TheĀ Author CompanionĀ Blog

Ā 

The Secret "Newbie Tax" of Self-Publishing (and How to Avoid Paying It)

Jan 24, 2025
Helping new authors write and self-publish

So, you've got a book burning inside of you, characters clamoring to be heard, and a burning desire to finally see your work in the hands of readers. You've decided to take the plunge into the world of self-publishing, which is amazing! But, if you're anything like I was when I started, you're also probably feeling a little overwhelmed, and maybe even a little intimidated.

The truth is, the publishing world can feel like it has its own secret code, a set of unspoken rules that can leave new authors feeling lost and frustrated. It's almost as if there's a "newbie tax" you have to pay – a price in wasted time, money, and unnecessary headaches, just for being new to the game.
 

What is this "Newbie Tax," Exactly?

 

The "newbie tax" isn't an actual fee, of course, but it's a very real phenomenon that many first-time authors experience. It's the accumulation of:

Mistakes you didn't even know you were making: From formatting mishaps to cover design fails, there are tons of potential pitfalls that can derail your publishing effortsIt’s easy to spend countless hours sifting through advice that doesn’t apply to you.

Time-wasting research: Endless hours spent Googling "how to publish a book," only to find conflicting information or advice that doesn't apply to your situation.

Costly errors: From choosing the wrong editors to making poor marketing decisions, it's easy to throw money at things that don't actually help you get closer to your goal.

Self-doubt: That sneaky voice that says, “You're not good enough,” or, “Who are you to write a book?”
 
Overwhelm: The sheer volume of information, tasks, and decisions involved in self-publishing, and not knowing where to start.
 
It's like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded, hoping you’ll stumble your way to the finish line, only to end up making a lot of wrong turns, wasting time and effort.
 

How Can You Avoid Paying the "Newbie Tax"?

The good news is, you don't have to pay the "newbie tax." You can skip the painful learning curve and navigate the self-publishing world with confidence. The key is to equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools. That's why I created the "Common Mistakes New Authors Make" guide. It’s designed to be your secret weapon in this process.
 
This guide isn't just a list of errors; it's a strategic tool that will show you how to avoid those frustrating mistakes, save valuable time and money, and finally get your book into the hands of readers. Inside you’ll find:
 
The top mistakes to avoid in writing, editing, and publishing: Learn what the common mistakes are, so you can steer clear from the beginning.
Expert tips to save time and reduce stress: Get practical advice you can apply immediately to make the process smoother.
Real-world insights to move forward confidently: Gain the insider knowledge you need to navigate the self-publishing world like a pro.
 
I’ve spent years working as a self-published author, publishing over 40 books. I’ve made many of these mistakes myself, so I know what they are. I created the Author Hero course as a way to help other authors avoid the pitfalls that I experienced.
 

Stop the Endless Research and Start Publishing with Confidence

Don't let the fear of the "newbie tax" keep you from pursuing your dream of becoming a published author. Stop spending hours Googling, feeling lost, or throwing money at solutions that don't work. Instead, arm yourself with the insights and strategies you need to succeed.
By being aware of the common mistakes that new authors make, and by learning how to avoid them, you can save time, money, and frustration. You can write boldly, publish bravely, and launch victoriously. You can focus on your craft and get your book to the readers who are waiting for it. You can be someone's favorite author.
 
Ready to skip the "newbie tax" and get your book published the right way? Grab your copy of the "Common Mistakes New Authors Make" guide today, and let’s make your author dreams a reality!
 
#selfpublishing #newauthor #publishingmistakes #indieauthor