Busting the Top 5 Self-Publishing Myths

Have you ever dreamed of publishing your own book but you’re full of doubts? Maybe you’ve heard that self-publishing is too difficult, or that indie authors struggle to succeed without a traditional publisher?

At Lindie, we think it’s time to set the record straight. Self-publishing is not only a viable option for any author of fiction or non-fiction, but it’s also an empowering way for authors to maintain control over their work and reap greater rewards.

However, despite its growing success, myths about self-publishing still prevent many talented writers from taking the plunge. So we’re busting the top 5 myths that hold aspiring authors back.

Myth #1: Self-Published Books Don’t Sell

There’s no denying that the self-publishing world is crowded, and some books struggle to gain traction. But the real issue isn’t how the book is published. What matters is how it’s presented.

Books that are professionally written, well edited, designed with a market in mind, and backed by a solid marketing plan can compete with traditionally published books, and even surpass them in sales.

The truth is that many indie authors are making a living, and even thriving through self-publishing.

The trick is to treat self-publishing like a business. Invest in professional editing, opt for a compelling cover design, and develop a strategic marketing plan to give your book the best possible start.

Myth #2: You Can’t Make Money as an Indie Author

One of the biggest financial perks of self-publishing is the royalty structure. Traditional publishers typically offer around 10–15% royalties on book sales. In contrast, platforms like Amazon KDP can offer up to 70% royalties on ebooks. That means if you price your ebook at £3.99, you could take home over £2.70 per sale, compared to the 30–50p you might earn through a traditional deal.

The potential doesn’t stop at ebooks, either. Indie authors are creating multiple revenue streams through paperback and hardcover editions, audiobooks, direct sales and digital extras.

Self-publishing not only offers higher royalties, but you have full control over your earnings.

Myth #3: Traditional Publishing is More Credible

Once upon a time, being traditionally published may have seemed like the only way to be taken seriously. But today’s readers are more interested in high quality books and compelling stories than how they were published.

In fact, self-publishing offers several advantages, such as creative freedom, speed to market, and a direct connection with readers.

If you want to be taken seriously, make sure your book is published to a high standard and looks professional so it can stand proudly against all your competition. That is what matters and how you’ll attract readers. Ultimately, readers care about the story and not the publishing route.

Myth #4: Marketing is too Hard for Self-Published Authors

Whether you’re traditionally published or not, marketing is the author’s responsibility. However, even with a small budget, marketing is possible. It’s just about being consistent and persistent. The most important thing is to have a marketing plan and to keep doing something.

Lindie’s Marketing Guide covers a wealth of advice about how to market your book. Plus you’ll get access to a free workshop where you can ask questions directly and learn from an expert with more than 20 years of marketing experience.

But don’t forget that without marketing, even the best book will go unnoticed. It’s a vital part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

Myth #5: You Have to Be Tech-Savvy to Self-Publish

This is one of the most common fears that aspiring indie authors face, and that’s completely understandable. With terms like EPUB, metadata, KDP and formatting software flying around, it can feel overwhelming. But you don’t need to be a tech expert to self-publish successfully.

The self-publishing process is now more user friendly than ever. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Ingram Spark are designed to walk you through step by step.

Plus, there are tons of affordable tools, templates and guides (like the ones we offer at Lindie!) to make things simpler.

You also don’t need to master every tech task yourself. Whether it’s formatting your manuscript, setting up your ISBN or uploading your files, you can either learn the basics at your own pace or outsource specific jobs to professionals.

Self-publishing isn’t about knowing it all. It’s about knowing what matters, and having the confidence (and support) to figure out the rest.

Ready to Start Your Self-Publishing Journey?

Self-publishing is no longer a backup plan for authors. It’s a smart, strategic choice that gives you control over your creative work and earnings.

If you want expert guidance to navigate through the self-publishing journey, then take a look at Lindie’s support and services via the website.