Writing My First Book

Let’s cut the fluff: writing my first book was exhilarating, but it can also be a long, lonely mess of unmet expectations, false starts, and “what-the-hell-am-I-doing” moments.

Looking back, I wish someone had sat me down and said, “Here’s the honest truth before you dive in.” So here it is—for you.

5 Fatal Mistakes

There are 5 fatal mistakes that wipe out Indie authors even before they put pen to paper.

Many aspiring indie authors dream of publishing a book, hitting bestseller lists, and making an impact with their words. But too often, these dreams are cut short—long before the first chapter is even written. Why? Because they fall into traps that could have been avoided with a little knowledge and planning.

Here are the 5 fatal mistakes that wipe out indie authors—often before they even start writing:

1. Not Exploring a Profitable Niche

Passion is important—but if you don’t know who your book is for or whether there’s demand, you’re setting yourself up to struggle. Writing into a black hole is a common mistake.

Successful indie authors research first. They find a profitable niche with a hungry audience, explore trending topics, and validate ideas before committing to a draft.

Your book needs to be something people actually want to read.

2. Not Targeting Your Market

Even if your topic is solid, vague writing won’t cut it. Many authors write a book for “everyone,” which really means no one. You must identify your ideal reader and write for them. Everything—your title, tone, structure, and story—should connect with that specific audience.

Targeting makes marketing easier, your message stronger, and your chances of success far greater.

3. Skipping a Launch Plan

It’s tempting to hit “publish” the moment your manuscript is done, but fast doesn’t mean smart. Without a book launch strategy, your book will land with a thud—buried in the avalanche of titles released daily.

Plan your launch like a mini event: build buzz, grow a mailing list, secure early reviews, and prepare promotions.

Publishing is just the beginning—not the end.

4.  Amateur Cover Design

Your book will be judged by its cover. DIY design may feel thrifty, but unless you’re a skilled cover designer, it will likely turn readers away.

A poor cover signals that the book inside may be just as rough. Professional, genre-appropriate design is a non-negotiable investment.

The cover is your book’s first impression—make it count.

5. Skipping Professional Editing

Nothing kills credibility faster than typos, grammar mistakes, or clunky writing. Self-editing isn’t enough.

Every book needs fresh eyes—preferably from a professional editor who knows the industry. Good editing can take your manuscript from average to polished, and it shows your readers you respect their time.

Avoid these five mistakes, and you’ll be far ahead of the crowd—before you even type “Chapter One.”

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To learn more about publishing your book, register for my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

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First-Time Author Mistakes

Self-publishing your first book is an exciting journey, but it comes with a learning curve. Many first-time authors fall into common traps that can hurt their book’s quality, sales, and long-term success. Here are 10 first-time author mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Skipping Professional Editing

Even the best writers need editors. Typos, plot holes, and awkward phrasing can make your book unreadable. Hire a professional editor, or at least a proofreader, to polish your manuscript.

2. Using a DIY Book Cover

A poor-quality cover screams “amateur.” Readers judge books by their covers—invest in a professional design that fits your genre and grabs attention.

3. Rushing the Publishing Process

Excitement can lead to releasing a book before it’s ready. Take your time with revisions, formatting, and quality checks. A rushed release often leads to poor reviews.

4. Neglecting Formatting

A poorly formatted ebook or paperback creates a frustrating reading experience. Use tools like Vellum, Atticus, or hire a formatter to ensure your layout looks professional on all devices.

5. Not Researching the Genre Market

Publishing without understanding reader expectations in your genre can be a big misstake. Study top-selling books to learn about pacing, tone, and cover design.

6. Failing to Build an Audience Before Launch

Don’t wait until your book is live to start promoting. Build an email list, post content on social media, and engage with readers in relevant communities well before launch day.

7. Ignoring Keywords and Categories on Amazon

Amazon is a search engine. Use relevant keywords and select the right categories to make your book more discoverable.

8. Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Overnight success is rare. Understand that building a writing career takes time, persistence, and multiple books.

9. Avoiding Marketing

“I just want to write” isn’t a strategy. Marketing is essential. Learn the basics of email marketing, ads, and social media—or find someone who can help.

10. Not Asking for Reviews

Reviews drive sales and credibility. Ask readers (politely) to leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads after they finish your book.

Avoiding these common pitfalls can save you time, money, and frustration. With patience and preparation, you can set yourself up for self-publishing success.

Free Online Class

If you decide that self-publishing your book is for you, learn more about it in my free, online, live class. Secure your place now by clicking the green button below.

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

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Authors Revolt

In the rapidly evolving world of self-publishing, we are seeing authors revolt. Increasingly authors are looking for ways to gain more control over their work and profits.

One of the exciting trends expected to grow significantly in 2025 is the shift toward a direct-to-reader sales model. Authors sell their books directly to their readers.

Rather than relying solely on major platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), many authors are choosing to sell their books directly to their readers through personal websites or dedicated platforms like Patreon, Substack, and Shopify.

Rise of direct-to-reader sales

The rise of the direct-to-reader sales model is largely driven by dissatisfaction with the limitations imposed by traditional platforms.

While giants like Amazon provide authors with a massive potential audience, they also come with several drawbacks, including reduced royalties, lack of pricing control, and limited access to customer data.

Selling directly to readers allows authors to retain a much larger portion of their revenue. By cutting out the middleman, authors can sell books at a price they think is fair while pocketing nearly 100% of the earnings.

Moreover, this approach gives authors greater flexibility in offering discounts, running promotions, or bundling their books with other content.

Building stronger connections 

One of the most significant advantages of the direct-to-reader sales model is the ability to build a closer, more personal relationship with readers.

Selling your books directly to readers means that you don’t have to share royalties with a retailer or publisher. Your royalties can be paid out in hours rather than months.

This direct-to-reader sales approach means you can establish close relationships with your readers. This author-reader relationship can result in getting repeat customers and readers who want to follow you.

In addition, selling directly means authors have access to critical customer data that platforms like Amazon withhold.

By understanding who your readers are, where they come from, and what they want, you can tailor your marketing efforts more effectively and build a stronger, more targeted readership.

The future 

As more authors recognise the benefits of selling direct, the tools and platforms to support this trend are expanding. Shopify and Gumroad are increasingly popular among authors looking to sell digital downloads and merchandise.

Meanwhile, email marketing services and social media platforms are helping authors connect with readers, promote their work, and manage sales all in one place.

In 2025, the direct-to-reader model promises to be a key strategy for self-published authors seeking greater control over their careers. With direct sales, authors can not only increase their profits but also foster meaningful relationships with readers in ways that big platforms simply can’t match.

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Boosting Author Confidence

Confidence

Boosting author confidence can be challenging. This is especially so when you want to become a self-published author.

Imposter syndrome

The self-publishing industry demands resilience, self-promotion, and a thick skin. Many authors grapple with imposter syndrome. This is a common phenomenon because you want to be accepted and you want to feel safe, you want to belong and not feel rejected.

The gremlins of fear, doubt and shame bombard you with negative self-talk:

“You haven’t got what it takes!”

“You’re hopeless!”

“You can’t write!”

“Everyone else writes better!”

This can result in becoming a perfectionist, a procrastinator, or suffering writing paralysis. You feel the need to please people. You experience feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and fear of even being exposed as a fraud.

To thrive and succeed in the competitive world of writing and self-publishing you must overcome these feelings of not being good enough or lacking in self-worth.

Belief and confidence

Believing in your abilities as a writer and self-publisher is crucial for success in the competitive world of publishing.

Confidence in your craft fuels motivation, perseverance, and creativity. It empowers you to push through challenges, rejection, and self-doubt. When you trust in your skills, you can navigate the ups and downs of the writing and publishing process with resilience and determination.

Embracing your unique voice, honing your skills, and believing in the value of your work, you can bring your writing to life, connect with readers, and carve out your path in the literary world.

Strategies

Here are five (5) key strategies to boost your confidence as an author and self-publisher.

1. Focus on your value

The first is to build your confidence as a self-published author by focusing on the value of your work and the passion that drives your creative endeavours. Recognise that your unique voice, perspective, and writing abilities have intrinsic worth and deserve to be shared with the world.

2. Celebrate achievements

Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and acknowledge the dedication and effort you have put into honing your craft.

3. Cultivate a support network

Cultivate a supportive network of fellow writers, mentors, coaches, and industry professionals who can provide encouragement, feedback, and guidance. Engaging with like-minded individuals can help combat feelings of isolation, connect you with valuable resources and opportunities, and offer a sense of solidarity in the face of common challenges.

4. Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals, celebrating milestones, and acknowledging your progress along the way can help boost your confidence and motivation as a self-published author. Remember that growth is a gradual process, and each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your development as a writer.

5. Believe in your abilities

Ultimately, building confidence as a self-published author requires self-awareness, perseverance, and a belief in your abilities. Embrace your unique voice, trust in your creative vision, and continue to push past self-imposed limitations to unlock your full potential as a writer.

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Marji Hill

Author and Coach

ChatGPT For Authors

ChatGPT for authors is an exciting development in Artificial Intelligence(AI). Non-fiction authors, for example, can leverage ChatGPT in a variety of ways to enhance their writing process, improve productivity, and ensure accuracy.

Here are six (6) practical applications:

1. Research Assistance

ChatGPT can significantly streamline the research phase. Authors can ask ChatGPT about specific topics, historical events, or scientific concepts to gather basic information quickly. 

This can save hours spent scouring through articles, books, and databases. Additionally, ChatGPT can help identify reputable sources and suggest further reading materials, ensuring authors have a comprehensive understanding of their subject matter.

2. Idea Generation and Outlining

When developing a new book, non-fiction authors often face the challenge of organising their thoughts and structuring their content. ChatGPT can assist by generating outlines based on initial concepts or themes provided by the author. 

It can propose chapter titles, section headings, and even bullet points of key topics to cover, helping authors to create a cohesive structure from the outset.

3. Drafting and Writing

ChatGPT can provide a starting point for drafting your manuscript. It can generate paragraphs based on prompts given by the author.

 This can be especially useful for overcoming writer’s block or when needing to fill in gaps within a manuscript. Authors can instruct ChatGPT to write in a specific tone or style, ensuring the generated content aligns with their voice.

4. Fact-Checking and Accuracy

Accuracy is paramount in non-fiction writing. Authors can use ChatGPT to verify facts and figures, cross-reference data, and ensure the information presented is correct. While ChatGPT should not be the sole source of verification, it serves as a valuable tool for initial fact-checking and identifying potential inaccuracies.

5. Editing and Refinement

ChatGPT can assist in the editing phase by suggesting improvements in sentence structure, grammar, and clarity. Authors can input sections of their work and receive feedback on how to enhance readability and coherence. Additionally, ChatGPT can help identify redundancies or overly complex passages, making the text more accessible to readers.

6. Engagement and Interaction

Finally, ChatGPT can help authors engage with their audience. Authors can use ChatGPT to draft social media posts, newsletters, or discussion prompts related to their book’s content. This helps in building a community around their work and maintaining reader interest.

By integrating ChatGPT into their workflow, non-fiction authors can enhance their efficiency, ensure accuracy, and produce well-structured, engaging content.

To learn more about self-publishing you are invited to join my free, live online class.

Register for free right here by clicking the green button below.

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

Top Marketing Hacks for Indie Authors

In today’s crowded literary landscape, self-published authors face a dual challenge. They have to craft compelling stories and effectively market their work to stand out in a sea of content. Here are eight (8) top marketing hacks for Indie authors.

1. Author brand

Building a strong author brand is essential for self-published authors. They have to connect with readers, establish their credibility, and ultimately drive book sales. There are key marketing strategies that help self-published authors build their brand and reach their target audience.

2. Define brand identity

Before diving into marketing tactics, authors need to take the time to define their brand identity. Consider what sets them apart as a writer, their unique voice, themes, and the audience they want to reach.

Brand identity should be reflected in all aspects of their marketing efforts, from their website design to their social media posts.

3. Establish an online presence

A professional author website serves as an online hub and is essential for showcasing books, sharing author updates, and engaging with readers. Ensure the website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and optimised for search engines to increase discoverability.

4. Leverage Social Media

Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer valuable opportunities to connect with readers, share content, and build relationships. Choose platforms where a target audience is most active and consistently engage with followers. Do this by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, book recommendations, and engaging content related to their writing journey.

5. Grow an email list

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to nurture relationships with readers and drive book sales. Offer incentives such as exclusive content, discounts, or giveaways to encourage readers to subscribe to the email list.

6. Content Marketing

Create valuable content that resonates with the target audience and which positions the author as an authority in their genre or niche. This could include blog posts, articles, guest contributions, or podcast appearances. Authors should share their expertise, insights, and storytelling skills to attract and engage readers.

7. Collaborate with influencers

Partnering with influencers, book bloggers, or fellow authors in a genre can help expand the reach and introduce the books to new audiences. Offer review copies, participate in blog tours, or host joint events to leverage their platforms and credibility.

8. Engage with reader communities

Join online forums, book clubs, and reader communities relevant to the genre to connect with passionate readers and participate in discussions. Engage authentically, share recommendations, and offer insights into the writing process to foster genuine connections.

By implementing these marketing strategies and consistently nurturing their author brand, self-published writers can enhance their visibility, attract loyal readers, stand out from the crowd and achieve long-term success in the competitive world of publishing.

Discover More

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Register for free right here by clicking the green button below.

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

The ever-evolving landscape of the publishing industry presents a dilemma. You need to consider which path is right for you? Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing.

The dilemma is whether to pursue traditional publishing avenues or opt for the increasingly popular route of self-publishing.

Both paths offer distinct advantages and challenges, and understanding the nuances of each can help authors make informed decisions aligned with their goals and aspirations.

Traditional publishing

Traditional publishing, long considered the gold standard in the industry, involves partnering with a publishing house to bring a book to market.

This route typically begins with securing a literary agent who pitches the manuscript to publishers on behalf of the author. If accepted, the publisher handles editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing of the book.

One of the key benefits of traditional publishing is the potential for wider distribution and access to established distribution channels, such as bookstores and libraries. Additionally, the credibility and validation associated with being traditionally published can open doors to media coverage and literary awards.

Challenges

However, traditional publishing comes with its own set of challenges. Securing a literary agent and getting a publishing deal can be a lengthy and competitive process, often characterised by numerous rejections.

Authors also relinquish a degree of creative control and may receive lower royalties compared to self-publishing. Moreover, the traditional publishing timeline can be lengthy, with books often taking one to two years or more to reach shelves.

Self-publishing

On the other hand, self-publishing empowers authors to take control of the entire publishing process, from writing and editing to design, distribution, and marketing. This route offers greater creative freedom and faster time to market, allowing authors to publish their work on their terms.

Advances in technology and the proliferation of self-publishing platforms have democratised the industry, enabling authors to reach global audiences with minimal upfront costs.

Self-publishing also offers the potential for higher royalties, with authors retaining a larger share of their book’s earnings. Additionally, authors have the flexibility to experiment with pricing, promotions, and distribution channels to optimise sales.

However, self-publishing requires authors to wear multiple hats, including those of writer, editor, marketer, and entrepreneur.

Self-publishing success often hinges on authors’ ability to promote their work and build a loyal readership effectively.

Resolving the dilemma

Ultimately, the decision between traditional publishing and self-publishing depends on individual goals, preferences, and resources.

Authors seeking the prestige and support of a traditional publisher may find this route appealing, while those prioritising creative control and autonomy may opt for self-publishing.

Whichever path authors choose, embracing the opportunities and challenges of the publishing journey can lead to fulfilling literary achievements.

Learn More

If you want to learn more about how to self-publish then come to my free, online, live class. Get your free ticket now by clicking the green button below.

Marji Hill

Author and Coach

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