5 Costly Mistakes New eBook Authors Must Avoid

So, you’re ready to become an eBook author. Whether you’re launching your first guide, building your brand, or chasing that dream of becoming a published writer, there’s no doubt—eBooks are powerful tools. They’re great for reaching audiences, showcasing expertise, and even earning passive income.

But here’s the catch: many new eBook authors fall into the same traps early on, and these missteps can turn what should be a rewarding journey into a frustrating one. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid—with the right guidance.

In this blog, we’ll break down the top 5 common mistakes new eBook authors make, and more importantly, we’ll show you exactly how to steer clear of them. Whether you’re still outlining your first chapter or halfway through writing, this guide will help you save time, reduce stress, and publish smarter.

Why It’s Important to Get It Right from the Start

Before we dive into the mistakes, let’s zoom out for a second. Creating an eBook isn’t just about getting your ideas on paper—it’s about connecting with readers, building credibility, and delivering value. A poorly executed eBook can damage your authority, discourage your audience, and waste the effort you’ve poured into your writing.

Your path will be much smoother with current planning and learning. That’s why identifying these pitfalls early on is essential.

Mistake #1: Skipping the Planning and Research Phase

The Problem:

Many first-time eBook authors are eager to dive into writing. While enthusiasm is great, jumping in without a solid plan often leads to disorganized content, inconsistent tone, and a weak value proposition.

Why It Hurts:

Without upfront research, you may end up writing about something no one is searching for—or worse, writing something that already exists in abundance without offering a fresh angle.

How to Avoid It:

• Define your audience: Who is your ideal reader? What challenges, aspirations, and passions do they have?
• Validate your idea: Use keyword research tools, forums, and social media to see what people are asking. Google Trends and Reddit are unexpectedly useful.
• Outline before writing: Build a roadmap for your eBook. Break it down into chapters or sections so that you stay organized and on topic.

📌 Pro Tip: Look at Amazon or Gumroad eBook categories and reviews to see what your audience is loving (and what’s missing).

Mistake #2: Focusing Too Much on Perfection Over Progress

The Problem:

Many new authors spend months tweaking, editing, and second-guessing every sentence, believing that the perfect eBook will write itself eventually.

Why It Hurts:

This leads to burnout, delays your launch, and often causes promising writers to abandon the project altogether. Remember: progress is better than perfection.

How to Avoid It:

• Set deadlines for each phase of the project: Research, writing, editing, and publishing.
• Use a “first draft mindset”: Your goal should be to finish a complete draft before obsessing over edits.
• Get feedback early: Instead of polishing endlessly, let a few trusted people read your rough draft and provide input.

🎯 Mindset Shift: The most successful authors treat writing like a process, not a performance.

Mistake #3: Poor Formatting and Design

The Problem:

Your eBook may have great content, but if it looks sloppy, cluttered, or hard to read, readers won’t engage with it.

Why It Hurts:

Presentation plays a huge role in perceived value. A poorly formatted eBook can instantly make your work seem amateurish—even if the content is solid.

How to Avoid It:

• Stick to clean, consistent formatting: Use headers, subheaders, bullet points, and spacing wisely.
• Use tools like Canva, Atticus, or Vellum: These platforms help non-designers format eBooks professionally.
• Add visual elements: Include charts, infographics, or pull quotes to make your content more engaging.

💡 Remember: You’re not just selling words; you’re selling an experience.

Mistake #4: Weak Title and Cover Design

The Problem:

A generic title or poorly designed cover can ruin your eBook’s chances—no matter how good the content is.

Why It Hurts:

People undeniably judge a book by its cover. If your title and visuals don’t capture attention or clearly communicate value, your audience may scroll right past it.

How to Avoid It:

• Rewritten Sentence: Achieve Your Goals Faster: Discover How Our Product Solves Your Biggest Challenges
• Example: Instead of “Time Management Tips,” try “Win Your Day: Time-Saving Strategies for Busy Entrepreneurs”
• Hire a designer (or use templates): If your budget allows, invest in professional design. If not, use platforms like Canva Pro or 99designs.
• Test different versions: Use polls or A/B testing (via social media or email) to see what resonates.

👁 First impressions matter—don’t skimp on visuals.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Marketing and Distribution

The Problem:

Many new authors finish their eBook, hit “publish,” and assume people will find it on their own. Unfortunately, that rarely happens.

Why It Hurts:

Without a marketing strategy, even the best eBook can get buried. You miss out on leads, revenue, and the impact you could’ve made.

How to Avoid It:

• Start building your audience early: Grow an email list, engage on social platforms, or blog consistently while you’re writing.
• Use multiple platforms: Don’t just stick to Amazon. Try Gumroad, your website, LinkedIn, or niche forums depending on your audience.
• Create supporting content: Turn your eBook into blog posts, videos, infographics, or carousels to drive awareness.

📈 Marketing is not a supplementary consideration, but rather an integral component of the writing endeavor itself.

Recap: Avoid These 5 Mistakes and Set Your eBook Up for Success

Mistake	What It Causes	How to Fix It
Skipping planning	Unfocused content, missed market	Define your audience and outline early
Over-editing	Burnout and missed deadlines	Aim for a complete draft, not perfection
Poor formatting	Low engagement and credibility	Use eBook-friendly formatting tools
Weak title/cover	Low click-through and sales	Make titles benefit-driven, covers professional
No marketing plan	No readers or traction	Start promoting before you launch

Where Do You Go From Here?

If you’re in the early stages of writing your first eBook, now is the perfect time to take a step back and assess:

• Have you clearly defined who your eBook is for?
• Do you have an outline or structure mapped out?
• Are you building visibility while you write?

Avoiding these five common mistakes could mean the difference between an eBook that collects digital dust and one that brings you leads, income, and authority.

Remember, your first eBook doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be valuable, intentional, and discoverable.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Before you dive back into writing, download our free eBook Planning Worksheet – a simple tool to help you organize your ideas, define your audience, and map out your content. Perfect for new authors who want to start smart.