What do you do when you feel like giving up? When all the doors seem to close on you, or you feel as though you’re in way over your head? Do you give up, or do you keep pushing through and hoping things will work out in the end?

This week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Pastor Jim Wickham, has been there. Over and over again, he’s had to trust that God would open the right doors at the right time — and God has done exactly that. If you believe God has called you to the place you are right now, yet you’re thinking about throwing in the towel, let Pastor Jim encourage you to walk by faith and not by sight.

Do you worry that your writing isn’t “good enough”? You know you’ve been called to write, but you keep comparing yourself to others and trying to create a better image of yourself to show the world. Or maybe you’re afraid of putting yourself out there before you’re “ready” and have all the resources and people lined up to make it happen.

If that’s you, this week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Marlena Banks, has a word of encouragement for you. Listen and let Marlena encourage you to use what you already have and show up as your full, authentic self.

What’s holding you back from putting yourself out there? Are you busy running here and there, trying to get everything done, and telling yourself you simply don’t have time? Are you uncomfortable with the idea of promoting yourself? Are you unsure how to go about looking for opportunities?

Whatever the case, this week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Courtnaye Richard, is here to encourage you to go for it anyway. Courtnaye knows what it’s like to be constantly on the go and to worry that your efforts may be in vain. But she also knows the importance of consistently showing up. Listen and let Courtnaye encourage you to study the Scriptures and ask for God’s favor in what you feel called to do.

Have you found yourself in a “hurry up and wait” situation where everything seems to be moving more slowly than you expected or wanted? What can you do when you’re ready to move forward, but God is telling you to wait?

This week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Kirstyn Mayden, had followed God’s prompting to write her book and start the publishing process, but then she had to wait on others to do their part, too. If you’re overwhelmed by all of your to-dos and worries about what will or won’t happen in the future, Kirstyn has a word of encouragement just for you!

Are you holding back from telling your story because you’re afraid of what other people will think – and yet you keep seeing or hearing little “nudges” that you know aren’t coincidences? Maybe it’s time to listen to God’s prompting and finally write that book.

This week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Anita Morris, was afraid to let others in on the dark parts of her past. But she learned that God could use it both for her own healing and to give hope to people who are experiencing similar tragedies. Listen and be encouraged to follow God’s prompting and tell the story you know needs to be told.

Are you getting beaten down by naysayers around you? It’s tough when the people you expect to support you don’t – and when what looks like a clear path to success doesn’t work out like you thought it would.

This week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Julie Broad, can relate. Julie was told “no” by a major publisher even after she thought a book deal was in the works, and she also faced disheartening opposition from someone very close to her. But she didn’t let any of that stop her. Instead, Julie pushed forward and self-published her book – and now she publishes other people’s books! Today, she’s here to share her expertise on publishing and marketing your book successfully, whichever publishing path you choose to take.

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? And what if you keep trying to make your author dreams come true, but you just aren’t seeing results?

While building your author platform does take work, this week’s Publishing Secrets guest, John Stange, found that it’s much simpler than you might expect. In fact, John never intended to build the big, multifaceted platform he has now. Listen and let John’s story inspire you not to give up if you don’t see results right away – because 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. Follow God’s leading, get to know your audience, and go for it!

Do you ever think that you’ve gone too far? That you’ve made too many mistakes for God to use you in ministry? If so, you aren’t alone. But there is still hope!

After a drunk driving incident landed her in court, this week’s Publishing Secrets guest, Carol McCracken, 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 be encouraged by her message that God can use anyone for His glory — yes, even you!

Do you find it difficult to make time for writing? Do you wear many hats, or have countless distractions throughout your day? If so, you’re not alone. But you CAN find time and focus to write the book God has given you.

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!