Listen Below:

Subscribe to the Podcast here.

Click here to leave a review and subscribe to the show.  Read my step-by-step tutorial and find out all the details here.

Notes from this episode:

Light for my path

Psalm 119 is divided into 22 sections, which represent the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. 

“Nun” = 14th of 22 Hebrew letters. It signifies a “fish” (representing life/continuation) or a “faithful/bent-over servant,” symbolizing humility and submission. (Joshua son of Nun)

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭

“A Lamp for the next sentence”

As Kingdom writers, we often want God to show us the whole story at once—the full outline, the perfect ending, the flawless draft. But this little verse reminds us that God usually gives light for the next step, not the entire road.

A lamp doesn’t flood the path with daylight. It reveals just enough to move forward safely. In the same way, God’s Word may not reveal your entire book, message, or calling today—but it will illuminate your next paragraph, your next idea, your next faithful act of obedience.

“For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬ ‭

“Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭

If we give God’s Word daily attention, it will provide us with the direction, correction, and wisdom we need to be the best Kingdom writers we can be. 

We are humbling ourselves and acknowledging our need when we open God’s Word. We won’t find anything in the world that matches its substance and guidance. 

It’s ‘alive and active’ as Hebrews 4:12 says, because the same God who spoke creation into being by His word is the same God who spoke the words in our Bibles. He’s the same God who will empower our own written words that point to Him. 

Closing:

God is not asking you to see the whole journey. He is asking you to trust Him with the next line.

Resources:

If you’re ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you. 

Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day

Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing.

Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.

Book Writing Lab Workshop – Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes

If over the last year, you’ve struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90 minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book.

Get started now for just $27

Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy

Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book.

Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST)

Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

You're reading Lighted Path, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

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Listen Below:

Subscribe to the Podcast here.

Click here to leave a review and subscribe to the show.  Read my step-by-step tutorial and find out all the details here.

Notes from this episode:

A Posture of Stillness 

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” – ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭7‬ 

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” – ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭

The Hebrew word “raphah” in Psalm 46:10 implies letting go, letting your hands hang down, or ceasing to fight on your own.

“As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord,” – ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬ ‭

“But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”” – ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭

“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, BUT WAIT for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” – ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Refers to Luke 24:49…

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; BUT STAY in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” – ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭49‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you ever run out the door forgetting something important like car keys or a wallet? Maybe a son or daughter running out the door without their coat, lunch box or backpack of books. 

“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” – ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT

“Stand your ground” = Greek word “histemi” which means “to stop, stand still, to stand immovable, stand firm.”

• Also, like the foundation of a building.

Resources:

If you’re ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you. 

Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day

Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing.

Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.

Book Writing Lab Workshop – Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes

If over the last year, you’ve struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90 minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book.

Get started now for just $27

Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy

Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book.

Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST)

Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

You're reading Stillness, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

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Is becoming a published author your New Year’s aspiration? Merriam-Webster defines aspirations as a strong desire to achieve something high or great. Writing a book and publishing it in a year is obtainable if you have the facts you need to do it.

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)

Pre-2023, I knew I was called to be a writer, but I didn’t know how to get started. On January 1, 2023, I discovered Christian Book Academy. In September 2024, Shelley Hitz held a workshop, Procrastination to Publication, which helped me to publish my first book, A Case of Mistaken Identity. I tell people that this workshop was the best investment I ever made. It was a 90-day, weekly, step-by-step plan starting with an idea and ending with a published book. This workshop gave me the knowledge of how to become a published author.

Three-Step Approach 

• Ask …Ye have not, because you ask not. James 4:2 b
• Believe… Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23 
• Work on your business…and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you. I Thessalonians 4:11

This three-step approach will help you succeed from idea to publication of your book. The first step – Ask. It is never a good idea to start a venture without asking God what He thinks. I remember one time I really wanted to join this one MLM, and I asked God reluctantly if it was okay. “That is all you will have,” he replied. Nevermind! I will pass on that. Trust me on this when I say you don’t want to start a book to find that God isn’t backing you. We need Him. You don’t want to do anything alone. 

The second step- believe. We need to believe if God is for us, who or what can be against us. If he is with us, then it is possible with his help to come up with an idea, and write and publish a book. 

Third Step

The third step- work on your business. This one is important. Don’t focus on how many books someone else has written, or how much time they have to write, or what their book sales look like, etc. Focus on what God has placed before you and work with the resources he has given you. He will see you through from start to finish. 

Before we move on, take a moment and think of a situation where God saw you through from start to finish, and believe that he will do it again.

What Should I Write?

What should I write about? Let’s look at it in a different way- what is the message you want to share with the world? What is the legacy you want to leave behind? Is there a hobby that you love so much that you are bursting inside to tell someone about it? Is there a skill you are good at, like crocheting? Your testimony of what your life was like before Christ?

Write down some ideas and then ask God to show you which one he thinks you should write on. Once you have that in place, write down everything you can think of on that book idea. If you find that you have a lot to work on, then move on to creating an outline. 

How to Get Started Writing a Book? 

How to start a book? Once you have your idea and an outline, you will need to arrange your content in order. Break down your idea into a step format. For example, if you are writing a book on crocheting, you could start with the history behind crocheting and how you got started in crocheting. Expand on who taught you how to crochet, types of crocheting, and the benefits of crocheting. I think you get the jist.

Don’t worry about where to start. Just start. Set realistic goals for yourself. How much time do you have to spare daily to write? Once you have that time slot, write it on your calendar. Then, do your best to stick with it. Remember the verse I mentioned at the beginning of this post? 

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2:2 KJV

Make a plan and then work it. Give yourself some grace, though, because as a writer, as with anything life will happen, and you will have to adjust to accommodate the changes. The important thing is to keep at it. 

Where Should I Publish?

Have you considered publishing your book on Amazon? I have published all my books through KDP, Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon’s self-publishing platform. What is KDP? A service for authors and publishers to upload, format, and sell books without a traditional publisher. Amazon is a highly trafficked site with many advantages for self-publishers. 

Just yesterday, I learned about A+ Content through customer service. A+ Content will give me the ability to add more content to my detail page. By having that feature, I can show more of my book, connect with my readers, and share my story behind that book. This will be a great way to bring My ABCs & God more out. I publish all of my books through KDP. 

You will have your own store on Amazon, free, and the process you follow to list your books is pretty simple. You also have control of what categories to list your book under, and you get to choose your price. What is there not to love about that? I highly recommend publishing your book through KDP.

There you have it. I hope this has given you some insight into how to become a published author.

Author Bio 

EO Writes is an Author and an Illustrator. A Case of Mistaken Identity was her first book. You can reach her at https://www.eowrites.com. While there, you can get to know her, see what she is currently working on, and sign up for her monthly newsletter, The Pen of a Ready Writer, for updates on new releases and her weekly musings. She is currently working on another children’s book, which will be the first in a series, with the first book being Luna Goes Exploring. She hopes to launch her podcast, “A Writer’s Call,” in March. When she is not writing, she and her husband enjoy traveling throughout the United States on their Harley.

“Never judge a book by its cover. What you find inside the pages might surprise you.”

You're reading New Year’s Aspiration, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

Connect With Us Online:

Google + (Shelley)  | Google +  (Heather)  | Twitter  | Facebook | Pinterest

Listen Below:

Subscribe to the Podcast here.

Click here to leave a review and subscribe to the show.  Read my step-by-step tutorial and find out all the details here.

Notes from this episode:

Giving Birth to God’s Promises

Mother Teresa said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”

Zechariah 

“Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.” – Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭

“He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” – Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭

“Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” – Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭

Maybe some of you have said, “I’m too old to write a book now.” Maybe you doubt the Lord’s ability to birth a powerful message in and through you. Like John the Baptist, our books can help prepare people for the second coming of the Lord and also help turn the hearts of fathers to their children along with causing the rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly. 

“He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.” – Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭63‬-‭64‬ ‭

As we come to believe what God wants to do in and through us, it could be that our words, like Zechariah’s, are finally free to be released again through our pens. 

Mary

“Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” – Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭38‬ ‭

Like Mary, in her “messy middle”, we can say “Emmanuel, meet us where we are — in the messy middle, the doubt, and the longing. Teach us to trust like Mary and say YES even when we can’t see the whole story.”

Resources:

If you’re ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you. 

Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day

Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing.

Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.

Book Writing Lab Workshop – Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes

If over the last year, you’ve struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90 minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book.

Get started now for just $27

Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy

Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book.

Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST)

Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

You're reading Giving Birth to God’s Promises, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

Connect With Us Online:

Google + (Shelley)  | Google +  (Heather)  | Twitter  | Facebook | Pinterest

Listen Below:

Subscribe to the Podcast here.

Click here to leave a review and subscribe to the show.  Read my step-by-step tutorial and find out all the details here.

Notes from this episode:

Writing With Power: How God Shows Up When You Feel Least Ready

When your words feel stalled, and your confidence feels thin, that doesn’t mean you’ve lost your calling—it usually means God is inviting you back to the source of your strength. In this teaching, I share the Jeep story that first opened my eyes to what happens when power sits unused… and how easily the same thing happens in our writing.

We walk through the four B’s—**Believe, Behold, Bow, and Breakthrough**—a simple but deeply spiritual process that helps you write from God’s power instead of your own pressure. You’ll be reminded that weakness is not a liability in the Kingdom; it’s the very place His strength becomes visible.

If you’ve been showing up to the page feeling drained, distracted, or disconnected, this message will help you turn the key again, reconnect with His presence, and let His power flow through every word you write.

Resources:

If you’re ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you. 

Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day

Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing.

Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.

Book Writing Lab Workshop – Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes

If over the last year, you’ve struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90 minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book.

Get started now for just $27

Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy

Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book.

Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST)

Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

You're reading Writing With Power, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

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In my research on Ways to Market Your Children’s Book, I found some interesting ways to market outside of the confines of online platforms like Amazon. In this blog post, I am going to mention them in depth, starting with handouts, then I will cover selling locally, book signings, and possibly something that maybe you haven’t considered — hospitals, libraries, and school book readings. It’s so easy to get caught up in one way of selling our books or following what others are doing.

You need to find what works for you and go with it. As we approach the end of this year, this is a great time to look at your marketing plans for your book and analyze what is working and what is not. This makes me think of an aloe plant, which carries a beneficial ointment for burns, but you have to tend to it; water it periodically, or it will die and be of no use to you.

The same goes for marketing; if the book marketing strategy you are using is not producing fruit, though you are putting energy into it, maybe it’s time to cut it loose. I suggest, of course, praying about it and asking God what you should do. I hope this blog post will give you some fresh new ideas for marketing your children’s book.

Handouts

Handouts? Who doesn’t love free handouts? Here are some ideas I came across: coloring pages and bookmarks, or you could venture out a little. For example, create some collectible cards of the characters. During the 1980s, you could buy this stick of gum, nasty gum. However, the prize was a Star Wars collectible action card that came with it. For a couple of years, I would toss out the gum and add the card to my collection. There was a kid on the school bus who collected them as well, so we would swap out our duplicates.

Honestly, I think collectible cards of the characters could be a fun product to sell alongside your book or give away. For example, with my book My ABCs & God, included at the back of the book are sheets of the characters for parents to cut out. Their child won’t only get a character on that card, but the letter, the characteristic, the definition, and a verse. I’m hoping it will be a great learning tool for five-year-olds, especially parents who are homeschooling their children.

I think the bookmark is a great idea for marketing. Heather Cash recommends it being double-sided and glossy. I’ve included a link in this post to her YouTube video on creating a bookmark. Bookmarks are a great marketing tool. You can display a character on one side and your contact information on the other so that parents know where to buy your book. Bookmarks are a fun, effective, and inexpensive way to market your book at book signings and other events.

Sell Local

I think this is a great market tip: sell locally. There are many who prefer supporting local businesses. If you do your research right, you may find a quaint little gift shop that meets the theme of your book. I would suggest talking to the owner about selling your book. If the owner is not available, leave a one-sheet for the owner. Another thing to consider is book signings at a local bookstore, a library, or maybe even a gift shop. A great opportunity to give out their coloring pages or bookmarks.

Hospitals, Libraries, Schools

Here are some places that maybe you haven’t considered. Is your book something that would fit nicely in a hospital gift shop? Perhaps selling your book or donating it to a local library. Another idea is to contact your local school to do a book reading and afterwards give out your bookmarks to introduce them and their parents to your books. Is your book geared toward small children? Contact your local library and see if it would be interested in your book for story time. These are great ways to get your name out as an author in your area. Many people are most likely to buy from someone they know. Put a face to your book, sell locally.

Let’s Wrap it Up

There you have it — some different ways to market your children’s book outside of online stores. Get outside of your comfort zone and mingle with the people in your community. Think about how you would like to market your books. You could go with the norm, coloring pages and bookmarks, or do something different. Do some research on small gift shops that you could introduce your book to.

Contact your local library or local school for book readings. Don’t forget places like hospital gift shops or perhaps pediatric doctor practices, or dental offices. I know an author who had a children’s book that was geared toward learning the Chinese language. She presented her book at a local Chinese restaurant. As with any of my advice, take it to the Lord in prayer.

About the Author

EO Writes is the Author of A Case of Mistaken Identity, Penned with Purpose, Getting Unstuck, and Deep Calleth to Deep. You can reach her at https://www.eowrites.com.  While there, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter, The Pen of a Ready Writer, for updates on new releases and her weekly musings. You can purchase her books on Amazon. She has been married for 27 years. When she is not writing, she and her husband enjoy traveling throughout the United States on their Harley.

“Never judge a book by its cover. What you find inside the pages might surprise you.”

You're reading 3 Ways to Market Your Children’s Book, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

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Today’s topic: Unseen Servants

Listen Below:

Subscribe to the Podcast here.

Click here to leave a review and subscribe to the show.  Read my step-by-step tutorial and find out all the details here.

Notes from this episode:

Unseen Servants and the risk of bitterness

As writers, we can often feel unseen. If we’re not careful, we can become discontent and desire the praise and recognition from men & women. Are we able to be faithful and seek our approval and recognition from God alone? Let’s take a look at some examples in scripture. 

• Gehazi, servant to Elisha (2 Kings 5:20-27)
• Martha (Luke 10:38-42)
• Older son (Luke 15:25-32)
• Women supporting Jesus (Luke 8:1-3)
• Our friend Craig Sampson, when I worked in YFC. This man was one of the best volunteers you could ever ask for. Always faithful with no desire for personal gain and recognition. 
• Matthew 6:4-6 – “Your Father who sees in secret…”
• Revelation 2:2-4 – “I know the things you do…”

May we learn to be content as unseen servants for the Lord, regardless of any praise or recognition we receive from people. 

Resources:

If you’re ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you. 

Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day

Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing.

Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.

Book Writing Lab Workshop – Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes

If over the last year, you’ve struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90 minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book.

Get started now for just $27

Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy

Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book.

Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST)

Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

You're reading Unseen Servants, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

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Google + (Shelley)  | Google +  (Heather)  | Twitter  | Facebook | Pinterest

How do I become a published author? In simple terms, you can answer this question in nine words: write a book and make it available for readers. Maybe we should dig a little deeper. After all, that is why you are reading this blog post, correct? So let’s get to the meat of the matter- how do I become a published author?

But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name…John 1:12

It’s God who gives us the power to become. As we follow God’s lead and write our story, God will give us the desire of our heart- a published book. As a writer, there are two different paths to consider: traditional or self-publishing. If you have been around authors as long as I have, you would know of a third option in the mix, a hybrid.

Until recently, I have not been open to the third option. But lately I have decided that I am going to pray over each book about how God wants me to wrap my book; self-publish, traditional, or hybrid. The important thing is to be in the center of God’s will, for that is the sweet spot. God knows where your book has the greatest potential. So that being said, as you write, there are a few things you need to consider prayerfully: how God wants you to present your message, wrap it, and deliver it.

Present Your Message

Of course, you can’t become a published author unless you have a book to publish. So the first thing you need to do is decide what kind of book God is leading you to write: a children’s book, an autobiography, an adventure novel, etc. Once you have decided, your genre, you will need to determine your message. If you are planning on writing a children’s book, you will need to decide how you want to present your story. Consider the pictures that present your story and the words. Are you going to create the illustrations? If so, what method: digital, watercolor, or coloring pencils?

At the beginning of your writing journey, you will wear two hats: writing and researching. For example, I am writing a children’s book. The medium I am using is watercoloring, so I am presently researching what a sky looks like at different times of the day to better articulate my story. Articulating your message or story is the most important step in your writing journey. Something to consider at this stage is what best fits your book: self-publishing or traditional publishing. This approach may help you when you form your message, for you will have a better idea of who the audience will be.

Wrap Your Message

Now that your book is written, you need to consider the three options I mentioned earlier. How does God want you to wrap your message? The covering that best fits your book. Where would your book have the greatest impact? No two books are the same. That is why I am seeking God now on how he wants me to proceed with each individual book. Self-publishing is awesome, but sometimes authors are overlooked, as there is much competition on Amazon. A traditional publisher might best suit your particular book. If that is the case, be diligent in your research on traditional publishing companies. Just like books, no two traditional publishers are alike. Read the fine print before you sign the contract. Just like a gift, so is your message to the world, so you want to be mindful of how God wants you to wrap it and wrap it well.

Deliver Your Message

Now that you have settled in your heart how you are going to present and wrap your message, you need to determine where and how to deliver your message. If you are using the self-publish option, you don’t have to be limited by online selling platforms. You could take matters into your own hands or, in this case, your book and visit local mom and pop stores to see if they would be interested in selling your book, sell it on your author site, or donate it to your local library. You could even buy some copies of your book at an author’s price and sell them outright. If you are working with a traditional publisher, they will handle the production, distribution, and marketing of your book.

By self-publishing, you have full control of your book and with that all the responsibilities that come with such as editing, design, and marketing, for which you can hire others to do for you. By working with a traditional publisher, you give up some of the control of your book, but in return, they take care of the production, distribution, and marketing. So as you consider how to become a published author, you also need to consider how to present your message, how to wrap it, and where and how to deliver it. You too can become a published author!

About the Author

EO Writes is the Author of A Case of Mistaken Identity, Penned with Purpose, Getting Unstuck, and Deep Calleth to Deep. You can reach her at https://www.eowrites.com to get to know her or sign up for her monthly newsletter, The Pen of a Ready Writer. If you are interested in learning how to create illustrations for your book, your website, or social media, check out her Payhip store: https://payhip.com/b/u6Bbr. She has been married for 27 years. When she is not writing, she and her husband enjoy traveling throughout the United States on their Harley.

“Never judge a book by its cover. What you find inside the pages might surprise you.”

You're reading How do I become a published Author?, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

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Today’s topic: Fulfilling your Ministry

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Notes from this episode:

Fulfilling your ministry 

“And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭

NIV = “complete the ministry”

ESV = “fulfill the ministry”

The Message = “And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, “Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best.”

“I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.”

‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬b-2‬ 

Most likely Philemon, his wife Apphia, and their son Archippus. All in the same household. 

Imagine one person being singled out at the end of this letter to the Colossians church. 

Most scholars see Paul’s admonition to Archippus as simple encouragement, similar to Paul’s exhortations in his epistles to Timothy and Titus.

It’s interesting to note that Paul had never actually visited the Colossians church in person but we can be sure his written words to them made a tremendous impact and continue to do so today.

We are each an Archippus and have a ministry to carry out. 

Paul’s encouragement to Archippus and his family should encourage all of us to also “complete the ministry” God has given us.

Kingdom writer, be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.

Resources:

If you’re ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you. 

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You're reading Fulfilling your Ministry, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

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Book marketing is the next step after publishing your book. Don’t shy away from the importance of marketing your book. Marketing is a necessary component of writing. In this blog post, I am going to share with you three different ways to market your book. You should start by creating a monthly book marketing plan. The book marketing plan should cover different essential aspects regarding your book, such as writing content. Write at least two book-related blog posts a month and follow up with social media pins that go along with your posts. I like to use Pinterest and LinkedIn. Then there’s the email marketing aspect. It is always good to have an email list so that you can stay in touch with your readers and build relationships with them and potential readers.

Just remember, the key is not so much learning new book marketing techniques but building relationships with potential readers. People are more likely to buy from people they trust. Your potential readers need to hear your voice outside of your books. If you are a self-publisher looking for how to market a self-published book, then these three book marketing ways will work great for you.

Author Website

If you don’t have one already, I highly suggest you create an author website. An author website is your own personal space and allows you to build an email list. By having an author website, you can build a site around a specific theme and create blog posts at least twice a month related to your books. An author website is a great way to build a relationship with their readers and potential ones. It gives you a platform where you can freely use your voice! Announce to your readers of upcoming books or book signings, etc. Just make sure your blog posts are SEO compatible. This is very important if you want search engines to categorize them. You will want your blog posts search engine optimized so that people can find and read them.

Social Media Engagement

I’m not a huge social media user. I do, however, use LinkedIn & Pinterest to promote my books and my blog posts. Canva is a great tool for creating social media pins. Canva has templates for the different social media mediums and is pretty easy to use. I use Canva for my social media pins, my prayer team letters, and for some graphics on my website. I have a paid account, which gives me unlimited access. Another idea is to write posts or articles on LinkedIn. You could use LinkedIn to promote your books, share a bit about yourself, and/or connect with potential readers. LinkedIn is a great way to build a network of people and promote your author website as well. Create graphics with quotes from your books, share book reviews, run polls, or giveaways. Social media engagement can help you connect with more people and possibly draw in more readers.

Email Marketing

Having an author website gives you the ability to build an email list. It’s a good idea to have a gift or magnet to encourage visitors to sign up for your email list. An email list is a great way to share a bit about yourself, give someone a taste of your writing, and market your books. Once a month, I send out a newsletter with content such as something I learned, what I am working on, and what’s coming up, like a new book. The bigger the number of email subscribers, the greater your outreach. An email list is a great marketing tool and relationship builder.

I want to share with you one more valuable tool- prayer. Have you considered putting together a prayer team? I have one, and it has made an enormous difference in my writing. It’s great to have a group of people you can trust to hold you up in prayer concerning your writing projects and/or personal needs. Prayerfully consider who you can bring in to team up with you in your writing endeavor. In Exodus 17, Moses held up his arms during a battle against the Amalekites. As long as his arms were up, the Israelites were winning. But if he lowered them, they started losing. So Aaron and Hur helped by holding up his arms, ensuring a glorious victory for Israel. Even Moses needed someone to hold up his arms when he got tired to ensure a glorious victory. God honors us when we reach out to him. Never underestimate the power of a prayer team.

There you have it — three ways to market your book: author website, social media engagement, and email marketing.

About the Author

EO Writes has written and published three books. Getting Unstuck: A Guide to Self Publishing is her most recently published book. She is currently working on a children’s book that she hopes to publish in December. You can reach her at https://www.eowrites.com. She has been married for 27 years. When she is not writing, she and her husband enjoy traveling throughout the United States on their Harley.

“Never judge a book by its cover. What you find inside the pages might surprise you.”

You're reading Book Marketing: How to Market Your Book in 3 Ways, originally posted on Training Authors with CJ and Shelley Hitz - We help Christian writers take a step of faith and finally finish your book! and copyrighted by TrainingAuthors.com.

Connect With Us Online:

Google + (Shelley)  | Google +  (Heather)  | Twitter  | Facebook | Pinterest