How Much Does Self-Publishing A Children’s Book Cost? A Full Breakdown.

Hey there, superstar storytellers!

Ever dreamt about seeing your name on the cover of a children's book? The Stardust Experience is here to pull back the curtain on what it really costs to self-publish a children's book. Read on for some valuable insights.

Total Cost Breakdown For Self-Publishing A Children’s Book?

A modest self-published and illustrated children’s book might set you back anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, or even more if you're going big. But hey, for a dream come true, worth every penny, right?

1. The Writing Phase

Sure, you’ve got a killer idea for a story up your sleeve, but sometimes writing it down isn’t as breezy as one might think. Consider hiring a ghostwriter if you need a hand (or two). They can whip up stories that have kids hanging on every word.

The price? Anywhere from $250 (for a 250 word story - perfect for 0-3 year olds) to a few thousand, (we're talking 50,000 word chapter books) depending on the word count and complexity.

Tip: Check out the pros at The Stardust Experience.

We kind of rock at this ghostwriting thing.

2. Include Illustrations

For children's books, the art isn't just decoration; it's the heartbeat, (😉) setting the mood, and bringing the story to life in vivid, captivating ways.

Stellar illustrations can set you back anywhere from $50 to $500 per page.

Aim to work with a reliable illustrator whose style makes your heart skip a beat.

• We have a few suggestions to help you get started.

• And here's a blog post about how to choose your artist.

3. Editing: Polish To Perfection

Everyone, and we mean everyone, needs an editor.

You might think: "But hey, it's a kid's book. How complicated can it be?" Well, more than you'd think. Kids are sharp little cookies. They might be small, but they've got eagle eyes for errors. And trust us, they won't shy away from pointing out a weird sentence or a funny word.

Plus, let’s keep it real, teaching them wrong? That’s a big no-no.

Now, if you're wearing all the hats – writer, illustrator, promoter – don't skimp on the editing hat. Especially if you're doing all the writing yourself. A fresh set of eyes on your manuscript ensures that your story flows smoothly, is free of pesky grammar mistakes, and makes sense from start to finish.

Anticipate costs between $200 to $2,000 depending on your book's length and the type of editing you're considering.

4. Design, Format & Layout

Now, to make it all look gorgeous on the page. Hiring someone to nail the design and layout can be about $100 (for just formatting) to $1,500, depending on the book’s complexity and the designer’s experience.

5. Marketing & Promotion

You've got the goods, now flaunt them! Marketing campaigns, book tours, promo materials... these can start at $500 and skyrocket from there. The more visibility you want, the higher the budget. Here's some tips on promoting your book on a budget!

6. Extras: ISBN, Copyright, and More!

Don't forget the nitty-gritty stuff. Buying an ISBN (the barcode thingy on the back) is about $125. And if you're in countries like the US, getting your copyright registered is around $35-$55.

But What About Time?

Time is money and while we’ve been chatting dollars, remember there’s a time investment too. From idea generation to seeing your book on shelves, it can take months or even years.

Final Thoughts

Now, if you're feeling a tad overwhelmed, breathe easy.

Every author's path is unique. Start with what you can afford and expand as you grow. If you're seeking expert guidance in crafting your story, turn to The Stardust Experience; we specialise in exceptional book writing and our track record proves we're your go-to choice for all children’s books!