Understanding everything there is to know about self-publishing is the first step toward success as an independent author. It is, without a doubt, what your book — this project in which you have committed so much heart and effort — deserves.
You’re probably aware that self-publishing isn’t a new or unusual way to get your book into print. When looking for books on Amazon, for example, it might be difficult to identify which ones were conventionally published and which were self-published.
This holds true for bestseller lists as well. You want to make sure you do everything properly—or as good as you can—after spending all that time and work writing and perhaps even illustrating your book.
The Top Common Mistakes are as Follows-
1. Cutting Costs on the Cover Design
First impressions aren’t just important—they’re crucial when it comes to book sales. Many writers choose to make their own front covers to save money. Unfortunately, unless you have a history in book publishing and strong design skills, choosing the DIY approach might mean disaster for your business.
There are numerous ways to put your money into your book, but hiring an experienced book designer with a solid reputation can provide you with the most value. This is a classic case of “you get what you pay for,” but a polished, professional, and visually appealing book cover is worth its weight in gold.
2. Inadequate Market Research and Analysis
You’ll want to figure out which books are selling best (and why), what people want to read right now, who your targeted audience is and how to reach them, and whether you have any competitors in order to gain the most leverage for selling your book.
3. Your Book Description isn’t Optimized
Every retailer provides you with a page on which you may describe your book to potential readers. It’s another example of “making your first impressions count,” since nothing will turn off your readers faster than a boring, lengthy, or self-congratulatory description.
The greatest approach to learn how to write a decent book description is to read as many as possible in your book’s genre; you’ll quickly notice a similar structure to the writing and what plot aspects are highlighted.
Plan to spend some time at your local library or bookshop reading book covers, or curl up in front of your computer and browse your favorite online book retailer.
4. Taking Shortcuts in the Editing Process
Editors are hyperliterate; they can identify typos, misspellings, and grammatical problems from a mile away. They’ll be ruthless with inconsistencies, narrative holes, bad structure, and clichés. Before hiring one, attempt to edit the book yourself and make it as “clean” as possible.
Then make sure you’re familiar with the various forms of editing offered, including development/content editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. It’s almost difficult for a single editor to complete all levels of editing in a single pass, and different forms of editing are required for different manuscripts.
5. Not Choosing and Committing to a Specified Release Date
Setting your audience’s expectations is an important element of marketing. And nothing will ruin a relationship more quickly than being unreliable. Make sure your publication date is realistic, and don’t disappoint your audience.
6. Inconvenient Time
You’d be amazed how many individuals try to release their books at opportune moments. After the presidential election, books on elections were published. On Christmas Day, new Christmas novels are launched.
In November, some beachy books. Examine your schedule and conduct some research online to determine when you should publish your book. Beyond the obvious holidays and seasons, try to come up with a timely connection that will make your book stand out.
This is especially useful when pitching it to the media or planning a book tour: for example, your historical pirate novel, or your travelogue about painting across Europe could be ready to launch in time for Henri Matisse’s 150th birthday.
7. Wrong Formatting
Every bookstore has its own set of technical criteria that must be properly enforced. Check their instructions to see which file types they prefer you upload—the usual suspects are a Microsoft Word document, an Adobe PDF file, or a MOBI or EPUB file—and if they allow more than one, make sure you select the one that best suits your book.
Beyond the file type, formatting your work neatly and simply ensures that readers have a consistent experience, so pay attention to basics like paragraph and section breaks and consistent line spacing.
8. No Marketing
Nobody will buy your book if no one knows about it. As much as self-published writers like to be “discovered,” it is your job to spread the word about your book to as many people as possible—even before it is released. Even conventional publishers are asking writers to assist with marketing and social media these days.
Engaging your readers and followers during the writing process allows them to be a part of the process, helping you spread the news about your book and purchasing it once it is published.
9. Before You Released Your Book, No One Had Read it
These wonderful people are known as “beta readers,” and they appreciate novels enough to read them and provide feedback, letting you know if your book is pleasant and where it could require improvement.
It might sometimes be as easy as asking friends and family for honest critical input, but joining a writers’ group is your best chance. Writing groups are really helpful, and the only expense to you is repaying the favor.
Although no one enjoys receiving criticism, it is an important part of the writing process for authors.
Beta readers may make the difference between publishing a mediocre novel and publishing a fantastic one.
10. Wrong Pricing
If you overprice your book, no one will buy it. You could boost sales if you price it too cheap, but you won’t be selling your book for what it’s worth. Worse, readers may conclude that your book isn’t good since it’s inexpensive. Look into the prices of other books in your category and at your page count.
Also keep in mind that, while promotional discounts might boost sales, buyers are smart enough to wait till the price decreases again.
11. You are Not Utilizing Your Personal Network
Your friends and family care about you, and they wish you success. Don’t be scared to request that they promote your book on their social media networks. Most importantly, tell them that the best support they can provide is by purchasing your book for themselves.
12. If Your First Book Fails, You Should Not Give Up
Someone has undoubtedly said to you at some point in your life, “If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again.” When it comes to writing, the fact is that perseverance is essential.
Every project and book you work on will provide you with valuable experience that will help you advance to the next level. It’s sometimes only a question of timing.
It’s sometimes just a question of luck. And our initial attempt isn’t usually our finest effort. The key is to keep moving forward.
Conclusion
When it comes to publishing your book, keep in mind that you don’t want to rush the process. It’s simpler to rectify mistakes before your work is published, and there’s nothing wrong with taking your time.
You’ve already completed the most difficult portion of the process: writing. This is a significant accomplishment in and of itself, and it deserves to be recognized.
Remember that not only will your next book be better, but you will also have gained valuable experience. You’ll already have an audience that will support and encourage you.
-Isabell S.
