5 Common Publishing Mistakes

Rake in Those Millions

Writers everywhere have but one dream: to finally make it as a published author. Though some are more than content with an Amazon publication, others strive for true representation, fighting tooth and nail to have their manuscript on a publisher’s desk. However, a few common (and grave) mistakes could prevent it from happening.

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1. Forgoing Professional Editing

It doesn’t matter how good a writer you are—no manuscript is ready without a second pair of eyes. Don’t send your work without at least one other person combing through it. You’ve presumably spent months, if not years, writing it, which means you’re far too close to make the right call sometimes.

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2. Skipping a Legitimate Cover

Why would you invest in a real cover if you aren’t even published yet? We get it, but forgoing one is a rookie mistake! Without a legitimate cover, your manuscript looks unfinished. Your book design, such as formatting, is also a huge part of whether publishers even give you a chance.

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3. Incomplete Manuscripts

Publishers have hundreds of options hit their desk every day—they don’t need an incomplete manuscript. In fact, if you submit one, they’ll probably toss it into the bin without even looking. Now, that’s not always the case (nonfiction is often an exception to the rule), but do your research before you hand in what you have.

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4. Assuming You Won’t Get Rejected

Rejection is a natural part of the publishing process. Look at the most famous authors of our time; they weren’t accepted after one, two, or even a dozen tries. Curb your expectations and welcome those rejections. Some writers even keep rejection letters as a badge of honor!

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5. Ignoring Marketing

Your book could be the best piece of writing on the planet—and no one will know about it without marketing. As much as we hate to say it, a big part of publishing is getting your name out there with social media or a blog.

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