How Much Does It Cost To Start A Publishing Business? (In 2024)

Pat Walls

•

Updated: January 18th, 2023

Start A Publishing Business

Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.

The cost of opening a a publishing business can vary based on several factors. However for a a publishing business you can expect to spend $62 to $45,097 with an average cost of $25,729.

The minimum startup costs for a publishing business: $62
The maximum startup costs for a publishing business: $45,097
The average startup costs for a publishing business: $25,729

Here's a detailed list of a publishing business startup costs:

Learn more about starting a publishing business:

Where to start?

-> Pros and cons of a publishing business

Need inspiration?

-> Other publishing business success stories
-> Examples of established publishing business
-> Marketing ideas for a publishing business
-> Publishing business slogans
-> Publishing business names

Other resources

-> Publishing business tips

Retail Business Expenses

If you plan to have a brick & mortar location for your publishing business, you must weigh the costs of your rent, as it may be the most expensive part of running your business.

Rent costs for your publishing business very much depends on your location. This cost will vary by both region and specific areas of town: a lease in the heart of Manhattan could cost over $80,000/month in rent. Meanwhile, a storefront lease in Florida or Tennessee could cost less than $1,000/month.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
POS System	Optional	$0	$1,200

Business Formation Fees

There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Set up business: LLC & Corporations	Required	$50	$500
Small Business Insurance	Recommended	$500	$2,000
Permit and License Fees	Optional	$50	$700
Trademark	Optional	$0	$700
Lawyer Fees	Optional	$0	$1,500
A Patent ➜	Optional	$5,000	$15,000

Software Expenses

Your publishing business needs software to run efficiently!

Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
File Hosting Service	Recommended	$0	$299
Email marketing tool	Recommended	$0	$100
Accounting & Invoicing Software	Recommended	$0	$50
CRM Software ➜	Recommended	$12	$300
Project Management Software	Recommended	$0	$25
Internal Communication Tool	Recommended	$0	$20
IT Support ➜	Optional	$150	$2,000
Design Programs & Software	Optional	$0	$50
Social Media Management Tools	Optional	$0	$50
Payroll Software	Optional	$0	$200

Office Space Expenses

It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your publishing business grows.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Rent ➜	Optional	$0	$5,750
Utility Costs For Office Space ➜	Optional	$0	$1,150
WiFi & Internet ➜	Optional	$0	$100

Employee & Freelancer Expenses

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜	Optional	$150	$250
Employee Hiring Expenses	Optional	$1	$2
Employee Rewards ➜	Optional	$0	$100

Website Costs

Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Domain Name ➜	Required	$12	$200
Website Hosting Costs ➜	Required	$0	$300
Website Builder ➜	Recommended	$10	$500
Business Email Hosting Service ➜	Recommended	$1	$15
Website & Live Chat Tool	Recommended	$0	$200
Web Designer ➜	Optional	$200	$6,000

Advertising & Marketing Costs

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Business Cards ➜	Optional	$0	$50
Networking Membership Fees	Optional	$0	$250
Business Signage ➜	Optional	$75	$2,486
Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing	Optional	$0	$300
Influencer Marketing	Optional	$0	$750
Press	Optional	$0	$500
Google Ads	Optional	$0	$300
Facebook & Instagram Ads	Optional	$0	$350

Training & Education Expenses

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Professional Training	Optional	$0	$850

Part of

Starting A Publishing Business: Everything You Need To Know

‹

›