Self-publishing is a rollercoaster. It’s thrilling, empowering, and a little scary—especially when you’re just starting out. I’ve been through the highs and lows, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that mistakes are part of the journey. But hey, you don’t have to repeat the ones I made. Here’s a list of common self-publishing mistakes and how you can dodge them like a pro.

1. Skipping Professional Editing

I get it. Editing can be expensive. When I self-published my first book, I thought, “I’ve read this a dozen times. It’s fine!” Spoiler: It wasn’t. Typos, clunky sentences, and plot holes slipped through.

Fix: Always invest in a professional editor. If your budget is tight, start with a developmental editor or at least a proofreader. You can also trade manuscripts with another writer for feedback. Just don’t rely solely on your own eyes.

2. Underestimating the Importance of a Cover

I thought my first cover was good enough. It wasn’t. It screamed “homemade” and didn’t attract the audience I wanted. A cover is your book’s first impression, and trust me, people do judge books by theirs.

Fix: Hire a professional cover designer who knows your genre. They’ll make your book look like it belongs on a bestseller list. If hiring isn’t an option, use tools like Canva but study design principles first—especially for fonts and layouts.

3. Not Knowing Your Audience

I once marketed a book to everyone. Guess what? Almost no one bought it. Writing for a specific audience feels limiting, but it’s key to selling books.

Fix: Before you even start marketing, ask yourself, “Who will read this?” Picture your ideal reader: their age, interests, and what they’re looking for in a book. Tailor your cover, blurb, and promotions to attract them.

4. Skipping a Marketing Plan

I thought, “I’ll publish the book, and the readers will come.” Nope. Without a plan, your book will sit on Amazon like a lonely island.

Fix: Create a basic marketing strategy before publishing. Use social media, book bloggers, email newsletters, and ads. Don’t overwhelm yourself; pick two or three tactics to focus on and learn as you go.

5. Ignoring Formatting

Oh, the nightmare of a poorly formatted book! My first attempt was full of random spaces and awkward line breaks. It looked unprofessional and frustrated readers.

Fix: Use tools like Vellum (Mac users) or Reedsy Book Editor. For a tighter budget, study formatting guides for Word or Scrivener. Always preview your book before hitting “Publish.”

6. Overlooking Reviews

I didn’t prioritize getting reviews early on, and it hurt my book’s visibility. Reviews are social proof—they tell potential readers, “This book is worth your time.”

Fix: Build a launch team of friends, family, and early readers who can leave honest reviews. Reach out to book bloggers or offer free copies in exchange for reviews.

7. Pricing Too High or Too Low

I once priced a book way too high because I thought it reflected its value. Another time, I went too low, hoping to attract more buyers. Both backfired.

Fix: Research pricing in your genre. Look at comparable books and test prices. Pricing isn’t just about numbers; it’s about perceived value.

8. Trying to Do Everything Alone

Self-publishing often feels like a solo mission, but you don’t have to wear all the hats. In my early days, I tried to do it all: writing, editing, designing, and marketing. Burnout hit me hard.

Fix: Delegate where you can. Join writing communities to trade skills or share resources. Sometimes, investing in help—whether it’s a virtual assistant or a formatter—saves you time and sanity.

9. Failing to Treat It Like a Business

I was so focused on the creative side that I ignored the business aspect. Things like tracking expenses, managing royalties, and understanding taxes flew over my head.

Fix: Keep track of your earnings and expenses from day one. Tools like Excel or apps like QuickBooks can help. Learn about your tax obligations, especially if you’re earning consistently.

Self-publishing is a learning curve, but every mistake teaches you something valuable. The good news? You’re not alone in this journey. There’s a whole community of authors who’ve been there and are willing to help. So, take a deep breath, avoid these pitfalls, and keep moving forward. Your dream of holding that book in your hands? It’s worth it.