How to Self-Publish Series: How to Price Your Book for Success

You’ve written your book, and now you’re wondering: How much should I charge for it?

Pricing isn’t just about numbers; it’s about positioning. Your price tells a story. It shapes how readers perceive your work and can either invite them in or quietly signal, “This isn’t for you.” So how do you make a pricing decision that feels aligned, strategic, and confident? Let’s break it down.

Factors to Consider When Setting a Price

Start with the basics:

• Genre norms. What’s typical for your category (e.g., poetry, nonfiction, memoir)?

• Length and format. Is this a full-length paperback? A short digital guide? A gorgeous hardback with photos?

• Audience expectations. Are you writing for students, collectors, casual browsers, or niche communities?

Your price should reflect both the value of the work and the experience you’re offering.

Consult Your Favorite Books

You should also take a peek at the books that inspired yours, especially ones that share your tone, format, or readership. 

How are they priced? What formats do they offer (ebook, paperback, hardcover)? Use that data to anchor your range.

Pro tip: Make sure to look at indie authors as well as traditionally published ones to get a fuller picture.

Research the Highs and Lows

Find the highest-priced book in your genre—and the lowest. What do you notice? Are there differences in design, size, perceived quality, or authorship credibility? Pricing isn’t about copying someone else. It’s about understanding the market so you can position your book with intention.

Consider Materials and Value vs. Cost

If you’re printing physical copies, materials matter. Is your book full-color? Printed on premium paper? Spiral-bound? These production costs can (and should) inform your final price.

But value is not just cost. It’s also about impact. 

Does your book solve a problem? Offer a transformative experience? Fill a gap in the market? These things increase value, even if the cost of printing is low.

Stand on It: Be Confident in Your Decision

Whether you price your ebook at $4.99 or your hardcover at $40, the most important thing is that you stand behind it. Confidence sells, and if your pricing feels unsure or apologetic, readers pick up on that.

And remember: you can always adjust. Many platforms allow you to change pricing anytime. Start somewhere and trust yourself to tweak as needed.

Free and 99-Cent Promos…Do They Work?

They can, but only if they’re strategic.

• Free can be useful for building your email list or getting early reviews.

• $0.99 can spike visibility in some algorithms or help move people through a series.

But don’t feel pressured to price low just because someone else did. If you’re not planning to do a ton of marketing or publishing multiple books soon, low pricing might not serve you.

How to Use Pricing as a Visibility Tool

Pricing can shape perception. Going low can invite impulse buys or attract a broader audience. Going high can signal exclusivity, depth, or artistic value.

Either choice can work, but the key is intentionality and confidence.

Above all, you should price your book in a way that says: “I know what this is worth, and I know the right reader will see it too.”