Recently, we explored some common misconceptions surrounding self-publishing, like, “Books produced by traditional publishers are better quality, and, “You can only make money through traditional publishing.”
While these are myths, there is a reason these thoughts exist in the literary community. When self-publishing, some authors choose to skip vital parts of the process, like professional editing, cover design, and marketing, usually to save time, money, or both. This can result in a poor quality book with low sales. Other mistakes can affect sales too, like not buying your ISBN and selling through only one outlet.
But if these mistakes are avoided, your self-published book can be just as successful as its traditionally published counterparts.
Here are the seven biggest self-publishing mistakes I see authors make and how you can avoid them:
1. Unprofessional Cover Design
People absolutely do judge a book by its cover, and an unprofessional book cover is an automatic turnoff for most readers.
Your book stands a much better chance of being noticed, purchased, and read if you invest in a professional cover design. And by “professional,” I mean specifically by someone who specializes in designing book covers—not your cousin’s friend who happens to be a graphic designer.
When working with a professional cover designer, try to be open to accepting input and guidance. As much as you may want 100% control over your book’s cover, keep in mind that your designer has expert knowledge of best practices in fonts, spacing, color theory—and more that I can’t even name because I’m not an expert in cover design.
2. Lackluster Book Description
After your cover, readers will go to your “blurb” or description to decide if they want to read your book. Your blurb needs to start with a hook—something to grab the reader’s attention and draw them in. Then it needs to spark emotion and interest.
A mistake many new authors make is writing a description that is too “mysterious.” They fear giving away too much information, and as a result, their blurb doesn’t really tell the reader much about the book.
Spend some time writing and rewriting your book description. Send it to a few friends or family members for feedback. You can even bring in an expert, a book editor, to help you refine and optimize your blurb.
3. Skipping or Skimping on Editing
Some self-published authors skip editing altogether, or they skimp on it, doing one read-through, fixing any typos they notice, and then uploading their book to their chosen self-publishing platform. Essentially, they’re publishing a rough draft!
Revising and editing are essential parts of the writing process, and they must be prioritized. You may have a good book, but professional editing can turn it into a great book.
Draw your reader in by avoiding mistakes #1 and #2 above, and then once they read your great book, they’ll leave it a great review—and more importantly, they’ll want to read your future books, and they’ll convert into customers (if your book is an entry point to a paid service).
4. Not Owning Your ISBN
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) gives you the option to use a free ISBN, but you will not be able to use that ISBN with any other distributors, and the publisher on record will be listed as KDP, not you.
That also means that if you decide to publish with other retailers, you’ll need to create a new edition with a new cover, new copyright page, and new ISBN.
If you purchase your own ISBN from the beginning, you’ll be able to skip these extra steps should you decide to republish.
5. Selling Through Only One Outlet
This one piggybacks a bit off of the last one. Many self-published authors only sell their books through one distributor. This is a huge mistake! You want to get your book in as many readers’ hands as possible.
Through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you can enable an “Expanded Distribution” setting that makes your book available to bookstores and libraries. This doesn’t guarantee your book will be sold in any particular bookstores or available in libraries, but they’ll be able to order copies if they choose to.
In addition to enabling Expanded Distribution through KDP, consider publishing your book through other platforms like IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and Smashwords.
6. Lack of Marketing
Unfortunately, your book isn’t going to sell itself. If no one knows about it, no one will read it.
Your marketing and platform-building efforts can begin before your book is published. Start posting on social media to generate buzz and build anticipation ahead of your book’s release date. Invite your audience to be part of your journey by engaging them with updates throughout the writing process.
Then, create a marketing plan for after your book is released, and follow it consistently. We’ll share more on marketing your self-published book in an upcoming blog post.
7. Rushing the Process
This final mistake really sums up the main problem self-published authors face: rushing the process.
If you were working with a traditional publisher, it would take up to a year for your book to be released. Traditional publishers take their time to ensure the book is well edited, has a captivating cover and description, and is widely marketed and promoted.
You can take this same level of care with your self-published book. It’s difficult to slow yourself down. After all, you’re eager to get your book out there! But remember, you don’t want to get just any book out there. You want it to be in its best possible shape first.
I hope these tips were helpful. For questions and support related to editing, book a free consultation. I’d love to chat about your manuscript. Happy writing!
Owner of Aha! Editorial
Let’s talk about your writing project: https://calendly.com/ashlyn-ahaeditorial
