Top 5 Mistakes New Authors Make

Writing a book is a deeply personal and rewarding experience, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. New authors often make avoidable mistakes that can impact the quality of their manuscript, the publishing process, and the success of their book

At Impact Book Publishers, we’ve worked with hundreds of debut writers, and we know exactly where things tend to go wrong. The good news? With the right guidance, these common pitfalls are easy to avoid.
Let’s dive into the top 5 mistakes new authors make, and how you can steer clear of them.

1. 1

   Skipping the Planning Stage

   Many first-time authors dive into writing without a clear outline or structure. While spontaneity can fuel creativity, it often leads to inconsistent pacing, underdeveloped characters, and plot holes that are hard to fix later. Avoid it: Start with a roadmap. Whether you prefer detailed outlines or loose chapter summaries, having a plan will keep your writing focused and intentional.

   How we help: At Impact Book Publishers, we offer story planning support and ghostwriting consultation to help you shape your ideas into a solid, compelling structure from day one.

2. 2

   Underestimating the Importance of Editing

   Your first draft is never your final draft. Yet many new authors skip professional editing or rely solely on spellcheck. The result? Books filled with grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and awkward phrasing that can turn readers away. Avoid it: Always invest in professional editing and proofreading. A polished manuscript shows readers, and potential publishers, that you take your craft seriously.

   How we help: Our experienced editors at Impact Book Publishers offer everything from developmental editing to final proofreading, ensuring your manuscript is clean, coherent, and publication-ready.

3. 3

   Choosing a Generic or Unprofessional Book Cover

   Readers judge books by their covers. A bland or unprofessional design can kill sales, regardless of your content's quality. Avoid it: Opt for a professionally designed cover that reflects your genre and appeals to your target audience.

   How we help: We provide custom cover design services tailored to your book’s theme, style, and market trends, so your cover stands out for all the right reasons.

4. 4

   Neglecting Marketing and Author Branding

   A common myth among new authors is “if I publish it, readers will come.” Unfortunately, in today’s crowded marketplace, books don’t sell themselves. Without a marketing plan or author presence, even great books go unnoticed. Avoid it: Start building your author platform early. Create a basic website, establish social media presence, and plan a marketing strategy for launch and beyond.

   How we help: Impact Book Publishers offers targeted book marketing services, social media guidance, and branding support to help you grow your audience and connect with readers.

5. 5

   Choosing the Wrong Publishing Path

   Many new authors feel overwhelmed by the publishing options available, self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional, and end up choosing a route that doesn’t align with their goals or budget. Avoid it: Take time to understand the pros and cons of each option. Be realistic about your expectations, resources, and what success looks like for you.

   How we help: Through personalized publishing strategy sessions, we help you evaluate your options and create a customized path, whether you're going fully independent or aiming for traditional publication.