Ink and Impact for Christian Writers | How to Write a Book, Self-Publish, Christian Book, Book Marketing, Nonfiction Book

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 world and explain the benefits of using a book coach. 

Click here to learn more about my coaching.

Connect with Dalene:

Contact - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞Ink and Impact

Substack -＞ Publish with Purpose

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel

Work with Dalene:

Get personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

What additional topics would you like to learn about? 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

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 of the season, we had developed critical skills, formed good habits, and improved our speed, even if ever-so-slightly.

Writing is very similar. 

We have to make the time to write, not just once, but regularly in order to ultimately write better and faster. 

Sometimes we won’t feel like writing, and sometimes at the end of our writing sessions, we are disappointed at how few words we added to the manuscript.

But if you develop a consistent writing routine, you’ll discover that you actually ARE making progress, building good habits, and improving your craft.

It takes TIME and it takes EFFORT.

Therefore, don't rely on your feelings. Rely on your routine.

Don't have a routine that actually works for you yet? No worries! 

That's what you'll walk away with from today's episode.

Resources:

Snag your copy of my FREE guide, Your Path to Publishing

Connect with Dalene:

Contact - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞Ink and Impact

Substack -＞ Publish with Purpose

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel

Work with Dalene:

Get personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

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 - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞Ink and Impact

Substack -＞ Publish with Purpose

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel

Work with Dalene:

Get personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

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:

Spotify

BookShop.org

Amazon.com

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 - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

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 - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

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.

Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

Connect with Dalene:

Contact - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

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:

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 - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

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 it principle. Just because you write a book based on God's leading, it doesn't mean that you'll experience worldly success. 

• Your book might not become a national bestseller. 
• Your bank account might never grow from book sales. 
• You might never be invited to speak on stages in front of thousands of people. 

But when you properly discern the will of God and faithfully share the message He has given you, you become a willing participant in His bigger plan. 

You will make a true and lasting impact, one that can bring your readers -and you - closer to God.

IF you choose to obey the call, that is.

But how do you know if your book idea - or any plan, for that matter - is the will of God?

That's what I'm going to share on today's episode.

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 - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

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 to help you in the New Year:

Your Path to Publishing (free guide)

1:1 Book Coaching (1 hour clarity call)

2026 Book Planning Session (send an email to [email protected] to ask to join the waitlist)

CONNECT WITH DALENE:

Contact - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com

Connect -＞ Join the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel

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

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

• 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 more to do with trusting God and His timing.

Today's interview is the fifth in a series of 6 bonus episodes that shine a spotlight on just a few of the amazing members of my Christian Authors in Action community.

Most podcast interviews talk to authors after the book is published, during their book launch. This series of interviews is different.

Here you'll hear from Christian writers in the midst of the writing phase or navigating their time in-between projects. 

Keep listening to discover tangible tips you can apply to the reality of your own writing life.

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 Becca:

Website - https://beccajyager.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beccajyager

Connect with Dalene:

Contact - [email protected]

Podcast - www.inkandimpact.com

Connect - Join the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro

FB/IG/LI - @dalenebickel 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!