Cost to Print a Paperback Book

Independent publishing cost guide · Updated for 2026

Short answer: Printing a paperback costs roughly $2.50–$8.00 per copy for runs of 100–500 books, plus one-time setup. A 200-page paperback at 300 copies lands around $3–$4 per unit; at 50 copies, $6–$8 per unit.

Setup vs per-copy cost

Setup (plates, layout, proof) is paid once per run; per-copy cost varies with quantity. Larger runs amortize setup — that's why per-copy prices fall as runs grow.

Related cost guides

Paperback printing$2.50–$8 per copy Hardcover printing$8–$20 per copy Full-color printing3–5× B&W cost 50-copy run$800–$1,500 100-copy run$1,200–$2,200 500-copy run$1,800–$3,500 1,000-copy run$3,000–$5,500 Editing cost$500–$2,000 typical Cover design cost$300–$1,500 typical Formatting cost$150–$800 typical ISBN cost$125 per ISBN Marketing cost$500–$5,000+

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