Ink and Impact for Christian Writers | How to Write a Book, Self-Publish, Christian Book, Book Marketing, Nonfiction Book
Confused about how to write a book? Struggling to find time to write? Ready to learn a step-by-step process to self-publish like a pro? Welcome to Ink and Impact, the podcast for Christian writers who want to self-publish their first nonfiction book. I’m your host, Dalene Bickel – a Jesus-loving book coach and founder of Lasting Legacies Publishing. I’ve worked in the self-publishing industry for 29 years and I’ve written and published more than a dozen nonfiction books for clients (and myself). What started out as a way to help retirees privately publish their life stories expanded in 2021 when the Lord called me to serve Christian writers. I believe the Lord is calling Christian writers just like you – writers of all ages, races, and nationalities. Writers who are willing to create quality nonfiction books that offer the light, hope, and truth of Christ to a weary and waiting world. Books that make a true impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy. Maybe that resonates with you. Maybe you feel led to write a faith-based business or how-to book, memoir, devotional, or Bible study. But as a busy business owner, parent of littles, family caregiver (or a combo of all three), your dream of becoming an author might seem out of reach right now. The reality is that God has given you a message to share right now for a reason. Here on the podcast, I’ll help you develop a publishing plan, write your manuscript, self-publish your book, and sell more copies no matter how much - or little- time you have. Join me here each week as I bring you rotating content full of practical information and tangible tips as well as occasional interviews and industry insights, all from a Biblical perspective. Get ready to: Replace distraction with productive action, Learn a clear step-by-step process, and Communicate your message in a way that attracts readers. Fire up your computer and brew an extra pot of coffee, friend. It’s time to write your book and make an impact! NEXT STEPS: Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Schedule a 1:1 Coaching Call https://lastinglegacies.as.me/?appointmentType=39640667 Join the Publish Like a Pro Community www.facebook.com/groups/publishpro/ Visit the Website https://dalenebickel.com/ink-and-impact/ Email me: info@inkandimpact.com
Episodes
In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, host Dalene Bickel sits down with Andy Robinson, a pastor from just south of London, England, and first-time author of The Big C in Me: Life, Hope and Faith on the Road Through Cancer.
Diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer in January 2023, Andy shares how a devastating prognosis launched him into the deepest questions of faith, purpose, and mortality — and ultimately int...
On this episode of the Ink and Impact podcast, host Dalene interviews guest Dr. Dave Jones, a former Air Force member and professional hockey player turned founder of the Christian advertising agency M Is Good.
Dave shares how losing his hockey identity led him to faith-driven mentorship and eventually launching his agency.
Dave advises authors to ground vision in a healthy identity in Christ rather than performance, mana...
In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, Christian book coach Dalene Bickel speaks directly to the authors who are doing all the things, trying all the tools, and running themselves ragged — yet still not seeing the results they had hoped for.
Using a relatable and vivid analogy, Dalene reframes what it really means to be a productive author and shares five key pillars every Christian writer should focus on to c...
In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, Christian book coach Dalene Bickel reveals three essential questions every Christian author needs to be able to answer before writing or self-publishing their nonfiction book.
From clarifying your book's purpose to examining your deeper motivations as a writer, this episode challenges you to think differently about your author journey.
If you're working on a manuscript, prepa...
In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, host Dalene Bickel sits down with publishing veteran Terry Whalin — editor, author, and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing — for an eye-opening conversation about the traditional publishing world.
Terry pulls back the curtain on some of the biggest myths and misconceptions that hold authors back, while sharing insider strategies that could completely change...
Are you a Christian author who feels stuck, stalled, or held back from sharing the message God placed on your heart?
In this episode, we uncover the surprising truth behind what is really keeping faith-based writers from finishing and publishing their books — and it may not be what you think.
Drawing from a powerful passage in 2 Corinthians, this episode delivers a convicting and encouraging word that could be the t...
Money isn't spoken about much in writing circles, which is why I invited David Nassief on to be my guest.
Not only does he share his own inspiring financial journey in this episode, but he also shares how you can steward both your money and your message well.
No matter how much money is in your bank account, you'll benefit from the valuable information David shares.
Be sure to listen in and don't forget to download his free gift...
In today's episode, I explain exactly what a book coach is and how you can know when you need one as a Christian writer.
I have worked in a variety of levels within the publishing industry: First as an editor, then as the founder of Lasting Legacy's Publishing and then, when God called me to specifically call his writers, I became a book coach.
Today I share my passion for helping you get your God-given messages out into the wo...
Way back when I was in track in high school, all runners – even us distance runners – were required to run sprints at practice.
These short, concentrated bursts of energy pushed our bodies and stretched our muscles in new ways, ultimately making us better runners.
But…
- Sometimes we didn’t feel like running.
- Sometimes our finish times were lousy.
- Sometimes we tripped and fell.
Yet by the end o...
Thinking of writing a book?
Fantastic! The world needs more good ones!
But completing your manuscript and turning it into a quality printed book is a journey.
Listen in to discover 7 truths about writing a book that are often overlooked or misunderstood.
Resources:
Snag your copy of my FREE guide, Your Path to Publishing
Connect with Dalene:
Contact - > info@inkandimpact.com
Podcast -＞Ink and Impact
Substack -＞ Publish with Purpose
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Spotfiy just announced that it will begin selling physical books in partnership with BookShop.org this spring.
Listen in to discover what this means for authors ... and the marketing lessons we can learn from Spotify.
Sources:
LinkedIn - Spotify will sell physical books in expansion beyond audio
Wall Street Journal - Spotify, a Major Audiobook Provider, Will Soon Offer Physical Books
Companies Mentioned:
Before you dive into writing, learn these three things that can thwart you from reaching your author goals this year.
Listen in!
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro.
Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching
Connect with Dalene:
Contact - > info@inkandimpact.com
Whether we ask for it or not, every author receives feedback and often, it's in the form of criticism.
How you respond to that criticism is important.
Today I share the 2 Questions Every Author Should Ask Themselves when they receive real - or perceived - criticism.
Next Steps:
Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro.
As I've mentioned before, there are no cookie-cutter solutions for authors.
Such is the case for book length - what might be too long for one reader might be the perfect length for another.
However, there are general rules of thumb and best practices you can use to determine when your manuscript is complete.
I'm going to share 3 of those best practices with you today!
Next Steps:
Do you want to write a book ... or is it the will of God that you write a book?
There's a big difference.
There's nothing wrong with creating a book based on your personal desire to do so, but when God wants you to write a book, it gives your book enhanced meaning and purpose.
The impact will be bigger and can lead to unexpected blessings that you could never have imagined.
This isn't a name it and claim...
What worked last year ... and what didn't?
What goals do you have for your author career next year?
It's important for every writer to ask themselves these questions.
This episode is more than just a year in review summary, it digs deeper into why certain things may not have worked and showcases the importance of inviting God into your everyday author journey.
Listen in to reflect, plan, and discover 3 resources...
- How consistent is your writing schedule right now?
- Do you feel guilty if you aren't writing for an hour (or more) every day?
It's easy to compare ourselves with others but the reality is we all have different schedules and commitments.
If you're struggling to write more often, you'll be encouraged by my guest Becca Yager as she shares her writing approach, which has less to do with the number of writing sessions and mor...
"I wish I hadn't sold so many books," said no author ever.
Authors ALWAYS want to sell more books, but most of the time, they simply don't know HOW.
The good news is that regardless of whether you're a first-time aspiring author or a seasoned multi-book household name, there are ways you can consistently sell more books - yes, even your backlist titles.
Here's a crucial fact you need to know: Nonfiction books are mar...
- Has God called you to write a book but you don't feel qualified?
- Do you work full time and wonder how you'd ever fit writing a book into your busy schedule?
- Have you ever wondered if anyone would even buy your book if you took the time to write it?
If so, you'll be encouraged and inspired by Kim Oswalt who shared those same questions but decided to simply step out in obedience to become the writer God called her to be.
Today's...
Are you ready to self-publish your nonfiction book?
Are you 100% certain?
Maybe the deadline is looming and you're scurrying around, trying to do all the last-minute things. But have you taken the time to honestly evaluate the big-picture things that can make or break your book's success?
Anyone can learn how to write a book. You need to create one that stands out.
And the majority of authors (both traditional and self-published) sell ...
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