How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Poetry Book? Find Out 

Dreaming of Seeing Your Poems in Print? Let’s Talk Budget.

You’ve poured your heart into verses, shaped raw emotion into rhyme, and now you’re ready to share your poetry with the world. But before your book hits the shelves (or the Kindle store), there’s one practical question every poet must face: How much does it cost to publish a poetry book?

Whether you choose self-publishing or traditional publishing, the costs can vary. From additional options to professional services, this guide breaks down the key expenses so you can plan your poetry book with clarity.

Let’s dive into what it really takes, financially, to bring your poetry to life on the page.

Thinking of Publishing Your Poems? Here’s What It Might Cost You

Publishing a poetry book is exciting, but it also takes planning, especially when it comes to cost. If you’re self-publishing, it might cost very little or stretch into the thousands, depending on how much support you choose.

That’s why it’s so important to ask early on: How much does it cost to self-publish a poetry book when you’re doing it all on your own?

Here’s a breakdown to help you understand where your money might go.

1. Editing & Proofreading – Why Is It the First Step to a Great Book?

Even the best poems benefit from a second or third set of eyes. A professional editor can take your manuscript from good to great by making sure your verses flow, your message is clear, your grammar is correct, ensuring that you consider ordering a proof copy for your final review.

There are different types of editing to consider:

• Developmental editing helps shape the structure and flow.
• Line editing improves clarity and sentence rhythm.
• Copyediting focuses on spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

If you’ve attended writing workshops or have trusted writer friends, beta readers can also be a big help, and they’re usually free. But if you want a professional poetry editor, you’re likely looking at £150 to £400, depending on the length of your manuscript and how much editing it needs.

Also, if you’re wondering how much it costs to publish a poetry book that’s polished and reader-ready, editing is often your first and most crucial expense.

Need help polishing your manuscript or want to talk through your options? Reach out to the team at Ex Why Zed. We’d love to support your publishing journey.

2. Cover Design – Will Your Book Catch a Reader’s Eye?

Let’s be honest, people do judge books by their covers. A well-designed, eye-catching cover can grab attention before anyone even reads a word.

You can use pre-made templates or go DIY, but working with a professional designer gives you more control and ensures your cover reflects your poetry’s tone and appeals to your audience. For a high-quality custom cover, expect to pay anywhere from £80 to £400.

It’s a smart investment that helps your book look professional and get noticed, whether you’re selling online or in bookshops. And when considering how much it costs to self-publish a poetry book, this is an area where spending a bit more can make a big difference.

You can check out how If The Woods Whispered brought their creative vision to life, right down to the cover design and print details.

Want a print-ready, stunning cover? Request for an instant quote to get started on yours today.

3. Layout & Formatting – Does Your Poetry Look Good on the Page?

The way your poems appear on the page is important. Line breaks, spacing, and layout affect how your words are read and felt.

You can use free tools like Kindle Create or formatting software, but if your poems have unique structures or if you want a polished look, hiring a formatter is a good idea. Formatting services usually cost between £40 and £250, depending on how complex your layout is and whether you’re formatting for print, eBook, or both.

So when asking yourself how much does it cost to publish a poetry book, remember this step is essential if you want to create a seamless reader experience.

Need inspiration or a guide to poetry layout? Take a look at this video walkthrough to see how poetry and literary magazines are formatted and printed with care.

4. ISBN & Copyright – Are You Set to Sell and Protect Your Work?

An ISBN is essential if you want to sell your book in online stores or bookshops. Amazon KDP offers a free ISBN, but buying your own ISBN in the UK gives you full control. A single ISBN costs £91, while a batch of 10 costs £170, which is helpful if you plan to publish more books.

In the UK, your work is automatically protected by copyright once it’s created, but registering it through a third-party service can give extra peace of mind. This usually costs between £30 and £50.

5. Printing – Should You Print on Demand or in Bulk?

Printing is one of the biggest choices you’ll make. You can either print on demand or go for bulk printing.

• Print-on-demand (POD): This option means your book is only printed when someone places an order. It keeps your upfront costs low since you don’t need to pay for a large batch in advance. POD is a great choice if you're just starting out or want to test the waters before committing to a bigger print run.Bulk printing: With bulk printing, you order a larger number of books in one go. The cost per copy is typically lower, depending on your specifications, but it does require a higher upfront investment. This option works well if you plan to sell at events, in local bookshops, or through your own website.

If you're leaning toward bulk printing, it's important to choose the right materials. Explore different book printing paper types to see what matches your vision, whether you want a soft matte texture or a vibrant glossy finish.

6. Marketing & Promotion – How Will People Discover Your Book?

Great poems deserve readers, and marketing is how you find them. The good news is that you don’t need a huge budget to promote your book.

Start simple:

• Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, and Twitter.
• Share snippets of your work, behind-the-scenes content, and updates.
• Build an email list or set up a basic author website.

If you want to go further, you could spend:

• £40 to £150 on digital ads
• A bit more on a freelance publicist or a virtual book launch
• Time submitting your book to poetry blogs or competitions

Want to stand out visually? You can borrow a few creative launch ideas from this poetry-art book case study, especially when planning print materials or event promotions.

7. Distribution Fees – What’s the Best Way to Get Your Book Out There?

Getting your book into readers’ hands also involves distribution platforms. Each one has its own fee structure.

• Amazon KDP: Free to upload, but they take a portion of your royalties, typically between 35% and 65%, depending on pricing and format.
• IngramSpark: Offers wider distribution to bookshops and libraries. There’s a one-time setup fee, usually around £40, and sometimes extra fees for revisions.

Compare the options based on your goals, whether that's wide distribution or simply getting your book out quickly and affordably.

What Are Some Optional (But Helpful) Extras You Can Invest In?

Once your poetry book is ready, a few thoughtful extras can really help you stand out and connect with readers in creative ways. These aren’t essential, but they’re great for building your brand and growing your audience.

1. Author Website

A simple, well-designed website acts as your digital home. It showcases your poetry, tells your story, and gives readers a place to learn more about you. Add a blog or updates, link your professional social media accounts, and make sure to use basic SEO so new readers can find you online. It also helps attract literary agents and reviewers.

2. Book Trailer or Audiobook

Want to bring your poems to life? A short book trailer with visuals and voiceover can quickly grab attention on social media. An audiobook version lets readers experience your work in a fresh, emotional way, perfect for performance-based poetry.

3. Merchandise & Book Swag

Think bookmarks, tote bags, or notebooks that match your book’s theme as part of your marketing strategy. These can be great giveaways at events or incentives for pre-orders, creating a great deal for your audience. Not only do they make your book more memorable, but they also help promote your personal brand.

4. Paid Launch Events

Hosting a launch party, poetry reading, or bookstore event is a fun way to celebrate your release and meet readers face-to-face. Sending press releases about your event can also help promote it to a wider audience. Costs usually range from £150 to £400, depending on the size and venue. Partnering with a literary journal or indie bookshop can help bring in a built-in audience.

These extras aren’t must-haves, but if you have room in your budget, they can boost your visibility, help you reach new readers, and make your poetry journey even more memorable.

When you're ready to begin, place your print order here and we'll bring your poetry book to life with quality finishes and expert service.

Should You Self-Publish or Go the Traditional Route?

So, what’s the best path for your poetry: self-publishing or traditional publishing? The answer really depends on how much control you want and what your goals are.

Self-publishing gives you full creative control and higher royalty rates. You decide everything from the cover to the launch date. But you'll also need to invest in editing, design, and marketing yourself. For printing, UK-based services like Ex Why Zed offer fast, professional options designed for indie authors.

Traditional publishing, on the other hand, handles most of that for you. Agents and publishers take care of editing, cover design, distribution, and promotion. It can be a great option if you want to see your book in shops and don’t want to worry about upfront costs. The trade-off? Less control and a longer timeline.

If you're a first-time poet who wants flexibility and fast results, self-publishing might be the better fit. And if you're still wondering how much does it cost to self-publish a poetry book, keep in mind it’s entirely scalable, you can start small and build from there.

Either way, the goal is the same: getting your poetry into the hands of readers who’ll love it.

Also, for poets seeking a professional alternative to Amazon, Ex Why Zed offers an excellent self-publishing path tailored for indie authors.

Printing Your Book Soon? Here’s Why Ex Why Zed Should Be On Your Radar

If you’re thinking of going the self-publishing route for the first time, here’s a little tip: who you print with matters. You’ve poured your heart into your poetry and it deserves to be printed with the same level of care and attention.

That’s where Ex Why Zed comes in.

We’ve helped countless poets, authors, and creatives turn their manuscripts into beautifully printed books. Whether you’re printing 30 copies or 300, we’ll guide you through every step—from choosing paper stock to finalizing the spine width—so your book looks and feels exactly how you imagined (maybe even better).

Here’s what our verified buyer Lindsay had to say about working with us:

“Quick, friendly and personal service! They really helped me achieve better than I envisioned. Thank you.”

Curious about what it might cost? Get a quick quote here and let’s make something beautiful together.

Ready to Publish? Here's What to Keep in Mind

Publishing your poetry book is a big deal. It’s not just about printing pages. It’s about sharing your voice with the world. And like any creative project, it’s worth taking the time to plan, especially when it comes to your budget.

From editing and design to formatting, marketing, and everything in between, the costs can add up if you’re not prepared. But when you know where your money is going, you stay in control.

That makes the entire journey smoother and less stressful. Whether you’re doing it yourself or working with professionals, having a clear plan helps you make smart choices.

Your poetry deserves to be seen, held, and remembered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money does it cost to publish a poetry book?

Publishing costs, including printing costs, are not the same for everyone. There is a big range in the pricing. That is one way to publish your book without spending much money. But many people spend from £372 up to £3723 or more. The price will go up if you want editing, marketing, or printing extras.

Is it cheaper to self-publish or use a traditional publisher for poetry books?

Self-publishing, especially for a paperback, can cost less money. If you are new to publishing and want to decide things for yourself, it’s helpful to understand how much it costs to self-publish a poetry book so you can plan effectively. This helps a lot when it comes to how you get royalties on your book. If you go with traditional publishing, they pay for things first, but they also keep a bigger part of the sales.

Can I publish a poetry book for free?

Yes, it’s possible to publish a poetry eBook without spending any money. There are free tools available for formatting, and some platforms even offer free ISBNs. These DIY publishing methods make it easy to get your work out into the world at no upfront cost. You can also explore digital publishing sites that allow you to distribute your eBook globally without charging fees. This is a great option if you're trying to reduce how much it costs to publish a poetry book or keep self-publishing costs as low as possible.

What are some ways to save money when publishing a poetry book?

You can save money by asking trusted readers to give feedback on your manuscript for free. You can format your book on your own using free online tools instead of paying someone. Some publishing platforms also offer free ISBNs, which helps reduce costs. Use social media to promote your book without spending on expensive ads. You can also connect with local bookstores to reach more readers. With a bit of planning, it’s possible to publish your poetry book without spending too much.

Is it worth publishing a poetry book?

Absolutely! Publishing poetry books helps poets reach more potential readers. You can share your writing with people in a niche group or a wider group. There is a sweet spot where your poems connect with those who want something that speaks to their feelings or love of art. In today’s world, it is easier than ever to meet your publishing goals with the many tools out there.

How many poems are needed to publish a poetry book?

The number of poems you need to include will change based on the type of book you are making. In most cases, poetry books have between 20 and 60 poems. This amount helps keep a good balance between your style and keeping the reader interested. A great way to think about your book is to remember to consider your target audience, your niche, and your publishing goals. The quality of your poems is more important than how many are in the book when you want to make a strong impact with your words.

How hard is it to get a book of poems published?

Publishing poems as a first-time author can be done using platforms like Ex Why Zed. You do not always need literary agents or big traditional publishers to get your poems out there. Many literary agents and publishers may ask you to send your poems to literary journals or other books first. This helps you build your name in the world of publishing, but it can take extra time and effort.