Everyone Starts Somewhere — But You Can Start Smarter
Writing your first eBook is exciting, but also full of hidden pitfalls. Many new writers dive in with enthusiasm, only to end up stuck, overwhelmed, or disappointed with the final result. The good news? Most of these struggles are completely avoidable. Whether you’re writing an eBook to share your expertise, grow your brand, or earn income, this guide will help you steer clear of the 10 most common mistakes new eBook writers make and show you how to do it right from the start.
1. Choosing the Wrong Topic
The first mistake is writing about what you want instead of what your audience needs. A successful eBook solves a specific problem or answers a key question. Before you start writing, research your niche, check trending topics on Google or Reddit, and ask your audience what they want to learn. When your topic meets a real demand, sales and engagement naturally follow.
2. Not Creating an Outline
Jumping straight into writing without an outline often leads to messy structure and writer’s block. Think of your outline as the skeleton of your eBook, it gives shape and flow. List your chapters, subtopics, and key points before writing a single paragraph. A simple outline can save hours of rewriting later and keep your message clear.
3. Writing Like an Academic Paper
Many beginners make their eBooks sound too formal or complicated. Remember, an eBook isn’t a thesis, it’s a conversation. Write the way you talk. Use short sentences, relatable examples, and a friendly tone. Readers prefer clarity over complexity. If it sounds like a lecture, rewrite it like you’re explaining to a friend over coffee.
4. Forgetting About Design and Formatting
An amazing eBook can still fail if it looks unprofessional. Poor layout, tiny fonts, and low-quality covers instantly turn readers away. Use tools like Canva, Vellum, or Reedsy to format your eBook cleanly. Choose readable fonts, consistent spacing, and include visuals or callout boxes to break long text. And yes, invest time in a beautiful cover. People do judge books by it!
5. Neglecting Editing and Proofreading
Even great writers need editors. Skipping proofreading is one of the biggest red flags for readers. Grammar mistakes, typos, or confusing sentences make your eBook look rushed. Use Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or hire a freelance editor to review your work. You only need one polished eBook to build credibility, so make sure it shines.
6. Not Defining a Target Reader
Writing for “everyone” means connecting with no one. Before writing, picture your ideal reader, their struggles, goals, and tone they respond to. Tailor your language and examples to fit them. When readers feel like you’re speaking directly to them, they’ll finish your book, share it, and buy your next one.
7. Overloading with Information
More content isn’t always better. Many beginners pack too much into one eBook, leaving readers overwhelmed. Focus on clarity, not quantity. Pick one main goal; teach one thing well. You can always write more eBooks later. Think of your eBook as a clear, concise solution, not a data dump.
8. Ignoring Marketing Until It’s Too Late
Publishing an eBook is only half the job, marketing is what makes it successful. Build your email list, tease snippets on social media, and optimize your book title with SEO keywords before launch. The earlier you plan your marketing, the easier it is to gain traction on platforms like Amazon KDP, Gumroad, or your own site.
9. Not Adding a Call to Action
Your eBook shouldn’t end when the last chapter does. Always include a call to action (CTA), invite readers to follow you, join your newsletter, or check out your next product. This builds your brand and helps turn one-time readers into long-term fans.
10. Giving Up Too Soon
Many new writers expect instant success, but great results take time. The first eBook is always a learning process. Don’t quit if sales are slow. Improve your cover, rewrite your description, collect reviews, and keep promoting. Every book you write gets better — and easier.
Final Thoughts: Write, Learn, Improve
Every author makes mistakes, even the successful ones. The difference is they learn and keep going. If you avoid these 10 pitfalls, you’ll be far ahead of most beginners. Start small, write consistently, and don’t wait for perfection. The best way to learn how to write an eBook… is to actually write one.