If you and I were having coffee together, and I asked if you believed in the Tooth Fairy or Santa Claus, you’d probably reply, “No, those are nice ideas but they’re not real because they’re myths.”

It’s pretty easy for us to distinguish reality from fiction when it comes to figures like Santa Claus. However, it’s not so easy for writers to distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to publishing. That’s why I’m glad my friend Terry Whalin is here to help us dispel publishing myths that can lead you astray. Let me tell you a bit about him.

Terry Whalin understands both sides of the editorial desk. A former literary agent, Terry is an Acquisitions Editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 books for traditional publishers and several books have sold over 100,000 copies. Terry has also written for more than 50 magazines.

As a frustrated editor in 2004, Terry wrote Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success, which has nearly 200 5-star reviews and has helped many authors. Terry is an active member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and lives in Southern California.

Today we’re here to talk about another one of his fantastic book, which is 10 Publishing Myths: Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed. These are some of the myths we discuss (you’ll love these!):

• My publisher will sell and promote my book.
• Writing a book will make me famous.
• I can’t call myself a writer unless I publish a book.
• The editor will fix all my mistakes.
• Good writers are born, not made.
• My book will be a NYT bestseller.
• The life of a writer is glamourous.

You can connect with Terry at his website, https://terrywhalin.com, as well as visit https://publishingoffer.com, where you can download the 11th publishing myth.

* * *

Today’s episode is sponsored by Karen Hunsanger, an incredible editor known as “The Word Wizard.” I’ve worked with Karen many times, and she is your secret weapon for crafting the highest-quality book possible. Visit the link above for a free sample edit.

Most Recent Episodes

October 3, 2024

How to Shine as a Writer After 50 | Laura Venecia Rodriguez

You probably didn’t know this, but I recently turned 50—on July 26, to be exact. And while I don’t feel 50 in my mind, in my body I’m definitely starting to feel it a bit! 50 is an...

Listen · 51:12

August 15, 2024

Getting Started as a Writer on Reedsy | Alice Sullivan

One of the most common questions people ask me about ghostwriting is, “Where do I get clients?” It’s a natural question, of course, because all writers who are doing client work would probably...

Listen · 1:00:19

July 25, 2024

Grow Your Business By Borrowing Other People's Audiences | Bryan Harris

No matter what your product or service, and no matter what type of books you write and publish, you need to grow your audience. Why? Because ultimately, your business depends on people and their...

Listen · 57:24

Load More Episodes

Kent Sanders Podcaster

Kent Sanders is the founder of Inkwell Ghostwriting, which helps leaders grow their business through books and other content. He is also the author and co-author of numerous books, including 18 Words to Live By: A Father’s Wisdom on What Matters Most and co-author of The Faith of Elvis: A Story Only a Brother Can Tell with Billy Stanley, Elvis Presley’s stepbrother.

In addition to writing books for himself and his clients, Kent loves to help other writers. He is the host of the Daily Writer podcast and the founder of the Daily Writer Club, a membership community that helps writers build a business with their skills.