How Not to Self-Publish A Book
Self-publishing has opened the door for writers to bring their stories to the world without the resistance of gatekeepers, but with that freedom comes the risk of making serious mistakes that can sabotage your book’s success.
To avoid a publishing journey marred by headaches, missed opportunities, and a finished product that fails to meet your creative vision, it’s important to recognize and steer clear of these common pitfalls:
1. Skip the Budgeting Process Entirely
One of the easiest ways to derail your self-publishing journey is by not understanding the costs involved and what you’re willing to invest. Many new authors assume that because platforms like Amazon allow you to upload for free, there’s little else to consider financially. However, successful self-publishing requires realistic expectations of expenses so you can plan accordingly and achieve your publishing goals.
Every aspect of producing a book, from the editing process to the final marketing push, comes with potential costs. It’s important to determine your budget before you start to avoid underestimating expenses, which could force you to make tough choices — like cutting back on professional editing or opting for a lower-quality book cover — that impact the success of your book.
Budgeting also allows you to prioritize your expenses, so you can spend where it matters most while still keeping your project affordable. Understanding the full scope of costs lets you produce a book that reflects your vision without stretching your resources too thin.
2. Let an Amateur Be Your Editor
Friends and family, even with the best intentions, often lack the objectivity and professional knowledge required to improve your book to its best version.
Editing is a specialized skill that requires formal training and experience. Book editing, in particular, is very different from editing for journalism or academia. A skilled editor looks beyond basic grammar and punctuation. They assess the structure, flow, clarity, character development, pacing, and even the author’s voice to ensure your book is polished and engaging.
While someone with an English degree or a fellow writer might offer helpful feedback, they lack the deep expertise of a professional book editor. An amateur might miss crucial issues that can affect the quality and impact of your manuscript, while a professional editor ensures your work is fully ready for publication.
3. Design Your Own Cover Without Any Experience
Why not save a few bucks and design your own cover? After all, it’s just a cover — it’s what’s inside that really counts, right?
In fact, do-it-yourself covers often scream “amateur,” and even a great book can be overlooked if the cover doesn’t grab attention or look like it belongs on a bestseller list. Book cover design is an art form that involves more than just selecting an image and slapping your title on it. A good cover designer understands market trends, typography, and how to create visual appeal. They know how to evoke the right emotions and tell your story at a glance.
The cover is one of the most crucial elements of your book’s marketing. It’s the first thing readers see, and if it doesn’t look professional, they’ll likely pass on your book. Don’t sell your book short with a DIY cover.
4. Ignore Interior Book Design
Simply uploading your Word document won’t cut it if you want readers to take your book seriously. A properly formatted book is not only more professional, but it allows readers to immerse themselves in your story without distraction.
Even seemingly small design choices like font selection and line spacing can play a crucial role. The right font can improve legibility, while proper line spacing prevents text from feeling cramped, which can lead to reader fatigue. Also, incorporating elements like consistent chapter headings and page numbers provides structure to guide readers through the book.
A commitment to quality not only elevates your book’s presentation, but also signals to readers that you value their experience, ultimately enhancing their enjoyment and increasing the likelihood of positive reviews and recommendations.
5. Have No Marketing Plan
So, you’ve finished your book and uploaded it online. Now it’s time to just sit back and wait for the sales to roll in. After all, your book is out there — people will find it, right? Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. The “build it and they will come” mentality is a surefire way to doom your book to the dusty, bewebbed corners of the bookshelf.
As the author, you’re the best representative for your book’s marketing, and without a clear plan, your book will be invisible. A good marketing plan should include:
Identifying your target audience
Crafting a compelling book description
Utilizing social media and email lists
Reaching out to reviewers and/or influencers
Running promotions or ads
Your book might be the next great thing, but don’t assume it will sell itself. You need to put in consistent marketing efforts before, during, and after your book’s release to gain traction.
6. Neglect Your Book’s Metadata
Metadata is essential for making your book discoverable to potential readers online. Accurate and detailed information — such as the title, author name, genre, keywords, and book description — helps search engines and retailers categorize your book effectively, improving your chances of connecting with the right audience and ultimately boosting your chances of success.
Well-chosen keywords increase visibility in search results, while a compelling description entices readers to explore further. Additionally, proper genre classification positions your book alongside similar titles, facilitating discovery.
Neglecting this crucial aspect can result in lower visibility and missed sales opportunities. Regardless of your book’s quality, if your metadata is poorly configured or incomplete, it will become difficult for readers to find and appreciate your story.
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If you’re looking to self-publish a book, avoiding these mistakes can save you from frustration, lost sales, and the disappointment of seeing your book underperform. While self-publishing offers incredible opportunities, it requires a professional mindset. Budgeting for the necessary services, hiring professionals, planning for marketing, and paying attention to the fine details can greatly enhance your book’s potential for success.