Introduction

I've been navigating the indie writing and publishing game for over a decade now, and I'd like to think I'm getting pretty good at it. However, the journey hasn't been without its fair share of learning and mistakes. The rules of the game keep changing, and I'm still adapting, learning how to do things differently. Today, I want to share a fantastic resource that can help both new and seasoned authors avoid many common pitfalls: 50 Self-Publishing Mistakes to Avoid by Pete Cliff.

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Benjamin Franklin

And Cliff's approach in 50 Self-Publishing Mistakes to Avoid involves you to learn how to avoid them!

Background

When I first started out in the world of self-publishing, I had to learn everything the hard way. There weren't as many resources available, and I made countless mistakes that cost me time and money. Even now, with more than a decade of experience, I'm still learning and refining my approach. That’s why I was thrilled to come across Pete Cliff's book, 50 Self-Publishing Mistakes to Avoid. It’s a gem that you can digest in an hour or two, and it provides invaluable insights for anyone on the independent writing and publishing path.

And the best part? It's only $2.99 for the Kindle version in the US Amazon store!

The book is well-structured and categorized by the different stages of the writing and publishing cycle:

1. Preparation

2. The First Draft

3. Revisions

4. Pre-Launch

5. Launch

6. Post-Launch

7. Sequels

The Value of 50 Self-Publishing Mistakes to Avoid

What I love most about this book is its versatility. It’s incredibly useful for both beginning authors just starting out and more seasoned writers looking for a refresher or focused advice on specific topics. Each mistake is presented in a concise manner, taking only a few minutes to understand. Cliff then provides an exercise for each mistake to help you avoid making it yourself.

Reading this book for the first time was an eye-opener, and I now keep it handy as an ongoing reference. It's a must for authors at any stage, saving you a lot of wasted time and money as you navigate the self-publishing path. Both Pete and I have made these mistakes, and I can assure you that by investing a few bucks on this book and a few minutes reviewing each lesson, you'll save a ton of time and money! Consider this to be Pete’s and my way of ‘paying it forward.’

Call to Action

I’m delighted to recommend 50 Self-Publishing Mistakes to Avoid. Whether you're just starting your indie publishing journey or looking to fine-tune your process, this book is an invaluable tool. Spend a little time with it, and you'll be better prepared to avoid the common pitfalls that many of us have faced.

And while you’re at it, check out my recent review of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. Having finished that book now, I can assure you that the pearls of wisdom within are well worth your time and money. Both 50 Self-Publishing Mistakes to Avoid and Bird by Bird should be on your ‘must-read’ list if you want to continue to improve as a writer.

Remember, writing is a journey, and every step, mistake, and lesson learned brings you closer to your goals. So keep making mistakes and learning from them. But if 50 Self-Publishing Mistakes to Avoid can help you avoid a few, you’ll get there even faster! Happy writing!

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"Enhance your knowledge, sharpen your skills,

and improve your craft word by word -- or blog by blog!"

Steve Shipley: Author and founder of InkIT Publishing