10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed by W. Terry Whalin

About W. Terry Whalin

Terry Whalin has loved books since his mother read And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street (the first Dr. Seuss book). He has worked both sides of the editorial desk—as an editor and a writer. He worked as a magazine editor and his magazine work has appeared in more than 50 publications. A former literary agent, Terry is an Acquisitions Editor at Morgan James Publishing .

He has written more than 60 books through traditional publishers in a wide range of topics from children’s books to biographies to co-authored books. Several of Terry’s books have sold over 100,000 copies. Terry’s book, Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams, Insider Secrets to Skyrocket Your Success (Morgan James Publishing) is packed with insight. His most recent book is Billy Graham, A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist (Morgan James Publishing). Also Terry has an innovative online training course to help authors effectively connect with literary agents and editors called Write A Book Proposal . Terry is a popular speaker and teacher at numerous writers’ conferences and an active member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors . He lives near Denver, Colorado and has an active following on twitter (@terrywhalin).

What Others Say About

10 Publishing Myths

“ Terry Whalin has seen publishing from every possible angle and has the best practical advice any writer can get. The inside scoop. ”

— Rick Hamlin, executive editor

Guideposts magazine

“In my years working for publishers and now as a literary agent, I meet authors with big dreams and expectations. Some of these authors succeed with their plans while others fail. The ones who succeed have a plan. Terry Whalin pours his publishing experience into 10 Publishing Myths. His insights will help you succeed.”

— Marilyn Allen, President,

Allen O’Shea Literary Agency

“Terry Whalin masterfully addresses the common myths and then serves up straight talk about the publishing industry. Sharing from decades of knowledge and experience, he aptly resets expectations and speaks the truth that aspiring authors need to hear. If you believe there is a book in you, be sure to read this one so you are fully prepared to travel the way forward.”

— Tami Heim, President and CEO

Christian Leadership Alliance

“This book is chock-full of savvy publishing advice. I wish every writer would read this and avoid being surprised by the way things work in publishing.”

— Steve Laube, President

The Steve Laube Agency

“ I like to say, “writers write books and authors sell books”. Before you take on the ambitious challenge of publishing a book, go into it with as much knowledge of this ever-changing industry as you can. Terry Whalin has seen the missteps and the success. I recommend a careful study of 10 Publishing Myths to give your book the best possible chance to succeed.”

— Carlton Garborg, President,

Broadstreet Publishing Group

“Terry Whalin’s new book, 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed. gives authors solid action steps to take to be successful while increasing their understanding about the business of publishing. He breaks the myths that hinder authors in their journey.”

— Susan Reichert, Editor-in-Chief,

Southern Writers Magazine.

“10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed is not merely a collection of “tips and tricks” for writers. Based on years of inside experience, author Terry Whalin offers straight-talk advice to anyone willing to do the hard work necessary for publishing success.”

— David Horton, Vice President Editorial,

Bethany House Publishers

“For years, so-called truths have floated around in the publishing world, and naïve writers have believed them. In 10 Publishing Myths, Terry reveals the truth and shares important principles that affect a writer’s success. Using examples and stories, he shows what works and then provides plenty of help—including action steps—to encourage writers on the right path. Terry’s vast experience in the industry makes this an excellent resource.”

— Cecil Murphey, bestselling author of 140 books, including 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson)

“Terry Whalin’s 10 Publishing Myths: Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed is much needed wisdom and an eye level reality check that comes from Terry’s decades in the book business as a writer and working on the inside of the top publishing houses. It is both unvarnished truth and uplifting encouragement for writers and would-be writers out there, a road map of the writing business if there ever was one. I highly recommend it!”

—Dennis R. Welch, President

Articulate, PR and Communications

“Essential reading for all new writers. I especially like the myth that is addressed in Chapter 4, “Beginning Writers Have No Chance to Get Published.” Get ready to take notes. This could change everything for you.”

— Robin Jones Gunn, over 5 million books sold

“Every aspiring author should read Terry Whalin's 10 Publishing Myths. Within these pages, he guides writers through the publishing process and gives them realistic expectations and a healthy dose of reality.”

— Rolf Zettersten, 30 year publishing veteran

“ Ever have one of those, “Wish I would have known!” moments? Me too. Especially at the start of my writing career. Fortunately you can know ahead of time with Terry’s stellar book. He takes his extensive experience in publishing and distils it down in a way that will educate, encourage, and save you a great many detours on your path to publication.”

— James L. Rubart, Five-time Christy Award winning author

“ As a literary agent and writer who has been in the publishing industry over twenty-five years, I heartily recommend this book. I completely concur with Terry’s assessment of the 10 myths because I hear them all the time from writers who contact me for help. His insights in the introduction alone are worth the price of the book, but each section offers a wealth of experience and knowledge that will save you time and frustration. If you are a writer, you definitely need this book.”

— Karen Hardin, PriorityPR Group and Literary Agency, www.prioritypr.org

“A much-needed read providing solid, practical plans to increase the odds for success.”

— Bill Myers, bestselling author

“ Terry Whalin dispels 10 myths about the publishing world openly and honestly while sharing insights from his many years in the industry. This is a must-read for any writer, published or not, a true reality check that will tame expectations yet encourage writers to take the appropriate steps to succeed.”

— Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent,

Books & Such Literary Management

“A trusted voice, an experienced insider, a knowledgeable advocate for authors of all genres, this is a gift to all writers (and, yes, this IS a run-on sentence). So grab your highlighter and begin this wonderful education, complete with practical exercises.”

— Don Pape, Publisher

NavPress

“Navigating the book publishing maze is confusing and overwhelming to many, but book pro Terry Whalin, whom I have known for over a decade, helps you to avoid the pitfalls so that your publishing experience can be powerful, positive and productive – and most importantly, a profitable one.”

— Brian Feinblum, Chief Marketing Officer, Media Connect, Founder of www.BookMarketingBuzzBlog.blogspot.com

“Sound, practical advice from an industry expert. This little book will keep you from unnecessary mistakes and provide a great foundation for your writing career.”

— James Scott Bell, International Thriller Writers Award winner

“As an editor, I often encounter writers with high hopes that someone will help them: an agent, a publisher, a bookseller. Yet each of those roles are mostly outside the author's control. In 10 Publishing Myths, Terry Whalin helps authors wise up to the nuances of the publishing industry and shows them how to take control of their success with hands-on action steps. Every author can benefit from reading this book--whether publishing their first book or many books.”

— Alice Crider, Senior Acquisitions Editor

David C. Cook