Chisom had written three complete novels over five years but kept them locked in her laptop because publishing in Nigeria seemed too complicated and expensive. She didn’t know where to start, who to trust, or how much money she needed. Every Google search led to puzzling jargon about ISBNs, distributors, and royalty rates that made her head spin.

Publishing in Nigeria frustrates first-time authors who get lost in conflicting advice and hidden costs. Most writers have finished manuscripts, but don’t know the simple steps to get their books into readers’ hands without losing money or falling for scams. How do you actually publish your book in Nigeria without getting cheated? This article breaks down the real publishing process, honest costs, reliable service providers, and practical steps that work for Nigerian authors today.

Table of Contents

Simple steps that actually get your book published

Publishing your book doesn’t have to be rocket science. Here’s exactly what you need to do, step by step, without any hard-to-understand publishing terms or unnecessary stress.

Picking the right publishing path for your goals

Traditional publishing offers prestige and industry recognition, but takes two to four years from submission to bookstore. You’ll need an agent or direct submissions to publishers.

Self-publishing provides control and faster timelines but requires more work from you. You handle editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution yourself or hire freelancers.

Hybrid publishers combine the benefits of both approaches but charge higher upfront fees. They provide professional services while giving you more control than traditional publishers.

Publishing in Nigeria through print-on-demand suits first-time authors with limited budgets. You can test the market without investing thousands in inventory.

Preparing your manuscript for professional publication

Start with a complete final self-edit using grammar-checking tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Editor. These help you identify obvious mistakes before you send your work to professionals.

Format your document properly with consistent fonts, spacing, and chapter breaks. Use Times New Roman or similar readable fonts. Double-space your lines and start each chapter on a new page.

Write a powerful book description that explains the benefits to readers clearly. Don’t just summarise the plot. Tell people why they should spend their money and time reading your work.

Create an author brand that establishes credibility and personal connection. Publishing in Nigeria means building relationships with readers who want to know about the person behind the book.

Registration and legal requirements explained simply

In an article titled “How to Apply for ISBN in Nigeria (2024)“, Damilola Makinde explains that ISBN registration through the National Library costs ₦10,000 for a block of ten ISBNs. Each book format (paperback, hardcover, ebook) needs its own ISBN.

Copyright registration protects your work legally for a ₦10,000 filing fee. This isn’t mandatory, but it gives you stronger legal protection if someone steals your content.

Business registration becomes necessary once your sales exceed certain amounts. Most first-time authors don’t need to worry about this initially.

Tax obligations depend on your total annual income from all sources. Keep records of all book-related expenses and income for potential future tax filing.

Publishing in Nigeria involves some paperwork, but don’t let procedures stop you from getting started. You can handle most requirements after your book starts selling.

Real costs of publishing in Nigeria without getting cheated

Money matters when you’re trying to publish your first book. Let me break down what you’ll actually spend so you can budget properly and avoid nasty surprises.

Professional editing services that won’t bankrupt you

Good editing costs money, but it’s the most important investment in your book. Developmental editing helps with plot, character development, and overall structure. According to Harmony Publishing’s guide on How to Self-Publish a Novel in Nigeria, this can cost between ₦50,000 and ₦120,000 for most novels.

Copy editing fixes grammar, spelling, and sentence flow. You’ll pay ₦20,000 to ₦60,000 depending on your book’s length and how much work it needs.

Proofreading catches final errors before printing. This final check typically costs ₦15,000 to ₦40,000 and saves you from embarrassing mistakes. According to The Ultimate Proofreading Services Price Guide by ASKWords.ng, many Nigerian proofreading services charge roughly ₦2,500 to ₦3,000 per 1,000 words, which generally translates to about ₦15,000–₦40,000 for a full manuscript, depending on length and depth.

Publishing in Nigeria doesn’t have to break your bank account. Look for student editors who charge less while building their portfolios. Join writing groups where members exchange editing services.

Cover design and formatting on realistic budgets

Your book cover sells your book before anyone reads the first page. Pre-made covers from Nigerian designers cost between ₦10,000 and ₦30,000 and appear professional.

Custom covers designed specifically for your book range from ₦25,000 to ₦80,000. This investment pays off if you plan to write multiple books in a series.

Interior formatting makes your book look professional inside. Services charge ₦15,000 to ₦35,000 to lay out your pages properly.

Publishing in Nigeria on a tight budget? Use DIY templates and online tools. You can format your book interior for under ₦5,000 if you’re willing to learn.

Printing and distribution expenses are broken down simply

Print-on-demand eliminates upfront printing costs completely. Your book gets printed only when someone orders it. This works perfectly for first-time authors testing the market.

Bulk printing requires ordering at least 100 to 500 copies upfront. Each copy costs ₦200 to ₦800, depending on size, paper quality, and printing company.

Local distributors take 40% to 60% of your book’s cover price as their commission. They handle getting your book into shops, but they keep most of the money. This was explained in “Bargain or Bust: The Average Cost of Paperback Books” by LeadersBrands.

Online platforms like Amazon KDP charge 35% to 70%, depending on your book’s pricing and file size. But they offer global reach and often better royalties. These royalty rates are outlined in Amazon KDP’s Royalty Guide.

Publishing in Nigeria through digital book publishing platforms often pays better than going the traditional route, especially when you optimise your pricing.

A case study of smart spending decisions

During her second book launch, children’s author Funmi discovered that spending ₦100,000 on professional editing generated more positive reviews than ₦200,000 spent on fancy marketing materials.

ASKWords.ng’s book consultancy and c o aching helped her allocate her ₦300,000 budget strategically across editing, cover design, and targeted social media advertising. Our memoir ghostwriting expertise also helped her include personal stories that parents buying books for their children could relate to.

The storytelling company’s professional editing services ensured her manuscript was refined and error-free before publication. ASKWords.ng’s self-publishing support guided her through the entire process, from manuscript preparation to distribution strategy.

Publishing in Nigeria successfully requires smart money decisions. Funmi sold 1,200 copies in six months versus 200 copies from her first attempt because she invested in quality content over flashy promotion.

Her experience shows that publishing in Nigeria works when you prioritise what actually helps readers enjoy your book rather than what looks impressive to other authors.

Marketing your published book without wasting money

Getting people to actually buy your book requires smart marketing, not expensive campaigns that drain your savings without delivering results.

Free marketing strategies that actually work

Build an email list by offering valuable content related to your book’s topic. People who give you their email addresses are more likely to buy your books than random social media followers.

Engage consistently on social media platforms where your target readers spend time. Post helpful content, not just book promotions. Publishing in Nigeria means building genuine relationships with readers.

Partner with book bloggers and influencers for honest reviews. Many accept free copies in exchange for thoughtful reviews that help other readers discover your work.

Speak at events, workshops, and conferences related to your book’s topic. Publishing in Nigeria often depends more on personal connections than on expensive advertising.

Paid advertising that delivers real results

Facebook and Instagram ads let you target specific reader demographics. Start with small budgets (₦5,000 to ₦20,000) and test what works before spending more.

Google Ads reach people actively searching for books like yours. This targeted approach often converts better than broad social media advertising.

BookBub promotions work well for discounted ebook campaigns. Their email list reaches serious readers who actually buy books regularly.

Local radio and newspaper advertisements during launch week can generate buzz, especially for non-fiction books addressing Nigerian issues.

Publishing in Nigeria requires mixing free and paid marketing strategies based on your budget and target audience preferences.

Building a long-term author platform and fanbase

Regular blog posts provide value beyond just promoting your books. Share expertise, tell stories, and help people solve problems related to your book’s topic.

Email newsletters with exclusive content and early access offers keep readers engaged between book releases. Publishing in Nigeria successfully means staying visible year-round.

Podcast appearances and guest writing opportunities expand your reach to new audiences. Other people’s platforms can introduce you to readers you’d never reach alone.

Community involvement and local literary event participation build your reputation as a serious author. Publishing in Nigeria works better when people see you as part of the literary community.

How to identify and avoid publishing scams that target new authors

The publishing world in Nigeria is full of people ready to collect your money and disappear. I’ve seen too many writers lose their savings to fake publishers who promise the world but deliver nothing. Let me show you how to avoid these wahala completely.

Red flags that reveal fake publishers instantly

Any company asking for upfront money before publishing your book is probably a scam. Real publishers invest their own money in books they believe will sell. They make money when you make money, not from charging you fees.

Watch out for promises that sound too good to be true. Nobody can guarantee your book will become a bestseller or get celebrity endorsements. Publishing in Nigeria doesn’t work like that, and anyone making such promises is lying to you.

Check if they have a physical address and registered business information. Many scam publishers operate from email addresses and WhatsApp numbers only. Legitimate businesses, like ASKWords.ng, have official websites and offices you can visit.

Ask to see a list of books they’ve published recently. Real publishers are proud to show their work. Fake ones will give you excuses or show you books that don’t actually exist.

Legitimate publishers versus vanity publishing companies

Traditional publishers in Nigeria pay you, not the other way around. They might take months to respond to your manuscript, but they won’t ask for money up front. Publishers like Cassava Republic, Farafina, and Parresia don’t charge authors.

Vanity publishers make their money from desperate authors, not from selling books. They’ll publish anything if you pay them enough. Your book might get printed, but it won’t reach real readers or bookshops.

A self-publishing platform like Amazon KDP is transparent about its fees. It takes a percentage of each sale, which is fair because they only earn when you earn.

Publishing in Nigeria through legitimate channels might take longer, but it’s worth waiting for the right opportunity rather than paying scammers.

Questions that expose dishonest publishing deals

How much do I need to pay upfront for publication?

If the answer is anything above zero for traditional publishing, walk away immediately.

What percentage of book sales do I keep as the author?

You should earn at least 10% to 15% from traditional publishers or 35% to 70% from self-publishing platforms.

Can I see a list of books you’ve published in the last year?

Real publishers will gladly share their recent publications and success stories.

Where exactly will my book be available for purchase?

Vague answers about “major bookstores” and “online platforms” usually mean nowhere specific.

Publishing in Nigeria requires asking these hard questions to protect yourself from people who prey on new authors’ dreams and inexperience.

Conclusion

Publishing in Nigeria doesn’t have to drain your savings or take years to accomplish. Success depends on knowing the real costs, avoiding common scams, and focusing your energy on steps that actually matter for getting your book into readers’ hands.

Start with a realistic budget, invest in professional editing over fancy marketing, and pick publishing methods that align with your goals and timeline. Most importantly, treat publishing as the beginning of your author journey, not the end goal.

Your first book won’t be perfect, and that’s completely fine. Every published author started exactly where you are now, with a finished manuscript and questions about what comes next.

Publishing in Nigeria has never been more accessible for determined writers willing to learn the process and avoid get-rich-quick schemes that promise overnight success.

Read Also: How to Create an Author Brand

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my book is ready for publishing in Nigeria?

Professional editing is important. Beta readers should also review your manuscript and provide honest feedback about clarity and engagement.

How much money do I actually need for publishing in Nigeria?

Budget between ₦150,000 and ₦400,000 for professional-quality self-publishing in Nigeria. This typically covers editing, cover design, formatting, and initial marketing efforts. Costs can vary depending on your book’s length and service providers.

What services does ASKWords.ng offer for new authors?

ASKWords.ng is a storytelling company that offers book coaching and consultancy, ghostwriting, self-publishing support, personal branding, content strategy and writing, editing and proofreading, memoir ghostwriting, and LinkedIn ghostwriting services for authors at every stage.

You can book a free 15-minute consultation with ASKWords.ng today and see how our self-publishing support helps you avoid costly mistakes while building a sustainable author career that generates income beyond just book sales.