How Much Does It Cost To Make A 100-Page Book?

Thinking about creating a 100-page book? Whether you’re an entrepreneur aiming to build authority, a coach packaging knowledge, or a first-time author sharing your story, shorter books have become a smart and strategic publishing choice. But here’s the big question: how much will it actually cost to make a 100-page book?

The answer depends on a range of factors—your approach to writing, whether you hire professionals for editing and design, and the type of publishing you choose. In 2025, producing a 100-page book can cost anywhere from $200 to over $15,000, depending on how hands-on or hands-off you want to be.

In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs of producing a 100-page book—from writing and editing to design, formatting, printing, and optional marketing. If you’re budgeting your next book project, here’s what you need to know.

Defining a 100-Page Book: Word Count and Purpose

Before we get into the numbers, let’s clarify what a 100-page book really means.

The final page count of a printed book is influenced by formatting, font size, trim size, and layout. But in general, a 100-page book equals around 25,000 to 30,000 words—ideal for:

• Business guides or industry authority books
• Short memoirs or personal stories
• How-to books or educational manuals
• Booklets or brand-building lead magnets

These shorter books are faster to produce than a full-length novel or nonfiction tome—and often pack just as much value. They’re also more affordable to create, making them a great first publishing project.

Breakdown of Costs to Create a 100-Page Book

Here’s what you’ll typically need to budget for when creating a 100-page book:

1. Writing

• DIY writing: Free (just your time)
• Hiring a ghostwriter: $5,000 to $15,000
  If you’re writing your own manuscript, your main investment will be time. But if you’re hiring a ghostwriter to write a 25,000–30,000 word book, expect to pay based on the writer’s experience and the amount of research required.

2. Editing

Even short books need solid editing. There are three levels to consider:

• Developmental editing (big-picture guidance): $800–$2,000
• Copyediting (grammar, sentence structure): $300–$1,000
• Proofreading (final polish): $150–$500

You can choose one or all three depending on your skill level and publishing goals.

3. Cover Design

Your cover is your book’s first impression. For a 100-page book, a professional cover is still essential.

• Pre-made design: $50–$150
• Freelance designer: $250–$800
• High-end designer/agency: $1,000+

Ebook-only covers are cheaper, while print covers (which include spine and back design) will cost more.

4. Interior Formatting

Formatting your manuscript for ebook or print involves adjusting layout, fonts, headings, and page breaks.

• DIY tools (like Reedsy or Vellum): Free to $250
• Professional formatting service: $150–$400

A polished interior layout helps readers stay engaged and ensures platform compatibility (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, etc.).

5. ISBN and Copyright

• ISBN (U.S.): $125 for one or $295 for a block of 10 (from Bowker)
• Copyright registration (U.S.): $45–$65 (optional but recommended)

Some platforms (like Amazon KDP) offer free ISBNs, but if you want full publishing control, it’s better to buy your own.

6. Publishing Platform Fees

• Amazon KDP: Free to publish; they take a percentage of each sale
• IngramSpark: Setup fee may apply (~$49 per title)

Self-publishing has become incredibly accessible, and most authors use print-on-demand platforms to avoid upfront print runs.

7. Printing Costs

For print books, expect per-copy printing costs based on page count, size, paper type, and color.

For a 100-page black-and-white paperback on KDP:

• Cost per copy: $2.25 – $3.50 (depending on size and ink type)
• Selling price: $6.99 – $12.99 is typical for short books

Color printing is more expensive, so most short books stick with black-and-white interiors.

Cost Estimates by Publishing Route

Here’s how the cost breaks down depending on how much you do yourself and how much you outsource:

Approach	Estimated Cost	What’s Included
DIY / Shoestring Budget	$200 – $800	You write and format the book; minimal editing; premade cover
Hybrid (Most Common)	$1,500 – $5,000	You write the book, hire editors and designers, use professional formatting
Fully Outsourced	$7,000 – $20,000+	Includes ghostwriting, full editing, cover, formatting, publishing support

If you’re comfortable writing but want your book to look professional, the hybrid approach is most cost-effective and common among indie authors.

Print-on-Demand vs. Offset Printing Costs

For a 100-page book, print-on-demand (POD) services like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark are ideal for small runs or first-time authors.

Print-on-Demand Pros:

• No inventory or upfront bulk printing
• Global distribution
• Set your price and royalty
• Easy to update files

Costs:

• Printing: ~$2.25–$3.50 per copy
• Author copies: You pay printing cost + shipping
• Royalties: Typically 35–70% depending on pricing and format

Offset Printing:

• Better for bulk orders (1000+ copies)
• Lower cost per copy for large runs
• Requires warehouse/storage and higher upfront investment

For most 100-page books, POD is the way to go unless you’re doing large-scale sales or events.

Optional Expenses That Add to the Budget

These extras aren’t required, but they can improve reach, professionalism, and reader engagement:

a. Book Marketing Services

• Press releases, blog tours, Amazon ads
• Estimated cost: $300 – $3,000+

b. Audiobook Production

• Narration for 100-page book: $500 – $1,500
• Great for expanding your audience via Audible or Spotify

c. Author Website or Landing Page

• Portfolio, book sales, lead magnet funnel
• Estimated cost: $150 – $1000

d. Publishing Consultant or Project Manager

• For authors who want support across all phases
• Estimated cost: $1,500 – $5,000 (depending on scope)

Conclusion

Creating a 100-page book can be one of the most rewarding ways to share your message, grow your brand, or build a lasting legacy. The good news? It doesn’t have to break the bank.

Depending on your goals, you can create a professional-quality short book for under $1,000—or invest in a fully managed process that handles everything from writing to publishing.

Whatever path you take, remember: your book is more than a product—it’s a platform. Plan your budget with care, align it with your vision, and you’ll be proud of what you produce.

 

FAQs

Q1: Can I make a 100-page book for under $500?

Yes—especially if you write it yourself, use free tools for formatting, and purchase a pre-made cover. However, editing and design will be minimal at this price point.

Q2: How long does it take to produce a 100-page book?

If you’re writing it yourself, the timeline can be 4 to 12 weeks from idea to publication. With ghostwriting or outsourcing, expect 3 to 6 months, depending on the services.

Q3: Do I really need a professional cover for a short book?

Yes. A professionally designed cover helps your book compete in the marketplace and earns reader trust, regardless of the page count.

Q4: Will a 100-page book be taken seriously by readers?

Absolutely. Readers today appreciate concise, high-value content. Many bestselling nonfiction books are under 150 pages. It’s not about length—it’s about impact.