A professionally published book has the obvious advantage of its outward appearance at the first impression. On the other hand, a self-published book, perhaps lacking the professional touch, makes a poor impression. As a result, the self-published book kills its own chances of commercial success. The following list of suggestions will help ensure your success by avoiding common mistakes.

1. Find a subject with a wide appeal, rather than limited, niche subjects.

2. For an eBook, ensure the title with "dot.com" contains your name and the title of the book.

3. Make sure your title does not appear as a self-published work, even though it might be.

4. Make sure the publisher does not overcharge you for printing costs or keep the ownership rights from you.

5. Seek help from a professional for selecting the title and the cover design of the book.

6. Do not publish your photograph on the front cover unless you are a famous personality.

7. Make sure the URL is there on the back of the book.

8. Sometimes high-volume buyers, or the CEO of the company engaged in marketing your book, would like to be associated with your book, such as writing the foreword, etc. Ensure commercial benefit from such opportunities.

9. Get it proofread from a professional proofreader before printing.

10. Do not sell the rights of the book to any big publisher unless you are sure of getting a six-figure advance from them.

11. Remember, it is entirely up to you to promote your book. Do not rely on anyone else.

12. Get your book marketed by the major distributors.

13. Find locations with sales potential rather than relying heavily on bookstores where your book might be ignored among other interesting titles.

14. Try to create sales of high volume rather than single-copy sales.

15. Make best of all the sales opportunities available, such as the interaction started after sending a review copy, opportunities to speak on the subject of the book, etc.

16. Direct the sales of your book from your own website and keep all the profit, rather than appointing other sites to market your book and paying commissions to them.

17. Make it a point to send review copies to potential high-volume buyers.

18. Establish yourself as an author, educator, consultant, or whatever role you want to envisage for yourself through the book. Such a role can give you recognition and an increased income, rather than the mere status of an author. Seek opportunities to give speeches, coaching, and consultancy, etc. as the author of the book.

19. Concentrate on making the book you are writing a success with a well-planned promotional program.

20. Remember, a one-man network is not going to promote your book. If required, seek the professional services of a publishing coach.