Self-publishing might sound an appealing option for many authors, especially the ones who are about to publish their very first book. There are no gatekeepers who will slam the door in front of your face and everything is going to be under your control. Total freedom in navigating the whole publishing process may seem to be a dream come true – it’s only you and your literary baby. However, there are two sides to every coin.
This is why it’s crucial to be aware not only of what you SHOULD do but also what you SHOULDN’T do. This knowledge will save you from a self-publishing minefield and bring you success rather than painful failure.
Here are some common mistakes authors make when self-publishing:
POOR COVER DESIGN.
The cover is the first thing people will see therefore it’s the most important marketing tool. It can take just one second for a person to fall in love with it or decide it’s not worth their attention. So, you definitely don’t want to hide your mind-blowing story behind an amateur cover. Instead, invest your time and money in a professional design and win over as many hearts as you can.
MEDIOCRE DESCRIPTION.
It’s the second thing potential readers will see after inspecting the cover. This means that your book’s description is your second chance to gain people’s attention and you better not screw that up. Of course, an amazing front cover design alone doesn’t guarantee that your book will sell. If the description is uninteresting nobody will want to open the first page. In order to do it right, you could use these three key guidelines:
- Reel readers in with an irresistible hook;
- Use keywords relevant to your target audience;
- Clearly demonstrate what they’ll get out of the reading experience.
OVERPRICING.
Of course, any writer wants to be rewarded for his work and you are no exception. But there is one truth we all have to admit: life is hard and so is publishing. When you’re not an established author, you can’t expect people to buy your book for the same price as that of a renowned author or a popular celebrity. Therefore, start your writing career step by step and avoid pricing yourself out of the market. It’s better to get less profit than none at all.
BAD FORMATTING.
Publishers may have specific formatting requirements, which you will need to meet to work with them. Also, formatting your manuscript cleanly and simply ensures that readers enjoy a seamless experience, so be mindful of fundamentals like paragraph, section breaks and line spacing. Otherwise, messy formatting will most likely lead you to be known as unprofessional writer who doesn’t respect his readers, and put off publishers and editors from working with you.
LOW QUALITY EDITING.
You won’t deceive your readers. If you allowed yourself to publish a poorly edited book, don’t be surprised if a large proportion of customers request refunds and write negative reviews. People will invest their money and time to read your book, so make sure it’s of the best possible quality. Hire a professional editor and take pride in your work. Your readers will thank you, and the market will reward you.
POOR MARKETING.
You may write a potential best-seller, but it won’t become one if you don’t utilize the proper marketing techniques. This is simply because nobody, or none of the right people, will know about your book. Firstly, if the author themselves doesn’t speak enthusiastically about their work, why should anybody else? Make it easy for your social media followers and real life acquaintances to find out about your book. For reaching those outside your personal circle, consider trusting the marketing to experienced professionals, unless you personally have an exceptional knowledge of and significant experience in marketing. If you don’t, finding a good marketing expert or team could provide you essential help. Don’t hesitate to get onto the marketing side of things, the sooner the better, so start looking for marketing resources well before launching your book. In addition, don’t forget to enlist your friends and family in spreading the word.
These are just some common mistakes new authors often make. Always remember that simply creating a good story is not enough to gain success.
Do a proper research, find experienced people that will help you and
make the best out of your book!
