Because good editors and typesetters cost money, just like good programmers and designers. The marginal cost of printing a book is in the pennies because the c

Because good editors and typesetters cost money, just like good programmers and designers. The marginal cost of printing a book is in the pennies because the cost is spread out over millions of books (across multiple titles). Materials only add a dollar or two more in costs. The majority of the cost of a book is in fixed costs prior to printing, i.e., proofreading. Moreover, distribution costs real money (unless you also own the pipes).