How do you build an author platform that attracts major publishers? Is it actually possible to get traditionally published after choosing the self-publishing route? While building your author platform does take work, this week’s Publishing Secrets guest, John Stange, found out that it was much simpler than you might expect. In fact, John never intended to build such a big, multifaceted platform in the first place. It all came together little by little, piece by piece, over a period of many years. Listen and let John’s story inspire you not to give up if you don’t see results right away – you might be surprised at how the pieces finally fall into place.

What are you waiting for? Are you holding back from chasing your dream career to support your husband’s? Have you stalled in the publishing process because you haven’t won someone’s approval yet, even though you know that you know your audience and their pain points? Whatever your delay may be, this week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Beth Walker, has a word of encouragement for you: You don’t have to wait for someone to tell you that your voice matters.

Do you think that you’ve gone too far? That you’ve made too many mistakes for God to use you in ministry? This week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Carol McCracken, has been there, and she wants you to know that God can use anyone – yes, even you! After a drunk driving incident landed her in court, Carol thought her ministry as a Bible study teacher was over, but in truth God’s plan for her life was just beginning. Listen as Carol shares her story of God’s grace and direction, and how her non-traditional journey has uniquely equipped her to help others who are in need of the same hope she has found.

Do you find it difficult to make time for your writing? Do you wear many hats, or have countless distractions throughout your day? This week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Tyler Smith, has learned the importance of making time to do what you feel God has called you to do – and for having confidence in your God-given abilities, even when you feel inadequate or underqualified. Listen and be inspired to make a plan, take action, and finally write and publish that book.

Have you ever experienced a “stripping away”? While many of us expect that giving our lives over to God will result in smoother sailing, this week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Latoya Washington, found the opposite to be true. In her own words, “all hell broke loose” as soon as she re-dedicated her life to the Lord. From losing everything in a flood to an assault that sent her into a spiral of self-blame, Latoya went through a period of nonstop loss and trauma. But her story didn’t end there – Latoya poured out her heart in poetry, and now she uses her writing to offer hope to others who have suffered like she did. Listen and be inspired by Latoya’s story of hope, healing, and trusting God when all seems lost.

Have you felt confident that you knew what God was calling you to do, but then you started doubting, “What if I can’t actually do this?” This week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Tiffany Ealy, has been there. Tiffany received divine “downloads” and completed the manuscript of her book in a very short time – but then waited seven years before getting it published. Still, God wouldn’t let go of her until she fulfilled the task He had given her. If you struggle to live out your God-given purpose, let Tiffany’s story encourage you to discover where your true worth and identity come from.

Is there a story that you know needs to be told? This week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Rosie Makinney, was waiting for someone else to write the book she didn’t want to write but knew the world needed. When her own pursuits didn’t work out the way anyone expected, Rosie found herself writing that book instead – and discovered the bigger purpose God had in mind. Let her story encourage you to keep doing what you feel called to do, even if it’s not what you think you want to do.

Here we are at the final installment of the Book Publishing from A to Z series! In this episode, Coach Tam wraps up the list of important publishing industry terms with notes on distribution, from determining what size your book should be to figuring out your next steps after the book is published and out there in the world. Don’t miss this series final episode, and stay tuned next week for a brand-new interview with a published author!

Is it your dream to land a traditional publishing deal? If so, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for! In part 7 of the Book Publishing from A to Z series, Coach Tam takes some time to break down all the basics you need to know about traditional publishing. You’ll learn pros and cons to help you decide if this is the path for you, and get valuable tips on how to make sure you have everything you need to land that book deal.

How should you go about sending your manuscript to publishers or editors for review? In part 6 of the Book Publishing from A to Z series, Coach Tam highlights some important processes and details to keep in mind as you are preparing to send out your manuscript, as well as some alternative options to consider.