There are plenty of publishing myths out there. These are things many writers assume are true, but simply are not. By debunking these myths and the mindsets they create, you’ll have a much greater chance of ultimately finding publishing success.

Here are the top ten most prevalent publishing myths:

Myths About Traditional vs. Self- vs. Hybrid Publishing

Myth #1: “You can only make big bucks through traditional publishing.”

• Wrong. Thanks to expanding publishing options today, you have an equal chance at strong sales no matter which route you choose. In fact, most authors will tell you there isn’t a lot of money in a traditional book deal. You’ll get an advance, but that’s usually a minimal amount, and even then, you must earn it back before you see any money from royalties.

• The royalties offered by the traditional houses are pretty measly. If you end up publishing with a major house, you can expect to make only 15-25% of the publisher’s revenue, depending on whether you publish in hardcover or paperback.

• When you self-publish or publish with a hybrid publisher, you get much higher royalties along with ultimate control of your product, which means more money in your pocket.

Myth #2: “If you can’t get an agent, you should just give up on publishing entirely.”

• Not true! This plays on writers’ common issues with self-esteem. It’s easy to buy into this “gatekeeper mentality,” as it has been a cornerstone of traditional business models. Not landing an agent does not mean that you lack talent or that your work has no value. There are incredibly talented writers out there who have not gone the traditional publishing route and have found remarkable success, both critically and through sales.

Myth #3: “It costs more money up-front to self-publish or publish with a hybrid publisher.”

• Initially, it can cost the self-published or hybrid author more money to get set up. However, even traditionally published authors often end up investing in their publicity and marketing campaigns.

• Also, the upfront costs associated with self and hybrid publishing are compensated for in higher royalties and greater creative control.

• Traditional Publishers offer advances, but in exchange, authors only receive royalties after book sales exceed their initial advance. Additionally, traditional publishers can limit an author’s control over cover design, editing, and overall direction of the book. Hybrid publishing gives you greater control over all of these aspects.

• Each publishing offer varies when it comes to costs and services, but the bottom line is, most authors end up investing in some part of the publishing process, no matter which option they choose.

Myths About the Industry

Myth #4: “Publishers don’t do marketing.”

• They do! However, marketing resources have become scarcer and traditional publishers are only promoting titles they consider likely to succeed. They focus on books on hot-button topics, celebrity books, or a book by an author whose previous books have sold well. So, you must be ready to participate in and use your own resources for marketing and publicity.

• Reputable hybrid publishers have marketing and publicity services and strategies to help authors find out what works best for them and their book launch.

Myth #5: “It’s impossible to make a living as a writer.”

• Sure, there will always be stories of those who didn’t make it, and they might be the loudest. But the reality is, there are a lot more people making a living writing than you realize. To make money as a writer, you need to focus on creating high-quality content - and you need to explore ways to monetize that content. Whether it’s through speaking engagements, creating online courses, or building other streams of revenue from your area of expertise, these strategies can significantly boost your income potential.

• Authors need to advocate for themselves and their publications. Look into spaces online or other books marketing campaigns and get inspired!

Myth #6: “You have such a compelling story! You should write a memoir.”

• Possibly! But writing a memoir that sells is more complex than it may seem - and having an interesting life doesn’t equal a good memoir. Instead of telling your entire life story, think about which parts of your experience offer meaningful insights, lessons, or inspiration for readers. Weave your personal narrative with actionable takeaways, emotional depth, or universal themes. Keep in mind: Memoirs are notoriously difficult to sell without an established platform - so make sure this is the right direction for your story.

Myths About the Publication Process.

Myth #7: “If my manuscript isn’t absolutely perfect, a publisher will reject my book.”

• This is not true! Of course, presenting your best effort always helps, but perfection isn’t a requirement to begin the publishing journey. A solid publisher knows how to look beyond surface level grammar mistakes to see the potential of your work. If your manuscript has a clear message and strong content, the right publisher will be able to envision the final result - and they’ll have an experienced editorial team to polish it off.

Myth #8: “As an author, I should put my photo on the front cover of my book.”

• This is usually a no-no unless you’re a household name or a public figure. Most readers are drawn to covers that communicate the book’s topic and tone - not the author’s face. Your photo might go on the back cover or inside flap, not front and center.

• Creating a well-designed, eyecatching cover can be hard for an author to tackle alone, which is why many resort to common themes such as featuring their photo on the cover of their book. Collaborating with a professional designer who understands the ins-and-outs of the publishing industry can help elevate your cover to new heights without losing your vision.

Myth #9: “If you’re publishing in hardcover, you’re guaranteed a New York Times review.”

• It’s incredibly uncommon for a debut author to be reviewed in the New York Times, so don’t count on this; first-time authors featured in the Times are one in a million.

• Even if you get such a high-profile review, a positive one may not drive sales in a huge way, and a bad one could destroy your self-esteem. Remember that positive, lower-profile reviews can add up. Building up a collection of positive reviews from many diverse sources can carry more weight over time.

Myth #10: “Once you’ve written your first book, it’s fine to put aside your next book and focus on publicity and publishing your current book.”

• Don’t do it. Always keep writing. To grow your career as an author and build momentum, you need to be producing more content. The most successful authors don’t just market - they keep creating!

• However, creating isn’t enough. Marketing your current work is very important - if you don’t support your book, it won’t sell. Promoting a book is hard but working with an experienced marketing team can help you find a balance between advertising and marketing your current book while continuing to grow you brand and presence as an author.

Bonus: A Tried-and-True Myth to Wrap Up with.

• One of the most pervasive grammatical myths is that you can’t end a sentence with a preposition.

• This is false. Yes, grammar nerds might be going crazy to hear that, but you can end a sentence in a preposition nowadays. You can also (gasp) split an infinitive. So go crazy - break the rules!