Dispelling the Old Myths: What the Public Gets Wrong About Self-Publishing in 2025

Introduction

For far too long, self-publishing has been thought of as the “last resort” for authors who were unable to land a deal with a publisher. Pejorative terms like “vanity press” and “low quality” created a stigma in the industry and made talented authors shy away from taking control of their own writing.

It is now the year 2025, and the reality is much different.

Self-publishing is an exciting industry that includes authors who make a living from writing, are best-sellers on Amazon, and have even won prestigious literary awards. Regardless, the perception of self-publishing exists, and it inhibits writers from putting put their stories out into the world.

At Book Publishings, we work daily with authors who once believed these misconceptions — until they discovered the truth. In this blog, we will dispel the most common myths of self-publishing, discuss why they are incorrect, and demonstrate how contemporary authors are using indie publishing to launch their careers.

Myth 1: “Self-Publishing Means You Aren’t a True Writer”

This is the first of many fallacies based on outdated conceptions. A book deal with a traditional publisher does not define your legitimacy. Writing the book defines it.

In reality, some of today’s most significant voices, including authors who have even secured film adaptations, speaking engagements, and worldwide readership, began their careers as self-published authors. Readers aren’t checking the publisher’s name before they buy your book; they are interested in your story, your art, and your reviews.

The truth is, if you’ve written and published a book, you’re an author. Choosing to self-publish doesn’t make you “less than” — it makes you entrepreneurial.

Myth 2: “Self-Published Books Are of Bad Quality”

Many self-published books from the very early 2000s had poor formatting, amateur covers, and little evidence of editing. That reputation stuck. But fast forward to today, and professional services like ours ensure indie books rival — and often surpass — traditionally published ones.

At Book Publishings, we provide:

Professional copyediting and proofreading
Expert cover design tailored to your genre
Formatting for eBooks and print
Audiobook narration and mastering

Walk into a bookshop today, and you might pick up a self-published novel without even knowing it. Quality comes from the team behind the author, not the publisher’s logo.

Myth 3: “You Can’t Make Money with Self-Publishing”

Another common misconception is that self-publishing is just a hobby. The numbers say otherwise.

Book royalties from traditional publishing are typically 10-15%. Self-published books will earn you about 70% of gross sales (purchasing through Kindle Direct Publishing). Audiobooks, translated editions, and print-on-demand models allow indie authors to develop various income streams.

Some authors make a modest side salary, while others have built their careers to six figures.

Case in point: one of our authors released a non-fiction book on a very niche topic in 2023. Blending Amazon ads with targeted Facebook groups, she sold 20,000+ copies in less than a year.

She’s now building a second book while enjoying financial freedom.

Honestly, Self-publishing is not only viable — it can be more profitable than traditional deals.

Myth 4: “Self-Publishing is Only for Failed Writers”

This is one of the harshest — and most incorrect — assumptions. Many writers now choose self-publishing deliberately. Why? Because:

They want full control of their work.
They don’t want to wait 18 months for a traditional release.
They believe in keeping their royalties.

Authors who once dreamed of traditional deals are now proudly calling themselves “indie authors.” It’s not a fallback — it’s a strategy.

Myth 5: “Without a Traditional Publisher, No One Will Read Your Book”

The truth? Readers don’t care who published your book. They care if it’s well-written, well-presented, and accessible.

With Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, Audible, and IngramSpark, your book can be in global markets within weeks. At Book Publishings, we ensure your title is everywhere readers shop.

Today, traditional publishers no longer control visibility. With digital platforms, self-published authors have global reach from day one.

Myth 6: “Marketing is Impossible for Indie Authors”

Yes, marketing is essential — but indie authors have unique advantages. Readers love connecting directly with authors, and self-publishers can build personal brands that traditional authors often can’t.

Successful indie marketing includes:

Growing a mailing list
Leveraging BookTok and Bookstagram
Hosting virtual launches
Running Amazon ads
Engaging in genre-specific communities

Some of the biggest “viral” book moments in recent years came not from publishers but from indie authors who connected with readers authentically.

Myth 7: “Self-Publishing is Too Expensive”

Professional publishing does involve investment — but it’s nowhere near the sky-high costs many imagine. Services like ours offer packages tailored to different budgets.

And here’s the key difference: once you’ve paid for your book to be edited, formatted, and published, all profits are yours. Unlike traditional contracts, we don’t take royalties.

The truth is, it’s more affordable — and more financially empowering — than people think.

Myth 8: “Self-Published Books Don’t Win Awards”

Ten years ago, most literary prizes ignored self-published books. That’s changing fast. Today:

Indie books are winning genre-specific awards.
Many indie authors hit the Amazon Top 100 lists.
Audiobooks by self-published authors are trending on Audible.

Awards and recognition are no longer gatekept. Quality books get noticed, no matter how they’re published.

Myth 9: “Once You Self-Publish, You’ll Never Get a Traditional Deal”

Ironically, many publishers now scout indie talent. If your book performs well, agents and publishers may come knocking. Self-publishing is often a launchpad, not a dead end.

Myth 10: “It’s Too Late to Start”

With millions of books on the market, some authors think the ship has sailed. But readers are always hungry for fresh voices. Every day, there are new authors breaking into niche markets to create communities and earn money.

In reality, there has never been a better time to start your writing career.

Conclusion:

Self-publishing is no longer a backup plan in 2025; it is a professional financial opportunity.

Authors retain control, contact with readers, and are generating more money than ever before.

At Book Publishing Group, we can help authors cut through the myths and help them step into reality: you are in control of your publishing, attaining results of a professional publisher, and reaching a global audience.

Don’t succumb to these misconceptions: take action today and embark on your self-publishing journey.