Book Marketing and Publishing Mistakes Every Author Should Avoid

Why do some books succeed while others disappear?

Let’s face it: writing a book is hard. But getting people to actually read it? That’s where things get really tough.

Every year, thousands of books are published. Some become bestsellers, while others vanish without a trace. What separates the winners from the rest? Often, it’s not just talent—it’s avoiding the publishing mistakes and book marketing errors that trip up even the most dedicated authors.

Maybe you’ve spent months (or years) writing your book. You’ve poured your heart into it. The last thing you want is for it to flop because of avoidable errors. Yet so many authors make the same missteps—over and over again.

In this post, we’re going to talk about the most common publishing mistakes and book marketing errors that can sabotage your book’s success. More importantly, we’ll show you how to steer clear of them.

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Publishing Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Book Before It Even Launches

1. Publishing Without Professional Editing

Here’s a harsh truth: No one cares how brilliant your story is if it’s full of typos and awkward sentences.

Too many authors skip professional editing, thinking they can do it themselves or rely on spellcheck—big mistake. Readers and especially reviewers will notice errors, and they won’t hesitate to point them out. One-star reviews often start with, “This book had so much potential, but the editing was terrible…”

Why This Hurts You:

1. Readers assume a poorly edited book is low-quality.
2. Agents and publishers will reject manuscripts with sloppy errors.
3. Even a few typos can make your book look unprofessional.

What You Should Do Instead:

1. Hire a professional editor. If money’s tight, at least use beta readers and proofreading tools.
2. Read your manuscript out loud. You’ll catch errors you’d miss on the page.
3. Don’t rush. Give yourself time to polish your work.

2. Settling for a Cheap (or DIY) Book Cover

Your book cover is your first impression. If it looks homemade, readers will assume your book is, too.

I’ve seen authors use clipart, bad fonts, or even design their own covers in Microsoft Word. The result? A book that gets ignored.

Why This Hurts You:

1. Readers judge books by their covers—whether we like it or not.
2. A bad cover makes your book look amateurish, no matter how good the writing is.
3. Bookstores and online algorithms favor professionally designed books.

What You Should Do Instead:

1. Invest in a professional cover designer. If you’re on a budget, use pre-made covers from trusted sites.
2. Look at bestsellers in your genre. What do their covers have in common?
3. Avoid trends that look dated (like overused stock photos).

3. Choosing the Wrong Publishing Path

Some authors jump into self-publishing without realizing how much work it takes. Others spend years chasing traditional publishing deals that never come. Both paths have pros and cons—but picking the wrong one can waste time, money, and opportunities.

Why This Hurts You:

1. Self-publishing means you’re responsible for everything—editing, marketing, distribution.
2. Traditional publishing is slow, competitive, and often frustrating.
3. Some authors pick a path that doesn’t fit their goals or skills.

What You Should Do Instead:

1. Research both options. Talk to authors who’ve done both.
2. If you want control and speed, self-publishing might be best.
3. If you want prestige and wide distribution, aim for traditional publishing.
4. Consider starting with self-publishing to build an audience, then pitch to agents later.

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4. Not Knowing Who Your Book Is For

Here’s a question every author should answer: Who is this book for?

If you can’t answer that, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Too many authors write for themselves instead of their readers. They assume, “If I like it, others will too.” That’s not how it works.

Why This Hurts You:

1. Without a clear audience, you can’t market effectively.
2. Your book might not resonate with anyone, leading to poor sales.
3. Publishers and agents want books with a defined readership.

What You Should Do Instead:

1. Picture your ideal reader. What do they like? Where do they hang out online?
2. Read books in your genre. What makes them popular?
3. Join Facebook groups, subreddits, or forums where your readers spend time.

Book Marketing Errors That Keep Your Book Hidden

1. Waiting Until Launch Day to Start Marketing

Here’s a secret: The best time to start marketing your book is before it’s even finished.

Too many authors wait until their book is out to start promoting it. By then, it’s too late. You’ve missed the chance to build buzz, grow an email list, or connect with influencers.

Why This Hurts You:

1. Books don’t sell themselves. If no one knows about yours, no one will buy it.
2. Launch day should be the climax of your marketing—not the starting point.
3. Most books fail because authors don’t plan ahead.

What You Should Do Instead:

1. Start building an audience now. Share snippets, behind-the-scenes content, or free chapters.
2. Build an email list. Even 100 engaged subscribers can make a difference.
3. Line up reviews, blog tours, or promotions before your book launches.

2. Ignoring Reviews (Or Begging for Them)

Reviews are the lifeblood of book sales. But many authors make two big mistakes:

1. They don’t ask for reviews at all.
2. They spam readers, begging for five-star ratings.

Both approaches backfire.

Why This Hurts You:

1. Books with no reviews look suspicious to buyers.
2. Fake or forced reviews can get your book flagged (or worse, banned).
3. Negative reviews—if handled poorly—can damage your reputation.

What You Should Do Instead:

1. Ask for honest reviews from readers who genuinely liked your book.
2. Offer free copies to book bloggers or reviewers in your genre.
3. Respond to reviews professionally—even the bad ones.

3. Skipping Social Media and Email Marketing

Some authors think social media and email lists are just for “big-name” writers. That’s a costly book marketing error.

Social media and email are the best ways to connect with readers and sell books—without relying on luck.

Why This Hurts You:

1. Without an online presence, readers won’t discover your book.
2. Social media helps you build a loyal fanbase over time.
3. Email lists let you promote directly to people who already like your work.

What You Should Do Instead:

1. Pick one or two social media platforms (like Instagram or TikTok) and post consistently.
2. Start an email list early. Offer a freebie (like a bonus chapter) to encourage sign-ups.
3. Engage with your audience. Don’t just post “Buy my book!” all the time.

4. Pricing Your Book Wrong

Price your book too high, and readers will skip it. Price it too low, and they’ll assume it’s cheaper, you’ll barely make any money.

Why This Hurts You:

1. A high price scares off casual readers.
2. A low price can make your book look low-quality.
3. The wrong price means fewer sales and lower royalties.

What You Should Do Instead:

1. Research similar books in your genre. What are they priced at?
2. Start with a competitive price for e-books (usually $2.99–$5.99).
3. Run limited-time discounts to boost sales and reviews.

5. Not Building an Author Platform

An author platform is more than just a website—it’s your presence as a writer. It’s how readers find you, trust you, and keep coming back.

Too many authors skip this step, thinking their book will speak for itself. That’s rarely true.

Why This Hurts You:

1. Without a platform, you have no way to connect with readers long-term.
2. Publishers and agents want authors with an existing audience.
3. A strong platform helps you sell more books over time.

What You Should Do Instead:

1. Create a simple author website with a blog, bio, and links to your books.
2. Be active on social media. Share your writing journey, not just book links.
3. Network with other authors, bloggers, and influencers in your niche.

How to Fix Mistakes You’ve Already Made

Already published your book? Don’t panic. You can still turn things around.

If Your Book Has Errors:

1. Fix them. Most platforms let you upload corrected files.
2. Consider a “second edition” with a note about improvements.

If Your Marketing Fell Flat:

1. Relaunch your book with a new cover, blurb, or promotion.
2. Run a sale or giveaway to attract new readers.
3. Ask happy readers to leave reviews or share your book.

If You’re Just Starting Out:

1. Slow down. Don’t rush the publishing process.
2. Get help if you need it—whether it’s editing, design, or marketing.
3. Build buzz before your book launches.

Final Thoughts!

Publishing a book is a journey—one filled with highs, lows, and plenty of lessons. The good news? Most publishing mistakes and book marketing errors are avoidable.

Remember:

1. Edit like a pro. First impressions matter.
2. Design a cover that sells. Don’t cut corners.
3. Know your audience. Write and market for them.
4. Start marketing early. Don’t wait until launch day.
5. Build your platform. Connect with readers before your book is out.

The road to publishing success isn’t always smooth. But by avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll give your book the best chance to thrive.