Quick answer: the cost to start a publishing company can run from a few thousand dollars for a small home-based press focused on digital or print-on-demand books to $30,000 or more for a press that pays for editing, design, printing and marketing for several titles. Your budget depends on how many books you publish, whether you print inventory and whether you hire staff or freelancers.
The core startup items are business registration, a website, ISBNs, and the production cost of your first books: editing, cover design, formatting and printing.
Cost to Start a Publishing Company at a Glance
| Expense | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business registration and legal | $100 to $2,000 | Depends on state and whether you hire a lawyer |
| ISBNs | From $125 for one | Bowker has listed packs of 10 and 100 at lower per-ISBN prices |
| Website and tools | $200 to $3,000 | Domain, hosting, design, email and accounting |
| Editing, per title | Several hundred to several thousand dollars | Depends on length and level of editing |
| Cover design, per title | $100 to $1,500 | Custom designs cost more |
| Formatting, per title | $50 to $500 | Print and ebook layouts |
| Printing and distribution | Varies | Print-on-demand avoids upfront inventory |
| Marketing | $500 to several thousand dollars | Advertising, review copies and events |
These are planning ranges and vary widely by provider and region.
Initial Investment Costs
Business Registration and Legal Fees
- State registration fees for an LLC or corporation
- Legal advice on contracts with authors, illustrators and printers
- Trademark registration for your imprint, if desired
ISBNs
In the U.S., Bowker is the official ISBN agency. It has listed prices of $125 for one ISBN, $295 for 10 and $575 for 100, with optional barcodes extra. Confirm current prices on its site before budgeting. Each format of a book, such as paperback, hardcover and ebook, needs its own ISBN.
Office Space
Most small presses start from a home office. Renting space makes sense only when you hire staff or hold inventory.
Operational Expenses to Expect
- Editing, design and production: the largest per-book cost.
- Marketing and distribution: online retail, wholesale and library channels.
- Staff and freelancers: most new presses outsource at first.
- Software: layout tools, accounting and a website.
Ongoing Costs and Revenue
Revenue comes from book sales, rights and sometimes services such as editing or events. Royalties and profit margins depend on the price, print cost and distribution discounts, so model each title before committing.
Financial Planning and Funding
- Plan your first year around two to four titles.
- Budget a contingency of 10 to 20 percent.
- Use savings, pre-orders or crowdfunding before taking on debt.
- Look for arts and literary grants where eligible.
How to Reduce Startup Costs
- Begin with digital and print-on-demand titles.
- Buy ISBNs in a pack only if you need several soon.
- Share costs with other small presses and freelancers.
- Outsource specialized work instead of hiring early.
Related Startup Cost Guides
Thinking about other low-overhead ventures? See our guides to the cost to start a blog and the cost to start a cleaning business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to start a publishing company?
It can be inexpensive. A small digital or print-on-demand press can start with a few thousand dollars, while a press that prints inventory and markets several titles can cost $30,000 or more.
How do I start my own publishing company?
Choose a name, register the business, buy ISBNs, build a website, set up editing and design suppliers, and publish your first title.
Is the publishing business profitable?
It can be, but margins are tight and depend on controlling production costs, pricing well and reaching readers. Many presses take time to break even.
How much does it cost to start a publication?
A small online publication can start for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, while printed magazines cost far more because of printing and distribution.
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