Top 7 Mistakes Authors Make Before Publishing a Book

Every author dreams of the moment their book hits the shelves—or the digital stores. But the road to publishing is filled with pitfalls that can turn excitement into frustration. Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned author, it’s easy to overlook critical steps that can make or break your book’s success.

At Fleck Publisher, we’ve seen brilliant manuscripts struggle because of avoidable mistakes. These errors don’t just affect sales; they can damage an author’s reputation and confidence. The good news? Most of these book publishing mistakes can be avoided with a little awareness and planning.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the top 7 mistakes authors make before publishing a book—authors tips and, more importantly, how to steer clear of them. Think of this as your behind-the-scenes guide to publishing smarter, not harder.

Need expert help to publish your book the right way? Reach out to Fleck Publisher today. Let’s turn your manuscript into a masterpiece.

1. Skipping the Editor (Why “Good Enough” Isn’t Enough)

Here’s a hard truth: No matter how many times you read your manuscript, you’ll miss errors. It’s not about your writing skills—it’s about how our brains work. When you’ve spent months (or years) crafting a story, your mind fills in gaps and skips over typos.

Yet, many authors make the book publishing mistake of skipping professional editing. They might ask a friend to read it or rely on spell-check tools. But editing isn’t just about fixing typos. A good editor will:

1. Catch inconsistencies in plot or character details.
2. Improve pacing and clarity.
3. Ensure your tone matches your audience.

Real-Life Example: A fantasy author once told us she thought her book was “ready to go” after three self-edits. When we reviewed it, we found timeline errors, unclear descriptions, and dialogue that didn’t fit the characters. After professional editing, her book received rave reviews for its polished storytelling.

Pro Tip: If budget is tight, consider hiring an editor for a sample chapter first. It’s a small investment that can save you from costly mistakes later.

2. Judging a Book by Its Cover (Because Readers Do)

You’ve heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But here’s the reality: Readers do. A cover is your book’s first impression, and a weak one can make even the most brilliant story invisible.

Some authors try to save money by designing their own covers or using generic templates. But a cover isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about communication. It tells readers:

1. What genre your book belongs to.
2. Whether it’s professional or amateur.
3. If it’s worth their time.

Why This Matters: Imagine browsing Amazon. You see two books: one with a pixelated, cluttered cover and another with a sleek, genre-appropriate design. Which one would you click on?

Solution: Work with a professional cover designer who understands your genre. At Fleck Publisher, we’ve seen how a strong cover can boost sales and credibility.

3. Writing in a Vacuum (The Audience You Didn’t Know You Needed)

One of the most common book publishing mistakes is writing without a clear audience in mind. Some authors write purely for themselves, which is fine—until they try to sell the book.

Ask yourself:

1. Who is this book for?
2. What do they care about?
3. Where do they discover new books?

Example: A client once wrote a self-help book aimed at “everyone.” When we dug deeper, we realized his real audience was young professionals struggling with work-life balance. By refining his messaging and marketing, his book found its niche—and its readers.

Action Step: Before you finish your manuscript, define your ideal reader. Tailor your writing, cover, and marketing to speak directly to them.

4. The Race to Publish (Why Slow and Steady Wins)

Publishing a book is exciting, and it’s tempting to rush the process. But speed often leads to oversights:

1. Typos and formatting errors slip through.
2. The cover doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
3. Marketing becomes an afterthought.

What Happens When You Rush?

1. Readers notice the mistakes and leave negative reviews.
2. Your book gets lost in the crowd because you didn’t plan a launch strategy.
3. You miss opportunities to build buzz before the release.

Better Approach: Create a timeline with milestones for editing, design, and marketing. Give each step the time it deserves.

5. “If I Build It, They Will Come” (Spoiler: They Won’t)

Many authors believe that publishing the book is the finish line. But in reality, it’s just the beginning. Without a marketing plan, even the best books can disappear without a trace.

Common Marketing Mistakes:

1. Waiting until the book is published to start promoting.
2. Relying solely on social media without a strategy.
3. Ignoring email lists, book blogs, and local events.

What Works:

1. Start building an audience before your book launches.
2. Use a mix of online and offline promotion (social media, book signings, press releases).
3. Leverage authors tips from successful writers in your genre.

6. Traditional, Self-Publishing, or Hybrid? Picking the Wrong Path

Not all publishing paths are created equal. Some authors jump into self-publishing without realizing the workload, while others spend years querying agents without success.

Key Differences:

Traditional Publishing

Self-Publishing

Hybrid Publishing

No upfront costs

Full creative control

Shared costs and support

Longer timeline

Faster to market

Faster than traditional

Harder to break in

Requires marketing effort

Professional guidance

How to Choose: Research each option. Talk to authors who’ve taken different paths. Align your choice with your goals, budget, and timeline.

7. Forgetting the Fine Print: ISBNs and Copyrights

It’s easy to overlook the legal and technical details, but they matter:

1. ISBN: Required for bookstores and many online retailers.
2. Copyright: Protects your work from being copied or stolen.

What Happens If You Skip These?

1. Your book may not be listed in major stores.
2. Someone could plagiarize your content.
3. You might face distribution issues.

Solution: Register your ISBN and copyright early. At Fleck Publisher, we handle these details so you can focus on writing.

Final Thoughts:

Publishing a book is a journey filled with learning curves. But by avoiding these 7 book publishing mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember:

1. Invest in editing and design.
2. Know your audience.
3. Take your time.
4. Plan your marketing.
5. Choose the right publishing path.
6. Don’t skip the legal steps.