Love the idea of writing a book? BUT, do you know how much it costs? Are you curious? Watch the video for an overview or scroll down for the numbers.
Here is the cost breakdown as promised 👇
The financial costs differ if you self-publish, have a major publisher, or an independent publisher. I went with Business Expert Press.
SO here are cost breakdowns in Australian Dollars. Approx. 1 Euro is $0.6 AUD. I've used Kelly Irving's cost expectations infographic for some of the estimations.
1) All the time you spend thinking about it. ALL the time. 💰 unimaginable cost.
2) Weekends, evenings, and sunny days spent writing, preparing book pitch, going through feedback, marketing, coordinating launches, and doing research. ➡ Time NOT spent with your family. 💰 unimaginable cost.
3) Book coach: varies depending if it is a one-off 1:1 or a community subscription and how long you need. $1,000 to 6,000 AUD. I am with Kelly Irving Expert Author Community. 💰I paid extra to do a "Nail it Now" course approx $1,500.
4) Editing: $5K to $15K. 💰I paid $1.5K for a developmental edit as it wasn't included in my publishing deal. Consultant review, copy edit and line edit were included.
5) Design: Up to $8K if you're self-publishing. My typesetting was included.💰Approx $800 for just the front design.
6) Printing and publishing: Some major publishers require you to buy 1000 copies at approx $12 per copy. I get 40% discount on my books but am not allowed to resell so this is an optional cost for me.
7) PR & Marketing: $12K minimum. You still need a publicist if you have a publisher. I know an author who paid $50K for a billboard. Airport bookstores expect you to also spend on advertising, which can be a few thousand dollars. 💰I am doing it myself with Kiana as am completely out of budget. So, I appreciate every single person who has supported me in getting the word out.
8) eBook set up: $500 to $1,5. My publisher did this for me.
9) Distribution, postage and packaging. There can be costs here if you are self-publishing. Depends on where you're sending and the size of your book (good to keep in mind!). Optional cost for me.
10) Book launch: estimate approx $70 per person if you are having it at a venue once you add up catering, room hire, ticketing etc. Add more for marketing, travel, accommodation. 💰I am grateful for my sponsors Fresh Intranet, Haiilo and WeWork Warschauer Str. who are helping me with some costs.
So total, I have done it on a shoestring. So after the launch parties, travel etc. 💰Approx $10K min out of pocket due to cutting publicity costs but Kelly's estimate of $29K could be possible. This does not include my time.
Revenue is for me the same as a signed fiction author. 10% for paperback, %15 for the cheaper digital version. Other business book authors can get as low as 2% per book.
So that means 2,100 paperback books will cover my costs. Priya Bates sent me useful info saying the typical business book sells 400 to 1,000 copies.
I wrote a book because I had something to say.
❓ Can you help me hit 1,000?
Best,
📚 Monique
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