Fact or Fiction Ideas for Self Publishing Groups

Self Publishing Community Fact or Fiction Posts - 41 Templates

Having trouble sparking meaningful discussions or drive engagement in your self publishing community? Fact or Fiction post templates are your secret weapon to break the ice and get members talking. These ready-to-use prompts challenge assumptions, encourage conversation, and make learning fun.

Self Publishing 41 Templates

Why This Works

Fact or Fiction prompts tap into our natural curiosity and love for challenging what we think we know. When community members are presented with a statement that could go either way, it invites them to pause, think, and participate by guessing or sharing what they believe. This interactive approach transforms passive readers into active contributors.

In self publishing, myths, misconceptions, and surprising facts abound. Leveraging these with Fact or Fiction posts not only educates your audience but also builds trust and rapport. The sense of discovery and the friendly competition to get the answer right can make your community feel more dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative.

41 Ready-to-Use Templates

Fact or Fiction: You need an agent to self publish a book.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You need an agent to self publish a book. What do you think?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #agent #publishing_myth

Fact or Fiction: ISBNs are required for every self published ebook.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: ISBNs are required for every self published ebook. Is this true?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #ISBN #ebook

Fact or Fiction: Self published books never hit bestseller lists.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self published books never hit bestseller lists. Share your answer!"

🔴 High Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #bestseller #success

Fact or Fiction: Amazon has exclusive rights to your book if you publish through KDP Select.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Amazon has exclusive rights to your book if you publish through KDP Select. What do you think?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #Amazon #KDP

Fact or Fiction: You can edit your self published book after it goes live.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can edit your self published book after it goes live. Guess below!"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #editing #publishing_process

Fact or Fiction: Most self published authors make a full-time living from their books.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Most self published authors make a full-time living from their books. What is your answer?"

🔴 High Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #income #author_life

Fact or Fiction: Using a pen name is not allowed on major publishing platforms.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Using a pen name is not allowed on major publishing platforms."

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Lurker #pen_name #platforms

Fact or Fiction: You need to pay to get your book listed on Amazon.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You need to pay to get your book listed on Amazon. Fact or Fiction?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Irregular #Amazon #cost

Fact or Fiction: Print on demand means you must order a minimum number of copies.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Print on demand means you must order a minimum number of copies. True or False?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #print_on_demand #cost

Fact or Fiction: Book covers play a bigger role in sales than book descriptions.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Book covers play a bigger role in sales than book descriptions. What is your experience?"

🔴 High Engagement Barrier 👤 Top #cover_design #marketing

Fact or Fiction: You can self publish in multiple languages on the same platform.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can self publish in multiple languages on the same platform. Any thoughts?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #translation #platforms

Fact or Fiction: Formatting mistakes can get your book removed from online stores.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Formatting mistakes can get your book removed from online stores. What do you think?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #formatting #distribution

Fact or Fiction: All self published books require a copyright registration.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: All self published books require a copyright registration. Fact or Fiction?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Irregular #copyright #publishing_law

Fact or Fiction: Self publishing is only for fiction writers.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self publishing is only for fiction writers."

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Lurker #nonfiction #publishing_myth

Fact or Fiction: You need a professional editor before self publishing.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You need a professional editor before self publishing. Do you agree?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #editing #professional_help

Fact or Fiction: Self published books can be stocked in brick and mortar stores.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self published books can be stocked in brick and mortar stores. Share your thoughts!"

🔴 High Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #distribution #bookstores

Fact or Fiction: Kindle Unlimited pays authors a flat fee per book read.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Kindle Unlimited pays authors a flat fee per book read. Fact or Fiction?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #Kindle #royalties

Fact or Fiction: You can self publish a book for free.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can self publish a book for free. What do you think?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Irregular #cost #publishing_process

Fact or Fiction: Reviews can be removed from your book listing without notice.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Reviews can be removed from your book listing without notice. Any experience?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #reviews #platform_policies

Fact or Fiction: Self published books are never nominated for literary awards.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self published books are never nominated for literary awards. Comment with your answer!"

🔴 High Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #awards #recognition

Fact or Fiction: Formatting for print and ebook is exactly the same.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Formatting for print and ebook is exactly the same."

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #formatting #ebook

Fact or Fiction: You can use stock images for your book cover if you buy a license.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can use stock images for your book cover if you buy a license. Fact or Fiction?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #cover_design #legal

Fact or Fiction: Self published authors keep all their book rights.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self published authors keep all their book rights. Is this true?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #rights #publishing

Fact or Fiction: You can publish under multiple genres with the same author account.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can publish under multiple genres with the same author account. What do you think?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #genres #platforms

Fact or Fiction: Only novels can be self published, not short stories or poetry.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Only novels can be self published, not short stories or poetry."

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Lurker #formats #publishing_myth

Fact or Fiction: Self publishing success is all about marketing.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self publishing success is all about marketing. Share your opinion!"

🔴 High Engagement Barrier 👤 Top #marketing #success

Fact or Fiction: You must use your real name when self publishing.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You must use your real name when self publishing."

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Irregular #pen_name #identity

Fact or Fiction: Self published books often have more typos than traditionally published books.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self published books often have more typos than traditionally published books. What do you think?"

🔴 High Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #editing #quality

Fact or Fiction: You can update your book file and cover anytime after publishing.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can update your book file and cover anytime after publishing. Fact or Fiction?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #updating #platforms

Fact or Fiction: Self published audiobooks must be sold only through Audible.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self published audiobooks must be sold only through Audible. Yes or no?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #audiobooks #distribution

Fact or Fiction: You can publish a book even if you do not own a business.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can publish a book even if you do not own a business. Fact or Fiction?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Irregular #business #publishing

Fact or Fiction: Self publishing platforms provide free ISBNs.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self publishing platforms provide free ISBNs. What is your answer?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #ISBN #platforms

Fact or Fiction: Formatting your book for print is more complex than for ebook.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Formatting your book for print is more complex than for ebook. Thoughts?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #formatting #print

Fact or Fiction: Self published books cannot be found in libraries.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self published books cannot be found in libraries. Fact or Fiction?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Irregular #libraries #distribution

Fact or Fiction: You can publish illustrated books as a self published author.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can publish illustrated books as a self published author."

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #illustrated_books #formats

Fact or Fiction: Self publishing royalties are paid monthly.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self publishing royalties are paid monthly. Yes or no?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Frequent #royalties #income

Fact or Fiction: You must use DRM protection for all self published ebooks.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You must use DRM protection for all self published ebooks."

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Irregular #DRM #ebooks

Fact or Fiction: You can publish a book entirely using free tools and resources.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can publish a book entirely using free tools and resources. Is this possible?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #tools #budget

Fact or Fiction: Self publishing is only for new authors.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self publishing is only for new authors."

🟢 Low Engagement Barrier 👤 Lurker #publishing_myth #experience

Fact or Fiction: You can change your book's price at any time after publishing.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: You can change your book's price at any time after publishing. Fact or Fiction?"

🟡 Medium Engagement Barrier 👤 Average #pricing #platforms

Fact or Fiction: Self publishing allows you to keep more of your royalties than traditional publishing.

💡 Example: "Fact or Fiction: Self publishing allows you to keep more of your royalties than traditional publishing. What do you think?"

🔴 High Engagement Barrier 👤 Top #royalties #comparison

How to Use These Templates

To implement these templates, simply copy and paste a prompt into your community platform of choice. Encourage members to comment with Fact or Fiction, and consider following up with a brief explanation or source. You can use these as weekly features, icebreakers, or conversation starters after quiet periods. For deeper engagement, invite members to share their own Fact or Fiction statements.

Best Practices

✓ Choose statements that are surprising or challenge common assumptions.
✓ Always provide a credible source or explanation after revealing the answer.
✓ Rotate topics between publishing, writing, marketing, and indie author myths.
✓ Encourage respectful debate and sharing of personal experiences.
✓ Limit frequency to maintain intrigue and avoid audience fatigue.

All Platforms Tips

Since these templates work on all platforms, tailor your delivery to fit the format. On forums or Facebook groups, use the post as a standalone thread and pin for visibility. On chat platforms like Discord or Slack, share prompts during active hours and use threads or replies for discussion. For platforms with polls, consider letting members vote before revealing the answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use these Fact or Fiction templates to address common misconceptions about ISBNs in self publishing?

Leverage the templates to create engaging posts around frequently misunderstood topics like 'Fact or Fiction: You need a new ISBN for every edition' or 'Fact or Fiction: Free ISBNs limit your distribution options.' This encourages discussion and helps clarify industry standards for your community members.

What’s the best way to use Fact or Fiction posts to educate authors about the realities of Amazon KDP exclusivity vs. wide distribution?

Use the templates to present statements such as 'Fact or Fiction: Enrolling in KDP Select means you can’t sell your ebook anywhere else.' This opens a dialogue about the nuances of exclusivity, royalties, and sales strategy, helping your members make informed decisions about their publishing path.

Can these Fact or Fiction templates help debunk myths about editing and proofreading in indie publishing?

Absolutely. Create posts like 'Fact or Fiction: Spellcheck is enough for editing a self-published book' or 'Fact or Fiction: Only traditionally published authors need professional editors.' These prompt experienced members to share insights and highlight the importance of quality editing in self publishing.

How do I adapt Fact or Fiction templates to address issues with book marketing strategies unique to indie authors?

Focus on statements like 'Fact or Fiction: Paid ads are the only way to sell self-published books' or 'Fact or Fiction: Social media marketing is a waste of time for indie authors.' This sparks conversation about real-world marketing experiences and tools tailored to the self publishing industry.

What are some effective ways to use Fact or Fiction templates to discuss the challenges of print-on-demand (POD) services in self publishing?

Customize your posts with statements such as 'Fact or Fiction: POD books always have lower quality than offset printing' or 'Fact or Fiction: You must invest in hundreds of copies upfront.' This helps educate your community about POD realities, costs, and practical considerations.

How can I use Fact or Fiction posts to clarify the differences between self publishing and vanity presses within my community?

Craft posts like 'Fact or Fiction: Vanity publishers and self publishing platforms are the same thing' or 'Fact or Fiction: Legitimate self-publishing never asks for upfront payment.' These foster important discussions about predatory practices and empower authors to avoid common pitfalls.