15 Jan 5 Common Mistakes New Authors Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Writing Your First Book? Here’s What You Need to Know
Writing a book is an exciting journey, but many first-time authors make avoidable mistakes that can slow down the process or hurt their book’s success.
At Schribe Publishing, we’ve worked with aspiring authors who struggled with everything from poor planning to weak marketing strategies. The good news? You don’t have to learn the hard way!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five biggest mistakes new authors make—and how to avoid them so your book gets the attention and sales it deserves.
Mistake #1: Writing Without a Clear Audience or Purpose
Many first-time authors start writing without defining their target audience or book’s purpose. This often leads to confusing messaging, weak storytelling, or unfocused content.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Identify your ideal reader—who will benefit the most from your book?
✅ Define the main goal of your book—are you inspiring, educating, or entertaining?
✅ Make sure your content aligns with what your readers need and expect.
When you write with a clear purpose and audience in mind, your book will connect with readers and sell better.
Mistake #2: Skipping Professional Editing
Even the best writers make mistakes. Grammar errors, typos, and awkward sentence structures can make your book look unprofessional and hurt your credibility.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Invest in professional editing services to polish your manuscript.
✅ Use multiple rounds of editing—developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading.
✅ Read your book out loud to catch awkward phrasing or inconsistencies.
At Schribe Publishing, we offer professional editing packages to ensure your book is error-free and ready for readers.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Book Formatting and Cover Design
A poorly formatted book or unprofessional cover can ruin a reader’s experience and hurt your sales. Many new authors focus only on writing but overlook the visual appeal of their book.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Hire a professional book designer to create an eye-catching cover.
✅ Ensure your book is properly formatted for Kindle, e-books, and print versions.
✅ Choose easy-to-read fonts and layouts to improve readability.
Remember, people judge books by their covers! A polished design instantly increases credibility and attracts more readers.
Mistake #4: Not Having a Marketing Plan
Many new authors believe that once they publish, readers will magically find their book. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works—without marketing, your book won’t sell.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Start marketing before your book is even published.
✅ Build an author platform using social media, email newsletters, and a website.
✅ Use pre-orders, book launch campaigns, and promotions to attract buyers.
At Schribe Publishing, we provide custom marketing strategies to help authors increase book visibility and sales.
Mistake #5: Expecting Overnight Success
New authors often expect instant sales and bestseller status, but book publishing is a long-term game. Success comes from consistent promotion, engagement, and strategic planning.
How to Avoid It:
✅ Be patient and persistent—your book needs time to gain traction.
✅ Engage with your readers through blogs, social media, and book signings.
✅ Keep writing! The more books you publish, the bigger your audience will grow.
Avoid These Mistakes & Get Expert Help from Schribe Publishing
Writing and publishing a book is an exciting journey, but it’s easy to make mistakes that slow you down. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure your book gets the success and recognition it deserves.
Need help with editing, formatting, or marketing? Schribe Publishing provides professional services to make your book stand out!
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