This information is not strictly for Christian writers, though that was the audience. This is excellent, solid advice from two successful entrepreneurial women who were generous enough to share their advice.
If you are a Christian writer and live in the Richmond, VA area, please visit the Richmond Christians Who Write (RCWW) blog at http://rcww.blogspot.com/. Let me know if you would like attend a monthly meeting.
Our first presenter at the August meeting of Richmond Christians Who Write was Michelle Johnson. She recently self-published a book of poetry that was 24 years "in development." I pray that my "development" time is not that long, though I am now committed to God's timing and not my own on when my first book will be published.
Michelle gave us the gift of many words to pray over and about.
Recognize. Realize. Recognize and realize our gift as writers. [Matthew 25:15-30 (parable of the one, five and ten talents)].
God has given us the gift of writing and expects us to use it to touch others. Write because God needs your words to touch a specific person - now or in the future.
Gift. A gift is a special favor by God. God expects us to multiply the gift.
Passion. Passion keeps us motivated no matter what kind of day we are having.
Zeal. Zeal is the unflagging devotion to a cause.
Purpose. What is your desired result (of your writing)? Our purpose has an eternal effect on the earth.
You want people to be able to touch heaven through reading your words.
There is a demand on our gift - spirit, soul, body.
Michelle: There is one spirit but there are many administrations.
"All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines." [1 Corinthians 12:11]
Michelle: Gird up your mind.
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" [1 Peter 1:13]
Stop asking, "Is it good enough?" (referring to your writing)
There is greatness in us that often others cannot see (including ourselves).
*****************************************************************Linda Pate was our second speaker. Her message was powerful in different ways. She is a woman on a mission - one ordained by God - and she is going full steam ahead. This woman isn't moving marbles - she's moving boulders!!!
She is the owner of Precious Memories bookstore and also mentors self-published authors in marketing their books. (www.preciousmemoriesreading.com)
The title/theme of her presentation today was O U T! (As in OUT of "the box")
Thinking points:
*What new strategies have you developed?
*"It's never enough." (Advertise, Advertise, Advertise)
*Start a Podcast/Satellite Radio
*Send a copy of your manuscript to the local newspaper.
*Assemble a Media Kit to include:
-professional photo
-biography
-copy of book
-copy of press release
*Answer the questions:
-What is your unique and/or valuable treasure? (In other words, why should
Linda sell (or anyone buy) MY book?)
-What am I saying that "they" haven't heard before?
-What is my writing style?
*The cover "sells" the book - or at least gets someone to pick it up and open it. On the back of the book, include a synopsis of the book
*Develop a Business Plan
*Develop a Strategic Plan }Write them down and refer to them often!
*Develop a Marketing Plan
-How many books do I want to sell in 3 mos., 6 mos., 1 year? - think in terms of 20,000-30,000
-How am I going to track sales?
-What is my target market/demographic?
-How will I fund my business?
Linda: He orders my steps.
"A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" [Proverbs 20:24]
Think outside the box.
Do the unordinary.
"Those who can see the invisible can accomplish the impossible."
Shoutlife.com - Christian "Myspace"
Fridays at 7 pm - lovebroadcasting.net - Linda's satellite radio show
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 5