As an indie author coach for nearly 20 years, I’ve heard all the myths about book publishing.
Some are wildly outdated, others are based on fear and misinformation, and a few are just plain stupid.
If you’re in the process of self-publishing or thinking about it, you’ve probably come across these myths.
So, let’s take a minute to clear the air and give you the truth behind the most common misconceptions floating around the publishing world.
Myth #1: You Need a Literary Agent and Big 5 to Get Published
This one is such an oldie but a goodie.
Let me drop a truth bomb for you…
You don’t need a literary agent to get published or even to be successful!
I know, it’s shocking.
With Amazon KDP, you can get your book published directly and instantly with no agent required.
Literary agents were once gatekeepers to traditional publishers, but now they’re more like middlemen indie authors no longer need.
By cutting out the middleman, you can:
- retain creative control
- maintain your rights to YOUR book
- start growing your reader fanbase from day one
- keep a much larger percentage of your royalties
Plus, you get to skip the months of painful rejection letters. Win-win.
Myth #2: Self-Published Books Are Not Professional
I get it.
Self-published authors are often seen as the rebels in the book world, but that doesn’t mean our books are any less professional.
Let’s set the record straight!
Self-published books can be just as polished, well-edited, and beautifully designed as traditionally published ones.
In fact, many self-published authors invest in professional editors, designers, and even marketing teams (hello, that’s what I’m here for).
The key difference is the control you have over your book.
You decide the cover, the content, and how it’s marketed.
Don’t let anyone tell you your book isn’t “real” because it’s self-published—especially when your royalties are sitting pretty in your bank account, not lining the pockets of billionaires who have never even written a book in their life.
Myth #3: You Can't Make Money as an Indie Author
Ah, the age-old myth that self-publishing is just a hobby, not a business.
Listen, self-publishing absolutely is a business, and many authors make a lot of money from their books.
But here’s the catch…
…it’s not an overnight thing.
You’ve got to do more than just write and upload to Amazon.
You need to market, build your brand, grow your reader base, and keep your momentum going long after the book is published.
If you’re strategic about your marketing, build a solid fanbase, and have a plan for scaling your author career, you can absolutely make self-publishing a full-time, profitable gig.
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Myth #4: The Only Way to Succeed is with a Bestselling Book
Let’s be real for a second.
You don’t need to be a New York Times bestseller to succeed as a self-published author.
You need to understand that there are many ways to measure success.
For example, if your goal is to make a steady income, building a catalog of books (even if they aren’t all best-sellers) can create a sustainable income stream.
Plus, having multiple books gives you more opportunities to cross-promote and increase visibility.
Not every author has to blow up overnight.
Some of the most successful indie authors are the ones who focus on consistent growth and build their reader base over time.
Myth #5: I Should Wait Until My Book is Finished to Start Marketing
I know, I know.
Writing a book is time-consuming, and when you’re knee-deep in your manuscript, marketing might seem like a distant second.
But if you wait until your book is finished to start building your author platform and marketing, you’re missing out on precious time.
The truth is, you should start marketing and building your fanbase early on.
Even before you start writing, you can begin working on your website, building an email list, and engaging with your audience on social media.
The sooner you start building relationships with readers, the better your launch will go.
And guess what?
You’ll have a much easier time selling your book when it’s finally ready.
(Trust me, you don’t want to wait until you’re holding a finished manuscript and wonder where all the buyers are.)
Ready to Smash Those Myths and Launch Your Self-Publishing Career?
If any of these myths have been holding you back, it’s time to break free and take charge of your author career.
Don’t let misconceptions keep you from achieving your publishing goals!
The truth is, your author career isn’t going to build itself.
If you’re ready to leave those myths behind and finally start publishing with confidence, let’s chat.
Book a FREE self-publishing strategy call with me today (see button below), and I’ll help you map out a plan to create your bestselling (or steady-income producing) book.
I’m not here to sugar-coat it.
Self-publishing takes work.
But I promise it’s worth it.
If you’re serious about making this dream a reality, don’t wait.
Book your call now before your chance slips away!
Hi. These myths were actually crazy. I had thought literary agents wanted to help my manuscript.
Also about marketing. Is it ever too early to market? Still these myths shocked me so thanks
NO, sir!! It’s NEVER too early! Effective book marketing should begin the day you begin writing!