Writing a Bestseller: Myths and Realities Revealed with Terry Whalin

Are you an aspiring author dreaming of seeing your book on bestseller lists? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Terry Whalin, a veteran of the publishing industry with over 60 non-fiction books and decades of experience under his belt. Terry pulls back the curtain on the often misunderstood world of book publishing, offering invaluable insights for writers at any stage of their journey. We explore Terry's fascinating path from small-town Kentucky to becoming a respected acquisitions editor and author advocate. He shares candid stories about the power of persistence, the importance of research, and the unexpected ways a single book can change a life. Key Takeaways: • The reality behind common publishing myths and how to set realistic expectations • Practical strategies for promoting your book, even with a limited budget • Why building your own platform is crucial in today's publishing landscape • The importance of flexibility and continuous learning for authors Debunking Publishing Myths Terry breaks down some of the most pervasive misconceptions in the industry, including: • The belief that publishing automatically leads to wealth and fame • Expecting your publisher to handle all marketing and promotion • Assuming a big advance guarantees success Learn why understanding these myths is crucial for navigating the publishing world successfully. Taking Control of Your Author Journey Discover actionable advice on: • Creating a solid foundation for your writing career • Leveraging free and low-cost promotional tools • Building meaningful connections within the industry • Maintaining persistence in the face of rejection This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for writers of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or looking to breathe new life into your existing work, you'll find valuable insights to help you on your publishing journey. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Terry's wealth of experience. Tune in now and start giving a heck about your writing career! Chapter Summary 00:00:02 Terry Whalen: Prolific Author and Publishing Expert Terry Whalen, author of over 60 non-fiction books and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, discusses his extensive experience in the publishing industry. He shares insights on author expectations, the importance of realistic goals, and the value of taking practical action steps to make a book successful. 00:02:34 Terry's Origin Story: From Journalism to Christian Publishing Terry recounts his journey from aspiring journalist to Christian author and publisher. He describes how a chance encounter in college led him to explore Christianity, ultimately changing the direction of his life and career. This personal transformation fueled his passion for writing and publishing. 00:31:14 Debunking Publishing Myths: Realistic Expectations for Authors Terry discusses common misconceptions in publishing, emphasizing the importance of author involvement in marketing. He advises authors to be proactive, build their own platforms, and understand that success often requires personal effort beyond what publishers provide. Connect with  Terry Whalin: Website: https://terrywhalin.com/ Website: https://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrywhalin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrywhalin/ X: https://x.com/terrywhalin Connect with Dwight Heck: Website: https://giveaheck.com (Free Book Offer) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/give.a.heck Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwight.heck Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Giveaheck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giveaheck LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-raymond-heck-65a90150/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@giveaheckX: https://x.com/give_a_heck