Is Self-Publishing Free?

I saw a recent post on Facebook where someone wrote that self-publishing was free. It went on to say that a writer can just edit their own book or have a friend do it, do their own cover, format it themselves, then just throw it up online. Simple right? 

Free? Not exactly.

When putting your work on sites like Createspace, KDP (Amazon for Kindle), Smashwords and others that may be free. But, if you are planning on selling a book, even just one, you have started a business, and like any business there are costs involved. In some form or another self-publishing will cost you.

Should you do your own editing? Possibly. Most of us are unqualified or inexperienced. Editing is a specialty. Should one do their own cover? There are options–websites that create a cover for you by using a template, if you don't mind looking like everyone else. There are sites that let authors create covers. But, cover art is a talent, to say that anyone can create their own cover, is like saying, anyone can write a book. Layout for book interior and ebook formatting and conversion; this can be a source of frustration, something better left to the professionals. A book is a product of your business and should be given the respect (for the book and the readers) it deserves.

Should it cost a small fortune? No. There are so many options and services that are affordable today. There are also various levels of experience and qualifications available, so do your research. Ask for referrals. A $500 cover doesn't always mean that it will be better than one that will cost $50, but that is not to say that there are some cover artists out there that are definitely worth $500.  


Even if you do all of these things with little or no cost, something is going to cost you; marketing, website, attorney, accountant, bookkeeper, taxes. Having a business, no matter how small, is not free. Should this stop you? Most definitely not. Like any small business or entrepreneur with a small budget, you find a way to make it work and then keep building upon that. Give it time, be consistent, and eventually you should break-even and before you know it you made a buck.

DIY or Hire A Professional. Like any small business, you will need to evaluate what you can and should do yourself, or whether you should hire a professional. You don't have to do it all....

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