Self Publishing Errors

Self Publishing has given writers so much freedom.  But as this site always says, there is more to being an author than writing … There is a degree of business sense too! This is even more important for authors who are self publishing, as they often do not have agents sorting out the books and deals for them. Here are ten mistakes you can easily avoid once you’re aware of them.

1) Making your own book cover

The saying ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover‘ is spoken by many, but unfortunately most people still do. If the cover you made yourself looks amateur, the chances are people will think the writing within it is too. There are many, easy-to-find and affordable covers to find on the internet! MORE: 5 Strategies For Self Publishing On A Budget

2) Not being confident

Describing yourself as an ‘aspiring’ writer suggests you lack confidence. Also, telling your social media platforms about all your other day jobs detracts from the fact that you are an author. Use your platforms to promote yourself as a published author, nothing less!

3) Rushing the self publishing process

Good things really do take time, especially when publishing a book. You want your book to be perfect: error and typo-free. If you hurry to publish, you will read through it again and be very disappointed at its quality, wishing you waited. Be an author that waits, reads and edits multiple times over and recruits an editor and beta readers to create a masterpiece. Give yourself time to develop the perfect manuscript, an amazing cover, a solid promotion plan … Make sure you take baby steps!

4) Not using an editor

You will not find every single mistake in your book – read that again! Two pairs of eyes are certainly better than one in this case, which is why the vast majority of bestsellers have been professionally edited and proof read. You may also be a professional editor and/or proof reader, but the risk is probably not worth it. MORE: Top 5 Proofing Errors Writers Make

5) Delaying writing your next book

After the first book, you will feel great. It’s a major accomplishment, but  you need to keep the ball rolling to stay in the game. You are a great author already, so keep writing! Update your social media that you’re still going. MORE: 12 Things To Think About Before Rushing Into Self Publishing

6) Using print run over print-on-demand

Print run is when you have a certain (usually large) amount of copies printed in one go. If an author doesn’t manage to sell them all, they don’t make profit. Printing on demand is a great way to only pay for what you sell, while being able to keep promoting yourself.

7) Not asking for a sample product

When publishing with a new self-publishing company, you are giving a lot of power over to them. Unless you know other authors who have published with them, it is a wise idea to ask for a sample book to see how they look and feel before giving them your permission to print.

8) Failing to market correctly

You need to understand how to market your book to your target audience in order for them to want to buy it. See self publishing in the same light as a start-up business. Communicate with your audience well before you actually publish, as well as after to receive good engagement. MORE: How To Build An Online Platform

9) Not paying attention to the publishing contract

Some self publishing companies can sometimes take advantage of new authors. A good contract will address where you can incur other fees during the publishing process. It should be sensible and coherent. If you have questions, the publishing consultant should answer them.

10) Not mastering your craft

Though you have both experience and passion for writing, you can still always improve. Attend workshops, talk to other authors, read books! Anything you can do on a loosely regular basis to invest in your craft will improve the way you write. MORE: Want To Write A Novel? Then Realise These 5 Things First

Good Luck!

BIO: Aimee Laurence writes regular lifestyle blogs at Academized.com Review as well as Eliteassignmenthelp.com. She takes part in multiple business-related projects, where she takes on a problem-solving role with the goal of improving communication in business. She also blogs for Top Writing Services.