To get a high quality self-published book, you should pay for general editing, structural editing, line editing, cover design, a barcode, and ISBN number, proof copies – all out of your own pocket. A professionally done self-published book can cost you $5,000 to $10,000. A moderately well-done self-published book can run from $800 – $2,000. A very poorly done self-published book will cost $150 – $500. It’s hard to go any cheaper than that.