Avoid These Five Common Mistakes in Self-Publishing
Self-publishing offers an incredible opportunity for authors to control their creative process, maintain rights, and earn higher royalties. But along with the benefits come pitfalls that can negatively impact your success. To help you navigate the self-publishing waters, let’s look at five common mistakes authors make—and how to avoid them.
Not Spending Enough Time or Money on Editing
Publishing poorly edited work is bad business. Whether it’s typos, grammatical errors, or structural issues, a lack of editing can significantly undermine your credibility as a writer. Readers are quick to notice mistakes, and they often translate sloppy writing into a lack of professionalism. Investing in a professional editor is crucial for both your reputation and your book’s readability. Editors can offer different services, from developmental editing to copyediting and proofreading. Allocate a reasonable portion of your budget and time to ensure that your manuscript is polished and error-free. The extra attention will pay off in the form of satisfied readers and better reviews.
Not Hiring Someone to Design Your Cover
A cover can make or break your book’s success. Despite the age-old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover,” readers often do. A poorly designed cover screams “amateur” and can deter potential readers from picking up your book. Professional cover designers understand how to create visuals that not only attract attention but also communicate the genre and tone of your book. They can incorporate fonts, colours, and imagery that appeal to your target audience. While it may be tempting to save money by creating a cover yourself or using a template, this is an area where investing in a professional is well worth it. A compelling cover is your book’s first impression—make it count.
Not Optimising Your Book Description
Your book description is a powerful marketing tool, yet many authors overlook its importance. A poorly written or vague description can result in lost sales, even if your book is otherwise excellent. Think of your description as a sales pitch: it should grab the reader’s attention, outline the key themes, and give them a reason to buy. Use engaging language, include a hook, and end with a call-to-action. Hiring a copywriter can also be a good investment here, as they know how to craft descriptions that convert. Take time to refine this section until it captivates your audience.
Selling Your Book Through Only a Single Online Outlet
While it’s common to think Amazon is the only platform that matters, limiting yourself to a single outlet can severely restrict your book’s reach. Consider “going wide” by distributing through multiple retailers such as Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble, or using an aggregator like Draft2Digital. Each platform has its unique audience and promotional opportunities. Expanding your distribution can lead to more visibility, increased sales, and less dependency on a single source for income. Remember, different readers prefer different platforms, so maximise your book’s availability by offering it wherever people buy books.
Hurrying the Process
Self-publishing is exciting, and it’s easy to get caught up in the urge to release your book as quickly as possible. However, rushing can lead to missed details and preventable mistakes, from overlooked typos to poor marketing preparation. Take your time through every stage—writing, editing, cover design, and promotion—to ensure that each aspect is done right. A well-prepared book launch can lead to sustained long-term success, while a rushed release often leads to disappointment and frustration. Be patient, plan meticulously, and give your book the best chance to succeed.
Influence Content Marketing cares about those we work with and are committed to the success of our authors. To find out more about how we can help with all these aspects of self-publishing email ian@influencecontentservices.com
