By Arina Smith
Many people strive to publish a book, but few actually do. If you’re gearing up to be an author, congratulations. Writing a book is a huge accomplishment, and you should be proud of getting so far. Luckily, it’s also easier than ever to publish your own work with self-publishing.
In fact, many authors make a good living self-publishing their books. Readers are more open to indie and self-published authors than ever before. Indie books make up 25% of Amazon’s e-book bestsellers. Are you ready to see your book up there on that list? If so, make sure you avoid these self-published author mistakes.
1. You’re not on social media:
Social media and publishing go hand-in-hand today. While authors of the past were more separated from their readers, the walls are breaking down. Readers want to get to know you as an author and a person, and that’s where social media comes in.
If you have a protected Twitter or Instagram account, you’re missing out on a chance to talk to potential readers. Many authors use these platforms to advertise their new books, but it’s also just a great way to interact with your audience.
2. You’re still “aspiring” to be an author:
If you’ve written a book, whether self-published or traditionally published, you’re an author. There’s no such thing as an “aspiring” writer unless you’ve never written anything in your life. If your book is available for sale on Amazon or any other platform, you’re published. It’s official, you’re an author.
Stop saying you’re “aspiring” to be an author in your bios and on your website. There’s no need for any cliched adjectives about how you aren’t yet at your full potential. Embrace your success.
3. You stop at one book:
Self-published authors do exceptionally well when they keep writing. Your first work might be a dud. It might not catch on until you have books 2 and 3 already out. As a writer, you learn a lot after your first book. As much as you’d like to think you know it all, you really don’t.
What you learn after your first book will go into perfecting your second, third, and fifteenth book. Don’t stop writing, if not for your readers than for yourself.
4. You self-publish alone:
A lot of new authors make the mistake of thinking they have to go at self-publishing alone. This isn’t true. In fact, there are a lot of great resources and experts online who make this process much smoother no matter your experience level. From online beta readers and editors to the SearchForPublishers platform, you don’t have to figure this out all by yourself.
In fact, you shouldn’t. Learning from others is the best way to grow as an author. Take feedback seriously. If someone suggestions your book needs to be further developed or that the cover isn’t attracting the right audience, they might be onto something.
5. You ignore hybrid publishing:
Hybrid publishing is one of the biggest trends in publishing we’re expected to see this year. Hybrid publishing rests somewhere between traditional publishing and self-publishing. You’ll have more access to those resources we talked about before, but you’ll also still be in creative control.
This is particularly useful when it comes to marketing. Marketing books are hard work. Without the right expertise, you could get stuck with a dud of a book. Hybrid publishing steps in to fill these gaps.
Whether you’re well on your way to publishing your first book or you’re simply interested in the world of self-publishing, this guide will show you what not to do on your writing journey. New authors have a lot to learn. Luckily, you have ample time to perfect your craft.
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