Publishing Pitfalls for Authors

by Mark Leslie Lefebvre

There has never been more opportunity, more options, more pathways for writers. But with choice come potential pitfalls, traps, and career-limiting plays. Some of the perils writers might encounter on their writing and publishing journey come from nefarious operators seeking to prey on the hopes and dreams of writers. Other dangers might even come from within, tendencies and traits that authors sometimes overlook; misunderstood information, or potentially even well-intended, but misguided and misinformed advice picked up along the way. This book, which draws upon more than three decades of experience in writing, publishing, and bookselling, explores those pitfalls and hazards that writers should be aware of so they can navigate their own pathway to writing and publishing success.

164 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2021

About the author

Mark Leslie Lefebvre has been writing since he was thirteen years old and discovered his mother’s Underwood typewriter collecting dust in a closet. He started submitting his work for publication at the age of fifteen and had his first story published in 1992, the same year he graduated from university.

Under the name Mark Leslie, he has published more than a dozen full length books. He pens a series of non-fiction paranormal explorations for Dundurn, Canada’s largest independent publisher. He also writes fiction (typically thrillers and horror) and has edits fiction anthologies, most recently as a regular editor for the WMG Publishing Fiction River anthology series.

The very same year, Mark saw his first short story in print he started working in to book industry as a part-time bookseller, and was bitten by the book-selling bug. He has worked in virtually every type of bookstore (independent, chain, large-format, online, academic and digital). He has thrived on innovation, particularly related to digital publishing, and enjoys interacting with the various people who make the book industry so dynamic.

Between 2011 and 2017, Mark worked at the Director of Self-Publishing and Author Relations for Kobo where he was the driving force behind the creation of Kobo Writing Life, a free and easy to use author/small-publisher friendly platform designed to publish directly to Kobo’s global catalog in 190 countries. By the end of 2016, Kobo Writing Life established itself as the #1 single source of weekly global unit sales for Kobo and, in primarily English language territories, responsible for 1 in every 4 eBooks sold.

Mark has spoken professionally in the United States and Canada, in the UK and across Europe, specializing in advances in digital publishing and the vast and incredible opportunities that exist for writers and publishers.

Reviews

[Alyssa Kuron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Publishing Pitfalls for authors is a great overview of many elements of both independent and traditional publishing. I’ve been listening to Mark’s Stark Reflections podcast for years, among other podcasts for indie authors, and this felt like a “greatest hits” of the key topics. The chapters are short and sweet and I was able to finish it in just a day, but it’s one I will return to when I need a reminder…especially the Paralysis chapter. Definitely my biggest pitfall! Full disclosure: I was gifted this book by the author himself. Thank you!!

[J.J. Lair · Rating 4 out of 5]

He explains publishing from publishers point of view. Why does it take so long for books to get published? Why are Kindle books priced so high? He gives a good answers. He takes us into the reader’s mind. How do they judge covers? Text? Story?

There are words for writers who are hesitant about their work.
Well rounded explanations of how publishing works from all angles.

[David Macpherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, conversational talk about the challenges facing authors. He had all his chapters be about issues starting with the letter P. That seemed to be a little cumbersome, but his voice was great and his advice was helpful.