Not true, man. You have more chances of being published with a stand alone novel, but it depends on who you ask. Just because your friend is published doesn't make him an expert. Don't know what the hell you're talking about 'collect the real money from your talent until the 3rd book' either. You get money depending on how well-marketed is and overall how good it is. It's not like you have some magical number and you instantly get noticed at the end of your trilogy. Jonathan Stroud became a bestseller with the first book of his Bartimaeus Trilogy, which was more of his debut than his earlier stand alones because it was the one that really got noticed --- but not because it's a trilogy, because it's good.

Most people don't even start to collect the real money until quite a few books in. The only real reason you would possibly get more money from having three books out is because bookstores are more inclined to stock two copies of three books than six copies of one. Nevertheless there is no code to writing, besides doing it well and doing what you can to get out there.

And not using a vanity publisher or self-publisher. - pats L.E. on the back. -