10 Common Marketing Mistakes First-Time Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Explore the 10 most common marketing mistakes new authors make, and get actionable tips for creating a successful marketing strategy.
BOOK PROMOTION & MARKETING
10 Common Marketing Mistakes First-Time Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them)
So, you’ve written a book—congratulations! But now comes the next big challenge: marketing it.
Many first-time authors assume that "if I write it, they will come." But the reality? Readers won’t just stumble upon your book—you have to market it effectively to get it in front of the right audience.
The problem is, new authors often make costly marketing mistakes that limit their book’s visibility and sales potential. In this blog, we’ll cover the 10 biggest marketing mistakes first-time authors make—and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Not Identifying Their Target Audience
The Mistake:
Many new authors believe their book is for "everyone." But if you market to everyone, you market to no one.
The Fix:
✔ Define your ideal reader. Who would love your book? Think about age, gender, reading habits, and favorite genres.
✔ Find similar books. If your book is like The Hunger Games, Gone Girl, or The Night Circus, then your audience is probably the same as those books.
✔ Write a reader-focused marketing message. Instead of saying, “This is a great book!” say, "If you love twisty thrillers like Gone Girl, you’ll love this fast-paced mystery with a shocking ending."
Example: If you wrote a dark fantasy novel, don’t market it to general readers. Target fantasy lovers who enjoy books like The Witcher or Game of Thrones.
2. Neglecting Their Author Platform
The Mistake:
Waiting until after publishing to build an audience.
The Fix:
✔ Start building your audience BEFORE launch.
✔ Use social media strategically. Post valuable content (book teasers, writing tips, behind-the-scenes stories).
✔ Have an author website. It’s your home base for readers to find your books, sign up for your email list, and follow your journey.
✔ Build an email list. Social media is great, but you don’t own your followers—email marketing is more effective for long-term engagement.
Example: Even if you don’t have a book out yet, start talking about your writing process, book inspirations, and personal journey to connect with future readers.
3. Skipping Professional Cover Design
The Mistake:
Using a DIY or unprofessional cover.
The Fix:
✔ Invest in a professional cover designer. Your book competes with bestsellers, so your cover must look just as good.
✔ Know your genre’s cover trends. Readers expect specific cover styles, fonts, and imagery based on the genre.
✔ Think about thumbnail visibility. Your book cover should be clear and readable even when it’s small on Amazon or social media.
Example: A romance novel should have soft, warm colors and readable typography, while a thriller might use bold fonts and dark tones.
4. Ignoring Amazon Optimization (Keywords & Categories)
The Mistake:
Listing your book in wrong or too broad categories and not using strong keywords in your book description.
The Fix:
✔ Choose the right categories. Amazon lets you pick two categories when you publish, but you can request up to 10 categories by contacting Amazon support.
✔ Use smart keywords. Readers search using specific terms. Instead of just “fantasy,” use "epic fantasy with dragons" or "dark fantasy romance."
✔ Optimize your book description. Make it compelling, include powerful hooks, and format it for easy reading (bold headers, short paragraphs).
Example: If you’re publishing a cozy mystery, don’t just choose "Mystery & Thriller." Find niche categories like "Amateur Sleuth Mysteries" or "Cozy Culinary Mysteries" to increase your book’s visibility.
5. Pricing the Book Wrong
The Mistake:
Overpricing or underpricing your book.
The Fix:
✔ Research similar books. See what successful indie authors are charging in your genre.
✔ Test pricing strategies. Consider a launch discount or limited-time promotions.
✔ Use Kindle Unlimited (KU) strategically. If you enroll in KU, readers can read for free while you earn per page read.
Example: If most indie thrillers sell for $3.99-$4.99, don’t price yours at $9.99 (too high) or $0.99 permanently (too low for profit).
6. Relying Only on Social Media 📱
The Mistake:
Thinking social media alone will sell books.
The Fix:
✔ Use multiple marketing channels. Social media is great, but also use email marketing, blog content, author collaborations, and ads.
✔ Prioritize email lists. Email marketing has higher conversion rates than social media.
✔ Engage, don’t just promote. Instead of only posting "Buy my book!", create discussions, share quotes, or ask readers questions.
Example: Instead of tweeting “Buy my book,” post something like "If you love enemies-to-lovers romance with sharp banter, you'll love my new book! What’s your favorite book in this trope?"
7. Forgetting to Use Book Reviews
The Mistake:
Not actively collecting reader reviews, making the book look less credible.
The Fix:
✔ Ask beta readers and ARC readers to leave honest reviews at launch.
✔ Encourage reviews at the end of your book. Add a simple line: "If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review—it helps more than you know!"
✔ Use Book Review services. Sites like NetGalley, Booksprout, and BookSirens can help you get early reviews.
Example: A book with 30+ reviews looks far more appealing than a book with only 2 reviews.
8. Not Running Promotions or Ads
The Mistake:
Thinking organic reach is enough.
The Fix:
✔ Use Amazon Ads or Facebook Ads to reach targeted readers.
✔ Run discount promotions on BookBub, Freebooksy, and Bargain Booksy to drive sales.
✔ Join newsletter swaps with other authors in your genre.
Example: A $20 Facebook ad targeting fantasy readers can put your book in front of thousands of potential buyers.
9. Failing to Build a Long-Term Strategy
The Mistake:
Only focusing on one book launch instead of a career plan.
The Fix:
✔ Think beyond your first book—plan a series or multiple projects.
✔ Keep engaging your audience between books (blog posts, newsletters, updates).
✔ Build an author brand so readers follow YOU, not just one book.
Example: If you write mystery novels, don’t just sell one book—start a detective series that keeps readers coming back.
10. Giving Up Too Soon
The Mistake:
Expecting instant success and quitting too early.
The Fix:
✔ Marketing takes time and consistency—don’t panic if your book doesn’t take off immediately.
✔ Keep writing more books—authors with multiple books sell more over time.
✔ Track what works and adjust your strategy as you go.
Example: Most bestselling authors built their audience over multiple books—your first book is just the beginning!
Final Thoughts: Market Smarter, Sell More Books
Marketing a book isn’t easy, but by avoiding these mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Which of these mistakes have you seen (or made) before? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Need help with your book marketing? Koratech Writer Pro’s tools can help you improve your book, optimize your blurb, and craft killer marketing strategies. Try it today!
