Publishing a book feels amazing. You’ve spent so much time on it, fixing every sentence, making the story just right. You have also imagined people laughing, crying, and really feeling your story.
But here’s the truth. Finishing the book is only the beginning. The hard part is making people notice it. Many self-published authors miss this. They hit “publish” and hope readers will come. Sometimes friends or family read it. But real sales? Often very low.
It’s not that your story isn’t good. It’s that marketing is tricky. Your book is good. The tricky part is letting people know about it. A great story can stay unread if no one sees it. It’s like a treasure no one knows is there.
The good news? You can fix this. With the right steps, your book can reach readers. You can build a small fan base. You can even make real sales.
In this blog, we will talk about the 10 most common mistakes self-published authors make when marketing their books. More importantly, we will show you how to avoid them.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what to focus on. What works and what doesn’t. And how to promote your book in a simple, smart way.
Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
Many authors work hard on their books. They spend months writing and editing. But then, few people read it. It’s not because the book is bad. It’s because of small mistakes in marketing. The best part? These mistakes are easy to avoid. If you do, more people will see and read your book. Whether you want a self-published book marketing service or are looking at book promotion tactics, these tips will help your book reach the people it deserves.
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Not Knowing Your Readers
Some authors think their book is for everyone, but in essence, it’s not. Every book has the right readers. Trying to reach everyone usually reaches no one.
- How to fix it
- Think about your readers. How old are they? What do they like?
- Show your book where they spend time.
- Talk to them directly in your posts and ads.
- Example Table
| Mistake | Why it fails | How to fix
|
| Generic promotion | Reaches people who don’t care about your book | Focus on the readers who will enjoy it
|
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Ignoring Social Media
Social media is free and can help a lot. But some authors don’t use it. Others post randomly. Both ways don’t work.
- How to fix it
- Pick 1 or 2 sites where your readers hang out.
- Post often. Share little quotes, quick updates, or what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Talk to your readers and reply to their comments.
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Weak Book Cover
Your book cover is the first thing a reader sees. A poor design can stop them from clicking “Read More,” no matter how good the story is.
- How to fix it
- Hire a professional designer.
- Ensure your cover matches your genre.
- Test designs with friends or small focus groups.
- A strong cover can increase sales by up to 50%
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Poor Book Description
Think of your book description as a sales pitch. If it’s boring or confusing, readers won’t buy it.
- How to fix it
- Keep it short, clear, and exciting.
- Highlight the conflict or unique angle of your story.
- End with a call-to-action like “Read today.”
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Avoiding Email Marketing
Social media is useful, but email works even better. People on your email list already like your work. They are more likely to read and buy your book.
- How to fix it
- Start collecting emails from day one.
- Give something free, like a chapter or guide, to get people to sign up.
- Send short updates and occasional offers to keep readers interested.
- Engagement Example
Email list 70% engagement
Social media has a 35% engagement
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Skipping Paid Promotions
Some authors don’t use ads because they are afraid of spending money. Others run ads without a plan. Both ways waste time and money.
- How to fix it
- Try a few ads with a small budget first.
- Only spend more on the ones that actually work.
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Ignoring Reviews
Reviews are social proof. A book without reviews may look untrustworthy.
- How to fix it
- Ask readers, friends, and bloggers for honest reviews.
- Respond politely to feedback.
- Use reviews in your marketing to build credibility.
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Avoiding Professional Marketing Services
Doing everything on your own can be too much. Getting help from experts like book marketing services UK makes things easier and works better.
- Benefits of marketing services
- Expert guidance for campaigns and social media.
- Reach a wider audience.
- Less stress, more sales.
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Ignoring Local Communities
Your book isn’t just for online readers. People nearby matter too.
- How to fix it
- Go to book fairs, libraries, and writing groups.
- Do small talks or workshops about your book.
- Ask local stores to show your book on their shelves.
10. Giving Up Too Soon
Marketing takes time. Slow sales don’t mean your book is bad. Many authors quit too early.
- How to fix it
- Keep promoting your book regularly.
- Watch what works and make small changes.
- Keep in mind that success does not come overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it necessary to market my book?
Yes. Even if your story is great, people won’t find it on their own. Marketing tells readers your book exists.
- Can I do marketing by myself?
Yes, you can do some marketing on your own. Start with a few simple steps and do them well. You can also ask for help with ads or social media if needed.
- How long will it take to sell books?
It usually takes time. Some books sell quickly, some take longer. Don’t give up and keep promoting every day, even if it’s just a single post.
Final Thoughts
Marketing your book shouldn’t feel like climbing uphill. Think about your readers. Share little updates. Talk to people. Do one thing at a time. You don’t have to do it all alone. Experts and professionals offering book marketing services can help you reach your target readers.
Even small things like a short post and an ad can help your book get much-deserved attention. Every book has readers who will like it. Be patient and keep going. With simple steps and a bit of effort, your story will find the right people.