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How Much Does Self-Publishing A Children’s Book Cost? A Full Breakdown. (Updated 2026)
- Nov 8, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 4
Hey there, superstar storytellers!
Have you 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 (both picture book and chapter 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 £1500/$2,000 to £12,500/$15,000, 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 £195/$260 (think 'board book') to £8,000/$11,000, (we're talking 60,000 word chapter book) depending on the word count and complexity.
Tip: Check out The Stardust Experience.
We kind of rock at this ghostwriting thing.
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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/$70 per spot (the kind you seem scattered throughout short chapter books) to £350/$500 per full colour page.
Aim to work with a reliable illustrator whose style makes your heart skip a beat.
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 like super computers when it comes to spotting errors or inconsistencies. And trust us, they won't shy away from pointing out a weird sentence or a funny word.
If you're wearing all the hats - writer, illustrator, promoter - don't skimp on the editing. 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 £150/$200 to £1500/$2,000 depending on your book's length (word count - not page count!) 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/$150 to £1000/$1,500 (for just formatting), 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... The more visibility you want, the higher the budget. This one is hard to put a price on as there's lots of avenues to take and the spend here really can be endless. However, you can utilise BookTok and other social media platforms if you're savvy with those! 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 £93/$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 to seeing your book on shelves 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!
(Updated 2026)
