One major concern most aspiring authors face is knowing what it costs to publish a book. This is a topic worth discussing as more people are turning their ideas, stories, and knowledge into books.

Knowing the cost helps you plan, avoid unexpected expenses, and make better decisions. However, the cost depends greatly on location. If you reside in Nigeria or the United States, understanding the differences in book publishing prices will help you decide where, how, and when to publish.

So, let’s take you down the journey of understanding what it costs to publish a book in a way that’s simple, practical, and easy to follow.

Comparison of Book Publishing Costs in Nigeria vs. the US

Publishing costs vary widely depending on the location, the kind of book you want to publish, and the route you will follow. Let’s look at what it takes to publish a book in Nigeria and the US.

1. Printing Costs: Printing is cheaper in Nigeria than in the US. For a standard 150–200 page paperback, you might be charged between ₦1,700 and ₦3,000 per copy. Printing in bulk reduces the cost of each copy. In the US, printing the same type of book can cost between $4 to $10 per copy, depending on paper quality, size, and quantity.

This is important for authors looking to distribute physical copies in large numbers. Nigerian authors can take advantage of the lower cost by printing in large numbers and selling locally.

2. Editing and Proofreading: Professional editing in Nigeria may cost between ₦50,000 and ₦250,000 depending on the type of editing to be carried out and the length of the manuscript. In the US, the cost could be between the range of $500 to over $4,720.

The editing process is important because it improves the quality of your manuscript, fixes grammar and structure issues, and helps you deliver a clear story or message. Some editors provide packages that include both editing and proofreading, which can be cheaper.

3. Cover Design: A good cover design in Nigeria may cost around ₦30,000 to ₦100,000. In the US, a professional graphic designer could charge between $150 and $500, or more. The cover is the first thing readers see and it determines how they view your book.

A well-designed, professional book cover can increase your chances of getting noticed, both online and in physical stores. It can influence sales as good visuals attract.

4. Distribution: In Nigeria, most authors sell directly or through small bookstores and Instagram or WhatsApp. Some authors make use of online platforms like OkadaBooks or Bambooks. Distribution here is affordable but limited in reach.

In the US, Amazon KDP dominates the self-publishing space, and distribution can be free upfront, but Amazon takes a percentage from each sale.

5. Marketing: In Nigeria, many authors rely on social media and word-of-mouth marketing. Paid ads, influencer marketing, and book tours cost more. In the US, authors often invest in email marketing, author websites, Amazon ads, and blog tours.

Marketing in the US is more expensive but with the potential of reaching a wider audience.

Having a marketing strategy is important whether you are self-publishing or working with a traditional publisher. Authors often invest more in marketing than in any other aspect of publishing.

Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

• Traditional Publishing: In both Nigeria and the US, in traditional publishing, the publisher is responsible for the cost of publishing a book. As the author, you have no business with paying for the services to be carried out. Rather, you sign a contract, and the publisher pays for every service from editing to printing and distribution.

However, getting a publisher to sign a deal with can be challenging. You may have to look for an agent which could take months or years.

In Nigeria, traditional publishers may require you to share some costs or buy a certain number of copies after publication. In the US, big publishers cover everything but only work with authors who possess a strong platform or proven track record

• Self-Publishing: Self-publishing gives you full control, but you’re responsible for all everything it costs to publish your book. In Nigeria, you might need between ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 to self-publish professionally. In the US, self-publishing can cost between $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the services to be carried out.

So, which is more affordable? Nigeria is cheaper when it comes to printing and production. The US has more resources and tools, but they come at a higher price. The decision depends on your budget, goals, and the location of your audience.

Read Also: Easy Ways to Get Your Book Published: Your Guide to Success

What Every Author Should Budget For

The location you choose to publish doesn’t change the fact that you must have a budget to publish a book. Here are the main services to budget for:

1. Editing: You need a professional editor to carry out the different types of editing from developmental editing to line editing to proofreading. You can find editors in Nigeria charging from ₦50,000 upward. In the US, professional editing services start from $500.

Some editors charge per word, while others charge per page or project. Rates also depend on your manuscript’s condition, and how structured and well-refined it is. Editing a well-written draft may cost less than a rough one.

2. Cover Design: Your book cover is the first thing people see, hire a skilled graphic designer for it. Budget ₦30,000 to ₦100,000 in Nigeria while, in the US, aim for at least $200.

3. Formatting: This makes your book readable. It includes font, spacing, layout, and interior design. Formatting in Nigeria can cost ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 while in the US, expect to pay $100 to $300. You need both ebook and print formatting if you plan to sell ebooks and physical copies.

4. ISBN and Legal Fees: In Nigeria, ISBNs are available through the National Library and cost ₦5,000 per title. In the US, Bowker handles ISBNs and a single one costs $125, but discounts are given for bulk purchases.

Some authors skip ISBNs when using platforms like Amazon, but having your ISBN gives you more control over your book’s metadata and distribution.

5. Printing: The cost of printing depends on quantity, paper type, and size. Printing 100 copies in Nigeria may cost ₦200,000 or less, but you should request a sample before printing in bulk. In the US, printing on-demand through Amazon KDP for each copy is more expensive, but you don’t need to pay upfront for bulk printing.

6. Distribution: Online platforms like Amazon KDP, and Bambooks allow you to reach readers without paying upfront fees. However, they take a percentage of your book’s sales.

In Nigeria, local bookstores and book fairs provide offline sales options. In the US, libraries, bookstores, and online retailers have different requirements for stocking books.

7. Marketing: Marketing is important in both Nigeria and the US. Social media ads, influencer partnerships, or paid blog features can cost from ₦20,000 to ₦200,000 in Nigeria while in the US, book promotions may cost from $100 to $2,000 or more.

Smart Tips for Publishing Your Book on a Budget

Now that you have understood what some services cost in Nigeria and the US, let’s talk about how to work smart with your budget. Publishing a book doesn’t have to drain your bank account; with strategy and proper planning, you can do that on a manageable budget. Here are some strategies you can use:

1. Be Clear on Your Budget and Goals: Define your goal and what you want to achieve. Do you want wide global distribution, or are you mainly targeting a local audience? Your goal will guide you on how to spend, and prioritize where to spend more. For example, if you’re targeting readers in Nigeria, you may not need international ISBNs or Amazon distribution.
2. Choose the Right Publishing Route: If you’re self-publishing in Nigeria, you can always have control over how you spend. However, you will have to handle everything or hire professionals. Your costs will be taken care of when you choose a traditional publisher, but the profit is usually small and you might be responsible for the marketing of your book. For self-publishers in the US, Amazon KDP is often a great choice. It allows you to print on-demand, which cuts down upfront printing costs. You also don’t need to worry about warehousing or distribution.
3. Hire the Right People at the Right Price: You don’t need to break the bank by hiring a whole team. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or even local recommendations can connect you with skilled editors, designers, and formatters at lower rates. Just make sure to check their reviews and request samples. In Nigeria, there are talented editors and designers with competitive prices. You can negotiate bundle services like editing with proofreading or formatting with cover design to lower the cost and save more.
4. Print Smart: In Nigeria, bulk printing might help you save per copy, especially for events, launches, or bookstore sales. However, be cautious, don’t print many when the demand is not much. In the US, print-on-demand helps avoid waste and storage costs. You only print copies when demanded which is a great advantage to new authors.
5. Handle Some Tasks Yourself: If you’re tech-savvy or have time to learn, you can handle some things yourself. Many authors design their interior layouts or create simple covers using tools like Canva. Remember, you should seek feedback to ensure quality. You can also write your descriptions, plan a launch, or pitch your book to bloggers. These small efforts can help you cut down costs and give you more control.
6. Promote Smartly: You don’t need a huge budget to promote your book, start with what you have. Utilize Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Talk about your book before you launch to build interest. Share sneak peeks, give a glimpse of the process, or host live Q&As to engage with your audience.

If you’re publishing in the US, you can use email marketing tools or create a simple author website. Use Amazon ads or Facebook ads with a small daily budget to test the waters.

Read Also: Writing on a Busy Schedule: Time Management Tips for Entrepreneurial Authors

Why Knowing the Cost Matters

You might be thinking, “Why do I need to worry about all this?” The truth is that knowing the costs ahead of time gives you power. It helps you plan, budget, and avoid unnecessary stress during the publishing process. Let’s discuss why this matters:

1. Publishing is a Business Decision: Your book is a project born from your passion, but once you decide to publish it, you’re stepping into the business territory. It’s more than art or words on paper; it’s a product that should be packaged, presented, and distributed.
   Just like any business, you need to know your expenses, expected profits, and where to invest wisely to get the best results. Authors who take time to understand the publishing process are less likely to fall for scams or spend money on services they don’t need.
2. You Stay in Control: When you know what’s required to publish a book, you cannot be easily swayed by misleading offers. Some publishers could promise you the world for a fee that sounds too good to be true, and unfortunately, sometimes it is. Others might overcharge for basic services. Being informed helps you say yes to the right people and reject offers you’re not comfortable with.
3. Global Opportunities Are Growing: People are no longer limited by geography. A Nigerian author can publish on Amazon and reach readers in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, or anywhere else in the world. A US-based writer can find a niche market in Lagos or Nairobi and build an international audience.
   However, you cannot do that when you don’t know what publishing costs in different parts of the world. Learn to make use of your resources, so that your book doesn’t get dumped on a shelf but reaches the hands of people who need it.
4. It Keeps You Focused: Knowing your publishing costs helps you set clear timelines, goals, and marketing plans. It also prevents you from giving up halfway due to unexpected expenses.

Conclusion

The cost of publishing a book depends on your location, what you want, and how you choose to publish it. But regardless of where you’re or experience level, one thing is clear: being informed is your best tool.

Publishing a book today is more accessible than ever. You don’t need to be rich, famous, or sign a deal with a traditional publisher to get your story out there. All you need is proper planning, patience, courage, and a clear understanding of the process.

Now that you know the basics, from the costs to the available options to the opportunities, what’s stopping you from taking the next step?

Your story matters.

Your voice matters.

And somewhere out there, someone is waiting to read what only you can write.

At ASKWords.ng, we help professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders create stories that connect local authenticity with global appeal. If you’re yet to decide between traditional publishing and self-publishing, we can guide you through every step of the process.

Our services include:

Ghostwriting and Book Publishing

Book Coaching and Consultancy

Self-Publishing Support

Content Writing and Strategy

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Ready to share your story with the world? Let’s make it happen! Book a free 15-minute consultation today, and together, we’ll bring your vision to life, no matter where you’re publishing from.