9 Mistakes Self-Published Authors Make
Don't Frustrate Your Readers
This month I’m talking about all things self-publishing. I’ve made just under $15,000 in ebook sales (I’m shocked) and I thought it would be helpful to share some of the most common mistakes that I see in self-published books based on the style of book. Before I share the mistakes, I think it’s important to answer the following question:
Affiliate Disclosure
“In order for me to support this newsletter, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Please note: As an Amazon Associate I may earn income from qualifying purchases that you may make if you interact with an Amazon Affiliate link associated with Creators Getting Paid”
Do People Read Self-Published Books?
The Short Answer is “Yes”
In 2018, the year that I published my first self-published-I noticed that my reading habits had completely shifted. I was reading primarily self-published books in the romance space and a large number of self-published books in the business space. There were a number of reasons that I found these books so exciting:
The books more often than not offered a different perspective in terms of a story or in the case of a non-fiction book-how to deal with a business solution or issue.
I found the majority of these books to be so damn good. I couldn’t get enough of them.
Self-Published books shared stories that would have required gatekeepers to suspend their disbelief. You’ve seen how hard it has been for Black women to be seen as anything outside of a stereotype.
Finally, and most importantly, self-published books provided an opportunity to advocate on behalf of thought-leaders and creatives who otherwise would likely not get the opportunity to share their creativity with the world.
Mistakes in Self-Published Books
These are some of the most common mistakes that I’ve experienced as a reader. These mistakes are annoying and oftentimes easily avoidable.
Setting a book in a certain location but the language doesn’t match the location.
Example: Your book is set in the United States but the characters are using Australian euphemisms. This mistake is actually pretty common.
Naming your characters badly-This is actually one of the most frequent mistakes that I notice as a reader. PLEASE do a small test group 7-12 people and ask them what they think about a character’s name. This test group should be comprised of people who would actually read your books.
Thinking that people won’t notice an AI book-We always notice. These books are horrible even if the premise is pretty good. The reader experience is just different.
Not marketing your books enough-This is an issue that I’m currently dealing with. When I stopped writing fiction in 2020, I made the mistake of not marketing the books I’d already written.
Stereotypes-If you fall into using casual stereotypes specific to your characters then it’s clear that you’re not interested in character development. The story that you’re writing won’t resonate with your readers and they will let you know LOL!.
Mistakes in Non-Fiction Self-Published Books
Not updating content in your book as it ages-You’ll need to revise your completed e-book book at least once every year or so.
Titles that aren’t compelling-Is your title enticing enough to get a reader to check it out?
Not paying attention to your future reader’s needs-Are you writing a book that the people you would like to support would be excited about reading?
Forgetting to optimize your book for leads-Ebooks are a fantastic way to grow your newsletter with qualified leads.
March 2025 in Creators Getting Paid
About a week ago,I asked if you would be interested in attending a workshop (paid) that is a condensed version of the Make Money with Ebooks Course that I built out in 2018. The answer was a resounding YES!
I also realize that there will be certain topics that I won’t be able to cover during the workshop. So, I’m also going to be sharing posts on different topics that I feel are important specific to writing books and self-publishing. I will also be sharing different topics of interest specific to writing and self-publishing in the Creators Getting Paid podcast as well.
How to Make Money With Ebooks
Live workshop
Saturday, March 22, 2025-Replays will only be available for attendees and will be available until Friday, April 11, 2025. The workshop will cover the following:
How to evaluate your book idea for INTEREST
How to evaluate your book idea for SALES
What most would-be and current authors are getting wrong
Key components to a healthy book brand
Should you have a pen name?
Fiction books
Non-Fiction books
Writing books in genres that might upset people who know you. OR, writing books in niches that may bother other people (love this topic)
Feedback on Your Book Idea (Date TBA) Bring your book idea and get feedback from Michelle and other community members.
How to Build a Brand withYour Podcast (Date TBA)-I’m reviving the Podcasters Getting Paid segment of the newsletter. This month I’m speaking on a panel at Podcast Movement Evolutions-If you plan on attending let me know!
Make Money with Ebooks
April-June Live Writing Cohort
I loved working with the authors that I served when I sold my “Make Money with Ebooks course” If you attend the workshop, think of it as a jumpstart to your book writing journey.
What if you’re needing something…more?
Accountability
Encouragement
Feedback
A marketing plan specific to your book
The Live Writing Cohort
From April 7th-June 30th, 2025 join myself and other authors focused on the following:
Complete their work in progress or be much further along than before
Writing in a positive and support community
Sales strategies to use to kick start your book sales
Important Details
There are two pricing options
Option #1-No Coaching ($297)
Be a part of the the Live cohort, enjoy accountability, feedback and staying focused on your writing journey. Participants in this tier won’t have strategy coaching at the beginning of the cohort or monetization strategy at the end of the cohort.
Option #2-With Coaching ($797)
Cost-$797 what this includes
Two 1-on-1 meetings with Michelle
Three months of in-person meetings, feedback and ideation support
Payment Plan-All payment plans must be completed by May 1, 2025.
Reach out to Michelle at: thebrandbuildinglab@gmail.com
Return policy
This is a digital content and coaching experience. If you’re nervous or aren’t sure that this program would be a good fit DO NOT purchase this before speaking with Michelle.
Michelle Shares Another Book
In case you’re curious, I thought I would share another book that I’ve written. The other week I shared my romance pen name’s website and podcast. Today I’m sharing a non-fiction book.