Writing and publishing a book is a transformative journey, but it’s not without its pitfalls. While mistakes can provide valuable lessons, some are far too costly to make. The good news? You can sidestep these missteps by learning from others who’ve been there.
At Book Launchers, we’ve worked with countless authors, and along the way, we’ve noticed patterns of errors that sabotage success. These often arise during what we like to call “author freakout moments,” when self-doubt and imposter syndrome rear their heads.
In these moments, authors may endlessly tweak a nearly perfect cover, rewrite the same sentence a dozen times, or struggle to finish their final chapter. Some freakouts are minor, but others can lead to expensive author mistakes that are best avoided entirely.
Here are four costly mistakes we’ve seen authors make and actionable tips to ensure your publishing journey stays on the right track.
Rather watch the video? Here you go!
Table of Contents
1. Writing with a Co-Author Without Setting Clear Expectations
Collaborating with a co-author can be exciting, but without proper planning, it can turn into a costly headache. Writing a book together requires shared vision and clear communication—not just about the end goal but also the nitty-gritty details.
Here are key questions to discuss before you start:
- How will you resolve disagreements, like conflicting ideas about the book cover?
- Who is responsible for which aspects of marketing?
- How will expenses and royalties be divided?
Without addressing these upfront, you’re at risk of misunderstandings that could lead to broken partnerships. Worse, untangling a co-author relationship mid-project can be expensive and time-consuming.
Pro Tip:
Document your expectations in a written agreement. Cover everything from responsibilities to royalties so everyone knows where they stand. This saves time, money, and stress in the long run.
Check out this video to learn more about managing co-author relationships effectively.
2. Making Major Revisions During the Layout Phase
One of the most avoidable mistakes authors make is submitting their book to layout before finalizing the content. The layout stage should be reserved for minor tweaks, not major overhauls.
When authors attempt to add or remove significant content during this phase, it disrupts the book’s formatting and requires the entire layout to be redone. This not only costs more money but also introduces the risk of new errors, leading to additional edits.
Pro Tip:
Before submitting your manuscript for layout, triple-check that it’s complete and polished. At Book Launchers, we guide authors through three levels of editing—content editing, copy editing, and proofreading—to ensure their book is ready for layout.
3. Letting Fear of Failure Hold You Back
Imposter syndrome is one of the most insidious obstacles authors face. It whispers, “You’re not good enough,” or, “This book isn’t ready yet.” Unfortunately, this fear can lead to paralysis, where authors delay publishing indefinitely in pursuit of perfection.
The truth? Perfection doesn’t exist in publishing.
Instead of waiting for a flawless book, embrace the idea of “failing fast.” Every action you take—even launching a book that’s “good enough”—teaches you valuable lessons you can use to improve future projects.
Pro Tip:
Trust your gut and the professionals you’ve hired. When your editor and designer give the green light, it’s time to publish. As Seth Godin says, “Your book will never be perfect, but it will be due.”
4. Falling for Publishing Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True
In the publishing world, shortcuts and guarantees are often too good to be true. For example:
- “We’ll make you a bestseller!” This may involve gaming Amazon’s algorithms, which can harm your long-term sales potential.
- “Write a book in 90 days!” While possible, it often leads to rushed editing, which means more time and money spent fixing issues later.
- “Hire the cheapest editor!” Low-cost editing services often result in needing additional rounds of edits, costing more in the long run.
These promises may seem appealing, but they rarely deliver lasting success.
Pro Tip:
Invest in quality services, plan for a realistic timeline, and read the fine print before signing any publishing contracts. Publishing is a long-term commitment, and taking the time to do it right will save you money and frustration.
Final Thoughts: Avoid Missed Opportunities
The most expensive mistake you can make is failing to take action. Every day you delay is a missed opportunity to share your message, connect with readers, and learn from the experience.
Remember, publishing your first book is just the beginning. It’s a stepping stone to future projects, so don’t let fear or perfectionism hold you back.
By avoiding these costly mistakes when publishing a book, you’ll set yourself up for success and be ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
Interested in learning how we can help you write, publish, market, and distribute your book? Schedule a call with Book Launchers today!
