Let’s dive into DIY v Pro services for Indie Authors
One of the many considerations for independent authors is the comparison between doing everything yourself, or using professional services, or a combination of the two.
As a not-for-profit publisher, Badman Publishing is happy to help by providing services on a free or cost basis to its authors/members. However, we thought it might be useful to research and illustrate the services provided by professionals and agencies, and the average prices that an independent author can expect to pay.
The report below is a well-rounded list of services these companies provide and the average/typical prices of those services in £GBP. Please note: These are not Badman prices; they are the average one can expect to be charged by commercial freelancers and agencies.
Editorial Services
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Manuscript critique (up to 20,000 words): £250
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Content/Developmental Editing (up to 20,000 words): £650
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Copyediting (up to 20,000 words): £350
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Proofreading (up to 20,000 words): £200
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For longer manuscripts (e.g., 80,000 words):
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Critique: £1,000
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Content editing: £2,500
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Copyediting: £1,500
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Proofreading: £800
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Alternatively: per 1,000 words
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Editing: £5.70
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Proofreading: £3.70
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Formatting & Layout
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Print book typesetting: from £300
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eBook conversion: from £250
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Table of contents setup, typography, and layout: usually included in typesetting/package
Graphic Design
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Premade covers: £50 – £150
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Custom photographic cover: £150 – £350+
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Custom illustrated cover: £350 – £1,600+
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eBook-only cover: from £144.44
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Paperback cover: from £213.33
Publishing Support
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ISBN registration: typically included in publishing packages (or £50–£100 if standalone)
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Metadata/keywords optimization: £50–£100
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KDP/IngramSpark upload support: £60–£150/package
Marketing & Promotion
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Amazon Author Central setup: £50–£100
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Social media graphics: £25–£75 per graphic
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Press release or author bio: £60–£150
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Book launch package: £200–£400
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Newsletter design: £75–£150
Author Branding & Growth
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Author website (basic WordPress): £350–£1,200
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Author logo design: £75–£250
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Professional author photo edit: £30–£75 per image
Additional Support
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Book coaching/accountability (per session): £50–£100
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Proof copy review: £60–£100
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Beta reader group setup: £80–£250
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Need help getting started or refining your publishing plan?
At Badman Publishing, we understand that navigating the world of independent publishing can be overwhelming — especially when it comes to budgeting for professional services. That’s why we’re committed to making your journey smoother, more affordable, and more empowering.
Whether you're looking for editorial support, design expertise, publishing guidance, or marketing tools, we offer a range of services — many at low or no cost — tailored to indie authors like you. Our goal is to help you focus on what matters most: writing and sharing your story.
We’re here to support you. Reach out to us at Badman, or explore our resources and services pages to see how we can collaborate.
"Let’s bring your book to life — together."
