Write and Publish your Christian Book

This is a simple no-nonsense intro to basic write/ publish scenarios from a professional author, working from concept, to discipline, to editing, to publishing. The main focus is upon self-publishing but other options are considered. The course introduces further possible options as you develop your own project under expert guidance.

Nearly every writer dreams of authoring a bestselling book, but for decades, it’s been nearly impossible to do this successfully without the assistance of a traditional publishing company.

Getting the attention of a big publishing company isn’t easy. It means sending out manuscripts, nervously waiting for a response that might never come, and trying to stay positive in the face of rejection. This course is committed to the new world of self-publishing, and its particular advantages to the niche market of a faith community.

How to Self-publish Your Own Book

1. Write a book that’s marketable

2. Edit like a professional

3. Develop an eye-catching cover design

4. Decide which self-publishing platforms you’ll be using

5. Formatting your book

6. Launch your book like a store launches a product

7. Market yourself on social media

You might already have books written, you may have a few book proposals, or you may be starting from scratch. Either way, using these methods of evaluating the market potential of your book before you begin the self-publishing process for the first time will help you establish a plan-of-action around marketing your book.

• Identify your genre. Genre is more than just a “category” for your book. Aspects like story structure, verbiage, writing style, and visual content can all differ depending on the genre of your book. Considering the peculiarities of your genre will give you a better understanding of the audience you’re writing for.

• Explore how people talk about your genre. Browse message boards to learn more about how fans of your genre (and your potential buyers) decide what to read. What appeals to them about your genre? Are there any common frustrations with the genre?

• Evaluate bestsellers in your genre. Conduct competitive analysis by evaluating the bestselling books in your genre on marketplaces like Amazon and the New York Times Best Sellers list.

• Evaluate your competitors’ positioning. Positioning is the messaging, values, and overall business strategy being pitched to audiences. Ask yourself what sets apart the most popular books in your genre. What do the titles, cover art, and synopsis pitch? What’s the hook that grabs the reader’s attention?

• Find out what’s missing. In the high-volume book publishing industry, marketing is all about differentiation. Put yourself in the shoes of your genre’s audience and ask yourself, what’s missing from these bestsellers? Are their stories left untold?

• If possible, identify a niche in your genre. A niche is a subsection of your genre’s audience. Niching is a great way to differentiate yourself in a crowded market and lower the scope of your competition.