How much does it cost to research, write and self-publish a novel?
I was a total greenhorn when I started writing my first novel in May 2012. The trigger was that I simply couldn’t find a historical novel about the Isle of Elba (except relating to Napoleon’s brief exile there) while enjoying a fascinating hiking tour. Seeing the cave where the exiled hermit San Cerbone lived became the anchor point for a tale that began to grow in my imagination. And I started typing…
Now it’s published, and I dared to ask myself what it all cost – not counting, of course, all the time and emotional energy I invested over these last six years. What would you guess?
Answer: £4,408.55.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Research: £866.40
This includes a second week-long trip to Elba, to explore the region and interview several specialists: £694.87, and the purchase of at least 24 books, some second-hand: £171.53 - Membership of five specialist organisations: £888.41
- Software tools: £189.82
- Writers’ workshops I attended in Zürich and the UK: £838.49
- Professional reviewing and editing: £934.33
- Publishing and marketing efforts: £691.10
This includes professional design of the cover and two maps (£554.07), as well as setting up a website and some minimal Facebook advertising.
Total: £4,408.55.
I’ve probably forgotten something, and the project isn’t finished yet, but this gives an idea of what researching, writing and self-publishing a novel involves in financial terms. Your mileage may vary, as they say.
