How to Price Your Book as a Brand-New, Unknown Author | Indie Author Tips, Tricks, Advice, & General Information

How to Price Your Book as a Brand-New, Unknown Author | Indie Author Tips, Tricks, Advice, & General Information

(Quick Side Note: I am a relatively new author and not an expert by any means. What I’m going to share with you are things I’ve learned along my own journey into self-publishing. I have ADHD and Autism, which is relevant because when I start something new, I tend to dive into a lot of research on the topic so I can learn as much as possible. Essentially, I’m a bundle of random information on a variety of topics. You really never know what I’m going to say if you ever meet me in person—LOL. I figured I’d share my plethora of information with you.)

Pricing your book as a first-time, unknown author can feel like navigating uncharted waters. You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript, spent countless hours editing, and now you’re faced with the daunting question: How much should I charge for my book?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Pricing a book is both an art and a science, and as a new author, it’s crucial to strike a balance between making your work accessible while also valuing the effort and creativity you’ve put into it. So let's explore the information on how to price your book, the market value of books, and whether pricing your book low can boost sales and help you build your author platform. (Buckle up... No one likes talking about money and how much to charge for things...)

Understanding the Market Value of Books

Before setting a price, it’s important to understand where your book fits within the broader market. Here are a few key factors to consider:

  1. Book Format
    • Ebooks: Ebook prices typically range from $0.99 to $9.99, with most independent authors pricing between $2.99 and $4.99. This range is considered the “sweet spot” for maximizing sales while remaining competitive.
    • Paperbacks: Paperback prices tend to vary based on length and genre but generally fall between $9.99 and $19.99 for indie authors.
  2. Genre Expectations
    Readers of certain genres, such as romance, tend to expect lower prices for books, while niche genres like academic nonfiction or epic fantasy may justify higher price points. Research comparable titles in your genre to see where your book fits.
  3. Author Status
    Established authors with a loyal following can command higher prices, while unknown authors often need to attract readers with a competitive price point.
  4. Length of the Book
    Longer books are often priced higher than shorter ones. For instance, a 400-page novel will generally cost more than a 150-page novella.

Indie Author Book Pricing Recommendations | Examples

Detailed Price Breakdown by Book Length

178-Page Book

  • Paperback: $12.99-$14.99
    • Competitive entry price point for new authors
    • Print cost approximately $5.54, allowing reasonable profit margin
    • Aligns with market expectations for shorter books
  • Hardcover: $24.99-$27.99
    • Standard pricing for shorter hardcover books
    • Print cost around $16.93
    • Premium format justifies higher price point

455-Page Book

  • Paperback: $16.99-$19.99
    • Mid-range pricing appropriate for longer works
    • Higher page count justifies increased price
    • Remains within competitive range for indie authors
  • Hardcover: $29.99-$34.99
    • Premium pricing reflects substantial length
    • Aligned with market expectations for longer works
    • Accounts for higher production costs

980-Page Book

  • Paperback: $19.99
    • Maximum recommended price for indie paperbacks
    • Higher pricing could deter potential readers
    • Balances production costs with market acceptance
  • Hardcover: $34.99
    • Upper limit for indie hardcover pricing
    • Reflects significant length while maintaining marketability
    • Competitive with similar lengthy works

How to Price Your Book as a New Author

When you’re just starting out, you need to prioritize visibility over profit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine the ideal price for your book:

  1. Start Low for Ebooks
    As a new author, pricing your ebook between $0.99 and $2.99 can help you attract readers who are willing to take a chance on an unknown name. (Keep in mind, if publishing on Amazon... They have a minimum price you can make your book.) These lower prices reduce the perceived risk for buyers and can lead to more downloads, reviews, and word-of-mouth exposure.
  2. Consider the Value of Paperbacks
    While ebooks are typically priced low, paperbacks should cover your production costs (printing, distribution, etc.) and still offer a modest profit. A good starting price for paperbacks is usually $9.99 to $14.99, depending on length and genre.
  3. Experiment with Pricing Tiers
    Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allow you to adjust your pricing easily. You can start with a promotional price (e.g., $0.99 for the first month) and then gradually increase it to $2.99 or $3.99 once you’ve gained some traction.
  4. Offer Limited-Time Discounts
    Running a sale or pricing your book at $0.99 for a limited time can help you gain visibility. Pair this strategy with marketing efforts, such as social media promotion or email campaigns, to maximize its impact.

The Science of Pricing Low: Does It Really Work?

Have you ever heard the saying, "Everyone has to pay their dues"? Or, "Everyone starts at the bottom and has to work their way up"? Have you ever stopped to ponder what that actually means?

Basically, there’s a very small percentage of people who are born into money, born successful, or born "famous." For the rest of us, getting anywhere in the world requires hard work and sacrifices.

Do you want to become a well-known, viral indie author? Sometimes that means sacrificing profits to get your books out there and build a readership. Sometimes it means giving your books away for free just to get reviews and encourage people to read them.

Is this always how things have to be? No, of course not. Once you become a known factor, you can increase the price of your books to market value. But starting out? Well, there’s a common debate within the book world: pricing your books low—just enough to make $1–$2 in royalties—can help you build an audience faster.

Of course, the other side of the argument is that authors aren’t making enough money when they sell their books at such low prices. But the real question is: does this strategy actually work? Let’s break it down.

Why Pricing Low Can Encourage Sales

  1. Lower Perceived Risk
    Readers are more likely to take a chance on a $0.99 or $1.99 book from an unknown author than a $9.99 one. This is especially true for ebook buyers, who often purchase impulsively.
  2. Volume Over Profit
    While you might make less per sale, a lower price can lead to significantly higher sales volume. This increased visibility can help your book climb bestseller charts, making it more discoverable to new readers.
  3. Building a Fanbase
    By pricing your first book low, you’re essentially investing in future sales. Readers who enjoy your debut are more likely to purchase your subsequent books at higher prices.

The Long-Term Benefits of Low Pricing

  • Reviews and Word of Mouth: A larger sales volume means more readers, which can translate into more reviews, recommendations, and social media buzz. Positive reviews are invaluable for building your credibility as an author.
  • Email List Growth: If you include a call-to-action in your book (e.g., “Sign up for my newsletter to receive updates and exclusive content”), a low price can help you grow your email list, which is a powerful tool for marketing future releases.
  • Series Sales: If you’re writing a series, pricing the first book low (or even offering it for free) can act as a gateway for readers to purchase the rest of the series at full price. This strategy, known as “permafree,” is popular among indie authors.

Does Pricing Low Always Work?

While low pricing can be an effective strategy, it’s not a guarantee of success. Here are a few potential downsides to consider:

  • Perceived Value: Some readers associate low prices with low quality. If your book is priced too low, it may be overlooked in favor of higher-priced books that appear more professional.
  • Profit Margins: Pricing your book at $0.99 leaves very little room for profit, especially after factoring in platform fees. For example, Amazon pays a 35% royalty rate on books priced below $2.99.
  • Saturation: The ebook market is saturated with low-priced titles, so you’ll still need to invest in marketing to stand out.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Accessibility and Value

As a brand-new author, your primary goal should be to get your book into as many hands as possible. Pricing your ebook between $0.99 and $2.99 is a smart way to attract readers, generate reviews, and build your author platform.

However, don’t undervalue your work. Once you’ve established a fanbase, don’t hesitate to raise your prices to reflect the time, effort, and creativity you’ve poured into your writing. Remember, pricing is not set in stone—you can always adjust your strategy as you learn more about your audience and the market.

By striking the right balance between accessibility and value, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success as an author.

Okay, you’ve official made it to the end of my Blog, and as always my lovelies, have a great day and happy reading! ! I’d love to hear your thoughts, but let’s keep the discussion respectful and kind. All sides are welcome to join in, but the discussion needs to remain respectful, constructive, and kind! Rudeness will not be tolerated and comments will be deleted! Let’s discuss in the comments!

Disclaimers

General Disclaimer: I do not claim to be an expert on the topics discussed in this blog. I am constantly learning and evolving, and the information provided is based on my personal experiences, conversations with friends, and research. If you come across any inaccuracies or incorrect information, I encourage you to kindly bring it to my attention so that I can make the necessary corrections. While I strive to be as accurate as possible, I am not an expert in topic of conversation, I’m not sure I believe anyone can be an expert in anything when we are always learning and new information is always being discovered. Your feedback is valuable to me, as I am always eager to learn and improve. (The key word is KINDLY bring any errors to my attention, rudeness will be ignored.)

About the Author:

A. Jean is a fantasy romance author of the Shadows of The Faye Series and the upcoming Dance With The Devil: The Slayer's Descent. As a self-published indie author, she loves creating intricate worlds and connecting with her audience through her books, social media, and blog. When she’s not writing, you can find her tending to her farm animals or dreaming up her next fantastical adventure. Follow her journey as an indie author and aspiring hybrid author to learn more about the publishing process and writing life!

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