Top 3 Mistakes Independent Authors Make

Sometimes in order to speed up you have to slow down. 

Sometimes in order to start you have to stop.

Recently, I had to remind myself to stop comparing what I was able to get done before kids to what I can do now….especially with one that is still waking up multiple times throughout the night to feed. 

It means I have to rely on tech and automation or my assistant more as well as hire help I need to reach my goals. 

Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that stopping something means we can start doing something else that better serves us. 

 It doesn't mean that you can't do something, it just means it has 

• be done differently

• be done by someone else (assistant or outsourced to a team) 

• Not be done at all

If you're more of a video watcher, you can find check it out here instead of reading below: https://youtu.be/SpWGgPPENpA. 

Mistake #1: Not Researching the Audience

Many self-published authors fail to consider who their ideal reader is. Knowing the target audience helps authors create books that resonate with readers and increases the chance of recommendations and reviews.

Authors should reflect on what their ideal readers like, expect, and dislike. This insight is crucial for both the book content and any supplemental materials, such as workbooks or websites. You can use resources like Answer the Public, Google Trends, and Amazon to search for what your audience once.

BONUS TIP: Read the reviews of similar books in your genre. The bad ones are the most telling, because they show what you should include in your book based on what's missing in others.

Mistake #2: Waiting to Start Marketing Until After the Book Is Done

Normally, this would be the first mistake I'd tell authors, because it's just that important. Delaying marketing until the book is completed makes the process harder and less effective. Marketing should be integrated throughout the writing and publishing journey. It's the easiest way to connect with your potential readers and bring them along for the journey.

Mistake #3: ONLY Relying on Friends and Family for Sales

Authors often expect friends and family to buy their books, but they may not be the ideal readers. Authors should focus on reaching their target market. This means though those closest to you are likely to support you, they shouldn't be who you rely on for the majority of your ongoing book sales. Your book is for your ideal reader, who might not be your friend or family.

Instead of always expecting purchases, authors can ask friends and family to share, comment, or recommend the book to others who might be interested. They can also be a part of your street team and support your book launch by helping to spread the word.

You can hear a further breakdown of these tips in the Top 3 Mistakes I See Authors Make YouTube video found here: https://youtu.be/SpWGgPPENpA. 

I also share strategies to fix them, so you have some ways to make adjustments.

Then let me know: what do you need to stop doing? 

Happy sales, 

Ashley