9 Main misconceptions of publishing a book:
- Writing to “get some extra cash.” Or “I can use the income right now.” There are few people in this world that actually turn a livable income off of book writing. Getting people to buy your book is very hard sometimes regardless of content. Just because it sits in a bookstore or famous online web company, does not mean people will buy it. Millions of books are pulled from the shelves each year because they did not sell more than a hundred copies.
- “The Publishers will do all the work for me.”
This is totally wrong! Both self & traditional publishers will strongly depend on your written manuscript being nearly or totally complete. Additional changes normally add additional fees. Regardless of what type of publisher, you will still be marketing yourself and book.
- "Once the book is done, I am home-free."
False! Getting the book done is just step one. What you do after the book is completed is what is most important. How you market and distribute it is the key.
- "I’ll have people, publishers, churches, venues, booking agents, sellers, authors, TV & radio companies knocking at my door in no time."
Very unrealistic! Most say that it takes about 10 years of writing many long hard hours to even become established as a great author. You will have to put a lot of effort in promotions & marketing yourself and your book regardless of the publisher you go through.
- "Here come the royalty checks!"
Not true! Most of the Publishers pay out very small royalties (3-5%) for first time authors on a semi & bi-annually term. At best, you might be blessed to find a Publisher that pays out royalties quarterly.
- "Once I submit my manuscript to the Publisher, I am finally done."
Wrong! Regardless of what kind of Publisher you go through, you will more than likely be asked to rewrite & spell check several sections of your book over and over again. It is the joy of becoming a real author.
- "The cheaper the better. Besides, they’re a Christian company!”
Very dangerous! In the publishing industry you get what you pay for. Just like the car industry, a BMW is a better designed vehicle than a lower grade Chrysler model. This is just like the publishing industry. If the price is cut, then something in your book was cut too.
- "In a few weeks I will have my book finished."
No way! It is recommended that you give a complete year to writing your book, then several months for getting it published. Most Authors want their books done yesterday or tomorrow. Learn this and learn this well: “You cannot rush the Holy Spirit and you certainly cannot rush creativity.” Be patient and enjoy the process. Reality is: writing a book is a long journey.
- "I don’t have money for my book but I think the Publisher will cover the cost for me."
In the publishing industry, there are many costs. Rarely in this day and age will a publisher give an author a fully covered contract, particularly a first-time author.
