Now let me dis-spell a few myths, that for what ever reason, are being spread by the well meaning, but also uninformed.

Myth #1.) "No publisher will give you a contract after your book has already been self published."

My Response: I believe we've already put that one to bed with "The Christmas Box" by Richard Paul Evans, and there are hundreds more who were picked up by major publishers only after they were self published.

That also reminds me of a particular non-fiction title, "Feed Me - I'm Yours" by Vicki Lansky - this is a little kid tested mother approved collection of recipes especially for kids.

It was rejected by 49 publishers! before Vicky decided to self publish her book. She sold 300,000 copies of her self published version, then sold rights to Bantam, who went on to distribute a tremendous 8 million copies more. Vicki currently is the author of 24 books, with more on the way I'm sure.

Myth #2.) "Self publishing is nothing more than vanity publishing."

My Response: In every myth there is a certain amount of truth or it wouldn't be believed. However, in this context it is meant to be an insult obviously, and how to defend yourself against these labels can be difficult. First of all why try, let them think what they want.

In reality the term "Vanity Publishing" is far different than a true self publisher. Vanity publishing is defined as an author who pays a large sum of money to a subsidy publisher to put their book into print and distribution.

This arrangement generally involves the subsidy not only charging an author for services, but most are also involved in sharing in any proceeds as well as having some control of the book.

In other words the author isn't really self publishing, he is giving up a lot and paying a lot just to see himself in print, hence the term "Vanity Publishing."

Don't confuse self publishing with subsidy publishers or vanity presses. There is a big difference between hiring editing and other book details for production and distribution, and handing your book over to a subsidy or "Vanity Press."

Most real self publishers do all the leg work and hire what needs to be done. They generally form a small business publishing company to do business and sell books under. This is quite frankly the only way to really be serious about self publishing for success.

Myth #3.) "Nobody will buy a book that was not published by a major publisher."

My Response: This one is really quite silly. Nobody cares who published the book, they just want to know if it's what they are looking for or not.

Think about it. When you buy a book, are you looking for the publishers name, or are you trying to see if this book is for you or not.

Looking for an author name is quite different, as it should be, but have you ever gone to a book store and asked the clerk where you could find the "Simon & Shuster" section?

Of course not.

Myth #4.) "Self publishers only self publish because they can't get published like normal people."

My Response: Normal people, meaning what? Listen, lets face it, most people are sheep and anything outside the herd is abnormal and should be avoided. If being self reliant with the guts and determination to make it happen is abnormal, than I'll have an extra helping please.

Myth #5.) "Most self published books are tripe."

My Response: There are just as many bad books being published by conventional presses every year as there are good ones. It's all a matter of taste really.

Now I'll readily admit that many self published books may or may not have had professional attention such as editing and formatting for instance. However, you can't simply lump them all togther and say they are all tripe, when indeed many traditional books could be considered tripe as well.

Learn the ropes about both methods, I think you'll find there are many advantages and benefits to self publishing that traditional publishing is missing.

In fact, as already demonstrated, it can lead to an extremely rewarding experience, and even a very lucrative publishing contract with a major publisher.

Myth #6.) Self publishing costs a fortune to do correctly.

My Response: This is a relatively new myth. While self publishing used to be rather expensive, it no longer is. With the new technologies of our day, self publishing is far more sophisticated but less expensive than ever. In addition, self publishers have a far greater chance of success then in any other time in history as a direct result of new technologies.

Print on demand and ebooks are 2 of the most exciting elements of the new book model that is quickly gaining momentum. Get the true facts about self publishing in the 21st century. Don't listen to nay sayers, and make up your own well informed mind.