and print formatting services typically cost $50–$300, unless you do it yourself.ISBNs and other publishing tools: Not massive expenses, but they add up—especially if you’re in multiple markets.Marketing: This is where self-published authors often spend the most, because now it’s on you to get the word out. Facebook ads, Amazon ads, BookBub promotions—all of that can eat into your wallet fast.

So yeah, upfront, self-publishing can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. But here’s the kicker: you get a much higher royalty rate. On Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, for example, you’ll make 35–70% of each sale, depending on the price and territory. That means you keep a lot more per book sold than with a traditional publisher.

If you sell a $4.99 ebook and make 70%, that’s about $3.50 in your pocket per sale. Compare that to $2 per sale in traditional publishing on a $20 book, and you can see how the math starts to work in your favor if you can move copies.

So, Is Self-Publishing Cheaper?

Here’s the honest answer: It depends on how you define “cheap.”

Upfront cost? Traditional wins. You (usually) don’t pay anything out of pocket, aside from maybe editing before querying.Long-term earnings potential? Self-publishing can win big here, but only if you’re savvy about marketing and treat it like a business.Control and flexibility? Self-publishing, hands down. You decide everything—from release date to pricing to which cover screams “buy me” the loudest.

But let’s get real for a second: most traditionally published books don’t make authors rich. Same with self-published books. The majority of authors in both camps make modest earnings. So your goals—whether they’re about income, creative control, or speed—really shape the “cheapest” path for you.

Final Thoughts

In the end, it’s not just about money—it’s about what kind of author you want to be. Traditional publishing might cost less out of pocket, but it’s not “free” in terms of time or control. Self-publishing has higher upfront costs, but potentially bigger returns if you’re in it for the long haul.

Either way, you’re investing in your book. The question is: would you rather invest time, money, or a bit of both?