Publishing a book is a dream for many Nigerian writers. Whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or self-help, getting your work into print is an incredible achievement. But for first-time authors especially, the publishing journey is full of challenges. Many fall into avoidable traps that affect the quality, sales, and long-term success of their books.
In this guide, we highlight the most common mistakes Nigerian writers make when publishing a book and provide practical solutions. For new and experienced authors alike, these insights serve as essential writing tips Nigeria can learn from.
- Skipping Professional Editing
One of the biggest book publishing mistakes is failing to invest in professional editing. Many Nigerian writers believe friends, teachers, or personal grammar skills are enough. But a good editor does far more than correct typos—they improve structure, flow, and readability.
Why it’s a mistake: Readers quickly abandon poorly edited books, and negative reviews can damage an author’s reputation.
How to avoid it: Budget for professional editing. Depending on the word count, editing in Nigeria costs ₦2–₦5 per word. Consider developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading for a polished final draft.
- Choosing Cheap or Unprofessional Cover Designs
Another common error is treating the book cover as an afterthought. Some Nigerian writers use basic templates, clip art, or DIY software for designs.
Why it’s a mistake: Your cover is your first impression. A poor design signals low quality and drives readers away—even if the content is brilliant.
How to avoid it: Hire a professional cover designer. A good design costs between ₦5,000–₦20,000 in Nigeria but can make all the difference in attracting readers.
- Ignoring ISBN Registration
Some authors print books without an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) because they want to save ₦3,500 or avoid the registration process at the National Library of Nigeria.
Why it’s a mistake: Without an ISBN, your book cannot be cataloged properly, limiting its acceptance in libraries, schools, and international markets.
How to avoid it: Always register your ISBN. It’s affordable and essential for credibility.
- Printing Without a Marketing Plan
Many Nigerian authors focus so much on writing and printing that they forget about sales. They print 500 or 1,000 copies, only to store them in their homes because they have no marketing strategy.
Why it’s a mistake: Without marketing, your book won’t reach readers, no matter how well-written it is.
How to avoid it: Develop a marketing plan before printing. Use social media, book clubs, school visits, and online platforms like Enufbooks, Bambooks, and Amazon KDP. Set aside a budget for advertising (₦50,000–₦200,000 for online campaigns).
- Overestimating Demand
Some first-time writers believe their book will sell thousands of copies overnight. They print large quantities, hoping for instant success, only to face unsold stock.
Why it’s a mistake: Overestimating demand wastes money and creates storage problems.
How to avoid it: Start with a smaller print run—200–500 copies—and test the market. For global reach, use print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP to avoid bulk printing.
- Ignoring Digital Publishing Options
Many Nigerian authors still think only about physical books, ignoring digital platforms.
Why it’s a mistake: Ebooks and audiobooks are growing rapidly, especially among younger readers. Limiting yourself to print means losing potential sales.
How to avoid it: Explore digital platforms like Amazon KDP (for global reach), Enufbooks, and Bambooks (for Nigerian readers). Self-publishing ebooks is often cheaper and faster.
- Underpricing or Overpricing Books
Pricing is tricky. Some authors set prices too high, making books unaffordable in the Nigerian book market, while others undervalue their work to boost sales.
Why it’s a mistake: Overpricing drives readers away, while underpricing makes your work seem cheap and unsustainable.
How to avoid it: Research comparable books in your genre. For paperbacks in Nigeria, ₦3,000–₦5,000 is typical for novels, while ebooks on Enufbooks or Amazon sell between $2.99–$9.99.
- Not Building an Author Brand
Some writers disappear after publishing, expecting the book to sell itself. They fail to engage with readers or promote themselves.
Why it’s a mistake: Readers buy into authors as much as books. If they don’t know you, they won’t invest in your work.
How to avoid it: Build an online presence. Use Instagram, TikTok (BookTok), Twitter (X), and Facebook to connect with readers. Share writing tips, behind-the-scenes content, and excerpts to grow your audience.
- Ignoring Distribution Channels
Distribution remains one of the hardest parts of publishing in Nigeria. Some writers ignore bookstores, schools, and online platforms, relying only on friends and family to buy copies.
Why it’s a mistake: Limited distribution equals limited reach.
How to avoid it: Combine multiple channels: bookstores (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt), schools, book fairs, churches, mosques, and online sales platforms. Consider hybrid publishers like Black Tower Publishers, which support distribution to schools and libraries.
- Failing to Protect Against Piracy
Piracy is a huge challenge in Nigeria. Many writers fail to watermark ebooks or monitor illegal copies of their work.
Why it’s a mistake: Pirated copies cut into profits and reduce the value of your work.
How to avoid it: Use secure ebook platforms like Enufbooks, which limit illegal sharing. For print, work with reputable printers and monitor sales channels to discourage piracy.
- Publishing Without Feedback
Some writers publish without getting feedback from beta readers, critique partners, or writing groups.
Why it’s a mistake: Without feedback, authors miss errors and flaws in plot, pacing, or clarity.
How to avoid it: Share your manuscript with trusted readers or join a Nigerian writers’ community for critique before sending it to print.
- Rushing the Process
In excitement, many Nigerian authors rush from first draft to printing.
Why it’s a mistake: Rushing leads to poor editing, bad formatting, and a weak final product.
How to avoid it: Take your time. Writing, editing, design, and marketing all need careful attention. Publishing is a marathon, not a sprint.
Conclusion
Publishing a book is an exciting achievement, but Nigerian writers often fall into avoidable traps. From skipping professional editing and poor cover design to ignoring digital platforms and failing to market, these book publishing mistakes limit success.
By learning from these pitfalls and following best practices, authors can thrive in the Nigerian book market. Remember: invest in quality editing, design smart marketing strategies, embrace digital publishing, and build a strong author brand.
For anyone dreaming of becoming an author, the lesson is clear—publishing is not just about writing, it’s about strategy. Avoid these mistakes Nigerian writers make, and your book has a much better chance of reaching the readers it deserves.
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