The 5 Greatest Myths of Business Book Publishing

Think you know how book publication works for first-time business authors? Think again. We’re here to debunk a few well-established misconceptions on book publishing, courtesy of the independent publishers who’ve transformed the industry and changed the game.

Be sure to know these five myths to avoid roadblocks and enjoy faster route to your book publishing goals.

Myth 1: You Need a Finished Manuscript

You can (and should!) begin by simply pitching a great idea for a book, even if it’s nothing more than an idea. Traditional publishers don’t entertain “book ideas” because they have no guarantee that you’ll actually write it. 

But forward-thinking independent publishers want to hear your book idea, right now. Even if you’re a long way from hitting the keyboard or coordinating with a ghostwriter — when you work with a independent publisher, you have the freedom to choose either — independent publishers are still eager to chat with you about the book you hope to publish, your goals for that book, and your professional background. 

No manuscript necessary!

Myth 2: You Need a Literary Agent

Traditional publishers have institutionalized the practice of striking down hopeful writers who reach out directly, dreaming of publication. If you try, they will promptly inform you that all would-be authors need to go through a literary agent.

Literary agents are publishers’ way of weeding out low quality manuscripts. They act as the middleman, vetting unpublished books before anything even gets near the publisher. The agent’s subjective opinion determines whether your book will land on a publisher’s desk.

But here’s the thing: You don’t need a literary agent if you sidestep traditional publishers and go straight to an independent publisher.

Independent publishers don’t want a middleman deciding whether or not your book is worth publishing. They want to make that decision directly, after getting acquainted with you and your goals for the book. You are encouraged to reach out directly, no matter where you are in the process. Even if — especially if — you have yet to start.

Myth 3: It Takes 1-3 Years to Finish the Publishing and Printing Process

While this may be true for an author who self-publishes or goes through a traditional publisher, those who opt for an independent publisher can have a polished, professionally designed book in as little as a year.

For most business authors, roughly 3 years pass before they hold the hard copy in their hands. With an independent publisher, you only need two things to publish a book in your field: the credentials of a successful business leader and the desire to become an author.

Myth 4: Rights to the Book Will Be Surrendered to Your Publisher

Many publishing houses have their authors sign contracts stipulating that the publisher will retain rights to the book, rather than the author who created it. That hardly seems fair. By contrast, those who opt to work with independent publishers will:

• Maintain full rights to the book and their intellectual property
• Receive up to 65% of book royalties, unlike the 15% royalty rate that authors average when they work with traditional publishers

Myth 5: You Will be Responsible for Marketing the Book Yourself

Generally, traditional publishers will only offer marketing services to the top 6% of the authors they publish. But those who work with independent publisher Forbes Books are empowered to use the firm’s world-class, in-house marketing agency. 

Business authors will work with a dedicated team — composed of a brand and media specialist, digital marketing strategist, content writer, and web developer — whose sole purpose is to leverage your book and build an online presence that presents you as the outright Authority in your industry.

Forbes Books turns business owners into business authors. Taking less than 24 hours of your time, our team will ghostwrite, design, and distribute a business book — stamped with your name on the cover, brimming with your personal insights — the quality of which rivals the books found on the front tables of Barnes & Noble, guaranteed.

Learn more about how Forbes Books can help you accomplish your desired business book outcomes with our publishing programs and media services.