Have you ever dreamed of writing a book, only to feel overwhelmed by the complexities of publishing? Many aspiring authors believe that once they write a book, success will naturally follow. But the reality of the publishing industry is far more nuanced. In this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Terry Whalin—acquisitions editor, prolific author, and publishing expert—who shared valuable insights on writing, publishing, and book marketing.
The Wake-Up Call: Taking Responsibility for Your Own Success
Terry's journey in publishing took a pivotal turn when he attended a book marketing event featuring Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul. At that point, he had already written 50 books, but he wasn’t seeing the financial success he had hoped for. It was then that he realized a crucial truth: authors must take 100% responsibility for the success of their books.
Many writers expect publishers or marketing professionals to handle book promotion, but the reality is that no one will care about your book as much as you do. Terry decided to change his approach, actively engaging in blogging, social media, and various marketing strategies to build his author platform. Today, with over 1,700 blog posts and a strong online presence, he has become a respected authority in the publishing world.
The Power of Consistency in Writing and Marketing
One of the most impressive aspects of Terry’s journey is his consistency. Since 2004, he has maintained a steady blogging schedule, offering guidance and insights to aspiring writers. When asked how he manages to stay consistent, he emphasized two key factors:
Writing with a specific audience in mind – Understanding who you are writing for keeps you motivated and focused.
Treating writing as a habit, not a choice – Even when he doesn’t feel like writing, Terry pushes through, knowing that consistency is what builds momentum over time.
This lesson applies beyond blogging. Whether you’re working on a book, growing your social media presence, or networking in the industry, showing up consistently is the key to long-term success.
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Weighing the Options
With the rise of self-publishing, many aspiring authors wonder which path is best for them. Terry breaks it down into three categories:
Self-Publishing – Gives authors full control but requires them to manage every aspect, from cover design to marketing. Unfortunately, many self-published books sell fewer than 200 copies due to lack of promotion.
Traditional Publishing – Offers industry credibility, but authors often lose creative control and may struggle with limited marketing support.
Independent Publishing (Hybrid) – A middle ground where authors retain rights to their books while benefiting from bookstore distribution and industry expertise.
Terry emphasizes that authors should thoroughly research their publishing options and be cautious of scams. A simple Google search of a publisher’s name followed by “complaints” or “scam” can reveal red flags before making a costly mistake.
Debunking the “Get Rich Quick” Myth
One of the biggest misconceptions in publishing is that writing a book will automatically lead to financial success. While bestsellers like Harry Potter and Chicken Soup for the Soul are inspiring, they are the exception, not the rule.
Terry explains that successful authors don’t just publish a book and hope for the best—they actively market their work. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, for example, followed the “Rule of Five,” where they committed to five daily actions to promote their book. This level of persistence is often what separates successful authors from those who struggle to gain traction.
Actionable Steps for Authors
For those serious about succeeding in publishing, Terry offers these practical steps:
Build your own platform – Relying on social media alone is risky. Instead, create a personal website, blog, and email list to maintain control over your audience.
Encourage book reviews – Studies show that 80-90% of online shoppers read reviews before making a purchase. Getting friends, family, and readers to leave Amazon reviews can significantly boost book sales.
Explore multiple writing opportunities – Publishing a book isn’t the only way to be a writer. Writing magazine articles, blog posts, and guest contributions can expand your audience and increase credibility.
Final Thoughts
Terry’s insights provide a realistic and encouraging perspective for aspiring authors. Success in publishing isn’t just about writing a great book—it’s about taking ownership, staying consistent, and being proactive in marketing.
If you’re thinking about writing a book or are already on your publishing journey, take Terry’s advice to heart. Be persistent, educate yourself on the industry, and most importantly, take action. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right mindset and strategy, your book can reach the audience it deserves.
For the full episode and show notes, click here: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/478