Obtaining An Estimate

To provide authors with an accurate estimate on the cost of producing a book, we need to know the following ten things:

1. WORD COUNT—By means of the word count, we can estimate the probable length and size of a book, as well as the cost of editing.

2. LEVEL OF EDITING—There are four levels of editing (see the article under “Author’s Corner). Part of the evaluation process is determining which level of editing will be needed.

3. SIZE OF THE BOOK—The probable dimensions of the book is something we discuss in our first conversations with an author. Available sizes include, but are not limited to, the following customary measurements:

    Mini-book: 3 x 5
    Small book size: 5 x 8
    Most popular size: 5.5 x 8.5
    Larger book, not common anymore: 6 x 9
    Extremely high word count or text book size: 7 x 10

4. INSERTED IMAGES—The approximate number of inserted images is an important factor (pictures, graphs, images, clip-art, a gallery of pictures, and if the pictures are black and white or full color)

5. THE NUMBER OF BOOKS—Unless otherwise directed, we always give our submitting authors three estimates: what it will cost to publish 100, 300 or 1,000 books. The lowest number allowed for the initial print run is 100. All DRB books are then placed in a POD program (print-on-demand), so that small orders of five copies or more can be printed at any given time. 

6. FORMAT—The author needs to decide if he/she is going to publish only a paperback version, or a hardback version, or both.

7. COVER FEATURES—Embossing or debossing words, numbers or images on the cover (raised or inverted print) involves an added cost, but adds a dimension of beauty to a cover that is worth the extra expense. 

8. ADD-ONS—There are a number of add-on features available such as: E-book production, CIP data for libraries, the Media Contact List (television and radio talks shows), etc. Most can be added on at any time in the publishing process. However, the CIP data should be ordered as soon as the final edited version is available, before going into the graphic layout stage.

9. ARTISTRY—If the author needs an artist to physically draw any images for the cover or the internal part of the book, this should be included in the estimate at the very beginning. 

10. BOOK MENTORING—If a book is not finished or requires major structural changes, an author can opt to use our “book mentoring” service to bring his/her manuscript to completion.