Barnes and Noble Self-Publishing Cost: A Complete Guide with Alternatives

Self-publishing has revolutionized how books reach readers, empowering authors to confidently take control of their publishing journey. Barnes & Noble Press, a prominent player in this revolution, offers independent authors and self-publishers a platform to bring their books to a broad audience. But how much does it cost to self-publish with Barnes & Noble, and is it the right choice for you? This comprehensive guide will explore the costs, benefits, and drawbacks of Barnes & Noble Press eBook, paperback self-publishing, and compelling alternatives.

What is Barnes & Noble Self-Publishing?

Barnes & Noble Press (formerly known as Nook Press) is a self-publishing platform that allows authors to publish and distribute their books in eBook and print formats. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools and services to guide self-publishers through the process, from manuscript review to preparation and cover design to distribution and marketing of print and digital books.

Key Features:

Barnes & Noble Press offers a range of features designed to support self-published authors throughout their publishing journey. Here are some of the key highlights:

• Easy To Use: BN Press provides a user-friendly and intuitive platform for uploading, formatting, and publishing your book. This straightforward interface is designed to make your self-publishing journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
• Print-On-Demand (POD): Barnes & Noble Press utilizes a print-on-demand model, meaning books are printed only when an order is placed. This eliminates the need for authors to invest in large print runs upfront, reducing financial risk and storage costs.
• Wide Distribution: Books published through Barnes & Noble Press are available on Barnes & Noble's website, one of the largest bookselling platforms in the United States. They can also be made available through other online retailers and libraries.
• Royalties: Barnes & Noble Press offers competitive royalty rates for eBooks, though their print book royalties are generally lower than those of other platforms.
• Editorial Services: BN Press offers optional editorial services, including professional editing, cover design, and marketing assistance, for authors who seek additional support.
• Author Support: While their support resources might not be as extensive as Amazon KDP's, BN Press provides access to help articles, FAQs, and customer support channels to assist authors with questions or issues.

Understanding these key features, you can better assess whether Barnes & Noble Press aligns with your publishing goals and preferences.

How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish with Barnes & Noble?

One of the most appealing aspects of publishing directly with Barnes & Noble Press is its commitment to transparency and simplicity regarding pricing. Unlike some other self-publishing platforms that might have hidden fees or complex tiered structures, BN Press offers a refreshingly straightforward approach. Whether you release it as an eBook or a hardcover, printed edition, you won't encounter surprises or confusing calculations when publishing your book. This clarity makes it significantly easier to understand the costs involved with the self-publishing process, allowing you to accurately project your potential earnings and make informed decisions about your publishing journey.

Is It Free to Publish a Book on Barnes & Noble?

Yes, publishing your book on Barnes & Noble Press is free! There are no hidden costs, setup fees, or charges to upload and list your book on their platform. This makes BN Press a very accessible option for independent authors and self-publishers who are just starting and want to minimize their initial investment. You can dive right into the creative process of writing and publishing without worrying about any financial barriers to entry. This free model allows indie authors to focus on crafting the best possible book and reaching readers without the burden of upfront costs or ongoing fees.

While Barnes & Noble Press makes self-publishing incredibly accessible by offering a free platform to upload and list your book, it's essential to be aware of potential additional costs that you might incur to enhance your book's quality and reach. These are typically optional investments that can significantly improve your book's overall presentation and marketability:

• Cover Design: A professional and eye-catching cover is crucial for attracting readers. While BN Press offers cover design services for a fee, you can explore other options, like hiring a freelance designer or using DIY design tools like Canva.
• Editing: Thorough editing is essential to ensure your book is polished, error-free, and reads smoothly. BN Press provides professional editing services, but you can hire a freelance editor or use editing software.
• ISBNs: An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for your book, often required for distribution through specific channels. Barnes & Noble Press provides free ISBNs for books published through their platform, but you can also purchase your own if you prefer to have complete control over your ISBN.
• Marketing: While BN Press offers some marketing tools and promotional opportunities, effectively marketing your book often requires additional efforts. Consider investing in strategies like social media promotion, advertising, author website development, and book blog outreach.

By carefully considering these potential costs, you can create a realistic budget for your self-publishing and sales journey and decide which services or investments will best support your book's success.

How Much Does Barnes & Noble Take from Publishers?

Understanding how much Barnes & Noble Press earns from your book in print sales is crucial for assessing your potential earnings as an author. Their royalty structure varies depending on whether you publish an eBook or a print book and the list price you set for printing your book. In each format, let's dive into their royalty rates for your book sales.

Royalties for eBooks:

• 65% royalty rate for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
• 40% royalty rate for eBooks priced below $2.99 or above $9.99.

Royalties for Print Books:

• 40% royalty rate for print books sold through Barnes & Noble's website.
• 10% royalty rate for print books sold through other retailers.

It's important to note that these royalty rates can change, and it's always best to check the most up-to-date information on the Barnes & Noble Press website. Additionally, these rates apply to books enrolled in the Barnes & Noble Press program. If you opt out of this program and set your retail price, you'll receive a 40% royalty rate for both eBooks and print books, regardless of the retail price.

Is Barnes & Noble Self-Publishing Worth It?

Deciding if Barnes & Noble Press is the right self-publishing platform for you requires careful consideration of your goals. While BN Press offers certain advantages like potentially hidden fees, higher royalties for some print books, and a focus on print quality, it's crucial to weigh these against factors like Amazon KDP's significantly larger audience, more various distribution channels, marketing tools, and overall ease of use. This guide will delve into the pros and cons of BN Press to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Brand Reputation: Barnes & Noble is a well-respected brand in the publishing industry, which can lend credibility to your book.
• Print-On-Demand: The print-on-demand model eliminates upfront printing costs and reduces financial risk.
• Potential for In-Store Sales: Your book may be eligible for placement in Barnes & Noble's physical stores, increasing its visibility and sales.

Cons:

• Lower Royalties for Print Books: The 10% royalty rate for print books sold through other retailers is significantly lower than other platforms offer.
• Limited Marketing Support: While Barnes & Noble Press provides some marketing tools, its support in this area is limited compared to other platforms.
• Smaller eBook Audience: While Barnes & Noble has a significant online presence, its eBook market share is smaller than that of Amazon.

Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on your priorities. If brand association and potential in-store placement are vital to you, BN Press might be a good fit. However, if maximizing royalties and reaching a wider audience are your primary goals, other platforms like Amazon KDP might be more advantageous. Carefully evaluate your needs and priorities to determine the best platform for your self-publishing journey.

Amazon KDP: The Best Alternative to Barnes & Noble Self-Publishing

Ready to self-publish your book but need help figuring out where to start? While Barnes & Noble Press offers a solid platform, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or KDP provides a great alternative with broader eBook sales and reach powerful tools and greater flexibility for self-publishers.

Why Amazon KDP is a Better Alternative

• ‍Larger Audience: Amazon has a significantly larger market share in the eBook and overall bookselling world. This translates to a vastly larger pool of potential readers for your book. KDP also taps into Kindle Unlimited subscribers, a built-in audience of readers actively looking for books to read.‍
• Higher Royalties: KDP offers a 70% royalty option for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99 (with some conditions), while BN Press offers 65% for eBooks priced from $2.99 to $19.99. KDP provides a 60% royalty option for paperbacks, while BN Press offers a tiered royalty structure ranging from 40% to 70%, depending on list price and distribution choices.

• More Marketing Tools: KDP provides a broader array of marketing tools, including A+ Content for enhanced product pages, Amazon Ads for targeted advertising, pre-order options, Kindle Countdown Deals, and Free Book Promotions. While BN Press offers some promotional opportunities, they are generally more limited than KDP.

Cost Comparison:

• eBook Publishing: Both BN Press and KDP are free to publish eBooks.
• Print Book Publishing: Both platforms operate on a print-on-demand model, meaning there are no upfront printing costs. However, printing costs per book can vary, so it's essential to compare based on your book's specifications (size, page count, etc.).

Read more here for the pros and cons of publishing on Amazon.

How to Get Started with Amazon KDP

1. Create a KDP Account: Head to the KDP website and sign up for a free account. You'll need to provide basic information like your name, email address, and bank account details for royalty payments.
2. Prepare Your Book:
   • Manuscript: Ensure your manuscript is thoroughly edited, proofread, and formatted according to KDP guidelines.  
   • Cover Design: Create a professional, eye-catching cover that aligns with your book's genre and target audience. You can use KDP's cover creator tool or design your own.  
3. Enter Book Details: Provide all the necessary information about your book on the KDP platform:
   • Title and subtitle  
   • Author name (or pen name)
   • Description
   • Keywords
   • Categories
   • ISBN (optional for eBooks)
4. Upload Your Book: Upload your formatted manuscript and cover image in the required file formats. (read our KDP tutorial here).  

1. Set Pricing and Royalty Options: Choose your book's minimum retail list price and select a royalty plan. KDP offers different royalty options depending on your pricing and distribution preferences.
2. Publish: Preview your book to ensure everything looks correct, and then hit the publish button! Your book will typically be live on Amazon within 24-48 hours.

Final Thoughts: Which Platform Should You Choose?

While both Amazon KDP and Barnes & Noble Press offer more money and viable paperback self-publishing format options, KDP often emerges as the preferred paperback choice due to its:

• Wider reach: Access to a significantly larger audience of potential readers.
• Higher royalties: Especially for eBooks priced within the most common range. Print books are still profitable on this platform, with a minimum retail list price of 60% of the book's printing costs.
• More marketing tools: A more comprehensive array of promotional options to boost visibility.
• User-friendly interface: Easy navigation and comprehensive support resources.

We've helped thousands of people sell books on multiple platforms, and we have the insider insight you need to be a successful self-publisher on Amazon KDP. If you're ready to start selling books online, our free webinar will give you tips and tricks to:

• Choose topics for your book that are in high demand
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