Top 10 Mistakes Indie Authors Make and How to Avoid Them

Self-publishing opens doors for authors worldwide, but it’s easy to trip over common pitfalls. Here are the top 10 mistakes indie authors make and how you can avoid them:

1. Skipping Professional Editing

Even the best writers need editors. Typos and plot issues hurt credibility.

Solution: Budget for professional editing before publishing.

2. Using a DIY Cover

Your cover sells your book. Poor design screams “amateur.”

Solution: Hire a professional who knows design trends and print specs.

3. Ignoring Formatting Standards

Bad formatting frustrates readers and leads to bad reviews.

Solution: Format for each platform or hire a pro.

4. Overpricing or Underpricing

$14.99 for an indie ebook? No thanks.

Solution: Research genre pricing and stay competitive.

5. Publishing Without a Marketing Plan

“Build it and they will come” doesn’t work.

Solution: Create a pre-launch strategy—social media, email list, ads.

6. Rushing to Publish

Publishing too fast often results in errors.

Solution: Take your time. Quality matters.

7. Not Understanding Copyright & ISBN

Failing to register your work or buying an ISBN incorrectly can cause headaches later.

Solution: Learn the basics or hire someone who knows.

8. Ignoring Reviews

Reviews matter for credibility and algorithms.

Solution: Ask beta readers and early reviewers for feedback.

9. Neglecting Metadata

Your keywords, categories, and description impact discoverability.

Solution: Optimize for SEO and your genre.

10. Giving Up Too Soon

Success takes persistence. Many authors quit after one book.

Solution: Keep writing and marketing—momentum matters.

Avoid These Mistakes

You don’t have to do it alone! Our professional services can help you publish confidently.