Find a partner. It does not have to be a partner that has the same passions or interests as you, though it helps. Finding a partner that specializes on something you do not specialize in is the key. For example, if you are great at marketing then partner with a writer. Conversely if you are great at writing, or comfortable with it, then find someone who excels in marketing. Publishing a book is all about the marketing.

However, you can also partner with a person to write the book, share the expenses, and share the profits. Many successful books are written by teams.

Finance the book. I do not mean go to the bank and get a loan, that is not necessary. Instead, once the book is written find relevant businesses to approach. Ask those business owners to pre-purchase your book in exchange for promotion in your book. For example, if you have written a book on how to choose the right computer for your business you could approach your local electronics store and make them an offer, in exchange for listing their company in your book as a great place to find their computers they will buy 100, 1000, or more copies of your book. Now you have money in the bank to pay for publication.

Another way to save money is to e-publish. Electronically publishing, offering your book as a PDF. An electronic book is called an e-book and offering your book this way is a great way to sell your book and to cover the costs of printed books.

Buying in bulk is always a great way to save money. If you are confident you can sell thousands of books and you have the space to safely store them, then have a large amount printed. It can literally save several dollars per printed book.

Hiring a book distributor can also help save money on fulfillment and distribution. Generally book distributors take a percentage of each sale so the cash out of pocket expense is very low, however you're take is lower than if you had handled the distribution and fulfillment yourself.

One last option is to save money on the writing process, and time, by recruiting experts to write your book for you via contributions or interviews in exchange for publishing their contact information in your book and/or promoting them on your website.

There are many ways to make publishing a book more affordable. The key is to think outside the box and look for creative ways to partner with others to make it happen. Heck, I have known people who have managed to publish a book for free. Imagine that 100% return on your investment from the get go. If the will and the desire are there, there are definitely ways to make it happen.