Self-publishing is an exciting journey, but let’s face it—every author stumbles along the way. Whether it’s rushing to hit “publish” or skipping the editing phase, these slip-ups are more common than you think.
The good news? You don’t have to make the same mistakes. By learning from others, you can avoid costly missteps, save time, and create a book you’re proud of.
In this post, I’ll walk you through 10 common self-publishing mistakes and, more importantly, how to steer clear of them so your book (and your sanity) stays intact. Let’s dive in!
1. Rushing the Process
The Mistake:
You’re so excited to publish that you hit “publish” before your book is truly ready. Maybe you skipped editing, rushed the formatting, or didn’t take time to polish the cover.
Why It’s a Problem:
Readers notice. Sloppy editing or poor formatting can pull them out of the story and hurt your reputation as an author.
How to Avoid It:
Slow down! Give yourself enough time to properly edit, proofread, and format your book. Use beta readers, hire a professional editor, or even take a break between drafts to see your work with fresh eyes.
2. Skipping the Cover Design Budget
The Mistake:
You try to design your cover yourself without the skills or tools to make it professional.
Why It’s a Problem:
Your cover is your book’s first impression. A poorly designed cover can turn readers away before they even read the blurb.
How to Avoid It:
Invest in a professional cover designer who understands your genre. If that’s not in your budget, use platforms like Canva Pro with pre-made templates specifically designed for books.
3. Ignoring Your Target Audience
The Mistake:
You write and market your book without considering who your readers are.
Why It’s a Problem:
If you don’t know your audience, your book might struggle to connect with them.
How to Avoid It:
Research your genre and audience before you start marketing (or even writing). Check out Goodreads groups, read Amazon reviews of similar books, and pay attention to what readers love—and what they don’t.
4. Not Investing in Editing
The Mistake:
You skip hiring an editor, thinking your own proofreading skills (or spellcheck) are enough.
Why It’s a Problem:
Typos, plot holes, and clunky writing will undermine your professionalism and turn readers off.
How to Avoid It:
Work with a professional editor if your budget allows, or enlist a trusted group of beta readers. If nothing else, use tools like Grammarly to catch surface-level mistakes.
5. Skipping the Marketing Plan
The Mistake:
You believe, “If I publish it, they will come,” and don’t plan any promotion.
Why It’s a Problem:
Without marketing, your book will get lost in the sea of other self-published titles.
How to Avoid It:
Create a simple plan:
- Build an email list to engage readers.
- Use social media strategically (focus on one or two platforms).
- Consider investing in Amazon or Facebook ads.
6. Mispricing Your Book
The Mistake:
You price your book too high or too low for your audience and genre.
Why It’s a Problem:
An overpriced book may scare away readers, while underpricing can undervalue your work.
How to Avoid It:
Research similar books in your genre and find a competitive price point. Test your pricing and adjust based on sales trends.
7. Neglecting Your Author Brand
The Mistake:
You don’t create a consistent presence online—or worse, you present an unprofessional image.
Why It’s a Problem:
Readers want to connect with authors they trust. A lack of branding makes it harder to build that connection.
How to Avoid It:
Create a professional author website, establish consistent social media profiles, and use the same tone and style across platforms to reinforce your brand.
8. Forgetting About Keywords and Categories
The Mistake:
You upload your book to Amazon without optimizing its keywords or categories.
Why It’s a Problem:
Your book becomes harder for readers to find, which can limit sales.
How to Avoid It:
Use tools like Publisher Rocket or simple Amazon searches to identify the best keywords and categories for your book.
9. Overpromising and Underdelivering
The Mistake:
You hype your book as “the next bestseller” or make promises you can’t deliver.
Why It’s a Problem:
It creates unrealistic expectations and disappoints readers, damaging your credibility.
How to Avoid It:
Be honest and realistic in your marketing. Focus on what makes your book unique without exaggerating.
10. Thinking It’s All Over After Publishing
The Mistake:
You stop promoting your book after launch day.
Why It’s a Problem:
Books have a long tail, and consistent promotion keeps them visible.
How to Avoid It:
Plan ongoing promotions like:
- Temporary price drops.
- Ads or boosted social posts.
- Seasonal marketing (e.g., holiday sales or themed campaigns).
Conclusion: Learn, Adapt, and Keep Going
Self-publishing is a learning curve, but every mistake is an opportunity to grow. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll set yourself up for success and create books that readers love.
💬 Which of these mistakes have you encountered, or do you worry about most? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to help!