Ebook Formatting Cost in 2026: What Indie Authors Should Expect
If you've seen quotes from $50 to $600 for the same "EPUB formatting" service, you're not imagining it. Here's how to understand pricing and avoid overpaying.
Most indie authors ask the same question first: "How much should formatting cost for one book?"
The short answer: it depends on word count, manuscript condition, and what is actually included. The long answer is where authors either save money or waste it.
Typical Price Ranges You Will See
- Budget freelancers: $50-120
- Mid-range professionals: $120-300
- Agency or premium studios: $300-600+
Lower prices are not always bad, and higher prices are not always better. The key is scope.
What Actually Changes the Price
1. Word Count
Longer books require more chapter-by-chapter checks, scene break handling, table-of-contents linking, and QA. A 30k novella and a 140k fantasy novel are different workloads.
2. Input Quality
A clean `.docx` takes less time than a messy PDF or heavily styled Google Doc. If your file has inconsistent headings, manual spaces, and broken italics, formatting takes longer.
3. Platform Requirements
If you need retailer-specific versions (Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Google Play), that's extra production work, but it helps avoid cross-platform link problems and upload issues.
4. Revisions and Support
Some providers quote low and then charge for every correction. Others include a revision round and fix formatting-related upload issues after delivery.
What Should Be Included in the Price
Before hiring anyone, confirm these are included:
- Manual cleanup of manuscript formatting issues
- Clickable table of contents
- Proper chapter breaks and consistent typography
- Metadata setup
- KDP-ready validation checks
- At least one revision round
If these are missing, the "cheap" quote often becomes expensive later.
A Practical Benchmark
For straightforward fiction and non-fiction projects, professional done-for-you formatting commonly lands in the low-to-mid hundreds.
My current structure is:
- $99 up to 50,000 words
- $129 for 50,001-85,000 words
- $159 for 85,001-120,000 words
- $219 for 120,001-200,000 words
That range covers manual cleanup, retailer-ready EPUB delivery, and revision support for most indie author projects.
Red Flags in Pricing Quotes
- No mention of revisions
- No mention of validation or upload support
- "One EPUB for all stores" with no platform-specific back matter handling
- No clear turnaround window
- No file-format clarity (Word, PDF, Google Docs, etc.)
How to Pick the Right Option
Use this simple rule:
- If your manuscript is clean and you enjoy technical work, DIY can make sense.
- If your manuscript is messy or you value speed and reliability, a done-for-you service is usually better value.
If you want to compare exact package details, see my book formatting pricing page and FAQ before sending your manuscript.
Need a clear quote for your manuscript?
Email your file and word count. I will confirm pricing and turnaround within 24 hours.