Why the Rules of Publishing Are Meant to Be Broken: Lessons for Future Authors

By Malene Bendtsen, Chief Knowledge Liberator at Publishing Rebel

Let’s face it: publishing “rules” are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. If you’re a visionary, a trailblazer, or an entrepreneur looking to make waves, you don’t need some outdated rulebook telling you what you can or can’t do. You’re here to do things differently, so here’s the honest, unfiltered guide to breaking the rules and creating a book that actually matters. Let’s dive in.

Rule #1: “To Be Credible, You Need a Traditional Publisher”

The myth that you need a traditional publisher to be “credible” is persistent but false. It’s like saying you must wear a three-piece suit to run a tech startup. Traditional publishers will sell you on their so-called “stamp of approval,” but these days, it’s your content that counts. And here’s the real secret: you don’t need them to get into the same stores, use the same distribution networks, or reach the same readers. That’s right. They don’t own Amazon, or bookstores, or IngramSpark.

The Rebel Advantage: Going indie lets you set your own timeline (as in, “publish next month” instead of “wait two years”), keep every creative decision, and, yes, earn more. You’re not just gaining credibility — you’re setting the rules on your terms. Plus, indie authors know who’s actually buying their books (imagine that!) and can connect with readers on a real level, without a middleman. You’re not just an author; you’re a brand, a business, and a storyteller in complete control.

Rule #2: “Forget Bestsellers — Write a Book that Starts Revolutions”

The bestseller obsession? It’s like high school prom all over again — everyone’s vying for the title, but does it really matter in the long run? Bestseller lists are engineered to create fleeting fame, usually based on one week of intense sales. Are you here to just tick a box or to make a difference?

The Rebel Advantage: Create a book that sticks, one that sparks curiosity, challenges assumptions, and isn’t afraid to say the stuff that needs saying. Your goal? Get readers to close your book and immediately re-evaluate their life choices (or at least their LinkedIn profiles). A bestseller might look good for a day, but a revolutionary book becomes the go-to resource people quote, pass around, and genuinely remember. You’re not here to play nice; you’re here to change the game.

Rule #3: “Your Book Is Just a Book — Nothing More”

Thinking of your book as “just a book” is like buying a sports car just to sit in traffic. Sure, you can do it, but it’s a huge waste of potential. For an entrepreneur, a book should be the first step in an entire experience, a door that swings open to a much bigger world.

The Rebel Advantage: Treat your book like the entry ticket to your personal carnival of content. Offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access, online events, or interactive digital tools that make your book more than a reading experience. Run a book club-meets-mastermind with premium access for readers who are serious about your subject. Your book isn’t a standalone — it’s a gateway. When you’re in charge, your readers don’t just finish the book; they step into your entire ecosystem and keep coming back for more.

Rule #4: “Why Building Your Brand Means Destroying the Status Quo”

Following the rules is fine — if you are aiming to blend in with the crowd. But for someone who’s got something new to say, the fastest way to lose your voice is to sound like everyone else. The publishing world is built to keep things safe and tidy. But where’s the fun in that?

The Rebel Advantage: Use your book as a wrecking ball for the status quo. Write a book that gets under people’s skin and isn’t afraid to take a stance. You’re not writing to be agreeable; you are writing to be unforgettable. Go bold with your ideas, let your voice come through, and don’t be afraid to shake up your industry’s stale thinking. People are looking for leaders who take risks, and when your book doesn’t look, sound, or read like anything else out there, you’ve won.

Rule #5: “Write for the ‘Hell Yes’ Readers”

Your book isn’t for everyone, and it shouldn’t be. Playing it safe to reach a broader audience often leaves you with lukewarm readers who barely remember your name. The real magic? Writing a book that attracts your ideal reader — the ones who say, “Hell yes, this is exactly what I needed!”

The Rebel Advantage: Be unapologetically you. Don’t soften your voice, hold back your quirks, or aim for the middle ground. The right readers will be drawn to your authenticity and recognize themselves in your words. You don’t need to cater to everyone; you need to capture the people who see your message and think, Finally! By aiming for your ideal reader, you are not just gaining followers, but building a devoted audience who’ll champion your work.

Your Book, Your Rules

Publishing “rules” are relics from a world not built for disruptors or ambitious entrepreneurs like you. You’re not here to follow a script but to create something people can’t ignore. Toss out the rulebook, keep the spotlight, and let your book become a movement.

Ready to redefine the game? Let’s amplify your ideas, build your authority, and spark a movement that catapults you to the next level. It’s time to lead with a voice your industry and audience can’t ignore.

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