The podcast debunks myths about publishing, exploring the challenges faced by authors and the decrease in opportunities for traditional publishing. It highlights the importance of not revising rejected manuscripts and offers options like self-publishing. The speaker shares a story about successful book promotion through various marketing tactics, debunking the myth that publishing houses solely sell books. It explores the profitable reality of the publishing industry and the need for authors to approach publishing strategically. Learn how to become a better writer by understanding storytelling fundamentals, practicing consistently, and gaining objective perspective on your work.
Major publishers may not publish every great book, highlighting limited opportunities and subjectivity in the industry.
Authors need to take responsibility for marketing their own books and understand the financial motivations behind traditional publishing houses.
Deep dives
The Common Myths and Truths of Publishing
The podcast episode explores the common myths and truths in the publishing industry. It discusses how the belief that major publishers will publish any great book is a myth, highlighting the limited opportunities and subjectivity within the industry. The podcast also emphasizes that rejection by major publishers does not necessarily mean a book is unworthy of publication. It sheds light on the consolidation and fewer opportunities within traditional publishing houses, leading to a need for self-publishing alternatives. Additionally, the episode debunks the myth that literary awards guarantee the quality of a book, mentioning the repetitive nature of award winners. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of building a platform and taking a long-term approach to finding an audience for a book.
Unveiling the Realities of Book Marketing
The episode reveals the realities of book marketing and how publishers prioritize authors with existing platforms. It discusses the misconception that publishers will handle the marketing of an author's book, highlighting the responsibility placed on authors to promote their own work. The podcast mentions the examples of authors investing in email marketing, hiring publicists, and engaging in guerrilla marketing tactics to drive book sales. It also exposes deceptive practices, such as authors purchasing copies of their own books to manipulate bestseller lists. The episode emphasizes the need for authors to approach publishing as a business and understand the financial motivations behind traditional publishing houses.
Becoming a Better Writer and Letting Go of Publishing Myths
The episode challenges the belief that writers cannot improve their craft. It emphasizes the importance of honing the skills of storytelling and mastering the craft of writing. The podcast highlights the notion that becoming a better writer is possible through practice, understanding storytelling fundamentals, and applying techniques like the Story Grid methodology. It encourages writers to separate themselves from their work and view it objectively, allowing them to identify and address weaknesses and improve their writing over time. The episode also encourages writers to let go of the idealized image of traditional publishing and approach it as a business, understanding the need for authors to have their own platforms and be actively involved in marketing their books.
The Paradoxes of the Publishing World
The episode explores various paradoxes within the publishing industry. It discusses how traditional publishers are both gatekeepers and seekers of validation in the literary world. The podcast reveals the business motivations behind publishers and their need to make profits. It highlights how authors with existing platforms have more leverage in negotiations with publishers, emphasizing the trade-off between getting published by a traditional house and earning higher royalties through self-publishing. The episode also challenges the myth that publishers are solely focused on upholding literature, showcasing instances where commercial considerations and marketing strategies influence publishing decisions. It concludes by acknowledging the role of perseverance, growth, and long-term goals in a writer's journey.
There are a lot of commonly held myths about publishing that often derail writers. Shawn and Tim bring their unique perspective to what writers should know about the publishing world and how it really works.
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