Hi Friends,
Many of you have asked me questions regarding your interest in writing. I love to help aspiring writers!!! But, it is impossible for me personally mentor everybody. So, I had an idea about doing a short series on my blog to help answer questions and give insights to those who are interested in the Christian publishing world. If you have questions, post them in the response section here and I'll answer them.
To get us started here are my answers to some questions I was recently asked in an e-mail:
***question*** What I want to know is what did you learn through the publishing process of your book that you never knew beforehand?
***answer*** I never knew how much the publishing houses are looking for partners...not just good writers. It is almost essential for you to have some kind of platform and marketability before a publisher will even consider your writing. They have to make the numbers work and one thing that helps that is if they know you will be out there selling your book at speaking engagements or though your ministry efforts. If you don't have a consistent speaking ministry yet, then make sure your resume has writing credits- other places you have been published- like magazines, e-zines, newspapers, etc. Or, build up an audience through a blog where you can track your readership through some type of site meter. Anything you can do to show the marketing department at a publishing house that you have an audience will be very helpful.
***question*** What mistake did you make that you' ll never make again (with God' s help)? ***answer*** In my first attempt at writing my first book, I used the first 10,000 words to try and establish myself as some very knowledgeable expert. It was stiff and plastic sounding. My editor basically read this and told me to start over. From then on, I have realized that my audience isn't looking for a preachy expert. She is looking for a friend who will be REAL, offer solid advice, walk this journey with her as a friend and mentor, and most of all share my own experiences honestly. But it is also important for me to remember that I can't take another person any further down this journey than I have traveled myself. So, constant growth in my life is necessary for me to have anything valuable to share. My relationship with the Lord can not get crowded out in this process... for He is the only one who gives me words worth writing and reading.
***question*** What can you pass on to another author?
***answer*** The process of getting published can be a heartbreaking one. Remember rejection from man is not rejection from God. If God has given you the passion and desire to write--- then write. Getting a book published is not the quintessential experience for a writer. Writing something that you go back and read and realize that your writing has God's fingerprints all over it, is! Let God use you to help others whether it is through a bound book, articles, blog entries, or even a simple notebook that you hand write in and pass around for your friends to enjoy. No writing is ever a waste of time.
I hope this helps. I look forward to your questions. Remember, any question regarding writing is fine. Don't be shy... post whatever you feel could help you with your own writing adventures.
Sweet Blessings and Happy Writing!
Many of you have asked me questions regarding your interest in writing. I love to help aspiring writers!!! But, it is impossible for me personally mentor everybody. So, I had an idea about doing a short series on my blog to help answer questions and give insights to those who are interested in the Christian publishing world. If you have questions, post them in the response section here and I'll answer them.
To get us started here are my answers to some questions I was recently asked in an e-mail:
***question*** What I want to know is what did you learn through the publishing process of your book that you never knew beforehand?
***answer*** I never knew how much the publishing houses are looking for partners...not just good writers. It is almost essential for you to have some kind of platform and marketability before a publisher will even consider your writing. They have to make the numbers work and one thing that helps that is if they know you will be out there selling your book at speaking engagements or though your ministry efforts. If you don't have a consistent speaking ministry yet, then make sure your resume has writing credits- other places you have been published- like magazines, e-zines, newspapers, etc. Or, build up an audience through a blog where you can track your readership through some type of site meter. Anything you can do to show the marketing department at a publishing house that you have an audience will be very helpful.
***question*** What mistake did you make that you' ll never make again (with God' s help)? ***answer*** In my first attempt at writing my first book, I used the first 10,000 words to try and establish myself as some very knowledgeable expert. It was stiff and plastic sounding. My editor basically read this and told me to start over. From then on, I have realized that my audience isn't looking for a preachy expert. She is looking for a friend who will be REAL, offer solid advice, walk this journey with her as a friend and mentor, and most of all share my own experiences honestly. But it is also important for me to remember that I can't take another person any further down this journey than I have traveled myself. So, constant growth in my life is necessary for me to have anything valuable to share. My relationship with the Lord can not get crowded out in this process... for He is the only one who gives me words worth writing and reading.
***question*** What can you pass on to another author?
***answer*** The process of getting published can be a heartbreaking one. Remember rejection from man is not rejection from God. If God has given you the passion and desire to write--- then write. Getting a book published is not the quintessential experience for a writer. Writing something that you go back and read and realize that your writing has God's fingerprints all over it, is! Let God use you to help others whether it is through a bound book, articles, blog entries, or even a simple notebook that you hand write in and pass around for your friends to enjoy. No writing is ever a waste of time.
I hope this helps. I look forward to your questions. Remember, any question regarding writing is fine. Don't be shy... post whatever you feel could help you with your own writing adventures.
Sweet Blessings and Happy Writing!
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