The 5 Biggest Self-Publishing Mistakes
The 5 Biggest Self-Publishing Mistakes
By Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing and Bestselling Author of The One-Hour Author: A Simple Guide to Writing and Publishing on a Busy Schedule.
Self-publishing is an exciting journey, but it also comes with pitfalls that can negatively impact your book’s success. Many first-time authors make critical mistakes that hurt their sales, credibility, and overall reader experience. After working with countless authors, I’ve identified five of the most common self-publishing mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Poor Book Design and Formatting
Your book’s cover design and interior formatting are the first things potential readers will notice. Many self-published authors make the mistake of designing their covers in Canva or using free templates, which can result in an amateurish look. A poorly formatted interior—especially for Kindle—can make reading frustrating and unprofessional.
How to Avoid It:
Invest in a professional cover designer who understands industry trends and reader expectations.
Use a professional interior formatter or software like Atticus to ensure your book is readable and polished.
Hire an editor—you can’t effectively edit your own work!
Mistake #2: Weak Amazon Sales Page and Book Description
Your book’s Amazon sales page is your primary tool for converting potential readers into buyers. Yet, many authors slap together a lackluster book description without considering how to entice their audience.
How to Avoid It:
Write a compelling book description that clearly explains who the book is for, what they’ll learn, and why they should read it.
Include social proof (such as early reader reviews or endorsements) in your description.
Utilize A+ content on Amazon to enhance your book’s visual appeal and credibility.
Mistake #3: No Marketing or Launch Plan
Publishing a book is not the same as launching it. Many authors simply upload their book and hope it sells, only to be disappointed when no one buys it.
How to Avoid It:
Create a 60-day book launch plan that builds anticipation and secures committed buyers on release day.
Have an email list, social media strategy, and launch team in place.
Run promotions and ads to generate visibility and initial momentum.
Mistake #4: Poor Pricing Strategy
A common mistake is launching with a high price point, assuming readers will pay premium prices for an unknown author. Others price their books inconsistently across formats, losing potential buyers.
How to Avoid It:
Set a low-barrier price for your Kindle launch (typically $0.99–$1.99) to maximize sales volume.
After launch, maintain competitive pricing ($2.99–$5.99 for Kindle, $9.99 for paperback, $14.95 for hardcover) to encourage ongoing sales.
Avoid overpricing your book unless you have a large, established audience.
Mistake #5: Incorrect Format Selection and Release Strategy
Many authors release all book formats (Kindle, paperback, hardcover) at once, diluting their sales and making it harder to hit bestseller status. Others only release in one format, alienating potential readers.
How to Avoid It:
Launch Kindle first to consolidate all sales into one ranking category, maximizing your chance of hitting bestseller lists.
Release paperback and hardcover later to drive additional sales after your initial momentum.
Ensure you offer both Kindle and paperback, as many readers strongly prefer one over the other.
Final Thoughts
Self-publishing success isn’t just about writing a great book—it’s about positioning, marketing, and smart publishing decisions. By avoiding these five mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother publishing journey and better long-term success.
If you need more guidance, check out my book The One-Hour Author on Amazon, or explore my KDP Self-Publishing Course at SmartPublishingServices.com for a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire publishing process.
