The holiday season is the perfect time to sell books as well as host book signing events. But how do you set up an event like this and how can you make it more dynamic?
In this episode, we discuss this topic with our special guest, Susan Neal. You will learn more about hosting your own holiday book signing event and how you can make the most of selling more books from Black Friday to the first week of January.
Connect with Susan here: https://christianpublishers.net/free-gift/
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/ideas/
Book Marketing Templates to Save You Time and Money
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news!
You can get your social media posts for the next month done in just 90 minutes so that you can reach more readers with your book (without being pushy or salesy) in the Mini-Marketing Messages workshop here: https://minimarketingmessages.com
How do you remain consistent and faithful to your God-given goal? How do you keep the “main thing” your main thing?
In this episode, we dig deeper into this topic with our special guest, Marnie Swedberg, as we talk about what happens when we fully embrace and align ourselves with our God-given dreams.
Connect with Marnie here: https://www.marnie.com
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map/
Join Our Procrastination to Publication Workshop
With our simple 5-step system, you’ll be able to self-publish a quality Kindle eBook (without breaking the bank) in as little as 30 days.
Here are a few of the topics we’ll cover:
Get started now here: https://procrastinationtopublication.com/
On numerous occasions throughout scripture, believers are referred to as “priests.” Here’s a notable reference (and more in the book, which you can get for free later!)
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)
Jesus opened the door for anyone to become Kingdom priests and devote their lives completely to serving Him.
For many of us, part of that service includes the words we write. It’s why we like referring to Christian writers as “priestly pens.”
As Christian writers, we have this compulsion to write words that honor our King. And this desire is given to us by that same King,
Imagine the Author of life partnering with you and me (the pens) to write words that impact others now and will later outlive us. ❤️
God alone gives us that power. He’ll always supply the resources we need when we aim to please Him.
So if you’ve been sitting on a book idea but don’t know where to start or how to continue, CJ’s newest book with the same title, Priestly Pens, is for you!
FREE KINDLE BOOK
For a limited time, from 11/2/22 - 11/3/22, you can get CJ’s newest book, Priestly Pens for FREE on Kindle. Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDD9RPLR/
If you’re in another country, search for “Priestly Pens by CJ Hitz” and you’ll find it.
We’d love for you to share this free book with your writing friends and leave a review if it encourages you.
Ezra 3:10-13, 4:1-5
Making Progress
After receiving permission from King Cyrus of Persia to return to their homeland, the Jewish people began rebuilding the Temple that had been destroyed over 70 years previous.
After reaching the milestone of finishing the foundation, this was a cause to celebrate and thank God for the progress being made. But not everyone was so easily impressed. The old timers who had seen the splendor of the previous Temple began weeping and bemoaning the modest beginning. They were comparing this new version to Solomon’s version. But those who had no other frame of reference were overjoyed with the progress being made.
I have to believe God was joining in with those who were overjoyed at the foundation being laid. He doesn’t bemoan our work and compare it to that of others. He rejoices in the progress being made.
When we see the slightest amount of progress being made in our books, we can pause and rejoice that God helped us. We are making progress one sentence at a time toward the goal of finishing the work God has called us to.
We also know there are real enemies who are working to prevent our progress. They seek to discourage and intimidate us, hoping we’ll cease the work. But like those who led the rebuilding effort of this Temple, we can say to our enemies, “You have no part in this work we have received permission to move forward on.”
With God’s help, the work will continue and progress will be made one day at a time!
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
Have you tried doing what other authors and experts recommended you to do to market your book yet somehow it all doesn’t work? You might be wondering if there really is a size that fits all. Don’t worry, because you are not alone.
In this episode, you will discover some insights on how to market your book effectively, in your own way, by choosing your own book marketing adventure.
Book Marketing Shop
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news!
We are launching the Book Marketing Shop this month to help Kingdom writers like you to market your book to a wider audience. https://bookmarketingshop.com/
Save an additional 20% on all products using the coupon code GRANDOPENING20
Have you ever thought of publishing your own journal but you’re not sure which medium or platform to use? Is there really one way to self-publish journals?
In this episode, we talk about how to do it as well as the difference between print and eBook versions of a journal.
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map/
Join Our Procrastination to Publication Workshop
With our simple 5-step system, you’ll be able to self-publish a quality Kindle eBook (without breaking the bank) in as little as 30 days.
Here are a few of the topics we’ll cover:
Get started now here: https://procrastinationtopublication.com/
How do you incorporate someone into your story without compromising your integrity? How do you publish a book that involves other people? What if there is sensitive information that needs to be shared for the story to make sense?
If you are one of the many authors asking these questions, this episode is for you.
Free WRITING WHEEL Download
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/writingwheel
Your Book on Paper in Just 90-Minutes
Are you ready to get your book onto paper without the frustration of getting stuck or dealing with writer’s block?
Get your book out of your head and onto paper by the end of this 90-minute workshop using our 3 simple book writing formulas here: www.BookWritingLab.com
As Christian writers, we have a target on our backs. There’s a spiritual enemy who wants to thwart our attempts to write words that outlast us. If you’ve been writing for God’s glory for any length of time, you’ve no doubt experienced those days when it seems like you’re being triple-teamed by demonic resistance.
It wasn’t long after King David (another Kingdom writer) took the throne when he faced resistance from a neighboring enemy,
“When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he marched out to meet them.” (1 Chronicles 14:8)
In a similar way, we could say, “When the enemy of our souls heard that [Insert your name] became a Kingdom writer, they mobilized all their forces to capture him/her.”
What happened next is a great blueprint for each of us to follow. The first thing David did was ask the Lord what he should do. He knew God was the true King. This sensitivity to the Lord’s leading led to the following result,
“So David and his troops went up to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “God did it!” David exclaimed. “He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So they named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”).” (1 Chronicles 14:11, Emphasis mine)
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
Your Writing Battle Plan
Powerful things happen when you integrate your faith with your writing, publishing, and marketing.
Learn how to create your writing battle plan so you can move forward in God's call on your life to write in our Battle Plan All-Access Pass. You'll get 15 presentations plus 13 bonus trainings including our Priestly Pen bundle here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/battleplan/
Be inspired by other writers' stories and learn practical tips from the case studies here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/success-stories/
A few things you’ll learn:
And right now enrollment is OPEN for Christian Book Academy. You can join for $39/month or $399/year at https://christianbookacademy.com/
We’re excited for you to join our family of Kingdom Writers!
Have you experienced writing a book that God has placed in your heart? It’s amazing what God can do through us and our books when we obey Him. In this episode, we will talk about a very simple yet powerful strategy that can produce faster results for your book.
You can learn more ideas on how to sell more books using the power of collaborations by signing up to the Kingdom Writers Conference: Courageous Writer edition. We are currently hosting it and it’s created just for you! Just go to https://kingdomwritersconference.com/
When you register, you will also have an opportunity to upgrade for 50% off by getting the All-Access Pass. Aside from the ongoing access to the presentations, you will also have bonus Zoom workshops and other training from the speakers. Don’t forget to grab it when you sign up!
We all know it’s not enough to just write and publish our books. You actually want people to read it, right? That means you need to market and promote your book.
How are you going to start? In this episode, you will learn 3 common mistakes you need to avoid so you can sell more books.
You can also learn more effective ideas to market your book by signing up to the Kingdom Writers Conference: Courageous Writer edition. It’s a free 5-day event lined up with topics you don’t want to miss! Just go to https://kingdomwritersconference.com/
When you register, you will also have an opportunity to upgrade for 50% off by getting the All-Access Pass. Aside from the ongoing access to the presentations, you will also have bonus Zoom workshops and other training from the speakers. Don’t forget to grab it when you sign up!
We all know how hard it can be to start a book. After putting countless hours and effort into publishing your book, it may seem like nothing significant happens.
If you are thinking about how to build your audience from scratch and without social media, then this episode is for you.
Kingdom Writers Conference: Courageous Writer Edition
Now it’s time to reach your ideal readers so you can sell more books and ultimately influence more lives.
The Kingdom Writers Conference: Courageous Writer Edition is here to help you go from unknown author to consistent book sales by gaining the courage to step out, initiate purposeful partnerships, and sell more books using the power of collaborations.
This FREE 5-day event is something you won’t want to miss.
You can learn everything you need to know about the conference over here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/ but as a quick overview:
The All-Access Pass is currently being offered at a special price, and it will disappear for good once the conference is over, so make sure to check it out now.
Click here https://kingdomwritersconference.com/ to head over to the Kingdom Writers Conference registration page to learn more and grab your free ticket. More information will be sent straight to your inbox afterward.
Registration is officially open for our third Kingdom Writers Conference. This one is the Courageous Writer Edition and it's free to sign up. WooHoo!
https://kingdomwritersconference.com/
This conference was created to help you go from unknown author to consistent book sales by gaining the courage to step out, initiate purposeful partnerships, and sell more books using the power of collaborations.
We’ve got 30 amaaazing speakers coming at you with topics ranging from finding new readers, developing relationships to grow your platform, and using collaborations to sell books without feeling salesy (and everything in-between).
The conference kicks off on September 12 and it’s going to be 5 action-packed days that you are NOT going to want to miss.
Sign up here https://kingdomwritersconference.com/
Hold On Tight
Remember the wonder and excitement you felt when you first realized God might be calling you to write a book? You began to prayerfully brainstorm ideas, stories, and concepts that could be woven into this book that would impact many. There was no limit to where God could take this body of work.
Over time, the book truly begins to feel like work as you face your own doubts, writer’s block, criticism, spiritual attack, and fatigue. The rose-colored glasses come off as you realize this book is going to take blood, sweat and tears to birth. Though some of that initial wonder and excitement has been dampened, you can’t shake the words you heard God whisper: “I’m inviting you to write a book that will bring glory to My name.”
In John 4:46-54, we read the story of a government official from Capernaum who found himself desperate for a miracle. His young son is dying and getting worse by the minute. He hears that a man named Jesus is within walking distance…that is, if you consider 24 miles to be walking distance.
Without hesitation, the desperate father makes his way to Cana to seek out the traveling Teacher. “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.” You can sense the parental anguish in his voice. So many hopes and dreams for his child hang in the balance.
Can you relate to the man’s cry for help? Maybe you’ve found yourself pleading, “Lord, please come now before my book dies.”
Kingdom Writers Conference
Registration is now open! Sign up here https://kingdomwritersconference.com/
It’s not unusual to struggle with feeling self-promotional when you’re writing your own book. In fact, it happens to many of us, especially Kingdom writers!
If you are thinking about what to do with marketing and how to sell more books without feeling self-promotional, then this episode is perfect for you.
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/ideas/
Book Marketing Templates to Save You Time and Money
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news!
You can get your social media posts for the next month done in just 90 minutes so that you can reach more readers with your book (without being pushy or salesy) in the Mini-Marketing Messages workshop here: https://minimarketingmessages.com
You have a lot of ideas in your mind for your books and you feel like you’re juggling them all at once. You might be wondering how you are going to finish them all.
In this episode, you’ll discover amazing insights on how you can create a concrete plan to cross the finish line, one step at a time.
Get some ideas on which book to write first here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/which-book-to-write-first/
Set-up a 90-day publishing plan. Learn more here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/90-day-publishing-plan/
Check out 6 creative ideas to finish your book here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/creative-ideas-to-finish-writing-your-book/
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map/
Join Our Procrastination to Publication Workshop
With our simple 5-step system, you’ll be able to self-publish a quality Kindle eBook (without breaking the bank) in as little as 30 days.
Here are a few of the topics we’ll cover:
Get started now here: https://procrastinationtopublication.com/
Have you ever struggled with motivation and often feel like you have to force yourself to sit down in front of your computer to write? Well, don’t worry because you are not alone.
There are many strategies out there, but in this episode, we talk about the one tool that can help you be more productive in your writing journey. You’ll be surprised to know that it’s something simple you have access to right now.
Free WRITING WHEEL Download
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/writingwheel
Your Book on Paper in Just 90-Minutes
Are you ready to get your book onto paper without the frustration of getting stuck or dealing with writers’ block?
Get your book out of your head and onto paper by the end of this 90-minute workshop using our 3 simple book writing formulas here: www.BookWritingLab.com
The third chapter of Ecclesiastes tells us that everything has a season and every activity under heaven has its own time. Yet most of the time, we find ourselves comparing our own season with others; our own tulip with others’ roses.
In this episode, we reflect on this and share how to embrace both the beauty and mystery of our own seasons; of our own “tulips.”
He will accomplish what He has promised, in His own beautiful time.
“When you accept the fact that sometimes seasons are dry and times are hard and that God is in control of both, you will discover a sense of divine refuge, because the hope then is in God and not in yourself.”
-Charles R. Swindoll
This episode is an excerpt from our War Room prayer meeting with Christian Book Academy members in May. We wanted to share this encouragement with you today.
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
Kingdom Writers Book: Move Forward in God's Call to Write
CJ and Shelley Hitz along with 10 contributors share practical tips and encouragement to help you move forward with your writing desires and goals.
It’s time to…
Start reading the Kingdom Writers book today here: https://trainingauthors.com/book
Your book is finally ready. Hooray! But are you?
If you are wondering when is the perfect time to launch your book then fasten your seatbelt and get ready to listen because this episode is for you.
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/ideas/
Book Marketing Templates to Save You Time and Money
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news! You can get your social media posts for the next month done in just 90 minutes so that you can reach more readers with your book (without being pushy or salesy) in the Mini-Marketing Messages workshop here: https://minimarketingmessages.com
You might be wondering how you will share your powerful message with the world.
Is traditional publishing really the only option? Is self-publishing truly less “excellent”?
In this episode, you’ll discover insights on ways you can get your message to your target audience through self-publishing and why we don’t believe it is any less “excellent.”
Links Mentioned in this episode:
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map/
Join Our Procrastination to Publication Workshop
With our simple 5-step system, you’ll be able to self-publish a quality Kindle eBook (without breaking the bank) in as little as 30 days.
Here are a few of the topics we cover:
Get started now here: https://procrastinationtopublication.com/
Ever feel that you aren’t making any progress in your writing journey? Have you experienced hitting a wall at times? Well, don’t worry because you are not alone.
In this episode, we cover several ways to be consistent in your writing progress and to celebrate each milestone. After all, God has called us to be faithful and consistent in the gifts that He has given us. Amen?
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” -1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT
Free WRITING WHEEL Download
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/writingwheel
Your Book on Paper in Just 90-Minutes
Are you ready to get your book onto paper without the frustration of getting stuck or dealing with writers’ block? Get your book out of your head and onto paper by the end of this 90-minute workshop using our 3 simple book writing formulas here: www.BookWritingLab.com
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation.I will be honored throughout the world.”
This iconic verse can be directed either to the enemies of God’s people or to God’s people themselves as we’ll take a look at. The verse implies a stoppage of fighting, raging, striving, or operating out of human strength alone and relaxing as we watch the Lord fight on our behalf.
God is essentially saying, “Lay down your arms and surrender. No more defensiveness or resistance to the plans I have…let ME be God.”
We’ll also refer to Exodus 14:10-14 and Isaiah 37:33-36 as we look at this concept of being or standing still.
If you’re experiencing resistance in your writing, you are not alone! You have an army of fellow Kingdom writers beside you and, most importantly, you have the God of the universe going before you to fight on your behalf!
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
Marketing sometimes feels hard. I get it!
If you’re in a season where marketing feels like a “have to”, a dread or a burden this episode is for you.
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/ideas/
Book Marketing Templates to Save You Time and Money
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news! You can get your social media posts for the next month done in just 90 minutes so that you can reach more readers with your book (without being pushy or salesy) in the Mini-Marketing Messages workshop here: https://minimarketingmessages.com
A few things you'll learn:
✅ The one thing that helped Heather Erdmann finally finish her first draft so she was able to publish her first book (previously she got stuck and never finished more than a few pages).
✅ How MaryAnn Ward combined her passion for art and writing into an unexpected book that wasn’t even on her radar…and it has already sold more than 100 copies.
✅ The strategy that helped Lauren Darroch overcome “writer’s guilt” and finally start writing consistently. She’s more productive than ever, publishing book twins (two books at the same time) and is now working on her third one. WooHoo!
✅ Denise Goosby received strategy, focus, and her next steps from the Lord for her writing that made all the difference.
✅ Shelly Laroque published her second book and learned techniques that helped her complete her illustrations.
And more!
Support each of these authors by purchasing their books below.
Join our community of Kingdom Writers in our online membership, Christian Book Academy here: https://christianbookacademy.com
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map/
It is the small, consistent habits over time that can change your life. Whether you want to improve your health, start a business or write a book, it takes intentionality with your habits.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” – Galatians 6:9 NLT
Free WRITING WHEEL Download
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/writingwheel
Your Book on Paper in Just 90-Minutes
Are you ready to get your book onto paper without the frustration of getting stuck or dealing with writers’ block?
Get your book out of your head and onto paper by the end of this 90-minute workshop using our 3 simple book writing formulas here: www.BookWritingLab.com
Jesus Shows Up – A few post-resurrection sightings
Jesus spent 40 days on earth after His resurrection. During this time, He eased His followers’ doubts and gave them direction for the future.
Like those original followers, we as Kingdom Writers sometimes feel like we’ve missed something along the way. We had high hopes for books that are currently in a tomb. Might as well just go back to our day job and forget about this writing thing. It was a nice 3 years of adventure we can tell our grandkids about.
It’s precisely in those moments when Jesus shows up…
1.) Walk to Emmaus – “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.” Luke 24:21
“Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:31-32
Jesus wants to open our eyes and restore hope that has been lost in us. He wants our hearts to burn again and spill over into our writing.
2.) Mary Magdalene weeping at the tomb (John 20:11-18) – This woman who Jesus once cast 7 demons out of would become the first person the resurrected Jesus would encounter. In a culture that demeaned women, Jesus gives his first post-resurrection message to a woman before instructing her to share with his “brothers.” Jesus not only redeems our past failures but now instructs us to share his message of new life as Kingdom Writers.
3.) Breakfast with Peter (John 21) – The man who denied he knew Jesus three straight times is restored by the “Great Shepherd” and instructed to feed his sheep. (Read 1 Peter 5:1-4). This same Peter would contribute writings that find their way into the best-selling book of all time. This rough fisherman would pen words that God has used to strengthen and encourage followers of Jesus for nearly 2000 years. One breakfast with Jesus can change the trajectory of a life forever.
Jesus continues to show up today! Perhaps he’ll make an appearance to someone halfway around the world through your writings and mine.
Prayer
Your Writing Battle Plan
Powerful things happen when you integrate your faith with your writing, publishing, and marketing.
Learn how to create your writing battle plan so you can move forward in God's call on your life to write in our Battle Plan All-Access Pass. You'll get 15 presentations plus 13 bonus trainings including our Priestly Pen bundle here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/battleplan/