Self-publishing is serious business, and it can be hard if you do not start on the right tracks. If you find yourself making any of these self-publishing mistakes, it is time to sit up.
Self-publishing mistake #1: Poor cover design.
You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Nobody listens. In publishing, impressions are all that matter. And the first impression anybody gets from your book comes from the cover. If you skimp on your book cover, it will show. And that will impact your sales. You get what you pay for. And a good cover equals good sales.
Self-publishing mistake #2: Poor editing.
Editors are essential in book publishing. They can spot your typos, plot holes and inconsistencies. They refine your work. Before you hire an editor, make sure to self edit as much as possible. Always hire a qualified editor. Remember, you get what you pay for. If your book is full of errors, your readers will be your worse nightmare. Also remember, there are different types of editing and no one person can do it all.
Self-publishing mistake #3: Chasing trends.
Everyone agrees that you need to make money from your books. But chasing every hot niche with the hope of making it quick will hurt your brand and sales in the long run. Stick to a niche and establish yourself as an expert it it. your readers will thank you for this through higher sales and glowing reviews.
Self-publishing mistake #4: Wrong pricing.
You stayed up endless nights and poured your sweat into your book. It is only fair that you charge as you please, right? Wrong. Unless you are a big name, readers will not buy your book at a price that is higher than their expectations. That does not mean that you should price it too low. Even though a low price may sell, readers may assume that if it’s cheap, then it is not good enough. Always stay within the market prices. Feel free to price as you wish when you become a celebrity. Then, readers may buy without batting an eyelid.
Self-publishing mistake #5 Little or no marketing
This is probably the worst of all self-publishing mistakes made by indie authors. Self-publishing means you do it all. You shoulder all the costs and responsibilities. This includes marketing your book. If no one knows about your book, no one will go looking for it. No one will buy it. It is advisable to start spreading the word even before you start writing the book. Let friends and family know about it. Start a blog and share updates about your upcoming book. Don’t stop when the book is out. Share links to your website or retailer sites and let everyone know about your book.
These are just a few of the common self-publishing mistakes that people make when they start out. If you know others that you’d like to share, leave it in the comments. And keep checking this blog frequently as we will be adding more tips.
