Self-Publishing Packages With Printed Copies Included: 2026 Comparison
Self-Publishing Packages With Printed Copies Included: 2026 Comparison
The short answer: some self-publishing packages include printed copies of your book in the price — and others don't, charging you per copy on top of the package fee. In 2026, Harmony Publishing includes printed author copies in every complete package, while several big-name publishers (including BookBaby and AuthorHouse) charge separately for every printed book. Here's how they compare, and why included copies matter.
Which Publishers Include Printed Copies?
| Publisher | Package price | Printed copies included? | What you actually pay for copies |
|---|---|---|---|
| <strong>Harmony Publishing</strong> | $1,299–$9,999 | <strong>✅ Yes</strong> (25–500 depending on package) | <strong>$0 — included</strong> |
| BookBaby | $449+ (services) + print | ❌ No | Per-copy print cost on top — full-stack ≈ $4,510 for 100 copies |
| AuthorHouse | $1,000–$20,000+ | ❌ No (varies by plan) | Copies billed separately; some authors report surprise copy charges |
| IngramSpark | ~$49 setup + print | ❌ No | Print cost per copy + shipping, every time |
| Amazon KDP (DIY) | $0 upload | ❌ No | You pay print cost (~$3–$6/copy) + shipping per order |
| Vanity presses | $5,000–$20,000 | Sometimes 1–10 "complimentary" | Everything beyond the freebies is extra — often at inflated per-copy rates |
The Hidden Cost Pattern: "Package" Fees That Don't Include Copies
Many publishers advertise an attractive package price, then surprise you at the end: editing, design, formatting, and ISBN are "included," but printed copies are billed separately. That's how a $1,000 package quietly becomes $4,500+ when you order the 100 copies you actually need. The most common complaints in publishing reviews are exactly this — "I feel nickel and dimed" and surprise per-copy charges.
Why Printed Author Copies Matter
- Book signings and events — you need physical books in hand
- Reviews and influencers — sending physical copies gets more serious coverage than PDFs
- Pre-orders and local sales — many sales happen offline, from the trunk of your car
- Author authority — holding your printed book changes how people see you
- Gifting — every author gifts copies; those are also marketing
What to Ask Before Buying Any Publishing Package
- How many printed copies are included in the price? If the answer is "none" or "we'll quote you later," that's a red flag.
- What is the per-copy price after the package? Compare it against market print rates ($3–$6 for standard paperbacks).
- Do I own the files? If you own print-ready files, you can always print more copies elsewhere cheaply.
- Is there a hidden "reprint" or "file-fix" fee? The #1 complaint in the industry.
Self-Publishing Packages FAQ
Do self-publishing packages include printed copies?
Some do — Harmony Publishing includes printed author copies in every complete package (25 on Complete, 50 on Premium, 100 on Rockstar, 500 on Legend). Many others, including BookBaby and AuthorHouse, charge separately for printed books.
How many author copies do you get?
With Harmony: 25 (Complete, $1,299), 50 (Premium, $2,499), 100 hardcover/softcover mix (Rockstar, $4,999), or 500 (Legend, $9,999). With pay-per-copy publishers, you get exactly what you pay for — per book.
Why do publishers charge extra for printed copies?
Because printed books are their highest-margin add-on. Billing copies separately lets publishers advertise a low package price while the real total is much higher.
Can I print more copies of my book later?
If you own your print-ready files — yes, from any printer. Harmony authors own their files and can reprint anywhere, anytime.
What's included in a complete self-publishing package?
Editing, cover design, interior layout, ISBN & barcode, printed author copies, eBook conversion and global distribution — see Harmony's packages for the full breakdown with 100% royalties.
Publish With Harmony Publishing
One transparent price — including your printed copies. 100% royalties, your rights, your files. Talk to our team about your book.
For more, publishing a book in Italy — everything you need in one place.
For more, our the Uk publishing guide — everything you need in one place.