Introduction
Working with a top Amazon book publisher maximizes your chances of success in the publishing industry. When it comes to self-publishing, Amazon is a game-changer. Its Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform offers authors the chance to publish their books without the constraints of traditional publishing houses. However, despite its potential, many authors still face challenges. One of the biggest obstacles? Misleading or bad advice about working with top Amazon book publishers. Whether you're new to the self-publishing world or experienced, understanding the right strategies for success is essential. In this article, we will explore some of the worst advice you could ever get about top Amazon book publishers and why you should avoid them. By learning about these pitfalls, you can make better, more informed decisions about your publishing journey.
1. You Dont Need a Professional EditorAmazon Will Handle It.
One of the most damaging pieces of advice new authors often receive is that they dont need a professional editor when publishing on Amazon. While Amazon KDP offers a simple process to upload books, it does not offer editing services. Authors are still responsible for ensuring their content is polished and free from grammatical errors.
Why This Advice Is Wrong:
Self-publishing may be a democratizing force for authors, but it also means that your book will be competing against thousands of others for attention. A book that is riddled with typos, grammatical errors, and structural issues will not only frustrate readers but also damage your credibility. Readers expect professional-quality books, and without professional editing, your books chances of success significantly decrease.
What to Do Instead:
Invest in professional editing services. You can find freelance editors on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or through specialized publishing networks. A well-edited book gives your work the professional touch it needs to stand out in a crowded market. Editing services typically include developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Always ensure your work is error-free before hitting "publish."
2. Publish As Many Books As PossibleQuantity Over Quality!
Another piece of bad advice circulating in the self-publishing world is the notion that publishing a large number of books quickly will ensure success. This advice often comes from authors or publishing "gurus" who claim that the more books you publish, the better your chances of becoming a top seller.
Why This Advice Is Wrong:
While it's true that having multiple books can help increase visibility, publishing books of low quality just for the sake of quantity is a recipe for failure. Readers value quality over quantity, and poorly written or hastily published books can lead to negative reviews, damaging your reputation.
Additionally, publishing too frequently can exhaust your creativity and leave you with a backlist of low-quality content. Amazons algorithms reward books with positive reviews and sustained sales. Publishing low-quality books that fail to generate buzz will likely hinder your chances of success.
What to Do Instead:
Focus on quality over quantity. Take the time to ensure each book you publish meets the highest standards. Create a plan for marketing your book and building your audience. Aim for a sustainable publishing schedule that allows you to refine your craft and produce high-quality books that your readers will love.
3. You Should Always Use KDP SelectIts the Only Way to Go.
KDP Select is Amazons exclusive program that requires you to make your eBook available only through Amazon for 90-day periods. The program offers authors promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals and Free Book Promotions. While these options may sound appealing, the advice that KDP Select is always the best route for every author is misleading.
Why This Advice Is Wrong:
KDP Select limits your books availability to Amazon only, meaning that you can't sell your eBook on other platforms like Apple Books, Barnes Noble, or Kobo during the 90-day exclusivity period. While it may work for some authors, the exclusivity requirement isnt ideal for everyone, especially those looking to maximize their reach across multiple platforms.
Additionally, while KDP Select offers powerful promotional tools, it also comes with significant limitations. Not every genre or author will benefit from the promotional offers, and relying solely on Amazon could limit your audience.
What to Do Instead:
Instead of automatically enrolling your book in KDP Select, carefully assess whether this program fits your publishing goals. If you value wide distribution and want to sell across multiple platforms, you may want to opt out of KDP Select. You can always experiment with KDP Select on a single book to see how it affects your sales, but avoid making it your default choice.
4. You Dont Need to Market Your BookAmazons Algorithm Will Do It for You.
A common myth is that once your book is published on Amazon, the platforms algorithm will automatically promote your book to readers. While Amazons algorithms are powerful and can help with book discovery, they are not a substitute for active marketing and promotional efforts.
Why This Advice Is Wrong:
Amazons algorithm does take into account sales performance, reader reviews, and keywords, but it wont magically make your book a bestseller without external efforts. Its true that if your book performs well, it can be featured in Amazons recommendations, but this wont happen unless you put in the work to market and promote your book.
If you dont actively promote your book, its unlikely that readers will discover it. With millions of titles available on Amazon, your book can easily get buried unless you give it the exposure it needs.
What to Do Instead:
Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that includes email marketing, social media promotion, and utilizing Amazons advertising options. Engage with readers through your author profile, run promotions, and leverage book bloggers and influencers to build your visibility. Keep in mind that success on Amazon requires consistent marketing efforts.
5. The Cover Doesnt MatterJust Upload a Simple Image.
Some authors believe that the cover is just a minor detail and that any image will suffice. This advice couldnt be more wrong. Your book cover is often the first impression potential readers have of your work, and it plays a crucial role in your books success.
Why This Advice Is Wrong:
A book cover is like a store window displayit draws people in. A poorly designed cover can immediately turn readers away, no matter how good the content is. Readers have become accustomed to professional, eye-catching covers, and they expect nothing less. A simple or low-quality cover can make your book look unprofessional, leading to a lack of trust and a lower likelihood of sales.
What to Do Instead:
Invest in a professional book cover design. A strong cover will visually convey the genre, tone, and message of your book. If you're not familiar with graphic design, hiring a professional designer is a worthwhile investment. Platforms like Fiverr, 99designs, or Reedsy connect authors with talented designers who specialize in book covers.
6. Just Write and Forget About SEOKeywords Arent Important.
Consistent and relevant content writing enhances user experience and keeps visitors coming back for more. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a powerful tool in the online world, and it should not be overlooked when publishing on Amazon. The advice that keywords dont matter is a mistake that could hurt your books discoverability.
Why This Advice Is Wrong:
Amazons search engine relies heavily on keywords to connect readers with the right books. If you dont optimize your book's title, description, and metadata with the right keywords, it will be much harder for potential readers to find it. Inadequate keyword research or ignoring SEO can prevent your book from showing up in relevant search results.
What to Do Instead:
Do thorough keyword research before uploading your book to Amazon. Use tools like Publisher Rocket or Amazon's search bar to identify popular search terms in your genre. Ensure your books title, subtitle, and description are optimized for these keywords, so your book is easily discoverable by readers.
7. You Cant Succeed Without a Large FollowingIts Too Late for New Authors.
While having a large platform can certainly help an authors success, believing that its impossible to succeed on Amazon without a large following is discouraging and misleading.
Why This Advice Is Wrong:
Many successful self-published authors started with no platform at all. Amazon provides tools that can help new authors gain visibility without an established following. You dont need to have a massive audience right from the startwhat you need is the right strategy, persistence, and quality content.
What to Do Instead:
Focus on building your readership and audience gradually. Engage with readers on social media, through email newsletters, and by participating in author communities. Publish quality books, ask for reviews, and run Amazon promotions to help gain traction.
8. Conclusion: Dont Let Bad Advice Derail Your Success
Self-publishing on Amazon is an exciting opportunity, but its essential to understand the facts before diving in. Avoid the worst advice that can hinder your chances of successwhether its neglecting editing, prioritizing quantity over quality, or relying solely on Amazons algorithm for promotion. Take an informed, strategic approach to publishing, invest in professional help where needed, and focus on building a sustainable career. By doing so, youll maximize your chances of success in the ever-evolving world of Amazon book publishing. Many enterprises choose Amazon Host for its flexibility, as it supports a wide variety of operating systems and software environments.
