5 Mistakes to Avoid When Self-Publishing Your Book

You’ve done it—you’ve finished your manuscript. That’s a huge achievement, so congratulations!

Now comes the next big step: publishing. This is where things can get tricky. Many authors run into challenges at this stage, and it’s not hard to see why. Publishing takes patience, persistence, and a willingness to navigate a steep learning curve, especially if it’s your first time.

To help you avoid unnecessary surprises and keep things running smoothly, here are five common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.

Mistake No. 1 – Rushing Through the Editing Process

By the time you’ve completed your manuscript, you’ve revisited every twist and turn, refined the outline, and fine-tuned the links between sections and chapters. You’re so immersed in your story that you likely miss the bigger picture. Perhaps you think you included a crucial detail but didn’t, or you assume readers know something they couldn’t possibly know.

No matter how gripping your plot, clarity and coherence are key to delivering your message. Skimping on in-depth editing might save time initially, but it risks earning poor reviews from frustrated readers, or even forcing you to start over after publication.

Mistake No. 2 – Skipping the Proofread

Proofreading is the essential follow-up to editing. No matter how often you’ve reviewed your manuscript, small mistakes like missing words or misplaced punctuation can slip through unnoticed.

Ideally, your proofreader should be someone other than your editor. If you’re handling both roles yourself, let the manuscript sit for a few days before revisiting it to catch errors with fresh eyes. Beta readers can also help identify overlooked issues.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure your readers stay fully immersed in your story without being distracted by awkward sentence construction, grammatical errors or typos.

Mistake No. 3 – Ignoring Formatting Standards

Proper formatting is essential for any book. The requirements can vary depending on whether you’re publishing an e-book on Kindle, a print-on-demand book with Amazon, or a mobile-friendly version for platforms like Gumroad or Substack. While some platforms allow more creative flexibility, Amazon is known for its strict formatting standards.

For Amazon Print-On-Demand, their Microsoft Word templates are a great way to ensure your book meets all the necessary specifications. For e-books, Kindle Create is a user-friendly tool that simplifies the formatting process. If the technical side of formatting feels overwhelming or too time-consuming, it’s worth considering a trusted service provider to help you achieve a polished, professional result.

Mistake No. 4 – Cutting Corners on Quality Translations

If you’re thinking about translating your book, steer clear of machine translations. While AI tools can provide a decent starting point, they’re no substitute for culturally adequate translators (yet).

To ensure your book resonates with readers in another language, you should opt for high-quality translation, localisation, and transcreation. Work with a translator who understands both languages deeply and can adapt your unique style to a new audience.

Mistake No. 5 – Underestimating Marketing Efforts

Self-publishing means self-promotion. To maximise your book’s reach, you’ll need to invest time in marketing or work with a professional to develop a strategy that works for you.

Start by optimising your Amazon listing. Ask yourself: Who is my audience? Are they sci-fi enthusiasts, self-help seekers, or fans of historical fiction? How does my book address their interests or solve their problems? Use relevant keywords and ensure your book description and author bio speak directly to your readers.

For a more direct approach, consider running a small ad campaign on Amazon to target readers in your genre. Engage your audience through social media and offer free copies to beta readers or bloggers in exchange for honest reviews. Consistency and visibility are key to driving sales.

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Self-publishing isn’t as simple as hitting upload. To give your book the best chance to succeed, focus on four key areas: editing for clarity, formatting to meet industry standards, marketing to connect with your audience, and high-quality translation if you’re reaching readers in other languages. Taking the time to get these right will not only save you headaches later but also ensure your book makes the impact it deserves.

FAQ

• Do I need professional editing for my book?

  Even the best stories can lose impact if they’re unclear or inconsistent. Editing ensures your manuscript reads smoothly, keeps readers engaged, and avoids those frustrating gaps or missteps that can lead to bad reviews.

• Can I proofread my own work?

  You definitey can, but it’s risky. When you’re too close to your writing, it’s easy to overlook typos, missing words, or grammar issues. A fresh pair of eyes can spot what you might miss.

• What are Amazon’s formatting requirements, and how do I meet them?

  Amazon has specific rules for both Kindle eBooks and Print-on-Demand (POD) books. Kindle Create is a great tool for eBooks, and Amazon’s templates help with POD formatting. If the technical details feel overwhelming, hire a professional to make sure your book looks clean and professional.

• Is machine translation enough for publishing in other languages?

  No. Machine translation is great, but it still struggles to interpret cultural nuances, subtleties in tone and voice, or figurative language. High-quality human translation—or transcreation—adapts your story to resonate with a new audience while preserving your unique style.

• How do I market my self-published book?

  Start with optimising your Amazon listing—target your audience with specific keywords and craft a description that speaks directly to them. Use Amazon ads to reach readers in your genre, engage your audience on social media, and offer free copies to beta readers or bloggers in exchange for honest reviews.