Self-publishing has revolutionized the literary world, empowering authors to take control of their creative journey and bring their stories directly to readers. Whether you’re exploring self-publishing in India, navigating book publishing in India, or simply learning how to publish a book, the process offers unparalleled freedom compared to traditional routes with publishers. We have already discussed on Traditional Publishing vs Self Publishing in the previous blog. However, with great power comes great responsibility—and a steep learning curve. New authors often stumble into pitfalls that can hinder their book’s success, from poor editing to ineffective marketing.
In this detailed guide, we’ll uncover the top 10 mistakes new authors make when self-publishing in India, offering actionable insights to help you avoid them. Let’s dive in and ensure your self-publishing journey is a triumph rather than a trial-and-error ordeal.
1. Skipping Professional Editing
One of the most common mistakes new authors make is bypassing professional editing to save time or money. Writing a manuscript is an emotional and creative process, and authors often become too attached to their work to spot errors. Typos, grammatical mistakes, plot holes, or pacing issues can slip through self-editing, damaging your book’s credibility.
Why It Matters
Readers notice unpolished work. A single typo might not ruin a book, but consistent errors can lead to negative reviews, especially on platforms like Amazon, where first impressions are critical. In self-publishing in India, where the market is growing rapidly—valued at over 500 billion INR in 2019 and projected to reach 800 billion by 2024—competition is fierce. A professionally edited book stands out.
How to Avoid It
- Hire an Editor: Invest in developmental editing (for structure and content), copyediting (for grammar and style), and proofreading (for final polish). Freelance editors on platforms like Upwork or Reedsy offer affordable options. You can hire good editors at Ghostwriting India, best book editing company in India.
- Beta Readers: Before professional editing, use beta readers—trusted friends or fellow writers—to catch early issues.
- Budget Wisely: In book publishing in India, editing costs can range from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 depending on manuscript length and complexity. Plan this into your self-publishing budget.
- Also Read: How to Self-Edit Your Novel: A Complete Guide
2. Designing a Poor-Quality Book Cover
The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” doesn’t apply to book sales. A subpar cover is a death knell for a self-published book. New authors often attempt DIY designs using free tools like Canva, underestimating the importance of professional aesthetics.
Why It Matters
Your cover is your book’s first marketing tool. In a crowded marketplace—India alone publishes over 90,000 books annually, half in English—a striking, genre-appropriate cover grabs attention. A poorly designed cover screams “amateur,” discouraging potential readers.
How to Avoid It
- Hire a Designer: Platforms like 99designs or Fiverr connect you with skilled designers. In India, companies like White Falcon Publishing or Notion Press offer cover design services starting at ₹5,000–₹15,000.
- Research Your Genre: Study bestselling covers in your niche. Romance novels favor bold colors and couples, while thrillers lean toward dark, mysterious tones.
- Test It: Get feedback from your target audience before finalizing the design.
3. Rushing the Publishing Process
Eager to see their book in print, new authors often rush through critical steps like editing, formatting, and marketing. This haste leads to sloppy manuscripts, technical glitches, and missed opportunities.
Why It Matters
Self-publishing offers instant publication, unlike traditional publishers who take 6–12 months. However, speed shouldn’t compromise quality. A rushed book risks errors that could have been fixed with patience, especially in self-publishing in India, where print-on-demand (POD) technology tempts authors to hit “publish” too soon.
How to Avoid It
- Set a Timeline: Allocate 3–6 months for writing, editing, and production. For example, editing might take 4–6 weeks, formatting 1–2 weeks, and marketing prep 4–8 weeks.
- Soft Launch: Upload your book to your publisher a week early to check for glitches (e.g., missing cover art or unlinked author pages).
- Plan Ahead: Start marketing before your book is live to build anticipation.
4. Ignoring Proper Formatting
Inadequate formatting—whether for eBooks or print—can ruin the reading experience. New authors often overlook margins, font sizes, line spacing, or eBook compatibility, resulting in a cluttered or unreadable product.
Why It Matters
Poor formatting frustrates readers and violates platform guidelines (e.g., Amazon KDP’s eBook standards). In book publishing in India, where print books still dominate (90% of the market), sloppy pagination or inconsistent fonts can deter buyers.
How to Avoid It
- Use Tools: Software like Vellum (for eBooks) or Adobe InDesign (for print) ensures professional formatting. Free options like Reedsy Book Editor work too.
- Follow Guidelines: Each platform (Amazon, Flipkart, Kobo) has specific formatting rules—adhere to them.
- Hire Help: In India, formatting services cost ₹5,000–₹20,000 through self-publishing companies like OrangeBooks or Evincepub.
5. Neglecting Metadata and Keywords
Metadata—titles, subtitles, categories, and keywords—is the backbone of discoverability in self-publishing. New authors often slap on vague descriptions or pick random categories, burying their book in search results.
Why It Matters
With millions of books on Amazon alone, metadata determines if readers find you. In self-publishing in India, where regional languages and niche genres are rising (e.g., mythology, self-help), precise keywords like “Indian historical fiction” or “Hindi poetry” can boost visibility.
How to Avoid It
- Keyword Research: Use tools like Publisher Rocket or Amazon’s search bar to identify high-traffic, low-competition terms.
- Optimize Descriptions: Write a compelling blurb (150–250 words) with keywords naturally woven in.
- Choose Categories: Pick two relevant categories on Amazon KDP or IngramSpark to target your audience.
6. Underestimating Marketing Efforts
Many new authors assume that publishing a book is enough—that readers will magically find it. Without a marketing plan, even the best books languish in obscurity.
Why It Matters
In book publishing in India, 90% of books sell fewer than 2,000 copies due to poor promotion. Traditional publishers offer some marketing muscle, but self-publishing demands you become your own publicist. With digital adoption growing (eBooks now 10% of India’s market), online marketing is non-negotiable.
How to Avoid It
- Build a Platform: Start a blog, author website, or social media presence months before launch. In India, Instagram and Twitter are goldmines for book promotion.
- Pre-Launch Buzz: Offer pre-orders, share snippets, or run giveaways. Crowdfunding platforms like BooksFundr can fund and promote your project.
- Paid Ads: Invest ₹5,000–₹10,000 in Amazon Ads or Facebook campaigns to reach wider audiences.
- Also Read: Comprehensive Guide to Promoting and Selling Your Book in 2025
7. Overlooking Distribution Channels
New authors often limit themselves to one platform (e.g., Amazon KDP) without exploring broader distribution. This restricts their reach and potential sales.
Why It Matters
India’s diverse market—spanning online giants like Flipkart and offline bookstores—requires a multi-channel approach. Self-publishing in India benefits from global platforms like IngramSpark, which distribute to 40,000+ retailers worldwide, including India’s 19,000+ publishers.
How to Avoid It
- Go Wide: Use aggregators like Draft2Digital or Smashwords to distribute eBooks globally.
- Print-on-Demand: Platforms like Astitva Prakashan, Evincepub Publishing. Amazon KDP minimizing inventory costs.
- Local Outreach: Partner with indie bookstores or libraries in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore.
8. Setting Unrealistic Expectations
New authors often dream of overnight success—think Fifty Shades of Grey or Amish Tripathi’s Immortals of Meluha—but self-publishing rarely delivers instant fame. Unrealistic goals lead to disappointment and burnout.
Why It Matters
Success takes time. Even in self-publishing in India, where authors like Adithya Iyer crowdfunded and sold 300 copies pre-launch, sustained effort is key. Most first books sell modestly (100–500 copies) unless heavily marketed.
How to Avoid It
- Set Goals: Aim for milestones like 100 sales or 10 reviews in the first month.
- Learn from Data: Track sales via your publishing dashboard (e.g., KDP’s royalty tracker) to adjust strategies.
- Stay Persistent: View your first book as a stepping stone, not a make-or-break moment.
9. Ignoring Audience Research
Writing without understanding your target audience is a recipe for failure. New authors sometimes focus solely on their vision, neglecting who will actually buy their book.
Why It Matters
In book publishing in India, niche genres like mythology or regional-language fiction thrive because they cater to specific readers. Without knowing your audience, your marketing and content miss the mark.
How to Avoid It
- Define Your Reader: Are they young adults, professionals, or retirees? Love romance or sci-fi?
- Engage Early: Join online communities (e.g., Goodreads India, Facebook groups) to understand reader preferences.
- Tailor Content: Write a blurb and design a cover that resonates with your audience’s tastes.
10. Failing to Build an Author Brand
New authors often treat their book as a one-off project rather than the start of a career. Without an author brand, you’re invisible to readers who crave connection.
Why It Matters
A strong brand builds loyalty. In self-publishing in India, authors like Preeti Shenoy leverage platforms like Amazon KDP and social media to create a recognizable identity, boosting long-term sales.
How to Avoid It
- Create a Website: A simple site (₹2,000–₹10,000 via WordPress) showcases your bio, books, and blog.
- Be Consistent: Use the same tone, visuals, and messaging across platforms.
- Engage Readers: Share behind-the-scenes content, respond to reviews, and build an email list.
Bonus Tips for Self-Publishing Success
Navigating Self-Publishing in India
- Cost Management: Choose from the best publishing houses but with affordable publishing costs..
- Cultural Nuances: Tap into India’s rich literary tradition—mythological fiction and poetry are hot genres.
- Legal Steps: Secure an ISBN (free via India’s Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency) and copyright your work.
How to Publish a Book: Step-by-Step
- Write and Edit: Draft your manuscript and refine it with professional help.
- Design: Invest in a cover and formatting.
- Choose a Platform: Astitva Prakashan, Amazon KDP, Notion Press, or White Falcon Publishing are popular in India.
- Upload and Price: Set a competitive price (₹100–₹300 for eBooks, ₹200–₹500 for paperbacks).
- Market: Launch with a bang using social media, ads, and local events.
Also Read: Cost of Publishing a Book in India
Conclusion
Self-publishing is a thrilling yet challenging path, especially for new authors. By avoiding these top 10 mistakes—from skipping editing to neglecting branding—you can elevate your book from a rough draft to a reader favorite. Whether you’re tackling self-publishing in India or aiming for a global audience, preparation is key. The tools and resources are at your fingertips—platforms like Amazon KDP, Notion Press, and Evincepub make how to publish a book more accessible than ever.
Take your time, invest wisely, and treat your book like a business. Your story deserves to shine, and with the right approach, it will. Ready to start your self-publishing journey? Share your thoughts or questions below—I’d love to help you succeed!
Article by: Vikram Singh Thakur
