The publishing industry is a complicated place for new authors and sometimes even established ones get confused. This complexity has brought about many misconceptions about the industry over the years and we are just about to debunk some common myths associated with the industry. These myths will be approached from the perspective of a traditionally published author.

I’ll get a book deal after finding an agent

This is one of the most common myths about the publishing industry. Many authors associate agents with rosy book deals and the end of the need to personally market books. The truth is, however, quite different. Even if an author signs with an agent and the agent introduces him/her to editors and publishers, the agent cannot guarantee that the author will get a book deal. True, agents can help an author get his foot in the door with publishers who will not accept unrepresented authors. However, that is as far as they go. They can try to make a book more salable, but ultimately the decision on whether or not you get a book deal is the publishers choice.

I cannot get a book deal without an agent

There are many authors who don’t want to go the traditional route to have their books published. Such authors are trying to eliminate the middlemen, usually agents. However, most authors who want to skip using an agent think that it is not possible to get book deals without agent representation so they don’t even try. The things that actually sell a book are its ideas, strong author platforms, excellent proposals, and good relationships with editors. Many publishers have closed the door for authors without agents, but it is not impossible for an author to get book deals without an agent. Small- and medium-sized publishers are often on the lookout for writing talent and they are likely to give book deals to exceptionally good authors who don’t have agents.

A publisher will pay for a book tour after giving me a book deal

A few years ago, traditional publishers were the best way for authors to make it big in the writing industry. Therefore they spent much money organizing book tours for their authors. Today’s industry has changed significantly. Traditional publishers are going through a tough economic time with the eBook revolution and they don’t have as much money to spend on authors’ book tours. Online book tours are now more common.

I don’t have to market a great book

This is yet another myth. Authors have to personally set up marketing campaigns and they also have to participate in campaigns set up by their publishers. Authors who are traditionally published must do various things to boost the effectiveness of a publisher’s marketing campaign.

My book will be a bestseller if I follow a certain marketing plan

Many unscrupulous people are feeding off the ignorance of authors by promising them extraordinary sales if they follow a certain marketing plan. Although the best marketing plans show results, they are time consuming and expensive. An author can hire a professional to help with his marketing plan, but experts make no promises. Also, every author’s book is different so there is nothing like a one-size-fits-all marketing plan.