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Repeal and Replace
Writers live full and demanding lives. Let’s become more focused and productive with my unscientific version of Repeal and Replace! Repeal: Exhaustion. Replace: Go to bed earlier. Even fifteen minutes can help. If you like how you feel, shave off a few more minutes until you find that perfect bedtime. The more often enough rest helps you be vibrant the next day, the more you realize how little you …
Pushing and Pulling Your Book
The marketing and promotion of books differs somewhat from other forms of product marketing, but not as much as you might think. Basic marketing principles, which work for toothpaste and automobiles, also work for books. The greatest changes in publishing over the last 10-20 years have been brought on by the Internet, which unlocked a previously difficult and expensive connection directly to …
How Do I Grow My Market?
I work with a ministry that self-publishes its own books. These are posted on our website, displayed at ministry-related conferences, and mentioned to donors via print and email. How can we expand our market? It depends. (For those of you following this blog regularly, I hope that made you smile.) It depends on a number of factors. In this case the question is more specific to non-fiction authors, …
Dark Friday
Contemplate the sacrifice. Contemplate the mystery. While you contemplate, listen to this instrumental piece called “Gethsemane” from Jeff Johnson’s album “No Shadow of Turning.” A new version of the piece can be found on Jeff’s album “Thin Places” You can listen to it at this link. Then please listen to this classical song “Go to Dark …
Maundy Thursday
Today is Maundy Thursday, a special day during Passion Week. As you feel led, visit this passage regarding The Last Supper, and meditate upon it. I can never read this passage without thinking about how often I have disappointed Christ. And no matter how much I deny it, no matter how much I wish I were perfect, I am not. I will wretchedly and miserably betray Him again. And yet He forgives. I am …
The Danger of Discouragement
Some days, I have to admit, it feels like I’ve been working and working, doing everything I’m supposed to, and yet, nothing ever changes—unless it’s for the worse. The struggles are still dragging me down. The sense that no matter what I do, nothing will change, weighs on my spirit. It’s days like that when the questions start… What’s wrong with me that I can’t get anywhere? How can I be losing …
“Response” Books
When considering a topic for your next book, I suggest you avoid a response to another message in the media, especially in another book. Publishers and readers love books which are fresh, containing original thinking, and are well written, creative, with an identifiable purpose, a strong message and usually not springing from what someone else wrote. I am not talking about “connection” books, such …
At What Point Would an Agent be Interested in an Indie Author?
I am an indie author. I’ve written several novels, some of which have sold well and all of which have *at least* 4.7 stars. Is there a point at which an agent would want to talk to someone like me? When/why might I consider getting an agent? Thanks to Heather for the question! A number of factors play a role in answering this question. (Are you getting tired of my “it depends” answer to all your …
Fun Fridays – April 7, 2017
[Due to our servers going down a week ago Thursday, we are repeating last week’s Fun Friday so you can get it in your inbox. Enjoy!] Literally the most fun you’ll have all day. A meme to start. A video to bring it all home.