How Much Does It Cost to Make A 200-Page Book?

publishing a memoir, novel, business book, or nonfiction guide, it’s important to understand the financial investment involved in turning your idea into a published masterpiece.

In this blog, we’ll break down the real costs of writing, editing, designing, and publishing a 200-page book in 2025. From professional services to DIY options, you’ll get a realistic picture of what to expect—and how to budget wisely.

We’ll also explore cost-saving strategies without compromising on quality, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way. Whether you’re hiring a ghostwriter, working with a professional editor, or designing your cover, understanding each element’s cost will keep you on track financially. Plus, we’ll touch on marketing expenses and printing fees, so you know exactly what it takes to bring your vision to life and put your book into the hands of readers.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into numbers, it’s essential to define what “making a book” really includes. A 200-page book typically equals around 50,000 to 60,000 words, depending on layout and font size. The process of making this book includes:

• Writing or hiring a ghostwriter
• Editing and proofreading
• Interior formatting
• Cover design
• Publishing and printing
• Marketing and distribution

Let’s explore the cost breakdown step by step.

1. Writing the Book

If you’re writing the book yourself, the cost is mostly your time. But if you hire a ghostwriter or professional writer, here’s what you can expect:

Professional Writing Fees:

Ghostwriting (basic quality): $8,000 – $12,000

• Ghostwriting (professional quality): $15,000 – $30,000
• Top-tier or bestselling author ghostwriters: $40,000 and up

Tip: Some ghostwriters offer payment plans or packages that include revisions and consultations.

2. Editing the Manuscript

No matter how well a book is written, editing is a must. It makes the difference between amateur and professional work.

Editing Costs:

• Developmental editing (structure, content, flow): $0.03 – $0.08 per word
• Copyediting (grammar, sentence structure): $0.02 – $0.05 per word
• Proofreading (final polish): $0.01 – $0.03 per word

For a 200-page book (around 55,000 words), expect to spend:

• Developmental Editing: $1,650 – $4,400
• Copyediting: $1,100 – $2,750
• Proofreading: $550 – $1,650

Total for editing services: $3,000 – $8,500 (if you do all three types)

3. Book Cover Design

Your cover is your book’s first impression. Investing in a quality design is crucial for attracting readers and generating sales.

Cover Design Costs:

• Pre-made cover (customized): $50 – $200
• Freelance designer (custom design): $300 – $1,000
• Professional agency or brand designer: $1,000 – $2,500

Pro Tip: Don’t cut corners here. A poorly designed cover can make even the best book look unprofessional.

4. Interior Layout and Formatting

Formatting makes your book readable and visually appealing, both in print and digital formats.

Formatting Costs:

• Ebook formatting: $100 – $400
• Print formatting: $200 – $600
• Bundle (ebook + print): $300 – $900

Alternatively, software like Vellum (Mac) or Atticus (Windows) lets you DIY for $150–250 one-time purchase.

5. ISBN and Copyright Registration

These legal necessities ensure your book is properly tracked and protected.

• ISBN (if purchased in the U.S.): $125 for one, or $295 for a block of 10
• Copyright registration: $65 (U.S. Copyright Office)

Total: Around $190 for both

6. Printing Costs (If Doing Physical Books)

Print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Lulu let you print books as needed.

Printing Costs (estimated per book):

• Black and white, 200 pages: $2.50 – $4.00 per copy
• Full-color interior: $10 – $20 per copy
• Bulk offset printing: Cheaper per unit if printing 1,000+ books

If you order 100 copies at $3.50 each, expect $350 in printing costs upfront.

7. Publishing Platform Fees

Many authors choose self-publishing platforms, but some services charge for added distribution, marketing, or assistance.

Examples:

• Amazon KDP: Free to upload, but they take a royalty
• IngramSpark: $49 per title upload fee + $25 revision fee
• Hybrid publishers: $1,500 – $5,000 for packages including publishing support

8. Marketing and Promotion

Even the best books need visibility. Marketing can be DIY or professionally managed.

Marketing Budget Range:

• Basic social media ads and email tools: $100 – $500
• Author website and branding: $300 – $1,000
• Book launch services or PR firms: $1,000 – $5,000+
• Book trailers, blog tours, or influencer outreach: $500 – $3,000

Budget at least $1,000 if you want real traction.

Author Branding: Positioning Yourself for Long-Term Success

Beyond writing a single book, many authors use publishing to build a personal brand. This is especially true for professionals, coaches, consultants, and public speakers.

Branding Investments:

• Professional author photos: $150 – $500
• Author bio and media kit: $250 – $600
• Logo and brand design: $300 – $1,000
• Personal branding website with blog: $500 – $2,500

Having a strong brand not only boosts book credibility—it opens doors for speaking gigs, media interviews, and business opportunities.

Long-Term Royalties and Financial Planning

Once the book is out, ongoing income from royalties becomes part of your long-term return on investment (ROI). However, you need to plan for what platforms will charge and how much you’ll earn per sale.

Average Royalty Rates:

• Amazon KDP (ebook): 70% for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99
• Print (Amazon): 60% of list price minus printing costs
• Traditional publishers: 10% – 15% royalty (but they handle all expenses)
• Hybrid publishers: Royalties vary depending on the contract

If you sell your book for $14.99 in print and make $5 profit per copy, you’d need to sell 2,000 copies to earn $10,000. With good marketing and distribution, that’s very achievable.

Total Estimated Cost to Make a 200-Page Book

Task Estimated Cost Range       Writing (ghostwriting) $8,000 – $30,000       Editing $3,000 – $8,500      Cover Design $300 – $2,000      ormatting $200 – $900     ISBN & Copyright $190      Printing (100 copies) $350    Publishing Fees $0 – $5,000      Marketing $1,000 – $5,000

 

Total Range: $12,000 – $52,000+

Can You Make a Book for Less?

Absolutely! If you’re a skilled writer and editor who’s willing to DIY, your budget could shrink to as little as $500–$2,000, especially if you’re focused on an ebook release and use free or low-cost tools. However, for a professionally polished, market-ready book, most serious authors invest $10,000–$25,000.

Final Thoughts

The cost of making a 200-page book can vary drastically depending on your goals, skills, and publishing route. Whether you’re working with a ghostwriter or doing it all yourself, remember that each dollar you invest is part of your book’s long-term value. Quality matters—and so does knowing where to spend smartly.