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
- 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 s...
"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: Nonfictio...
- 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 he...
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-publis...
- Have you ever been led to include something in your book that seems completely random?
- Do you wonder how networking applies to authors?
- Are you overlooking opportunities to serve others with your writing?
In today's episode, you'll learn how God can use your past experiences and current talents to create a meaningful legacy in a variety of unexpected ways.
This interview is the third in a series of 6 bonus episodes t...
Are you ready to write a profitable nonfiction book?
If so, today's episode is for you.
Just to be clear, today's episode isn't about marketing tips and sales strategies - I'll talk more about those in future episodes. Before you get upset and accuse me of clickbait, I encourage listen through to the end.
You'll soon discover that profitability extends far beyond our bank accounts.
In fact, it starts with a ...
- Have you ever found yourself ostracized from a group you thought was your tribe?
- Have you ever doubted that you can be accepted for who you are?
- Have you ever felt somewhat adrift after the frenzy of finishing a book on a tight deadline?
If so, you'll relate with today's guest and benefit from her insights and infectious joy.
Today's interview is the second in a series of 6 bonus episodes that shine a spotlight...
You're a Christian entrepreneur who has heard all the benefits of writing a book -
- attract new clients,
- become seen as an authority or thought leader in your field,
- be invited to speak on bigger stages...
That all sounds great, but you have an even bigger purpose than that. You want to share your expertise to help others and make a meaningful Kingdom impact.
And all of that sounds like it will take a lot of time and eff...
This interview with artist and writer Holly Beals is the first in a series of 6 bonus episodes to shine a spotlight on a few of the amazing members of my Christian Authors in Action community.
Listen in to discover how you can tap into your own creativity and apply simple strategies and processes to become more focused and productive during your writing sessions.
CONNECT WITH HOLLY BEALS
Website - https://hollybeals.com/
Ins...
Get ready to make an impact AND an income from your book.
In this 1-hour live masterclass you'll learn:
- How to get laser-focused on your publishing goals
- My signature self-publishing framework
- The 3 keys to selling more books and generating more income opportunities
Sign up today to make sure you don't miss it.
Remember, it's completely FREE!
Register here and invite a fellow writing friend!
Have you felt God nudging you to write a book, but you haven't started it yet?
Or maybe He called you to write a book years ago and you began the project, but then you allowed distractions to cause you to place it on the back burner.
Maybe you've been keeping that book simmering in the background, occasionally giving it a stir, but maybe you turned off the heat, walked away, and let it grow cold.
Regardless of how long your...
- If you're trying to write a book but are constantly second guessing your every step ...
- If you feel overwhelmed by all the to-dos on your self-publishing checklist ...
- If you're constantly distracted and unfocused in your writing efforts, or
- If you're simply not even sure why you're writing anymore,
This episode is for you!
In a world that gets crazier every day, it's critical that we work with clarity ...
Have you ever wondered:
- "How can I reach more readers?"
- "How can I sell more books?"
- "How can I improve my book marketing efforts?"
If so, you're not alone. I don't know a single author who wouldn't like to sell more books and reach more readers to make a bigger impact.
The good news is that in order to sell more books, you don't have to spend a fortune or block off large chunks...
Self-publishing offers a host of benefits, including - and most importantly - that you get to retain all the rights to your content and you have full access to all of your marketing analytics.
But in order to actually sell books and make the kingdom impact you want to make, you have to self-publish strategically.
In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 things you should NOT do in order to self-publish a book that sells.
Go gra...
Have you ever said something like:
- "I don't want to market myself."
- "I want to give God the glory, not myself."
- "I'm writing a book to help others, not puff myself up."
Those are all valid concerns. As Christians, we absolutely should give God all the glory and focus on serving others rather than ourselves.
But I don't think that means Christian writers aren't supposed to build ...
- Are you busy and distracted by all your day-to-day responsibilities?
- Trying to figure out how to fit writing a book into your already overcommitted schedule?
- Wish you could achieve a different level of focus?
In this episode of Ink & Impact, I’m sharing 4 simple and practical writing strategies so you can finally get focused and write your book faster.
Related Resources:
Snag a free copy of Your Path to Publishing
A couple of years ago I hosted a morning coffee chat for Christian writers in my area. Later that day, I received a message from someone I had invited who asked, “How do you know if you’re a Christian writer?”
She had been interested in attending, but didn’t go because she didn’t feel qualified.
Remembering this led me to create today's.
Listen in to discover 3 tips for beginning authors who are writing their first Christian boo...
Two Strategic Actions You Can Take to Make a Bigger Impact with Your Book
When I say there are two strategic actions for Christian authors, my guess is that you're immediately thinking of "Sunday School answers" such as prayer and reading our Bibles daily.
Those are, indeed, habits and treasured moments with God we want to build into our daily lives. That should go without saying.
But that's not what I'm goi...
Are you in a writing slump?
If your writing has been pushed aside for the past three months simply because you've been wanting to enjoy all that summer offers, there's no shame in that.
But now it's time to return to what God has called you to do and pick up that pen again. There's kingdom work to be done!
To help you, I've put together 3 tips to get you out of your writing slump and back into a productive wr...
Today I share 3 marketing strategies you can begin to implement now to help promote your book and reach more readers even before it's published.
Listen in to learn what they are!
Schedule a 1:1 coaching session with me.
What additional topics would you like to learn about?
Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!
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