Self-publishing is an incredible opportunity, but many authors make mistakes that can hurt their book sales and career growth. The good news? Most of these mistakes are avoidable if you know what to look out for. Here are the biggest self-publishing pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
1️⃣ Skipping Professional Editing
One of the biggest mistakes new authors make is publishing without professional editing. Readers notice typos, grammar issues, and awkward phrasing—and it can lead to bad reviews.
🔹 How to Avoid It:
✅ Hire a professional editor (developmental, copy, and proofreader)
✅ Use editing tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid for early drafts
✅ Beta readers can catch issues, but they’re not a substitute for an editor
Why it Matters: A polished book builds credibility and keeps readers coming back.
2️⃣ Ignoring Book Cover Design
People DO judge a book by its cover. A weak, amateurish cover can kill your sales before readers even check the blurb.
🔹 How to Avoid It:
✅ Hire a professional cover designer who understands your genre
✅ Research bestselling covers in your genre for style inspiration
✅ Avoid cluttered designs—simplicity sells!
Why it Matters: Your cover should immediately communicate genre, tone, and quality.
3️⃣ Poor Book Formatting
A great story won’t save a book that looks sloppy or unprofessional inside. Poor formatting makes reading frustrating and can lead to returns.
🔹 How to Avoid It:
✅ Use Vellum, Atticus, or Scrivener for professional formatting
✅ Double-check line spacing, chapter headers, and font consistency
✅ Test your eBook on multiple devices before publishing
Why it Matters: Clean formatting keeps readers immersed in your story.
4️⃣ Weak Book Descriptions & Keywords
Your book description is your #1 sales tool. A vague or boring blurb can turn away potential buyers. Likewise, bad keywords mean readers never find your book.
🔹 How to Avoid It:
✅ Write a hook-driven book description (highlight tension, emotion, & stakes)
✅ Use Publisher Rocket to find the best keywords
✅ Optimize your Amazon categories & metadata
Why it Matters: Better visibility = more sales & higher rankings.
5️⃣ Failing to Market the Book
“If I publish it, they will come”—WRONG. The biggest mistake authors make is assuming books sell themselves. Without marketing, even the best books go unnoticed.
🔹 How to Avoid It:
✅ Build an email list & engage with your readers
✅ Use social media strategically (without spamming!)
✅ Run Amazon or Facebook ads (even a small budget helps)
✅ Leverage newsletter swaps & promo sites
Why it Matters: Marketing isn’t optional—it’s how you get readers to discover your book.
6️⃣ Pricing Books Incorrectly
Too high, and no one buys. Too low, and you devalue your work. Many authors guess instead of strategically pricing their books.
🔹 How to Avoid It:
✅ Research genre-standard pricing (Amazon bestsellers are a good benchmark)
✅ Test different price points with Kindle Countdown Deals
✅ Avoid permanently pricing too low unless part of a series strategy
Why it Matters: Smart pricing maximizes both sales & profit.
7️⃣ Not Building an Author Platform
Your author brand matters. Without a website, newsletter, or presence, readers have no way to follow you.
🔹 How to Avoid It:
✅ Set up an author website (even a simple one)
✅ Create an email list with a reader magnet
✅ Have a social media presence where your readers hang out
✅ Engage in author communities for networking
Why it Matters: A strong platform turns one-time buyers into lifelong fans.
Final Thoughts: Avoiding Mistakes = Faster Success
Mistakes happen, but learning from them early saves you time, money, and frustration. Whether it’s editing, covers, marketing, or pricing, small improvements make a HUGE impact on book sales.
🚀 Want to avoid even more self-publishing headaches? Check out our course: AI for Authors: Build Your Virtual Assistant Friend & Productivity Powerhouse
✍️ Your Turn: What self-publishing mistake have you learned from? Drop your experience in the comments!