[Betsy Posts: 2,106 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

Does anyone know how much it costs to produce an average traditionally-published picture book these days--I'm thinking of the major publishers, such as S&S, HarperCollins, etc.? The total would include advances for both author and illustrator, overhead, editorial and art design, shipping, printing, any pre-publication publicity--all that good stuff. I realize it will necessarily vary, but I want to give my students a guesstimate. I've heard everything from more than $30,000 to over $100,000. Has anyone read anything or heard any numbers at a recent conference? Any links to an article on this topic would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Anne Marie Posts: 2,855 Status: Offline VAMPIRINA season 3 is on Disney Junior now! WWW]

I don't know but I've never heard anything lower than $100,000.

AM

[Schriscoe Posts: 1,765 Status: Offline www.sharonchriscoebooks.com WWW]

I don't know the answer either Betsy but I am interested to hear the answer.

[Betsy Posts: 2,106 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

I think you're right, AM. The figure of $30,000 is from several years ago. But there's got to be more recent information out there somewhere.

[HaroldU Posts: 848 Status: Offline Exec. Editor, Kane Press WWW]

Betsy, you emailed me about my write-up from 2006. I have to tell you that I don't think the costs have changed THAT much since then, at least when it comes to physical production costs. But overhead and advances are big pieces of it too, and they vary greatly from publisher to publisher.

$100,000 is at the high end--for a large initial printing, and some marketing money included, I think. I'll see what I can find out. I need to update the article.

[DianaM Posts: 971 Status: Offline Writer, rhymer, runner, punner. WWW]

I've heard about $50K. But I can't tell you my source. Just something I've heard.

[HaroldU Posts: 848 Status: Offline Exec. Editor, Kane Press WWW]

What complicates it is what you count as overhead, and what you count as a cost directly attributable to a specific book... Obviously plate costs and PP&B (paper, printing, and binding), but after that, what?

[Betsy Posts: 2,106 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

Maybe you can come up with a range, Harold. Anyway, I appreciate that article and all the other wonderful information on your site.

[KatyD Posts: 839 Status: Offline www.katyduffield.com WWW]

I've often heard $50,000 as well, but like Diana, I don't know the source.

[CarrieF Posts: 201 Status: Offline WWW]

I think (but would need to verify) that Cheryl Klein mentions the 50K number in her book.