How Much Does It Cost To Publish a Poetry Book?
Writing poetry is a passion for many, but the thought of publishing a book of poems can be daunting. Many wonder how much it will cost and how long it will take to get the project started. Here are some of the initial steps towards getting a poetry book ready for publishing.
Printing Costs
Printing is one of the most significant costs when it comes to publishing a book. One of the first questions an author should ask is ‘How many copies of the book should I print?’ This should be based on the anticipated demand for the book. There are different printing processes available to keep costs low, but the cost will depend on the size, type of paper and binding style. Print on demand is also an option which involves a minimum cost upfront.
Editing Costs
Another cost to consider is the fee for an editor. Editing is not only important for the quality of the book, it is also important for its success. A good editor will help ensure the book goes to print with minimal errors and punctuation mistakes. An editor’s fee can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on what their services include and the number of poems included in the book.
Cover Design Costs
Having a book cover designed professionally is also important. Professionally designed covers will make the book stand out in the literary world, and also adds to the perceived value of the book. Cover design fees vary greatly depending on how complicated the design is and how much work is involved. It is important to be aware that cover design costs will be separate from the printing costs.
Marketing Costs
Marketing is a key component in the success of any book project and more so for a poetry book as this genre can be quite niche. Marketing a book of poems involves getting the book into the hands of potential readers either locally or online and can involve a number of tactics. Social media, book readings, traditional advertising, public relations and influencer engagement are all possible avenues for marketing.
Marketing a book can be done in-house with a small budget, although a marketing agency may be a benefit if there is a higher budget available.
Publishing Platform
If the author wants to self-publish their book it is important to consider the publishing platform they want to use. There are many platforms to choose from such as Amazon or Kobo, and each one may require different formats and standards when uploading the book.
Fortunately, some platforms also offer services to help with the formatting and cover design processes, but it is recommended that the author takes the time to read the Terms & Conditions carefully before committing to a platform.
The Big Picture
Ultimately the cost of publishing a book of poems depends on many factors, including the number of poems in the book, the printing process, the editor’s fees, the book cover design fees and the author’s decisions about the type and scale of marketing.
It is difficult to put an exact figure on it until a plan is outlined, but it is possible to publish a poetry book without breaking the bank. Seeking advice from experienced publishers or writers will help an author understand the costs involved and make the right decisions.
Tapping into Social Networks
Writing poetry requires creativity, so tapping into existing social networks can be an effective way to get the book noticed. Linking the book to a previous work, creating blogs about its creation, and joining online poetry communities are all great ways to find potential readers. It is important to understand the rules of those online communities before participating, as many have strict guidelines about online etiquette.
Authors can also use their existing networks to get the book noticed, such as family and friends. A proud parent or grandparents’ admiration for their loved-one’s work can often carry a book far. As a result, simply asking family and friends to help share the book can be an invaluable resource when it comes to publishing.
Publicity and Promotion
Appearing in local newspapers and magazines can help to increase the visibility of a book, and major websites and blogs often feature poetry books. However, there may be fees associated with this and it is best to factor these into the budget up front. Offering to write a blog post or contribute an article to a magazine or website can also be a great way to get exposure without spending a lot of money.
Creating an online presence both in the form of a dedicated website, social media accounts, and through blogging can also help to spread the word about the book. Creating interesting content that actively engages potential readers can be a great way to build a fanbase before the book is even released. As a result, authors can begin to build an audience before a single copy is sold.
Professional Help for a Professional Book
When an author has a great book on their hands, hiring a publicist should also be part of the plan. A professional publicist who knows the industry inside and out can help get press coverage and book reviews to reach a wider audience. Publicists, however, may charge a flat fee or a percentage of the book’s sales; so, it is important to factor this fee into the budget.
Professionals can also be hired to do the editing, cover design and typesetting, as having these parts of the process done correctly is key to producing a professional book. Editors can offer broad advice or specialize in a particular genre, while cover designers and typesetters are hired to make sure the book stands out on the shelf.
Connecting with Bookstores and Distributors
Once the book is ready for release it is important to decide whether to connect with bookstores and distributors. If the book is being produced in physical copies then it is important to get the book onto bookstore shelves as this is one of the most effective ways to reach potential buyers. Distributors such as IngramSpark can help place the book in online stores such as Amazon, as well as bookstores around the country. It is important to understand the costs involved with distributors, however, as this can be a significant cost.
Offering to give readings at local bookstores is also an effective way to spread the word and get the book into the hands of potential readers. Appearing on radio programs, podcasts, or panels is also a great way to reach an even wider audience. Many radio stations, podcasts, or websites may not charge any fees to appear on their programs or websites, so it can be a great way to reach a larger audience without spending any money.
