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Common Mistakes New Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Avoid costly publishing errors. Learn the top mistakes first-time authors make — from skipping editing to poor marketing — and how to build a successful ebook publishing journey right from the start.
1. Rushing to Publish Before the Book Is Ready
Most first-time authors are eager to see their name on Amazon and hit publish before their manuscript is ready. It’s understandable — you’ve spent months (maybe years) writing your fictional book or nonfiction guide, and you just want it out there.
But according to a Reedsy report, over 70% of debut authors who rushed their launch ended up re-editing or relaunching their books within the first six months. That not only costs money — it hurts credibility.
Your readers will forgive a slow release, but not a sloppy one. Invest time in professional ghostwriting and book editing, beta reading, and revisions. Every successful author from Colleen Hoover to indie hits on Kindle Unlimited credits editing as the backbone of their book’s success.
Pro Tip: A clean, well-edited manuscript can boost your book’s ranking on Amazon’s algorithm, since higher review scores (4.0+) directly influence visibility
2. Neglecting Formatting and Book Design
It doesn’t matter how brilliant your story is — if your ebook formatting looks unprofessional, readers will click away in seconds. Poorly formatted books have 45% higher return rates, according to Kindlepreneur.
Formatting affects readability, flow, and even how your book appears in Amazon’s “Look Inside” preview. Misaligned paragraphs, inconsistent fonts, or broken spacing instantly signal “amateur.”
Use tools like Kindle Create or hire a professional formatter from Fiverr or Reedsy Marketplace.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget about your cover design — 79% of readers admit they do judge a book by its cover (Self-Publishing School).
3. Choosing a Weak or Vague Book Title
Titles are your first impression — and your biggest discovery tool on Amazon. A vague title like “Reflections” or “Journey” won’t help readers find you in search results.
In the world of ebook publishing, SEO-friendly book titles with relevant keywords perform up to 37% better in organic search, according to BookBub Insights.
Pro Tip: Try blending intrigue with searchable clarity.
Example: Instead of “The Path,” go for “The Path Within: A Transformational Non Fiction Book on Mindset and Growth.”
You can research trending keywords using Publisher Rocket or Ahrefs.
4. Skipping Marketing and Relying Only on Amazon
Many authors think, “I’ll publish it — and readers will come.” Unfortunately, that’s one of the biggest myths in book publishing.
Amazon’s algorithm rewards engagement — not uploads. A 2024 Written Word Media study found that authors who marketed consistently earned five times more royalties than those who didn’t promote at all.
Marketing doesn’t have to mean paid ads. Start with:
- A simple author website using Wix or WordPress.
- Email newsletters to nurture early readers
- Social media teasers and #BookTok engagement for your children’s Ebook or fictional novel.
- Free downloads or limited-time discounts to boost Amazon visibility.
Pro Tip: At least 50 verified reviews — books are 200% more likely to appear in Amazon’s suggestions.
5. Expecting Overnight Success
Publishing your first book can feel like sending a message in a bottle — you might not hear back right away. Many new authors give up too soon because their sales don’t explode in the first month.
Here’s the truth: most books take 3–6 months to gain momentum. According to WordsRated, it often takes that long for Amazon’s recommendation engine to start promoting new releases consistently.
Your book’s success isn’t a sprint — it’s a marathon. Keep sharing, updating, and engaging. Even bestselling authors built their readership slowly, one book at a time.
Pro Tip: Track your progress through Amazon Author Central, where you can monitor rankings, reviews, and reader engagement.
6. Skipping Professional Help and Doing Everything Alone
Self-publishing doesn’t mean solo publishing.Many new authors hesitate to spend on editing, formatting, or consultation — and end up making costly mistakes later.
Professional input can transform your project. Platforms like IngramSpark and BookBaby provide tools, distribution networks, and guidance that help you avoid hidden errors in ISBNs, metadata, or file formatting.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re on a tight budget, outsource at least editing or cover design. These two elements have the highest return on investment for new authors.
7. Not Planning for a Long-Term Author Brand
Publishing a single book is great — but building an author brand is what creates a career. Data from Reedsy shows that authors with three or more books earn over 200% more royalties on average.
Think of your first book as the foundation, not the finish line. Keep your readers engaged with newsletters, updates, and sneak peeks of your next fictional or non fictional project.
Pro Tip: Create an author page on Goodreads — it helps readers follow your journey and boosts discoverability.
Final Thoughts
Mistakes are part of every author’s journey — but avoiding major ones can put you miles ahead. Whether you’re writing fictional books, non fictional books, or children’s stories, success in ebook publishing comes down to patience, polish, and persistence.
If you’re ready to improve your next launch, check out our related blog: How Long Does It Really Take to Write and Publish a Book?.