Common Publishing Mistakes And How To Avoid Them | Izzard Ink

Common Publishing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Published
August 13, 2019
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Modified
May 31, 2023
publishing mistakes to avoid
Table of Contents

As most authors may already be painfully aware, the journey of self-publishing can be challenging. Despite their best efforts, most self-published books struggle to gain commercial success. However, it’s essential to recognize that the lack of success is not solely attributed to bad writing or a lack of a good idea. In fact, there are a handful of common publishing mistakes that often hinder the potential of self-published books. By addressing these mistakes, authors can increase their chances of achieving their goals and ensuring that their content reaches the intended audience. In this post, we will explore these common publishing mistakes and provide valuable insights on how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Going Solo

One of the most prevalent mistakes made by self-published authors, including business owners venturing into the world of writing, is attempting to handle the entire publishing process alone. With the rise of self-publishing platforms and the ability to publish without the need for a traditional publishing company, authors often assume they can take on all aspects of the process by themselves. However, this misconception can be detrimental to the success of their books.

While writing skills are undoubtedly crucial, publishing a successful book involves more than just writing. Editing, design, marketing, and distribution are all specialized fields that require expertise and experience. Major publishing companies understand this and rely on professionals in each of these areas to produce bestsellers. When authors decide to go solo, they take on the responsibilities of all these roles, often without the necessary knowledge or experience. In the best-case scenario, authors may try to learn these industries from scratch, which can be a time-consuming and challenging task.

To truly achieve the level of success expected by traditional publishers, self-published authors need to assemble their own team of experienced professionals. By collaborating with editors, designers, marketers, and distribution experts, authors can ensure that their book meets industry standards and resonates with readers. This is particularly crucial for business owners aiming to enhance their profile with a book. Merely “publishing a book” on a topic is not enough if the book lacks professionalism and is filled with errors. Areas like fact-checking require special attention from business authors, making it essential to work with expert editors and fact-checkers. A book riddled with mistakes not only fails to improve credibility but can also harm it.

Mistake #2: Having No Business Plan

Every author, regardless of their publishing path, should have a business plan for their book. A business plan outlines specific goals and provides a roadmap for achieving them. Ideally, authors should consider this plan during the writing process itself. By envisioning the target audience and understanding their needs, authors can align their ideas and writing style accordingly. This strategic approach ensures that the book serves its intended purpose and connects with the readers who will benefit from it.

Creating a business plan for your book involves identifying your target market, understanding their preferences and needs, and outlining how your book will meet those requirements. Additionally, it involves setting realistic goals for sales, marketing strategies, and potential revenue streams. Having a well-thought-out business plan not only helps authors stay focused and motivated throughout the writing and publishing journey but also provides a framework for success.

At Izzard, we understand the importance of a business plan for authors. That’s why we offer a free tool called 10 Secrets to a Bestseller Workbook, which helps authors clarify their goals, define their target audience, and think in terms of a comprehensive business plan.

Mistake #3: Believing the “Books Are Dead” Myth

In the age of digital media and ever-evolving technology, some aspiring authors may assume that books have lost their relevance, with social media and video content taking the forefront. However, this belief couldn’t be further from the truth. Books continue to hold significant influence and remain a powerful medium for conveying information, stories, and ideas.

Consider this: In 2017 alone, Penguin Random House, one of the leading publishing companies, sold over 800 million books. That translates to nearly 2.2 million books sold each day. These staggering figures demonstrate the enduring popularity and impact of books. Success as an author means reaching a vast number of readers, which can be a game-changer for businesses and careers alike.

While it’s true that digital platforms and social media have opened new avenues for content consumption, books still hold a special place in the hearts and minds of readers. Books offer a deep and immersive experience that is often unmatched by other forms of media. So, aspiring authors should embrace the power of books and recognize their potential to make a lasting impact.

Mistake #4: Risking a Print Run

Traditionally, selling print books entailed taking on the financial risk of a costly print run and dealing with storage challenges. Many authors who have made this mistake find themselves with basements full of unsold copies of their books, resulting in financial loss and disappointment. However, the landscape of book printing has evolved.

Today, authors have access to print-on-demand services, which allow them to print a book only when an order is placed online. This eliminates the need for large upfront costs and minimizes the risk of being left with excess inventory. Print-on-demand services ensure that authors can fulfill orders efficiently while saving money and resources. It’s a wise approach, especially for authors who are still establishing their readership and demand.

By avoiding the risk of a print run until there is a proven level of demand, authors can redirect their resources toward other critical aspects of book production. Investing in professional design, editing, and marketing can significantly enhance the book’s quality and appeal, increasing the chances of success.

Mistake #5: If You Publish, They Will Read

One common misconception among authors is that if they publish a book with great writing, readers will naturally flock to it. While writing quality is undoubtedly essential, it is not the sole factor in ensuring a book’s success. Many authors, both self-published and traditionally published, have fallen into this trap and found themselves disappointed with the lack of readership.

Publishing a book involves much more than simply making it available for purchase. It requires attention to other vital aspects such as design, marketing, and distribution. Neglecting these crucial steps can severely limit the book’s reach and hinder its success.

Effective book design plays a pivotal role in attracting readers. A visually appealing cover and well-formatted interior can captivate potential readers and encourage them to explore further. Marketing efforts, both online and offline, are essential for generating awareness and promoting the book to the target audience. Distribution strategies, whether through online retailers or local bookstores, are crucial for making the book easily accessible to readers.

Authors should remember that the publishing journey doesn’t end with writing and publishing the book. It extends to actively promoting and distributing the book to ensure its visibility and reach. By adopting a holistic approach to publishing, authors can maximize their chances of reaching their intended audience and achieving their goals.

Mistake #6: Forgetting the Big Picture

For business authors, it’s important to remember the bigger picture and the overarching purpose of publishing a book. While book sales are certainly significant, the true value of a book for business owners often lies in the opportunities it creates beyond the book itself.

For instance, speaking engagements can be a highly lucrative avenue for generating income and expanding one’s professional network. A well-written and impactful book can establish an author as an authority in their field, opening doors to speaking opportunities and partnerships. By leveraging the book as a tool to secure speaking engagements, authors can significantly enhance their brand and elevate their career or business.

It’s crucial not to lose sight of the broader objectives when publishing a book. While book sales are important, they are just one piece of the puzzle. By recognizing the multifaceted benefits that a book can bring, authors can approach the publishing process with a strategic mindset and maximize the opportunities that lie beyond the book itself.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of self-publishing can be challenging, but avoiding common publishing mistakes can greatly improve an author’s chances of success. By assembling a team of professionals, creating a well-defined business plan, understanding the enduring power of books, embracing print-on-demand services, considering the holistic publishing process, and keeping the big picture in mind, authors can increase their likelihood of achieving their goals.

At Izzard, we are dedicated to supporting authors on their publishing journey. Our mission is to provide valuable resources, guidance, and tools to help authors avoid these common mistakes and unlock the full potential of their books. With the right approach and a commitment to excellence, self-published authors can achieve remarkable success and make a lasting impact with their words.

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