The Cost of Publishing a Book in Kenya (Breakdown)

The total cost of publishing a book in Kenya generally ranges from KES 80,000 to KES 180,000, depending on the quality and services you choose.

Before you start the process of publishing your book, you need to understand the expected costs, whether you are considering the self-publishing route or through a publishing house.

By planning well, you can ensure that your book project stays within budget and meets your quality expectations.

Understanding the publishing landscape in Kenya

Publishing in Kenya offers a range of options from traditional publishing with established houses to self-publishing for authors seeking more independence.

Key entities like KECOBO play a crucial role in protecting authors’ rights.

a) Traditional publishing vs self-publishing

Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to a publishing house like Longhorn Publishers or Prestige Publishers.

If they accept it, they handle the editing, printing, and marketing costs. In return, they take a significant share of the book’s profits.

On the other hand, self-publishing is where you bear these costs yourself but retain full control and profits.

International self-publishing platforms include Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, Draft2Digital, and Lulu.

This option suits authors who want more freedom but are ready to handle production and marketing tasks.

b) Key publishing houses in Kenya

Several publishing houses in Kenya have established themselves over the years.

Longhorn Publishers and Oxford University Press are prominent and offer extensive distribution networks.

Phoenix Publishers, Storymoja Publishers, Spotlight Publishers, Mystery Publishers, and Epsilon Publishers are also significant players.

These companies handle a wide range of genres and provide editorial, design, and marketing support to authors.

Submitting a manuscript to these houses typically involves a comprehensive review process but can result in broader market access and higher production quality.

The role of KECOBO and copyright for authors

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) is instrumental in protecting the rights of Kenyan authors.

It oversees copyright registration, ensuring authors’ works are protected from unauthorized use and infringement.

Registering your copyright with KECOBO is crucial for safeguarding your intellectual property.

KECOBO also educates authors about their rights and the importance of copyright.

By obtaining copyright, authors gain legal leverage to ensure their creative works are not used without permission, thereby preserving both their intellectual property and potential earnings.

This makes it an essential step for any new or established author in Kenya.

Publishing costs breakdown

Publishing a book in Kenya involves several crucial steps to ensure completeness and quality. These steps do carry varying costs

Key areas include editing, proofreading, design, formatting, obtaining an ISBN, and securing copyright.

1) Editing and proofreading

Editing is vital to improving a manuscript.

It costs between Ksh 30,000 and Ksh 60,000 for quality edits. Professional editors focus on spelling, grammar, and coherence.

After editing, proofreading identifies any remaining errors in the text.

This service ensures that the book is clear and error-free.

Proofreading costs around Ksh 45 per 250 words or 0.20 cents per word.

Both processes significantly enhance the book’s readability and professionalism.

2) Book design and formatting

Designing the book involves both cover and interior design.

A professional graphic designer may charge you anywhere between Ksh 1,500 to Ksh 5,000 for the cover based on the complexity.

The costs associated with the interior formatting largely depend on the book size and can vary widely. Different platforms require different formatting before your book can be accepted, for instance, Amazon Kindle.

Proper formatting ensures the book is visually appealing and easy to read.

Detailed attention to layout, fonts, and margins plays a crucial role in the final product’s quality.

3) Obtaining ISBN and copyright

To sell your book in stores, you need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). This unique identifier is critical for distribution and sales tracking.

You need a unique ISBN for each book format, so if you are planning to sell an eBook, a Paperback, and a Hardcover, then your costs will come down to:

• ISBN: KES 1,500 x 3 = KES 4,500
• Copyright: KES 1,000 per work
• Total: KES 5,500

Also, copyrighting your book protects your intellectual property.

This involves registering with the relevant authority to secure legal protection. To register for copyright, you can create an account at The National Rights Registry portal, and make an application.

4) Printing costs

Printing costs in Kenya can vary based on the printing method, book size, and quantity.

For example, printing a 100-page book with a black-and-white interior typically costs between Ksh 300 and Ksh 450 per copy.

However, if you opt for a color interior, the cost can rise significantly, reaching up to Ksh 1000 or more per copy.

The chosen printing method also matters. Traditional printing often requires larger print runs, which can be more costly upfront but cheaper per unit.

Meanwhile, print-on-demand services allow smaller runs, providing flexibility but with higher per-unit costs.

5) Additional costs for authors

Beyond printing and editing, several other costs can arise during the publishing process.

Marketing is a significant one.

Whether through:

• Online ads
• Sponsored guest posts, and newsletters
• Book launch events, or
• Social media campaigns

… promoting your book effectively can incur additional expenses.

Moreover, barcode generation and distribution fees are other crucial expenditures to consider.

Costs can also vary based on genre.

For instance, non-fiction books might require more extensive research and fact-checking, which can add to the overall cost.

Publishing cost table (Under KES 150,000)

This budget ensures a balanced approach to publishing, covering essential services while staying within a manageable financial plan.