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Here you’ll discover valuable writing and self-publishing tips as well as relevant stories and industry updates to help you write a faith-based book that amplifies your message, builds your brand, and scales your mission.

I invite you to leave your comments; thoughtful, considerate discussions are always welcome!

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6 Writing Lessons I Learned in 2018

With 2018 officially closed, I’ve analyzed what worked last year in my writing business – and what most decidedly failed. From that review, I’ve learned six writing lessons.

Although I could keep this information all to myself, I want to be transparent with you for two reasons:

First, no writer will ever truly “arrive” – there will always be new things to learn and writing that can be improved. I want you to realize that I’m writing alongside you, not above you.

Second, I’m hopeful that by sharing my insights, you will also benefit from the information. My goal has been and will continue to be to help writers succeed, not just in writing a book but in every area of their business. Make no doubt about it: If you’re writing a book that you want to sell to the public, you’re running a business.

6 Writing Lessons I Learned in 2018

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Productivity for Writers: How to achieve your writing goals in a timely manner

Productivity as a writer boils down to taking a seat and putting pen to paper. Typing out your thoughts.  Giving voice to the story in your mind, sharing your opinions, and offering information to others.

While it honestly doesn’t matter where or when you write – after all, you can train yourself to tune out distractions and write literally anywhere – there is something to be said about writing where you feel inspired, relaxed, and confident. Those particular locations Read More

The Importance of Individuality as an Author

The importance of individuality as an author is often sidelined by a host of challenges. But challenges aren’t always a bad thing.

In fact, I believe most of us enjoy a challenge every now and then, often entering into them intentionally. But if the outcome we desire doesn’t happen as quickly or exactly as we anticipate, then we tend to get frustrated and resort to our old way of doing things. Just consider all of the New Year’s resolutions made a few months ago; the majority of people have already abandoned them to return to their former habits.

We tend to be selective of our challenges, too. When we perceive the challenge to be out of our comfort zone or if we must do it alone, we tend to reject it outright, choosing instead to walk away from potential opportunities because of fear of the unknown and to avoid the risk of ridicule.

These fears extend to our writing. Often, it causes us to stifle our personalities and write in a more detached, formal manner. It also makes us selective in what we write about, selecting what we think our audience wants to read about, rather than what we feel compelled to write about.Read More

Book Editors: Which Type Do You Need…and When?

What many writers, especially first-time authors, don’t understand is that there are different types of book editors, and which type you need is dependent on where you’re at in the writing process.

Technically, there are five types of book editors, but since the focus of this website is on self-publishing, I’m going to skip acquisitions editors (those who acquire manuscripts for publishing companies) and focus instead on the remaining four types that every independent author should consider. Along with a description of what each type does, I will also mention when they’re best utilized.Read More

Why You Should Hire a Book Editor

Do you really need to hire an editor?

Yes.

You’ve probably heard me say it before, but it bears repeating: Every book should be thoroughly edited, and if you plan to sell your book, then it is critical to have it professionally edited.

Yet many people balk at acquiring editor for one of two reasons: either they feel they are competent enough to edit it themselves or they simply don’t see the value of paying for an editor.

Here’s what they’re not taking into consideration.Read More

What Exactly Is Life Story, Anyway?

Although the name itself appears self-explanatory (the story of one’s life), the term “life story” nevertheless evokes many questions from individuals who attend my life story presentations.

For example, what exactly does a life story include? Should you incorporate every last detail of your life, from your birth to the present day? How does life story differ from memoir…or is it the same thing? Where does autobiography fit in?

If you’re reading this article, then you probably have similar questions. Let’s break it down to discover the differences.Read More