Introduction – Publishing Too Soon Can Hurt Your Book’s Success

You’ve written your book, revised it multiple times, and now you’re ready to publish. But before you hit that publish button, let’s talk about something most authors only realize too late. Rushing the publishing process can lead to bad reviews, poor sales, and lost readers. These 5 mistakes that can be easily avoided before publishing.

Many authors make avoidable mistakes that can hurt their book’s success—errors in story structure, weak editing, formatting issues, or even a lack of marketing. The result? Low sales, negative feedback, and missed opportunities.

But here’s the good news: You can fix these mistakes before publishing—if you know what to look for.

This blog post will walk you through 5 critical mistakes authors make before publishing and how to fix them now—so your book is polished, professional, and ready to impress readers.

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Mistake #1: Skipping the Beta Reading Process

Many authors think, “I’ve read my book a hundred times. I don’t need beta readers.”

The problem? When you’re too close to your story, you can’t see its weak spots. What makes sense to you might not be clear to readers.

Why beta readers matter:

• They catch confusing plot points before real readers do.
• They help you see if your characters feel real and relatable.
• They provide feedback on pacing—is the story too slow or too rushed?

How to Fix It

Before publishing, send your book to 3-5 beta readers who understand your genre. Look for people who will give you honest, constructive feedback.

Need professional beta reading?

I offer detailed, structured feedback to help authors refine their manuscripts before publishing.

Mistake #2: Publishing Without Professional Editing

Even the best writers make mistakes. Typos, grammar errors, and inconsistencies can pull readers out of the story—and bad reviews can hurt your book’s reputation.

The problem? Relying on spellcheck or self-editing isn’t enough. You need fresh eyes to catch errors you’ve overlooked.

Types of Editing You Need:

• Developmental Editing – Fixes plot holes, pacing, and character issues.
• Line Editing – Improves sentence structure and flow.
• Proofreading – Catches the final typos and grammar mistakes.

How to Fix It:

If you’re serious about publishing a polished book, invest in professional editing. It can make the difference between a book that sells and one that gets negative reviews.

Need an editor who understands your story? I offer beta reading and editorial feedback to help authors get their manuscripts reader-ready.

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Mistake #3: Ignoring Book Formatting

You could have the best-written book, but if the formatting is off, it ruins the reading experience.

The problem? Bad formatting makes your book look unprofessional and difficult to read, leading to frustrated readers and bad reviews.

Common Formatting Issues:

• Weird spacing or font inconsistencies
• Chapters not properly aligned
• Poor Kindle/eBook formatting

How to Fix It:

Make sure your book is formatted correctly for both print and eBook versions. If you’re not comfortable with formatting, consider using professional book formatting services or tools like:
Vellum (for Mac users)
Atticus (works on Mac & Windows)
Kindle Create (for Amazon publishing)

Mistake #4: Overlooking Your Book Cover & Blurb

The problem? Many authors underestimate how important the cover and blurb are. Your book cover is the first thing readers see, and if it looks unprofessional, they won’t even check the blurb.

How to Fix It:

Your book cover should:

• Match your genre. (A fantasy novel should look like a fantasy novel!)
• Look professional. (No DIY covers unless you’re a pro!)
• Be eye-catching. (It should stand out even as a thumbnail.)

Your book blurb should:

• Hook the reader in the first sentence.
• Introduce the main conflict without spoiling too much.
• End with a reason to buy. (What’s at stake? Why should they care?)

Tip: Test your cover & blurb with beta readers before publishing to ensure they attract the right audience.

Mistake #5: Publishing Without a Marketing Plan

The problem? Many authors believe that just publishing their book is enough. But without a solid marketing plan, your book could disappear into the void of Amazon.

How to Market Your Book Before Publishing:

• Start marketing early. Don’t wait until your book is out—build interest while you’re still writing.
• Use Pinterest & SEO. A blog with searchable content can drive long-term traffic to your book.
• Leverage ARC readers. Get early reviews from beta readers before launch to boost credibility.

How to Fix It:

Attract readers before your book is published! Engage with writing communities, use Pinterest for long-term marketing, and start collecting email subscribers.

Related Post: Build An Author Platform Before Your Book Launch

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Final Thoughts: Get Your Book Ready for Readers

Publishing a book is a huge achievement, but rushing the process can lead to avoidable mistakes that hurt your book’s success.

Want to make sure your book is polished and reader-ready?

I offer beta reading and editing services to help authors refine their manuscripts before publishing.

Click here to book a beta reading or editing slot!

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