WrittenByAngel

Being an author has been my lifelong dream. Not for the fame of it or simply as a passive income, but to be the change for many that many authors and poets had been for me. Growing up, reading introduced me to worlds that were in many ways better than the one I was living in. It was a light at the end of the ‘teenage tunnel’. These books were some of the best teachers and mentors that I have had and when I decided to self publish Severely Brief Peace I was over the cloud.

But like any first time experience mine of was rife with mistakes and lessons, and here are three that have hopefully made me a better writer.

Insufficient Editing and Proof Reading

One of the biggest mistakes I made was not dedicating enough time to edit and proofread my manuscript. In my excitement to publish, I rushed through the editing process, relying primarily on my own eyes to catch errors, resulting in typos and spelling errors in the final print.

Dear writers, Editing and proofreading are crucial. It’s essential to invest in a professional editor who can provide an objective review of your work. If budget constraints make hiring an editor difficult, find a trusted friend or a fellow writer to critique your manuscript. Moreover, I have realised that taking breaks between writing and editing can help you see your work with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot mistakes.

Lack of Marketing

It has been fours years since Severely Brief Peace came out and one of the biggest realisations I have had over time is the importance of marketing. I assumed that simply publishing my book and sharing about it over Instagram and Facebook would be enough to attract readers. However, without any marketing knowledge and strategy, my book remained largely unnoticed. Marketing is as important as writing itself. Creating a buzz around your book before and after its release is vital. This can include building a website, maintaining an active presence on social media, engaging with poetry communities, and leveraging platforms like Goodreads for reviews and promotions.

Furthermore, consider reaching out to bloggers and influencers who might be interested in your book, and don’t underestimate the power of local book fairs and book readings to build readers.

Research Before Publishing

Another mistake I made was not doing enough research before diving into the self-publishing process. I didn’t fully understand the different publishing platforms, the formatting requirements, or the various costs involved. This lack of preparation led to unnecessary stress and setbacks. Thorough research is essential before self-publishing. Understanding the pros and cons of different self-publishing platforms can help you choose the one that best fits your needs. Additionally, budgeting for all potential expenses will prevent financial surprises.

Self-publishing is a rewarding yet challenging process that requires a lot of planning. My experience taught me a lot and by learning from these mistakes, I am better equipped to navigate the self-publishing world and set my future projects up for success.