WHEN SELF-PUBLISHING A BOOK, WHAT PITFALLS MUST WRITERS AVOID?

Self-Publishing a Book without Pitfalls

What is one of the most important questions writers ask? As a book publishing coach for nearly a decade, I can tell you. They ask, “What should I avoid when self-publishing a book?” I offer various levels of book coaching at Dream to Publish. During my first consultation, I recommend clients assess their self-publishing skill level before embarking on the self-publishing journey.

9 Common Pitfalls of Self-Publishing a Book

1. Misinformation — You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

Digital publishing is more complicated than most realize. This pitfall involves is best described by the concept: You don’t know what you don’t know. As first-time publishers of their own book, most writers do not understand that printing the book is only half the job. Self-publishing requires professional, technical, and expensive pre-production services. A writer may be frustrated and disappointed if their self-publishing skill level is inadequate. They might need counseling!

2. Printing — The Demand of Print on Demand

Self-publishing is now affordable and doable for non-celebrities due to the invention of print on demand. Yet, dishonest self-publishing companies prey on innocent, new authors. For one thing, companies who sell self-publishing, misrepresent themselves as self-publishers. The truth is, as an aspiring self-published author, they are not the publisher, you are. Advertising “free self-publishing,” these dishonest companies take advantage of writers who do not understand the full scope of publishing a book. The problem is, your book becomes hostage to high prices and low quality, once you send these unscrupulous companies your manuscript.

3. Specialists — Find Book Publishing Subcontractors

You will need to hire book publishing subcontractors to help you complete elements of your book. Fundamental tasks include interior and book cover design, content editing, proofreading, sales copy, soliciting reviews, and more. The reality is, without connections, subcontractors may overcharge and underdeliver due to a lack of knowledge. For example, a graphic designer might not know how to design a book cover. Similarly, an professional layout artist may not know the intricacies of book interior design without proper experience. Vetting subcontractors may be confusing and expensive. Even subcontractors don’t know what they don’t know, and your budget and book quality may deteriorate.

4. Maintain a Vision — Too Many Cooks Spoil the Book

The expression, too many cooks in the kitchen can spoil the broth, is an apt saying for self-publishing. The temptation for outside opinions on their book cover, interior design, and manuscripts is too much for most first-time self-publishers to resist. Yet, as tempting as opinions are, everyone is an expert and they all disagree, which causes undue confusion. The temptation to ask for approval from friends and family during this process is a big mistake. Ignore the fake experts, research online, and check with professionals. Learn on your own the way back covers, title page, and other components are successfully done. Resists asking those who know nothing about publishing books such as your parents, best friends, or random designers.

5. Follow a Timeline — Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail

For successful self-publishing avoid the pitfall of working without a plan. Self-publishing requires a meticulous production schedule, timeline, and workflow. A self-publisher will waste time, receive inferior results, and lose money if work is completely out of order. Begin self-publishing by solidifying a production schedule and timeline — then, stay on track.

6. Don’t Do it — Get Your Ego Out of the Way

As the writer and publisher, you are going to need a big ego to get the job done. However, maintaining objectivity will be a huge challenge. For example, your writing style could potentially be full of errors. Many clients fall into the habit of passive writing and the overuse of the word, “it.” This is not a style, this is weak writing — as most good writers and editors agree. Yet, you are the boss. Falling in love with your writing is natural. However, without the guidance of a professional who provides honest, high-quality feedback, the practice of loving your writing too much is harmful to your book.

7. Perfectionism — A Self-Publishing Black Hole

Let me tell you — your book is never going to be perfect. Understand that most books published professionally contain multiple errors. Do you know what a second edition is about? The second edition is to correct the errors. Therefore, I want you to resist first edition perfectionism. Hire a proofreader and forget about errors until the next edition! Change begets change. If you cannot stop editing, you will never publish. Simply publish and print once you reach a good point. If you are a perfectionist, you are doomed to a black hole of endless corrections. Many writers are afraid of pressing the publish button. Among the nine pitfalls of self-publishing, this one is the most heartbreaking. Years of writing efforts go to waste when a client is unable to publish.

8. Brand Yourself — Part of Being an Author

Author branding is necessary for self-publishers to market and sell their book. However, writers must begin branding themselves prior to the publication date. Since the majority of books are sold online, a branded website and social media provide the ideal platform for authors to sell their books online. A brand is usually developed from the book’s concept art — keep this in mind as you progress through the publishing steps. Your website and social media should be ready for when you are ready to publish or, at least link to your distribution network.

9. Review Copy — Easily Forgotten

Eventually, you will reach a point where the manuscript, as well as book cover and interior design, are finally proofed. Although not in proper book form, you have the final copy of your work. Create a PDF of your book cover and interior, then send copies to solicit reviews. Third-party reviews are necessary to sell books. Furthermore, you can include these comments at the beginning and back cover description of the book. Once the book is published online, you can no longer include reviews in the description area of the book — or, at least not easily.

For further reading, explore Brandon Gaille’s article on 15 Pros and Cons of Self Publishing.

Deborah S. Nelson is the publisher of Publishing SOLO Magazine and the owner of the Dream to Publish Tools, Courses, Book Coaching Boutique.

Try my quiz, HOW PUBLISHABLE ARE YOU? to determine the level of your publishing skills and decide if self-publishing is right for you!