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.

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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.