When you start your book publishing adventure, there are many factors to consider, and the price of your book should be at the top of your list. The cost of your book is an important element of the process because it’s determined by various aspects, including the book format, services used, and the publication method you have chosen.

To price your book, you must first comprehend all of the costs related to book publishing. Consider making your book affordable so that it reaches a larger audience.

If you're a writer looking for information, how much does a book cost? You've come to the right place. This blog will discuss the average price of a book 2025.

Why Pricing Your Book Matters?

Setting your book's price has a big impact on achieving your goal, whether it’s increasing reading, growing your business, or turning a profit. Aside from that, maintaining market competition is crucial because consumers frequently base their book selections on price comparisons.

How to Set The Right Price for Your Book in 2025

To price your book correctly, there are a few things to consider. Have a look:

Consider Your Goals

Before deciding on the price of your book, you should evaluate your goals. Are you looking to make as much money as feasible from it? Sell as many copies as possible. Reach a greater number of readers? Each goal will be affected differently depending on how you price your book. As a result, you must think strategically about pricing your book, but it can be easier if you start with the essentials.

Observe The Prices Of The Same Type Of Books

In self-publishing compared to traditional editions, traditional publications already know market prices for a variety of genres. However, you should refer to the prices of other books when it comes to self-publishing the book. Visit a bookstore and check out the prices of books in the same genre. You can observe a lot by looking at the prices of books that rub shoulders with your book. You can also question the bookseller about the prices of the same books as the one you wrote.

Attach A Similar Price For Your Book

Make the title of your book similar to others of its kind to increase its chances of success on the market. Do not reduce the price drastically. When you value your book below others, it can have a competitive edge when potential buyers try to choose between you and others.

Examine The Format And Trim Sizes

Also, compare the format and trim sizes of the books with your own and find the most popular trim size and format style in your genre. Analyze the prices of the book in a format similar to that of an e-book or audiobook to get a sense of what readers are willing to pay.

How Much Does The Average Book Cost

When it comes to the average price of a book in 2025, it can cost around $ 13.95 and $ 17.95. To publish your book this year, you must research the industry thoroughly. If you know the average price of the book, you can determine the competitive and reasonable price of your book.

Determining how much does a book cost in 2025 is much more than choosing any price. Numerous factors contribute to the price of the book, but the truth is that setting the right price for your book is like wandering in the labyrinth of the library without a card.

Publication Cost of Different Book Genres

The publication cost of the book varies based on the genre. Fiction or fantasy books require more editing and formatting adjustments, thus increasing the cost. Whereas, nonfiction and children’s books can also incur a higher cost due to the high level of illustration and indexing.

Here is the breakdown of the cost across different book genres.

Average Cost of a Book

The average cost of publishing a book can range from $2000 to $4000.

Non-Fiction Books

Nonfiction books often cost $500–$1,000 more to publish than the average book due to indexing costs and fact-checking requirements.

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Science fiction and fantasy novels often cost $500–$1,000 more to publish than the average book. That’s because they’re often much longer than a typical novel, averaging around 120,000 words instead of 80,000 words, and the extra length increases the costs of printing, editing, proofreading, and more.

Historical Fiction

Historical fiction novels often cost $300–$500 more to publish than the average book due to heavier research and fact-checking requirements.

Young Adult Novels

Young adult novels often cost $300–$500 less to publish than the average book. This is because it’s often shorter than typical adult novels, with an average of around 60,000 words rather than 80,000 words, and usually does not require illustrations.

Picture Books

Due to the additional costs of hiring an illustrator and book designer, picture books are often published at $500-1,000 more than the average book.

Average Cost Books According to The Format

The cost of the book varies significantly based on the format. Here’s the breakdown of the prices of the book according to the different formats.

E-books

E-books are typically priced lower than print books due to the higher publication cost. They usually cost less than $5.99. However, in 2025, the cost range is $5-$10. Setting the price of your e-book depends on several factors such as publisher, genre, and length.

In addition to that, some digital publishers like KDP offer royalty options up to 70% that often require a price range between $2,99 to $9.99. However, as compared to paperback books and hardcover books, e-books are priced reasonably.

Paperbacks

Paperbacks are generally more affordable and accessible than hardcover editions, as they are less expensive to produce.

In 2025, the average cost of paperbacks can range from $11 to $18, depending on the publisher, book type, and printing method. However, with the rise in inflation, paperbacks can cost around $19.99 on the high end. Famous and mass-market books can stay close to the $9.99 price point.

Hardcover Books

Hardcover books’ price range is naturally higher, sitting at $27.99, because of the higher production cost. In addition to the production cost, the royalty is also high for the hardcover book. You have to pay almost a maximum of 45% royalty, however, it highly depends on the various features. Hardcover book costs may also vary based on several factors; therefore, you can set prices in different ranges from $12.99 to $27.99, but keep in mind that production costs might affect your profit.

Publishing Cost Breakdown

Cost of Writing a Book

Writing is the first step to writing a book. This first step is the hardest but the cheapest one as well. You don't need to invest much to write your book. You can use writing utensils to write a book for free.

But yes, you can spend money on this step. You can use writing tools that can cost you almost $ 100 or maybe less than that. You can also hire a ghostwriter to write a book if needed. You may expect to be paid between $51-$71 per hour at a rate of 1-2 pages per hour.

Cost of Proofreading a Book

Proofreading is a vital phase in the book-writing process. It involves examining your writing for faults in syntax, formatting, and organization. It’s recommended that you employ a professional to proofread your book because it’s best to revise the draft with fresh eyes, or you may not be able to notice flaws in your own work.

In 2025, proofreaders can charge up to $40 per hour for 7-14 pages. This means you'll have to pay between $400 and $1100 to proofread the 200 pages.

Cost of Indexing a Book

Indexing is an integral part of a book. It’s a collection of words and phrases that match the many pages where the information is mentioned, as well as any associated terminology that readers may need to know.

Indexing is frequently optional for fiction writers. Nonfiction writers, on the other hand, must index their books for readers.

You can index your books or hire a professional to do so for you. When you hire experts, you should expect to pay between $36 and $40 for approximately 7-10 pages per hour. This means you'll have to pay $700 to $1100 for the indexing of the 200 pages.

Cost of Illustrating a Book

Illustrations are required in picture books and textbooks. You can hire illustrations from various platforms, like Fiverr and Hire an Illustrator. On average, a professional illustrator will charge $300-$2000 for a full book. However, if your book requires particular skills, the cost may be significantly higher.

Self-Publishing Vs Traditional Publishing

Which publishing path you choose makes a significant difference in the cost of your book.

If you opt for the traditional publishing route, you do not have to pay any upfront costs. All the costs that is takes to publish your book will be covered by the book publishing help. From editing, formatting, and marketing your book, all the expenses are the responsibility of the publisher.

Most publishers may also pay you in advance. This is in exchange for the right to sell the book.

And vice versa: if you decide to publish your book yourself, you will have to pay the costs yourself. The cost of self-publishing a book depends heavily on many factors, including the book's duration, the level of design and formatting, and the channels you plan to use.

On average, if you want to publish a high-quality book, it costs around $2,000 to publish a book. If you reveal your joy, you can do it for a lower price.

Wrap Up

There you have it: These figures are ballpark. They must give you a good range of what you should expect, but your publication route will always end up high or at the bottom of the range.

In addition, costs are not the only factor to consider. Income is also important; The more you invest, the more likely you will do the royalties. So, wisely set the cost of your book considering everything.