Myths About the Publishing World

I'm feeling reflective this morning...or maybe it's just my extremely boggled head from the 11-hour drive with my children through thunder storms yesterday. Whatever the reason, I'm realizing there were a lot of things that I, and others assumed, about the publishing world, and through this past year many of those ideas have crashed and burned, for better or worse.

Here are the myths I've come to realize, and I'm sure there are exceptions, but these are myths I've experienced or seen from my own personal experiences and the experiences of my friends:


~ Authors are rich. People assume when you publish a book with one of the big six the dough starts rolling in. This couldn't be further from the truth (except, perhaps, in the case of the select few who get mega-marketing and immediate bestseller status, but I don't know any of them personally to be able to ask). It's for this reason that I have to say "no" to the many requests I receive for signed books. :( 


~ Once you're picked-up by a big publishing house you get a welcome packet, you're embraced into the "family fold" and things start happening right away.  *hears crickets*


~ Authors have a hand in the cover-making process and big decisions such as publication date. Uh-uh. For this you've got to just sit back, relax, and trust.  


~ Publishers send all their authors on tours and travels to do signings. Nope. Unless you're one of those bestsellers spoken of above, it's out of your own pocket.


~ Publishers provide their authors with swag. *shakes head*


~ When you change your profiles to reflect your author status, all of the famous authors you adore will suddenly give you the time of day.


~ Authors get lots of free books and perks. *sniff, sniff* This was a hard truth for me to swallow, because I was really looking forward to free books, lol. And as a published author, I feel like it's kind of wrong to enter blogging giveaways and stuff, so freebies are out of the question. I do know of some authors who are sent free books by their editors unsolicited, for them to review, etc, but this hasn't been the case for me. (although I begged my awesome marketing girl for an Insurgent ARC and she kindly lent me hers, woot!)


~ Self-publishing is only for mediocre books that can't get published in the traditional way. Wrong. More and more people are choosing this route for their well-written, gorgeous stories because it's faster, they have control over the process, and they don't have to give 90+ percent to the publisher. In many cases it's just a smart move, especially if you have people who will do a thorough edit for you.


Please don't mistake this post for griping.  I was ignorant about a lot of things, and I'm just sharing the knowledge. When it comes down to it, publishing is a money-making business.  Publishers can't be expected to dote on hundreds of authors.  If you want those warm, fuzzy feelings, look to your fans. They're the awesome ones handing out cyber hugs and encouragement. And embrace your critique partners who are in the same boat as you.  Keep each other positive, and above all KEEP WRITING. Because that's what it's all about.

Hugs, Wendy