Have you got a story to tell or a message God has given you? When I began to ponder writing my first book almost 30 years ago, I had no idea how to write it.
“Lord, I’m a speaker not a writer! How do I do this?”
So I just sat down and wrote like I was talking to you over a cup of coffee. It was a lot of “telling” … kinda like this: First I did this, then I struggled with wondering if I heard God right, then this happened, then that happened, then I realized what God was doing, then He showed me a scripture.
I didn’t know it at the time, but I should have been “showing” the journey rather than just “telling” about it. I didn’t figure all that out until AFTER I’d written and published my first book, and was interviewed on 50+ radio and TV shows! How embarrassing!
Over the last 36 years I’ve learned a lot, most often by trying what didn’t work and then learning how to fix it! This post of 5 ways to start your publishing journey will help you avoid the pitfalls and navigate your journey in a way that provides the most impact for those who need to hear your message.
First, write in a journal daily. Pour out your heart and prayers to God and write down the Scriptures that encourage you. This will get you in the habit of writing and it will document all that He has done to teach you His ways. When you are ready to begin writing your book these journal entries will bring you content already created to use.
Second, consider the message that resonates in your soul and you know He has called you to share in order to glorify His Name. Then decide the best place to share it online. That might look like short posts on social media, we call that “micro-blogging.” You may want to start a blog on your website or even write short devotions for an online platform. If you are unsure how to start a blog or what content you should use, begin reading and following others who blog regularly. Learning from the example of others to help you begin to create your own content and writing style.
Third, consider sharing your story in a compilation similar to Chicken Soup for the Soul, where you are published with many other writers who submit their stories. We publish an annual edition of She Writes for Him, a beautiful hard cover gift book highlighting 20-30 authors that you might consider! This not only gives you a glimpse into the publishing world but gives your credibility as an author.
Fourth, perhaps you know you’re just supposed to write that book and you know the story or message God wants you to share. The best way to start that process is by working with a writing coach to help you develop the theme, genre, structure, and elements of the story. Redemption Press offers author coaching and even some group coaching to help first time authors get that story written.
And finally, fifth, I want to encourage you to educate yourself on how to get your book published. There are many ways a new author can be taken advantage of by unscrupulous publishers who call themselves Christians. Our Realities in Publishing video series will help you start that process!
One thing I know, if God has called you to write your story and speak on His behalf and to bring Him glory, He will provide all that you need to accomplish that task, and He will bring around you those who will teach you, empower you, and cheer you on!
If you are ready to start your publishing journey or just want to chat, start your journey with Redemption Press. Find out more by booking a free call with the Redemption Press Team!
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