Book publishing is gaining ever-growing acceptance. That is, the number of people taking on the onerous duty of writing and publishing books is increasing. And that is a good thing.
More people are realising the transformational potency of their life experiences and the lessons garnered along the way. Alongside, they are acknowledging the timeless, proven fact that documenting and releasing these stories and learnings as published books are veritable ways to scale one’s impact, improve other people’s lives, build a formidable legacy, and even forge an additional income stream to their portfolio.
Notable and commendable as this is, many new authors, lacking experience and understanding of the dynamics of book publishing, often make sad mistakes. Some get their fingers burnt and make a poor staging in their quest to publish a book. Invariably, these mistakes end up undermining the otherwise lofty potential of their book. This post seeks to help you avoid a few of the most common mistakes authors make. Heed them and you will never hang your neck on a publishing noose; rather, you will carve your name on the cavestone of notable authors.
1. Don’t Rush Your Book
A book is a timeless asset. The type that can potentially make you a trans-generational influence. If you have any level of exposure to reading, you know this is true; a very many late authors’ books are still in circulation today and transforming lives across generations. This is why writing a great book is a solemn endeavour, and one to not rush. To rush writing your book is to disrespect the uncanny opportunity the universe is affording you to ink your name in indelible gold till the end of time.
The question to ask yourself is: What kind of book do you want to write and publish – a book that can and will be relevant over countless years or a shallow piece that will be forgotten just as soon as it leaves the press and lands in a few hands? Yes, you need – and should have – a writing schedule, but it should be structured in a realistic and flexible manner that does not choke out the requisite allowance for drafting a great book. So, how long should you spend writing your book? (Look out for our next blog post.)
2. Get Professional Editing
Failing to get exquisite professional editing done for your manuscript before you publish it is professional suicide. No matter how tempted you ever get, don’t try it. Even the best and most renowned authors the world over use editors for every book they write, before they publish.
Editors are life savers, people who prevent you [as an author] from standing out naked in the centre of Time Square. Not convinced? See what happened to one of our clients who once self-published a book without professional editing, before coming to us, as well as why professional editing is a must.
3. Don’t Work with Quacks
One common mistake new indie authors make is trying to be cheap with their book publishing. Self-publishing or independent publishing can be cost-intensive, no doubt, specifically if you are keen on putting out excellent work. Hence, it is a worthwhile investment. However, if you seek to escape the cost, to be cheap, the inevitable consequence will be working with quacks – or beginners who haven’t mastered their onion yet – and ending up with a book neither you nor your friends and readers will be proud of. Of course, there are a myriad of things that could go wrong, from editing to designs to publishing, etc. But don’t forget that your book is an investment with potential for both tangible and intangible ROI; so do it right.
This is why Clasier Publishing is positioned as the trusted publishing brand for leaders and professionals who are intent on publishing the most excellent of books. Explore our targeted, custom publishing solutions here.
Do you have a book burning in your heart to be released and fed to the world? Talk to us and let’s partner with you to actualise your authorship dream, no matter where you are in your quest.
This is the best thing I’ve read today , and it’s so timely as I am worried and working on a book .
Clasier Publishing has truly nailed the common pitfalls that new authors face, because I was once a victim of all of these. Although, at the, I learned it the hard way🤣🥲.
The advice on not rushing your book, getting professional editing, and avoiding working with quacks is invaluable. As an aspiring author, I now understand the importance of taking my time, investing in quality editing, and partnering with experienced professionals to ensure my book stands the test of time.
Thank you so very much for sharing such insightful guidance.