The 7 Biggest Mistakes First-Time Authors Make (And How To Avoid Them)

Writing your first book is a thrilling adventure. Equal parts excitement, nerves, and caffeine. You’ve carried an idea in your heart, and finally, you’re ready to put it out into the world. But here’s the truth: the road to becoming a published author is filled with pitfalls that can derail even the most passionate writer. 

The good news? Mistakes can be avoided with a little foresight. Let’s dive into the seven biggest missteps new authors make and how you can sidestep them with confidence.

HOW MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY STARTED

I remember when my publisher first reached out to me, asking if I wanted to publish a book. The excitement I felt at the thought of finally getting my words out there was overwhelming. From the age of 10, I had dreamed of becoming a published author. That dream had faded over the years, and I truly believed it wasn’t something I would ever achieve, until the day that message arrived.

The truth? I had no idea how to write a book. Up to that point, my writing lived mostly in blog posts, and I thought books were an entirely different world. Of course, I said yes without hesitation. But soon after, the imposter syndrome crept in. Was I good enough to write a book? Would anyone even want to read it?

Those doubts were loud, but what I quickly learned was that that wouldn’t be the only challenge that I would face. They were about avoiding the common mistakes that so many first-time authors stumble into. That’s what this post is about: shining a light on those mistakes, so you can sidestep them and move forward with clarity.

So, let’s dive into the seven biggest mistakes first-time authors make (and how you can avoid them).

7 MISTAKES FIRST-TIME AUTHORS MAKE AND HOW YOU CAN AVOID THEM

Stepping into the world of publishing for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming. With so much information out there, it’s easy to feel lost or unsure of the right path to take. Many first-time authors find themselves making the same avoidable mistakes, mistakes that can slow down the process, create unnecessary stress, or even hold back the success of their book. 

The good news is, with a little guidance and awareness, you can avoid these pitfalls and set yourself up for a smoother, more confident publishing journey. Let’s dive into the seven most common mistakes that first-time authors make and how you can avoid doing the same. 

Mistake #1: Rushing the Writing Process

Writing a book isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. Many first-time authors get caught up in the excitement of seeing their ideas on paper and rush to finish their manuscript as quickly as possible. But speed often comes at a cost. 

Rushing can leave your story feeling thin, your characters underdeveloped, and your plot full of holes that could have been smoothed out with more time. Crafting a book takes patience, reflection, and multiple drafts. 

Allowing yourself the space to explore your story, deepen your characters, and refine your ideas not only strengthens your manuscript but also makes the writing process more enjoyable and less stressful.

How to avoid it: Set a realistic timeline for your book. Break the process into stages: outlining, drafting, revising, and polishing. Remember, quality takes time. A well-crafted book is always worth the wait.

Mistake #2: Skipping Professional Editing

You may be an excellent writer, but every author has blind spots. No matter how skilled you are, it’s nearly impossible to catch every flaw, inconsistency, or awkward phrasing in your own work. Self-editing can only take your manuscript so far because you are too close to the story. Your brain fills in gaps and smooths over mistakes that readers will notice immediately. 

Professional editors provide a fresh perspective, catching errors you may have missed and offering guidance to strengthen your story, characters, and overall flow. Their expertise transforms a good manuscript into a polished, compelling book that stands out in a crowded market.

How to avoid it: Invest in professional editing. A developmental editor can help with story structure, pacing, and clarity. A copyeditor ensures grammar and style shine. And a proofreader catches the tiny errors that slip through. Skipping this step is like serving a five-course meal without tasting it first.

Mistake #3: Designing the Cover Yourself

Yes, Canva is a fantastic tool. I’ve even designed my own book covers using it. It’s accessible, easy to use, and a great way to experiment with ideas. However, there’s a difference between creating a concept and producing a cover that truly captivates readers and stands out in the market. 

Your book cover is the very first impression readers have of your work, and it can make the difference between someone picking up your book or scrolling past it. A professional cover designer brings expertise in typography, color, and composition, ensuring that your cover not only looks polished but also conveys the right message about your story and genre.

How to avoid it: Hire a designer who specializes in book covers. They understand fonts, genres, and visual cues that appeal to readers. A professional design doesn’t just look good. It sells books.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Importance of Formatting

Formatting may not sound glamorous, but it’s a true game-changer when it comes to how readers perceive your book. Poor spacing, inconsistent fonts, or awkward margins can make even the best story feel unprofessional and hard to read. 

A clean, well-structured layout not only enhances readability but also shows that you care about the reader’s experience. Proper formatting helps your book feel polished and credible, whether it’s a printed copy or an ebook, and it ensures that your content shines without distractions. 

In many ways, formatting is the silent ambassador of your book. It speaks volumes about your professionalism before a single word is read.

How to avoid it: Use professional formatting software or hire a formatter. Remember that print books and ebooks require different setups. A polished layout tells your reader: this author cares about quality.

Mistake #5: Not Knowing Your Target Audience

Trying to write for “everyone” often ends up meaning your book resonates with no one. When you don’t have a clear understanding of who your readers are, it’s easy to dilute your story, tone, and message in an attempt to appeal to a broad audience. 

Knowing your target audience, on the other hand, allows you to craft a story that truly speaks to the people who will connect most deeply with it. It influences your writing style, the themes you emphasize, and even how you promote your book. 

When you write with a specific reader in mind, your book feels authentic, engaging, and memorable, making it far more likely to find its audience and make an impact.

How to avoid it: Define who your ideal reader is. Ask yourself: What do they love to read? What problems or desires does my book address? When you know your audience, you know how to reach them.

Mistake #6: Weak or Nonexistent Marketing Plan

“I’ll just upload my book to Amazon and it’ll sell itself.” If only it were that simple! 

Many first-time authors underestimate just how crucial marketing is to a book’s success. Publishing your manuscript is only the first step. Getting it into readers’ hands requires strategy, effort, and consistency. 

Without a plan, even the most beautifully written book can go unnoticed. Marketing helps you connect with your audience, build anticipation, and generate momentum, ensuring that your work doesn’t just exist online but actually reaches the people who will love it. Think of it as giving your book the spotlight it deserves, rather than leaving it hidden on a digital shelf.

How to avoid it: Build a marketing plan before you publish. Start with your author platform: social media, email lists, or a simple website. Create a launch strategy that includes reviews, promotions, and outreach. A book without marketing is like a party no one’s invited to.

Mistake #7: Giving Up Too Soon

Publishing can feel discouraging when sales don’t skyrocket overnight. Many authors abandon ship after their first launch, thinking they’ve failed, but the truth is, success in publishing rarely happens instantly.

Launch week is only the beginning. It’s more like planting seeds than harvesting a crop. Building a readership, nurturing trust, and growing momentum takes time. The authors you admire didn’t become successful overnight; they showed up consistently, shared their work, and let their audience grow little by little.

How to avoid it: Adjust your expectations. Success often comes with persistence—building an audience, publishing consistently, and continuing to market your work. The authors you admire didn’t stop after one book, and neither should you.

BONUS TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME AUTHORS

This blog post isn’t to make you feel like you can’t sell books or become a successful author. As authors and entrepreneurs, we have this mindset that we need to do everything on our own. Whether that is due to money reasons or because we can just figure it out. 

You don’t need to do this alone. Here are some bonus tips to help first-time authors reach their goal of publishing a book.

Build a Writing Routine

Consistency is your best friend. Whether it’s 500 words a day or three writing sessions a week, create a rhythm that keeps you moving forward. This is how I finished my book that will be released in April of 2026. I gave myself a challenge to write at least 500 words per day.

There were days that I wrote well over 1,000 words, and there were days that I struggled to write even 500, BUT I did it. I kept a note in my phone and wrote how many words I wrote so that I would remember. 

Building a writing routine is going to help you write even when motivation isn't there.

Find a Writing Community

Writing can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Join writing groups, workshops, or online forums. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey can provide support, feedback, and motivation.

If you are looking for a place to come and be yourself, join the Empowerment Circle, a membership for women who are looking to write, heal, and follow their dreams. I’d love to see you in there!

Becoming an author is one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll ever take. Mistakes are part of the process, but by learning from others, you can save yourself time, energy, and heartache.

Remember: your story matters, and the world is waiting for it. Take your time, seek professional help where needed, and never, ever give up.