5 Publishing Mistakes Authors Make
Are you a writer who wants their books to get into the hands of their target market? Then read on.
Publishing is a different ball game from writing; it requires a different skill set. In this article, we will identify 5 common publishing mistakes you should avoid as an author, they are:
● Avoiding Professional Editing
Editing your work is crucial before publishing. Avoiding the editing process is like shooting yourself in the foot. A professional editor detects loopholes in your logic, ensures every sentence communicates your message to your readers and suggests better ways to write. While self-editing might seem appealing, it is not effective. Opting for a professional editor ensures your manuscript is clear and concise, grammatically accurate, error-free, and ready for publication.
● Inadequate Research
As an author, the inability to conduct thorough research on the publisher or publishing house working on your manuscript might lead to a poor publication. Ensure that you check out their previous works, and obtain reviews from previous clients. This will help you make an informed decision before proceeding with the publishers.
● Subpar Book Design
Although there is a saying that goes ‘Never judge a book by its cover’, your book cover is the first attraction to a potential reader. Its importance cannot be overemphasised, therefore, your book cover must be designed in alignment with the genre of your book. While many authors understand the importance of a professionally done cover design, they often neglect the interior layout. It must contain the appropriate fonts and colours. A poorly designed book interior is as bad as a poorly designed book cover; therefore, it must be given as much importance as the cover.
● Poorly Written Blurb
A blurb is a short descriptive text at the back of your book that is used as a marketing strategy. Its aim is not to reveal the entire context of your book but for promotional purposes. It serves as an elevator pitch, explaining your reader’s benefit when they pick your book. Therefore, in the process of publishing your book, much attention should be paid to the blurb. Keep it short with an opening hook that triggers the reader’s interest.
● Last-Minute Marketing
Marketing is a significant step in your publishing process. Do not wait until you have a stack of books before you start publishing neither should you wait for your book to be published before marketing. Before you publish, you must plan and organise ways to reach your target audience. Start advertising and promoting your book even when it is yet to be published. You can do this via social media, your author’s website, or Amazon.
In conclusion, to avoid these common mistakes, you need to employ the service of a professional publisher. At BookSpider, we help you achieve your publishing goals with zero errors. Our services include professional book design, ISBN, physical manuscript conversion to an audiobook, and many more. Reach out to us today.
