Book writing seems like a hurdle when you’ve never done it. But the secret is to get help. If, like me, you’ve got a dream of book writing waiting to get out, don’t let your fear of the unknown derail your calling!
One dear new friend (whom I met because I wrote down our family stories) wants to write her father’s stories from WWII. You know, before the stories die with our generation.
Family Stories
Maybe your family has stories of heroic Americans that need to be recorded so future generations remember how we became the freest nation on earth in the history of mankind. Perhaps your book is your tribute to those who came before us. So future generations know of sacrifice.
Fortunately, we’re not alone. My author friends all believe in helping one another. We freely pass along anything we learn. Book writing may not be as hard or scary as you think.
Personally, I LOVE what James Michener had to say about book writing:
“I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.” ~James A. Michener
If books and book writing are for YOU, don’t miss this list of wonderful people who can help make your book writing dream come true.
First, Books For Kids
First, maybe your family is like ours and you put books in kids’ hands very early in life. If so, you want literature to feed your children’s imagination. Then, don’t miss Bethlehem Books. Bethlehem does NOT publish modern authors, so they can not help you get your children’s book published. I just like to mention them often so bibliophiles like me understand what Bethlehem accomplishes for future generations of readers.
Next, find out what Bethlehem Publisher Jack Sharpe said about resurrecting books and values that unite us. Then, check out what the startling things he said about marriage, too.
Now, because so many of my friends ask about book writing, I’m delighted to share some of the friends I admire.
For Self-publishing
Of course, my agency Credo Communications, offers a sister company, Credo House Publishers to make your publishing dreams come true. (Shout out to our agent, the amazing Karen Neumair! )
Additionally, our friends at Redemption Press are trustworthy and faithful. (Shout out to Athena Holtz, who published B.J. Garrett’s wonderful book, Unwanted No More.)
Traditional Publishers
Perhaps you don’t want to self-publish. Maybe like me, you want all the help you can get. If so, I highly recommend both my publishers, Elk Lake Publishers and CrossRiver Media.
CrossRiver published Marriage Conversations: From Coexisting to Cherished. (Please write a review of Marriage Conversations.)
Elk Lake published The Well: the Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations. (You can help me by writing a review here for The Well.)
Both our publishers bear the designation “traditional publishers.” In spite of the label traditional, we heartily attest to their innovative and responsive approach! Plus, their editors are patient and loving. (Shout out to Sue Fairchild and Deb Butterfield.)
Editors: The Super Stars of Book Writing!!! (They would definitely cut two exclamation points,)
Whatever you do, don’t write without an editor. Or ten.
In addition to the wonderful editors listed above, my books got another round of goin’-over. At CrossRiver, Publisher Tami Clymer. At Elk Lake both Acquisitions Editor Susan Stewart and Publisher Deb Haggerty gave the book a final review. Now you begin to understand why I blush to think there’s only my name on the covers!
For in-depth, insightful editing before you show a soul your work, definitely contact Christi McGuire. Also, I like Erin Brown for invaluable help in organizing and outlining something that actually makes sense. Both ladies stay booked, but if you tell them you read about them here I know they will try to help you, too.
Social Media and Podcasting
Then, If you need help with social media, Sandra Beck excels at ANYthing she does. Along with setting up my social media, she also helps me prioritize, connects me with thought leaders, and offers me counsel. (And who but Sandra thinks to put the word fun in her hyperlink! http://beckfun.com/sandrabeck/)
If you’re considering a podcast, Toginet makes it easy on the host, so you can focus on your guests. (Shout out to my amazing producer, Roy Bryan!)
For terrific marketing coaching, I recommend Connections Expert DeeDee Lake.
For excellent speech coaching, Tammy Whitehurst of Christian Communicators. (Find more about their training conference and focused, personal approach.)
If these folks can help me, believe me, they can help anyone!
It wasn’t easy finding people to help. Nobody pays me to include them here. I just do it because I’m grateful for them. And I think you will be, too.
Words on Paper
Maybe you type with abandon and joy, like a bunny in a field of carrots. Perhaps you talk into your cell phone recorder as you drive to work and transcribe later. Maybe you video yourself and post it on You Tube in a private channel just for your family. Clearly, it doesn’t matter how you get your stories into words.
But the most important thing I can tell ya is simple: You must put words on paper or screen. And I really hope you do!
Remembering Our Heroes
Finally, with Memorial Day just past and Independence Day around the corner, my family joins me every day in saluting those heroes who gave their lives for us. May we be worthy of their sacrifice. 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
🙂
Cathy
We LOVE to hear from YOU!
Which stories are burning to get out of your head and onto paper? When was the last time your written or spoken words seemed to hit the right spot? What is keeping you from writing?
May we pray together?
Dear Father, thank you for those who join in getting positive messages out in our culture. Please strengthen us all for the calling You give. Specifically, I pray for those who’ve recently shared book ideas with me, in process already. Help those authors buckle down under Your leadership as they complete their projects. Bless us now with Your presence so we can measure our words with Your unfailing love. Also, we need courage and stamina because book writing can be scary and hard. Grant us strength and wisdom and joy as we honor You. Bless us now because that’s Your heart’s desire. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
More Great Quotes
Just for you, I found a couple of other quotes for you because I love learning things the easy way:
“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” ~Benjamin Franklin
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” ~Henry Adams
“The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Write a Review
Lastly, if you’re looking for another way to spread good news, PLEASE consider writing a review on Amazon:
- For Marriage Conversations: https://Amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=1936501562
- For The Well: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B08M4G1Q6Z
Cathy Krafve, Speaker, Blogger, Podcaster, and author of The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations and Marriage Conversation: From Coexisting to Cherished. We invite you to join the Fireside Tribe. Truth with a Texas Twang.
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