So, you’ve finally finished your manuscript. Congratulations! Seriously, finishing a book is no small feat—you deserve a double shot of espresso and a weeklong vacation. But before you race off to self-publish on Amazon or query every literary agent you can find on Google, let’s pause. Because here’s the truth: even the best stories can fall flat if they’re not handled properly during the publishing process.
We’ve seen it all. As folks in the industry, we get a front-row seat to both the triumphs and, well… the train wrecks. That’s why we’re here to break down the top five publishing mistakes new authors make—and more importantly, how to avoid them like a pro. Whether you’re going indie or chasing a traditional deal, these insights could be the difference between being ignored and being celebrated.
Mistake #1: Rushing the Process
Look, we get it. You’ve spent months—maybe even years—writing your book, and now you just want it out in the world. But publishing isn’t a sprint, it’s more like a marathon where pacing matters. One of the biggest mistakes new authors make is rushing to publish without proper preparation.
This can lead to sloppy formatting, typos galore, plot holes the size of Jupiter, or worse—bad reviews that stick around forever. First impressions count, especially in a saturated market. Take the time to revise, get feedback, edit (professionally, if possible), and polish your manuscript until it shines. A well-prepared launch can make all the difference.
Mistake #2: Skipping Professional Editing
We cannot emphasize this enough: your book needs professional editing. Your best friend who majored in English is not the same as a professional editor. Sure, they can help you catch some spelling errors, but a seasoned editor brings much more to the table—structure, pacing, clarity, consistency, and voice alignment.
There are different types of editing, too: developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Skipping this crucial step often leads to a product that feels half-baked, even if your story is amazing. Readers are quick to notice, and once your book is published, it’s hard to undo the damage of negative reviews.
Mistake #3: Designing Your Own Cover (Unless You're a Pro)
Here’s some tough love: people absolutely judge books by their covers. Your book cover is the first thing potential readers see. It needs to grab attention, evoke curiosity, and suggest genre all in one snapshot. DIY covers might seem like a cost-saving option, but unless you’re a graphic designer with experience in publishing, they often scream “amateur.”
Investing in a professional cover designer isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about credibility. A polished, genre-appropriate cover tells readers, “This book is worth your time.” On the flip side, a poorly designed one can make your book disappear into the abyss of forgotten titles, no matter how great the content inside.
Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Publishing Landscape
Traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, self-publishing—there’s no one-size-fits-all route, but many new authors dive in without fully understanding the implications of each option. Choosing a publishing path blindly can lead to disappointment, loss of rights, or unexpected costs.
Do your homework. Traditional publishing might give you prestige, but it’s highly competitive and slow. Self-publishing offers control and speed but demands more upfront investment and hustle. Hybrid models, like those supported by BNN Publication, blend the best of both worlds, offering professional guidance while allowing authors to retain more control and royalties.
Knowledge is power. Understand the pros and cons of each path before committing to one, and align it with your long-term goals as an author.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Marketing and Promotion
Many first-time authors believe that once the book is out, the job is done. Cue sad trombone sound. In reality, writing the book is just half the battle—marketing is the other half. Without a solid marketing plan, even the best books can go unnoticed.
Don’t wait until after launch to think about promotion. Start building your author platform early: set up a website, grow your social media presence, engage with readers, and start collecting email subscribers. Know your audience and figure out where they hang out—then meet them there.
Book marketing is a marathon, not a launch-and-leave kind of thing. Even if you’re working with a publishing partner, being proactive about promotion can give your book a serious leg up.
Wrapping It Up: Mistakes Happen, But They’re Avoidable
The publishing world can feel overwhelming, especially the first time around. There’s a lot to consider, and yes, it can be intimidating. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go it alone.
We’ve seen countless new authors fall into these traps—not because they’re not smart or talented, but because they didn’t know what they didn’t know. That’s why having trusted, experienced guides on your team is invaluable.
Which brings us to a little behind-the-scenes whisper about BNN Publication. We’ve helped hundreds of new authors navigate the maze of publishing with confidence. We’re not just about getting your book printed—we’re about helping you launch your author career with intention and impact. From editorial excellence to cover design that turns heads, from marketing strategies to distribution know-how, we live and breathe this stuff.
Think of us as your creative partner in crime—ready to help you dodge the common mistakes and take your book from “just finished” to “holy wow, this is amazing.”
So if you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or just want to make sure you’re doing it right the first time, don’t be afraid to reach out. The world needs your story. Just make sure you give it the best shot it deserves.
Comments