How to Get a Book Deal: Insider Secrets from Terry Whalin

If you've ever dreamed of getting your book published but felt lost in the process, you're not alone. In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, we sit down with publishing expert Terry Whalin, an author and acquisitions editor with decades of experience. We dive deep into the publishing world, covering the biggest myths about book deals, the importance of book proposals, and why authors must take control of their marketing. If you're serious about getting published, this is the episode for you.

Myth-Busting the Book Publishing Industry

Many aspiring authors believe getting a book deal is all about writing a great manuscript. But as Terry Whalin points out, this is one of the biggest myths in publishing. While quality writing matters, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

“Every author believes they’re going to make a lot of money from their book,” Terry says, “but publishing doesn’t work that way. If you think ‘if I build it, they will come,’ you’ll be disappointed.” The reality? Publishers take on books they believe will sell, and that means authors need more than just great content—they need a platform and a plan.

The key takeaway here is that publishers look at an author’s ability to market themselves. If you want a book deal, you need to prove you can reach an audience. That means building an email list, being active on social media, and engaging with potential readers.

Why a Book Proposal is Non-Negotiable

For non-fiction authors especially, a book proposal isn’t optional—it’s essential. Terry explains that a book proposal is a business plan for your book that outlines everything from its target audience to the author’s marketing plan.

“I wrote Book Proposals That Sell out of my own frustration as an acquisitions editor,” Terry shares. “I wasn’t getting the types of submissions I needed to take to publishers. A book proposal increases your chances of getting a deal because it shows you understand how to sell your book.”

Even if you plan to self-publish, having a proposal helps clarify your vision and ensures your book has an audience before you even launch. If you’re not sure where to start, Terry offers a free guide to writing book proposals on his website, a must-have resource for any serious writer.

Why Authors Must Market Their Own Books

One of the biggest mistakes authors make is assuming their publisher will handle all the marketing. The truth? 80% of book sales come from the author’s own efforts.

Terry emphasizes the Rule of Five, a strategy used by Chicken Soup for the Soul authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. “Every day, they did five things to market their book—radio interviews, guest blogs, podcasts, book signings. Over time, that daily effort turned their book into a massive bestseller.”

This is where many aspiring authors fail. They write the book, sign a deal, and then wait for sales to happen. But without consistent promotion, books don’t sell. The good news? There are more ways than ever to market a book, from social media and podcasts to writing magazine articles that establish you as an expert in your field.

Conclusion

Getting a book deal isn’t just about writing—it’s about understanding the business of publishing. Terry Whalin dispels the myths, making it clear that successful authors treat their books like businesses. If you want to land a deal, start with a strong book proposal, build an audience, and commit to marketing your book.

So what’s your next step? Download Terry’s free book proposal guide, start reaching out to readers, and take charge of your publishing journey. Because the only way to fail in publishing? Is to stop trying.