How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book in Pakistan?

Wondering about the cost to self publish a book in Pakistan? You're not alone. Many aspiring authors are surprised to discover that self-publishing can be both accessible and variable in price.

The cost of self publishing in Pakistan typically ranges from PKR 50,000 to PKR 500,000. This wide range exists because the average cost to self publish a book depends on several factors including requirements for editorial services,  editing quality, design choices, print options, and optional marketing and distribution services. Understanding how much it costs to self publish a book requires examining each component of the publishing process.

Throughout this article, you'll discover the specific expenses involved in self-publishing, from editing and design to printing and marketing. We'll break down the different budget ranges, explore available platforms in Pakistan, and help you determine if self-publishing is the right investment for your literary ambitions.

Why More Authors Are Choosing to Self-Publish in Pakistan

The self-publishing landscape in Pakistan has grown significantly over the past decade, giving writers new pathways to publication. Self-published authors handle the entire publishing process themselves, from editing and design to printing and marketing, without relying on traditional publishers.

Lack of traditional publishing opportunities

The scarcity of traditional publishing options remains one of the primary reasons Pakistani authors turn to self-publishing. There are remarkably few English book publishers in the country, severely limiting authors' options and often pushing them toward international platforms. This publishing bottleneck creates frustration for many talented writers.

For perspective, the acceptance rate for traditional publishing is dismally low. In some cases, literary agencies receive tens of thousands of queries but only represent a handful of authors. Additionally, Pakistani authors face the double challenge of limited publishing houses and few publishing agents within the country.

Desire for creative freedom

Creative control stands out as another compelling reason authors choose the self-publishing route. When working with traditional publishers, authors essentially sign their rights over to the publishing house, surrendering control over many aspects of their work. In contrast, self-publishing allows authors to maintain complete ownership of their creative vision and ultimately their work.

This creative freedom extends to every element of book production:

• Content and storyline development
• Cover design and interior formatting
• Marketing approaches and target audience selection
• Pricing strategy and distribution channels

Furthermore, the financial benefits can be substantial. Traditional publishing royalty rates typically range between 10% and 15%, whereas self-published authors earn 60-70% royalties. This dramatic difference means self-published writers potentially earn significantly more money from the same number of book sales.

Faster publishing timelines

The speed of publication represents another significant advantage. Traditional publishing processes often stretch over 18 months to two years before a book reaches readers. In stark contrast, self-publishing timelines are drastically shorter.

For self-publishers, the time between final manuscript and finished product can be less than a week. E-books can be uploaded to digital marketplaces in under six hours, while print-on-demand services can make physical copies available within 24 hours. However, the requirement for editorial services or complex distribution plans may extend this timeline to 1-2 months.

As a result of these factors, limited traditional options, desire for creative control, financial viability and faster publication, self-publishing continues gaining momentum throughout Pakistan, opening doors for writers previously kept outside the literary marketplace.

TWS Publications is the leading self publisher in Pakistan. Ready to publish your work? Check out our Publishing Process to know how we can bring your work into readers’ hands!

What Are the Main Costs of Self-Publishing a Book?

Self-publishing a book involves several key expenditures that every author needs to consider. Understanding these costs upfront helps you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses during your publishing journey.

Choosing A Publishing Model

At TWS Publications, the leading self-publishing company in Pakistan, we make publishing accessible for every kind of author. Unlike generic platforms, we offer three distinct publishing models so writers can choose the option that best fits their goals: Print-on-Demand (POD), Bulk Buying, and Extended Distribution.

POD is ideal for authors who want a small number of initial copies printed without committing to large upfront costs. Bulk Buying is designed for writers who require a larger quantity of books at once, benefiting from lower per-unit costs. For authors aiming to see their books in physical bookstores across Pakistan, our Extended Distribution model ensures professional placement and wider availability.

The choice between these models significantly impacts your publishing costs. Beyond these models, TWS Publications also offers fully customised packages tailored to each author’s unique needs, whether that’s securing additional author copies, professional editorial support, or tailored marketing and distribution strategies. This flexibility ensures that every writer, regardless of budget or publishing goal, can find the right path to bring their book to readers.

Editing and Proofreading

At TWS Publications, professional editing is at the heart of producing a polished, high-quality book. We provide different levels of editing depending on your needs:

• Copy Editing: focuses on grammar, sentence structure, and technical errors. Our rates start at PKR 12,500 per 10,000 words, with customized quotes available for more complex manuscripts.
• Proofreading: the final quality check before publication, ensuring your manuscript is error-free and ready for print. Proofreading is offered at PKR 7,500 per 10,000 words.
• Developmental Editing: for authors who need deeper feedback on structure, flow, and overall content, we provide tailored quotes based on the manuscript’s scope and complexity.

Cover and Interior Design

Your book’s visual presentation has a direct impact on how readers perceive it. TWS offers professional design options to suit every author:

• Basic Cover Design: starting at PKR 7,500
• Custom Complex Covers: up to PKR 20,000 for unique, high-quality designs tailored to your vision
• Formatting & Interior Layout: PKR 5,000 to 10,000, depending on book length and the complexity of the design

Printing and Binding

At TWS Publications, we do not charge separately for printing. Instead, printing is already included in our three publishing packages. Each package provides authors with a set number of complimentary author copies, depending on the publishing model chosen (Print-on-Demand, Bulk Buying, or Extended Distribution). If you’d like additional copies beyond what your package includes, you can order them anytime at cost price.

This approach ensures transparency and eliminates unexpected expenses, while also giving authors flexibility in managing their book’s distribution.

Marketing Costs

At TWS Publications, we know that publishing your book is only half the journey, getting it into the hands of readers requires strategic marketing. That’s why we offer flexible marketing packages tailored to different author needs. Our Social Media Content Package focuses on creating engaging digital content, including book highlight posts, quote cards, reels, and videos. With regular updates, this package ensures your book maintains an active presence online and captures reader attention.

For authors ready to take their promotions a step further, our Social Media Advertising Package provides professionally managed ad campaigns on Facebook and Instagram. Through carefully targeted campaigns, we connect your book with its ideal audience, while providing regular performance updates to keep you informed of progress. This package is ideal for writers who want measurable reach and sales growth without the hassle of managing ads themselves.

Finally, our Complete Marketing Package delivers maximum visibility through an all-in-one promotional plan. These comprehensive campaigns generally cost above PKR 300,000, though we also offer smaller-scope versions at reduced pricing. Every element of the package is fully customizable, including the type and volume of content creation, choice of social media platforms, advertising budget, influencer collaborations, email campaigns, SEO strategies, and even the duration of your campaign. This flexibility allows authors to design a marketing plan that perfectly matches their goals, audience, and budget.

Distribution Costs

At TWS Publications, we provide multiple distribution options to help authors connect with their audience both locally and internationally.

For authors choosing Print-on-Demand (POD), books are made available for order online. This model ensures that copies are printed only when purchased, reducing the risk of unsold inventory while keeping your book accessible to readers nationwide. Authors receive a fixed number of author copies with their package and can request additional copies at cost price for personal sales, book launches, or giveaways.

Those opting for Bulk Buying benefit from having larger quantities of books pre-printed and readily available. This model is ideal for authors planning frequent book signings, direct sales at literary events, or distributing through their personal networks. Having stock on hand allows faster fulfillment for readers and maximizes sales opportunities.

For authors seeking broader reach, our Extended Distribution model ensures placement with bookstores, libraries, and online retailers. We collaborate with leading bookstores in Pakistan for physical availability, while also working on digital platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and international eBook retailers to connect your book with global readers. This hybrid approach gives your work visibility both at home and abroad.

Each distribution option is customizable depending on your goals, whether you want to build a local reader base, focus on global eBook markets, or establish a presence in bookstores. Our team helps you choose the right path, making sure your book not only gets published but also reaches the shelves and screens of your target audience.

Breaking Down Self-Publishing Costs by Budget Range

The actual cost to self-publish a book in Pakistan varies widely based on your quality expectations and budget constraints. Looking at real figures gives you a clearer picture of what to expect for your investment.

Low-budget range: PKR 25,000 – 75,000

At the entry level, self-publishing costs can start from as little as PKR 25,000. This budget typically covers basic necessities with compromises on production quality. For this amount, you might secure:

• Basic editing (often self-edited or peer-reviewed)
• Simple cover design (possibly template-based)
• Limited print run with economy paper
• Minimal marketing efforts

If opting for an eBook format only, costs can be even lower, starting around PKR 10,000 for basic formatting and distribution. This makes digital publishing an attractive option for first-time authors with limited funds.

Mid-range: PKR 75,000 – 200,000

The mid-tier budget, ranging from PKR 75,000 to PKR 200,000, represents what most self-publishing authors in Pakistan typically spend. At this price point, quality improves substantially.

You can expect professional editing and proofreading, custom-designed covers, and high-quality formatting that ensures your book looks polished inside and out. Printing quality is significantly better, with options for standard or premium paper. Authors may also receive a modest number of author copies and some basic marketing support, such as social media content or promotional posts. For many, this level strikes the right balance between affordability and professionalism, producing a book that competes with traditionally published titles.

High-end: PKR 200,000+

Premium self-publishing packages start at PKR 200,000 and can reach PKR 500,000 or even more depending on the author’s goals and preferences. At this tier, you can expect comprehensive services, including developmental editing, fully customized cover and interior design, premium print runs, and extensive marketing campaigns (social media ads, influencer outreach, SEO, and even bookstore placements).

Authors investing at this level often aim for maximum visibility, bookstore distribution, and international reach. These packages are ideal for writers who see their book not only as a creative work but also as a long-term professional investment.

Is Self-Publishing Worth the Investment?

Yes! Self-publishing is absolutely worth the investment for authors who want higher royalties, faster publishing timelines, and full creative control. While the upfront costs may seem significant, the potential to earn up to 70% royalties compared to the 10% royalties typical in traditional publishing means you can often recover your investment much quicker. Beyond the financial benefits, self-publishing also allows you to build your personal brand, establish credibility, maintain complete rights over your work and open doors to opportunities such as speaking engagements, workshops, and collaborations.

Many self-published authors have even achieved bestseller status, proving that independent publishing can compete with traditional routes. To learn more about how self-published books can reach bestseller lists and what it takes to get there, read our comprehensive guide: Can Self-Published Books Become Bestsellers?

Of course, self-publishing isn’t the only route available. Traditional publishing comes with its own advantages and challenges, which may appeal to different kinds of writers. If you’d like a detailed breakdown of how both paths compare, check out our dedicated guide: Traditional vs Self-Publishing in Pakistan.

Conclusion

Self-publishing a book in Pakistan comes with a range of costs, but what you spend directly shapes the quality and reach of your work. Whether you choose a simple, budget-friendly route or invest in premium services, each option gives you a way to transform your manuscript into a finished book you can proudly share with readers. Ultimately, your budget and requirements ultimately determine the quality and reach of your work.

At the end of the day, self-publishing is about more than just covering expenses. It’s about creating a book that represents your vision, reaching readers on your own terms, and building your presence as an author. With the right planning and support, the investment can pay off not only financially but also in the opportunities and recognition it creates for you as a writer.

TWS Publications is Pakistan’s best self-publishing platform. Want to publish your book? Explore our Publishing Process to see how we help you reach readers!