10 Common Mistakes Book Authors Make

This post is by Andrea Campbell, the author of 12 traditionally published nonfiction books on a variety of topics including forensic science, criminal law, and entertaining using interactive games. Make sure you’re not committing any of her 10 writer mistakes!

Andrea teaches our course Publish That Book: How to write a nonfiction book proposal that sells. One of her students recently got a “very good deal,” and, according to Publisher’s Lunch, a $100,000-plus book contract. Andrea’s e-classes are limited to ten students. A new class will begin January 12, 2009 — so sign up now!

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I’ve taught book proposal writing for many years now and through my experience I’ve seen a lot of students who succeed to get published—and published well—and I’ve also witnessed those who are not so adept at following instruction, and fail. Below is a list of common mistakes that book authors make, either because they have not done their homework, or because they believe they can do it their own way.

1. The writer doesn’t know what a book proposal is.

Nonfiction books are only sold on the basis of a book proposal. This document has a particular style and format that is not standardized, but highly recognizable as a sales tool. The writing is not the same as creative writing (that does not mean there is no creativity with doing it).

2. They write the book.

It amazes me how many writers write the whole book, and then try to sell it (whether using a book proposal or not). Writing the entire volume is wasted time and effort. A publisher’s editor may want to have some input into how the book is constructed. They may have constraints on page length or format. Typically, editors will not even consider a book that is already done.

3. Not learning about the publishing industry.

It’s important to know how a book is published; potential authors should even know the physical steps and basic process for getting a book to market. Also, there is a particular jargon for book publishing and writers should know the terminology and be able to use it correctly.

4. The level of professionalism is nonexistent or low.

The writer does not write well enough or his work is riddled with spelling and syntax errors. Today’s working authors are well educated. They are mindful of how their work is presented and generally excel at the craft of writing and editing.

5. The writer cannot nail down his topic.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, thinks that his or her book’s subject is the best idea around. When, in actuality, the inspiration winds up as being either too general, does not fit a market category, has no market, has already been done, or is an unpopular concept for a reason.

6. The potential author does not know marketing.

Book creation and selling is a business. The writer might have what he thinks is a good idea (see previous problem) only to find out that he doesn’t understand the market. No market, no audience, no sale. This is first thing writers should be doing, market research or testing the market.

7. The potential author cannot face seeing their competition.

If the writer doesn’t already know what’s out in the marketplace, they are doomed to repeat a title idea, or, worse still, not be able to improve on a subject area that has already been covered.

8. They can’t adapt their work to the market or their audience.

This is a very common problem. It’s analogous to the saying: “They can’t see the forest for the trees.” The potential author studies the competition. But then she can’t figure out how to slant her idea to make it marketable and she winds up get stuck in a rut for lack of trying. Sometimes she is just resistant to criticism or editing. Book proposal concepts are not first-level thinking. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

9. They don’t join professional organizations, go to conferences or network.

If you were in a position to buy a book, would you buy it from a stranger, or buy it from someone you met at a conference and liked?

10. They characterize their book as a “bestseller.”

You as a writer are not able to describe your book as a “bestseller.” Only your editor can tell you that, and then they can only say it after an impressive sales record flows in. This type of talk marks you as a novice and, unfortunately, someone who is thought of as delusional.

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Can you think of any more mistakes new book authors make? Have you mad any yourself, and learned from the experience? Please post in the Comments below! [lf]