How I Screwed Up Self-Publishing My First Novel: What Not to do When Self-Publishing

There is so much that goes into choosing whether or not you want to pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing when it comes to your books. For me, the choice came down to my naturally impatient personality (I just wanted to see my books out in the world!), time, and the natural unearned confidence that I’ve accumulated throughout my life. 

The beauty of self-publishing, for me, lies in the control. As a Type A control girly, I love having final say over the cover design, interior design, font choices, content, and marketing strategy (though the last is something I’m still figuring out, honestly). 

That being said, I made a lot of mistakes when publishing my first books that I am not making this time around. And, if you’re like me, then you probably like to make your own choices and mistakes, and thrive with a list of things to avoid. So, here’s a list of what not to do when self-publishing (with some caveats).

Don’t Use the Free ISBN Options

The biggest thing that I had no clue how to navigate as a first-time indie author was ISBNs. International Standard Book Numbers are how stores, libraries, and other book sellers identify your book! Each edition of your print book (paperback, hard cover, special editions, etc.) needs its own ISBN. eBooks are not required to have an ISBN. 

If you’re publishing on Amazon KDP, you can choose to be assigned a free ISBN through them, and that’s what I did initially. But then, after doing a bit more research, I found that the Amazon ISBN can only be used with Amazon. That ISBN cannot be used in any other platform. So, if you’re only going to be using Amazon’s print-on-demand services, and only list your print books there, then 100% it’s great to use their free ISBN! 

However, this time around I wanted to be able to use wider distribution services (not through Amazon, because they do offer those as well), so I made the decision to purchase my own ISBNs. I went through Bowker and did their 10 ISBN Bundle + 5 barcodes. I don’t know that I’ll necessarily need the barcodes, but it was a good deal and I’m a sucker for a good deal. Now, my books will have the same ISBN regardless of the platform they are purchased through, which will help me to track my overall purchases as well as allow me to be able to request them to be carried in my local libraries and local bookstores will be able to purchase them as well. So, this was a huge change for me. Yes, it does cost a pretty penny, and I know that as indie authors we don’t have many of those to spare, so if it’s not right for you at this time, then do what’s best for you! 

Don’t Publish Without Having Non-Biased People Read Your Book

This was a big one for me. I have an amazing support system in my family and friends, and my mom is always the first person I give a fresh book to. She’s a great critic and provides me with amazing feedback, but it’s always helpful to have totally unbiased eyes on your book before you publish. 

Whether you go with professional editing services, beta reading trades with other indie authors, or just get someone that you know but not too well to read it, your book with be that much better by having had another person read through it. As authors, we live and breathe our books for so long that of course our plot makes sense, our characters are fully-developed, the pacing is perfect, and every single scene needs to be included. The truth is, there’s probably some weird sticky spots that we just can’t see, but others can. So, even if you can’t afford professional editing services at this time in your author career, there are so many indie authors (like myself) who jump at volunteer beta and/or ARC opportunities! 

Don’t Forget to Tell People You Wrote a Book!

Arguably the most difficult yet most important thing I forgot/didn’t focus enough on with my first two books was marketing. Again, I’m so lucky to have such an incredible support system, but I really believe in my books and think that a lot of people would enjoy them. I bet your book is the same. 

Unfortunately, to find those people, we have to be unapologetically loud when we say, “I wrote a book”. Scream it to yourself right now. I’ll wait. 

…

It feels kinda good, right? Now, go and do that anywhere and everywhere you can! Post on social media, even if it’s just a quick video or static photo of your book. Check out local bookstores and see if they have a local author promotion or would be willing to stock a few copies to see if people will buy them. Connect with other authors, writers, and readers as much as possible to build your community. Ask readers for reviews. In essence, never shut up about the fact that YOU WROTE A FRIGGIN’ BOOK. Do you know how many people want to write a book but never do? Or how many people start writing a book but never finish it? You are part of an elite and amazing community as an indie author, and especially as a self-published author. So brag about it!

Never Give Up

Finally, and I can’t stress this enough, never give up working on your dreams. Being a self-published author is hard. You not only have to write the dang book, but you’re your own editor, agent, publicist, marketer, graphic designer, formatter. You are all the things, and it’s not an easy thing to be. 

Just remember, with every book you publish you’re going to learn more and get better at each step. And, as a self-published author, if you want to make changes to your books after they’re published you can!