Joy DeKok is the author of five published books, a professional speaker, and an author coach. She recently opened an office in Rochester, MN where she offers private coaching, group coaching, and holds writing seminars. Her debut novel, Rain Dance, released with Sheaf House Publishers in August. You can learn more about Joy at www.gettingitwrite.net, www.joydekok.com, www.raindancebook.com, or www.believe4kids.com.

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Joy. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

A: Thanks for having me. I have four books in print right now with a fifth releasing in March 2010.

Q: What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

A: Under His Wings was published by Barbour Publishing. After a couple of years out of print, it is being re-released by Sheaf House Publishing in March. I didn’t set out to write this book. At a writer’s conference a speaker invited us to send her our bird stories. I picked a couple I’d written and submitted them. She asked for a few more. Eventually, Cristine Bolley edited and agented the book and although all the stories are mine she is listed as my co-author. Cris taught me a lot about the writing, editing, and publishing process.

Q: For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

A: None. It was a much different story though for Rain Dance. Every major publishing house and several smaller ones rejected it. With those dreaded responses came several personal letters encouraging me to self-publish. After carefully considering the options, I chose Print-on-Demand. My new publisher discovered the novel after reading the POD version.

Q: How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

A: Rejection is hard. I tried to separate the emotion from it and see everyone as a professional decline. Sometimes this worked and sometimes it didn’t.

Q: When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

A: Barbour Publishing chose Under His Wings and I accepted. I had done my homework though. Their devotionals were priced low and popular with book sellers and readers. It felt like a good match and it was.

Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

A: I was excited. I loved the cover, format, and the way my name looked in print. My husband took me to our favorite restaurant.

Q: What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

A: I did a bunch of stuff all in one day. I made and printed book marks and postcards, and sent them out. Then, I sent out emails and set up a book signing at a local store. I sent out a press release to our local newspaper as well as the radio and TV stations.

Q: If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

A: No. Even with Rain Dance. Utilizing POD got the book in the hands of a publisher who not only liked it, but had a vision for it. I learned so much from the POD process and am thankful for it. Some people think that POD or any kind of self/vanity publishing is the easy way out. That cracks me up. I became the investor, designer, and marketing department. If that book was going to get into the hands of readers it was up to me to get it there. I was told I was vain and my book was illegitimate and would always be second class. Vanity had little do with the decision – I followed the advice of two very big publishing houses and two well-known and experienced agents. As for the illegitimate part, I know they meant it was unauthorized. (see Webster’s Dictionary) It hurt to hear that. I’d put myself into the book heart and soul. Then I’d invested financially and become a professional who had readers writing to her weekly. I saw then that no matter what someone says, readers are the only authorization needed.

Q: Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

A: I am published traditionally and I continue to publish using a POD press as well. My children’s books have not been accepted traditionally and I enjoy the POD process and my books are selling well.

A year ago, I became a co-owner in Sheaf House Publishers, a traditional publisher who has contracted 17 authors in both fiction and non-fiction. I’m the VP of Marketing and Promotions as well as the acquisitions editor for their non-fiction imprint, Journey Press.

At first glance this might all seem contradictory. To me, it makes perfect sense. I believe there are many publishing options and none is more acceptable than the other. Being traditionally published is great. Publishing via POD is great. All my books are selling and I hear from readers who are asking for more. They don’t care where the books were published as long as the writing satisfies.

Q: Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

A: I’m not sure. It’s so easy to shoulda, woulda, coulda ourselves. Every experience in the process was valuable – even the painful ones.

Q: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

A: Joining Sheaf House Publishers. We are publishing some fantastic books. In fact, we recently signed with Joe Bonsall (a member of the Oak Ridge Boys) for his latest project One Man’s Perspective. I get to work with all our authors and while we’re all working extremely hard, we’re also having a blast. Joan Shoup stepped out in faith and then I got to step up and join her. What a privilege!

Q: If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

A: Well, I sometimes day dream about being a NASCAR driver. Really. Or maybe that’s what they call fantasy – the dangerous thing you think about doing, but wouldn’t really do?

Q: Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

A: No. I love writing, speaking, publishing, and coaching. For me, when a coaching client succeeds or one of our authors sells a book, it’s as for me exciting as when it happens to me.

Q: How do you see yourself in ten years?

A: I see me doing the same things and loving them just as much or more.

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

A: Trust your heart with your story and your publishing process. Write and publish like no one’s looking. Then dance.

Jeffrey Allen studied art at Bloomsburg University for two years before attending Boston University where he majored in history and minored in set design and fine arts. A one year hiatus, in the form a hitchhiking trip, served only to heighten his restless and inquisitive nature. Allen attributes those early journeys to laying the foundations for his views about politics and religion and the relationship they share with historical perspective.

Later, he traveled through Europe and Mexico where his compulsive curiosity with historical myth and legend intensified, especially for the interpretations that obscure the truths underlying foreign and American cultures. Allen was fascinated by the way events are twisted and misconstrued within historical writings because of religious beliefs or political power brokering. Those years of learning, searching, and questioning have contributed greatly to the philosophical depth of his writing. Allen continues to this day to study, research, and philosophize about the positive and negative effects on our culture due to an over abundance of historical and religious misconceptions.

Jeffrey Allen graduated from Millersville State University in architectural design and taught for two years while also working toward his Masters degree at Temple University in Philadelphia. After a brief teaching career, he created his own architectural woodworking firm in 1980.

By 1982, Allen was owner and president of Artistic Furnishings Incorporated, a design house and manufacturer of custom architectural millwork. The company employed designers, artisans and support staff. His work can be seen throughout eastern Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey in private residences and businesses. Today, Allen resides in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where he still works in the field of interior space planning, although most of his time is devoted to writing.

For more information about this author and his work visit: http://www.jeffreyballen.com/.

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Welcome to Beyond the Books, Jeffrey.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

GoneAway Into the Land is my first Novel.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was
published or not and, if not published, why?

GoneAway Into the Land was my first published novel. It was published
by a traditional publisher.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through
before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or
paid a vanity press to publish it?

As I said, GoneAway Into the Land was published by a traditional
publisher. Prior to it being picked up by Sage Publishing I was
rejected by publishers and agents at least one hundred times.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

I expected the rejections. What I didn’t like were the form letters
or cards I received indicating that the person or persons in charge of
reviewing manuscripts or even reading query letters never read a word
before sending out the rejection notice.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you
choose them?

There were two who agreed to publish GoneAway. Sage Publishing was
the most responsive and they offered a higher commission and seemed a
bit more first-author friendly.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and
how did you celebrate?

I felt elated. I couldn’t believe I had actually done it. It took
three and a half years to write GoneAway. And that is no less than 4
to 6 hours a day. My wife and I celebrated by….kidding. We jumped up
and down for I don’t know how long. She is my greatest supporter.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were
published for the first time?

I read a few books on how to promote your book. They helped a little.
What really helped was joining the social sites like FaceBook and
Authors Den, and putting my book on every site that came along that
had anything to do with selling or promoting books.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to
be published?

No – I have no regrets. Although I have recently been picked up by a
larger publisher, Sage did a very good job for the small independent
press that they are.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

I am working on the sequel to GoneAway and I will have another novel
out in the spring of 2010 called Beneath the Quarry Waters. I am much
wiser about the use of my time.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get
published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed
things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

My first book would have been no more than one hundred thousand words.
Many publishers will not even consider a new author with a manuscript
larger than one hundred thousand words. It is sad but true.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since
becoming published?

Being accepted by a larger publisher who will put me into hardback and
promote my book with me. I know I have to work just as hard at
promoting, but at least this time I have a team of people behind me
who will also be promoting the novel and advising me along the way.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

Writing is my second profession, so I am still trying to make it my
next full time profession. I will get there soon – I can feel it.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you
combined the best of both worlds?

I have no desire to give up writing.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I hope I will still be able to write. The thing I fear most is losing
my imagination.

My father suffered from dementia. It is a horrible thing to see your
father lose his mental faculties. I am still young, but not too young
that I cannot feel the pull of my own mortality.

Thank you for the opportunity to interview with you.

Sheri Kaye Hoff resides in Parker, CO with her husband and three children. She is a Life Coach and owner of the Sheri K Hoff International Coaching Company. She teaches college classes as an adjunct faculty member and has earned her Master of Arts in Organizational Management. Her new book, Keys to Living Joyfully,offers a way of living a meaningful, successful and joy filled life.

Ms. Hoff is a personal and executive life coach. Spirituality is a vital part of her life’s work. Prayer and meditation are integral pieces of her daily ritual, which enables her to pursue her life’s passions and live a truly joyful life.

Her words on faith are derived from her own Christian walk and spiritual self-discoveries. Her action steps mix faith and years of leadership training, mentoring, and management. Sheri Kaye Hoff suffered the tragic death of her younger brother when she was a teenager and struggled for years to rediscover the capacity to feel joy and to enjoy her successes. She has a heart felt desire to pass on her knowledge and discoveries that have led to a truly transformational life. Ms. Hoff publishes a free weekly inspiration newsletter, Coach Sheri’s Weekly Inspiration Tips. The Sheri K Hoff International Coaching Company also offers:

• Teleclasses.
• Webinars
• In person small and large group Coaching
• Corporate Training
• Keynote speaking
• Seminars
• Individual Career and Life Coaching (For a limited time- receive a free introductory one hour life coaching session)

You can visit her website at www.lifeisjoyful.org.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Sheri. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published?

Thank you, it’s great to be here. Keys to Living Joyfully is my first published book and my first completed book. I have a few other books that were started, but not finished.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

I chose to self-publish my book without first trying to submit it to a mainstream publisher. I researched publishing, read a couple of books on self-publishing, and decided that I wanted to get my message out quickly. Self-publishing was the right choice for me.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Since I decided to self-publish right away, I have not experienced rejections for this book.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

I chose createspace.com because it is a subsidiary of Amazon.com and I thought the profit margin for authors was favorable. Createspace.com was also very user friendly. I did order a proof copy to make sure that the quality of the printing would be at a high level. I have been very happy with createspace.com and my book is available on Amazon, which is a great marketing tool.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

Publishing my book was an incredible feeling. I felt so overwhelmed with delight, supreme satisfaction, and happiness. I celebrated with with cake and champagne. My children and husband were proud of the book. I also traveled to my hometown and my mother and aunt hosted a luncheon at a local bed and breakfast. In some ways, I still feel like I have a little celebration going on in my mind everyday. Since I published my book, I have noticed that my writing flows even more freely.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

I sent emails to all of my contacts and I gave books to close friends and family. This generated immediate sales. Then I began to get involved in social networking on the internet with twitter and facebook, which has been successful for me. Next on my list was to be involved in a virtual book tour, which is when I became involved with Dorothy Thompson from Pump Up Your Book Promotions. My virtual book tour has generated a lot of buzz. It has been fun and productive.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

I would choose the same route for this book. I have met so many wonderful people through my self-publishing efforts, and I have friends on almost every continent. I feel deeply grateful for this experience and know that it has changed me on a deep level.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

I have published several poems and a short story on authorsden.com. A book that I am working on is a career guide for people suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This book should be available by the end of the summer of 2009. I have grown as an author by being more efficient as a writer and trusting myself. Since I am a published author, a barrier has been knocked down in my mind.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I thought about writing a book for twenty years and started several times. I learned that I was working on the wrong projects. Once I found my passion, the writing was easy and flowing. I think if I had worked more on knowing myself better, I would have completed a book much earlier. I also spent time worrying about whether anyone would like my writing enough to publish it. Looking back, that worry was a huge waste of time, since I ended up deciding to self-publish.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Since I published my book, I have started writing poetry again. This is sort of strange, since my book, Keys to Living Joyfully, is not a book of poetry. I wrote poems from childhood through my twenties and then stopped. This renewed inspiration is a wonderful gift. I write poems for myself, but I have been sharing them on authorsden.com and people seem to feel touched by them. Writing poetry frees me and lets me capture the passion, pain, hope, and victory in ordinary everyday life with a few well-chosen and well-placed words.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

My profession is life-coaching, and I, also, happen to be an effective writer. I love what I do. If I had to pick something else, I would do something crazy and fun in the world of art, theater or music. I love live entertainment and did some community theater when I was younger.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

I think I have combined life coaching and being an author effectively. Perhaps, I identify myself more as a life coach, since I have published only one book. Now, I am engaged in many different types of writing-so maybe I will think of myself as an author first sometime in the future.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

I am working on doctoral studies in organizational change and leadership- I plan to have completed my program certainly before ten years. I will continue to write books on life coaching and successful living topics, but I think I will branch out and also write a book of short stories and poems. Maybe one day I will write a fiction novel, for fun. I also would like to lead joyful living retreats as spas and resorts where people can feel renewed in all aspects of their lives.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

If you truly love and are inspired by your topic, your book will seem to write itself. Believe in your work, get opinions from people that you trust to be honest, join a mastermind group (with only a few individuals) and never give up the dream. Self-publishing is a great way to get your message to your audience, but it certainly requires attention to detail and a zest for promoting.

Note from Sheri:

To celebrate my April Tour, everyone who purchases a copy of Keys to Living Joyfully, will be able to have one month of unlimited email coaching. All the readers need to do is send me an email to coachsheri@lifeisjoyful.org , mention the April Virtual Book Tour and include their Amazon, createspace, or paypal confirmation number. I also have a link on my website for people to purchase signed copies of the book directly from me.

Louise Lewis has two decades of experience in marketing and advertising, having held senior-level positions on the client, advertising agency, and ad sales sides of the business.

She considers herself a self-growth junkie, continuing to seek light, love, and wisdom in her daily life.

With an innate passion for spiritual growth, she has a strong desire to give back to the world. Along with the inspiration and direction received from Spirit, Louise continues to touch the lives of all she meets.

She volunteers at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

Louise earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications at California State University in Fullerton.

Born and raised in Louisiana, she resides in Southern California.

To learn more visit http://www.noexpertsneeded.com/

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Louise.  Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

This is my first book, but will soon make “No Experts Needed” a
series of books.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

I stopped counting when I received enough “Dear Author” letters to wallpaper my office.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Well, first off, I did not have “delusions” of grandeur. I considered the
process as one great big adventure, and I do love a good adventure.
Sure, that means ups and downs…C’est la vie! (Such is life…)

But before I set out on the path of finding and agent and/or publisher,
my research warned me that the chances of finding an agent or
publisher had about the same odds as me getting a date for Valentine’s Day. In other words, I never held my breath.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

Once my office was wallpapered with rejection letters, I had a choice.
I could either continue the search, which could take forever to never, or I could get the book published on my own.

You see, my main goal was to put it in book form so that my Mom could hold it in her hands before she passed away. (Thank God the old girl is still with us!)

After much research, I chose the POD route with iUniverse.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

When I became published I felt humbled because I had fulfilled a
promise to Spirit, the promise to share my story with the world.

How did I celebrate? With a good cry and a good glass of chardonnay.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

It seems like I tried to do everything at the same time — radio, online
campaigns, article placement, contests, etc. Which came first? Truly
can’t remember.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

I believe things happen for a reason and that my decision was the
best one at the time. It’s not like Random House was knocking on my
door.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

My second book is still in the works. Again, I will try the literary agent and publisher route and see where that adventure takes me.

As to how I’ve grown as an author…maybe I haven’t. That report card
won’t be sent home until my next book is in the public’s hands.

Instead I choose to believe that the adventure of wearing an author’s
hat has made me grow more as a person. And since my story is all
about my Spirit-led journey, how could it not.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?

Sounds silly, but these days I remind myself of an old ad slogan:
“There is no wine before it’s time.” I’ll repeat my mantra: Things
happen for a reason.

Sure my Ego wanted it finished and done with months prior. Yet my
Spirit knew the right time. And I always follow Spirit. (I’ve learned that much for my six-year adventure!)

What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I think I would have yelled louder for a better cover design. I guess
I should promote “No Experts Needed” as the good book with the bad
cover.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Having my Mom proudly tell me that she liked reading my book.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

Well, I must ‘fess up to the fact that I don’t consider myself an author.
Rather I still see myself as an unemployed salesperson who was
blessed to receive an “invitation” to go on an amazing Spirit-led
adventure just minutes after I got “set free” (laid off) from my job.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

Great question. Because with my second book — which is on
“bikers” (the motorcycle kind) and the meaning of life, I will donate
net proceeds to children’s charities. I will (one day) travel the world
and put the book to work to raise money for kids.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

A kick-ass 60 year old living out more amazing life adventures.
But until that time, I will just continue to connect the dots of my life and then sit back and marvel at the fabulous picture Spirit draws for me.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

A. Dream BIG. When people (or you) think you’re crazy, then you know for sure you’re on the right path. Lastly, Always Follow Spirit.

If you want to learn more about my amazing Spirit-led adventure, please sign up for a FREE Read at: www.noexpertsneeded.com There are no strings or spam attached to my offer. Simply my way of giving back to life!

With enthusiasm, humor, and conviction, author/speaker Susie Larson has spoken to thousands of women locally, nationally, and internationally. Susie’s new release is titled, Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience in God’s Heart for Justice (Moody Publishers). She just finished writing her sixth book, Growing Grateful Kids, which, releases in March of 2010. Susie has been interviewed on radio stations across the country and serves as a regular guest host for Along the Way (A two-hour talk radio show on Faith Radio-900 AM). While in Washington D.C., Susie and her husband Kevin, along with national recording artist Sara Groves and her husband Troy, represented International Justice Mission’s concerns in meetings with Congress as part of their efforts to abolish and prevent human trafficking and slavery. Susie comes with a passion to share the love of a Savior who will never let us go.
Web: www.susielarson.com
Blog: http://susielarsonblog.typepad.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deeperlifeinchrist

Q: Welcome to Beyond the Books, Susie. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

A: Thanks for having me. To answer your question, I am multi-published. I’ve written six books, one devotional journal, contributed to several books, and I’ve written numerous articles.

Q: What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

A: The title of my very first book is, Mercy in the Wilderness: A Selfish Heart a Faithful God. I self-published that book because of its memoir-like style; I wrote it for a very specific audience: those who hear me speak, hear my story, and as a result, want to buy my book. After researching the publishing process, I knew self-publishing was the route I needed to take with this book. Mercy in the Wilderness is now in its third printing and sells itself at conferences when I tell my story.

Q: For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

A: As I mentioned, I self-published my first book so I didn’t experience any rejections with that one. I don’t at all regret going that route with my first book. I learned a lot in the process and the book paid for itself within the first six months.

Q: How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

A: Rejections are difficult for anybody. I know for myself, the rejections I experienced in my writing journey were all a part of a bigger process for me. God was readying me for ministry, and in order for me to be effective, I needed to be able to separate who I am with what I do. When rejections came my way, I got on my knees and I surrendered myself afresh to the Lord. I’d take some time and give myself a little distance from the manuscript, then, in due time, I’d pick it back up again and try to look at it with fresh eyes.

If our identity is too tied up into what we accomplish (or not), God’s important message of grace and freedom will get lost in translation through us. Sometimes He seems agonizingly uninterested in our timeline or our desperate desires to be published, but that’s not so. Truly, He knows us better than we know ourselves and He is intimately engaged with us on this journey. We have to learn the craft, learn to write a great proposal, understand our audience, do our best, and then leave the rest with Him. He knows what He’s doing with our lives.

Q: When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

A: I published my first book with Essence Publishing out of Canada (2000). I chose Essence because they clearly communicated the different options available, were regularly accessible to us, and had the most competitive pricing for our needs. That was back in the year 2000, and I’ve since noticed quite a number of self-publishing houses that have hit the scenes and are super competitive in pricing. A number of those new houses offer great marketing help as well.

Q: How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

A: You know I felt different after each first experience. When my self-published book released, we had a book release party with lots of friends and ministry partners. That was a big first step for me. When my devotional journal released, I didn’t really celebrate but I was excited about the opportunity. It was my first contracted project (not counting my published articles), although my contract was with a stationary publisher, not a mainstream publisher. For me, the really big first was when I published Balance That Works When Life Doesn’t: Simple Steps to a Woman’s Physical and Spiritual Health (Harvest House Publishers). This was my first CBA contract and was a very big deal to me. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was giving my son a haircut when I my agent called me with the good news. I ran around the house; I jumped up and down and I cheered. I ran upstairs to call my husband (who, by the way, came home with a dozen roses). My poor son sat there with a partial haircut until I came to my senses again.

Q: What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

A: We did several things simultaneously. We mailed out hundreds and hundreds of postcards along with invitations to our book release party. I held up my book at all of my speaking events and shared a few sentences on why the message was important to me. We developed a website.

Q: If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

A: No, I’d go this same route again if given the chance. Writing is a tough business and it can take years to see your first book published. I thoroughly enjoyed self-publishing because it gave me an inside look at the process while moving ahead with my dream. After writing six books, I still don’t think my first book fits in a mainstream publishing house, but even so, there are thousands of people out there whose lives have been changed by its message. I know I did the right thing. It was a perfect starting point for me.

Q: Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

A: As I mentioned, my sixth book releases this spring (March, 2010). Also, I’ve contributed to several books, published approximately fifty articles with Focus on the Family and published several articles with other publications.

I’ve grown as an author mostly because I’ve grown as a Christ-follower. As I mature in Him, my message also matures. On a technical level, I’m learning that less is truly more. When we try to cast too wide a net with our message, we rarely impact anyone significantly. But if we narrow the focus of our intended audience, hone our craft, and write from a place of true passion and experience, we will connect with readers on a very deep level. Readers appreciate being singled out and encouraged along the way. One of the favorite things I hear from readers is this statement: you wrote this book for ME.

Q: Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

A: I believe I was on track with God’s best timing for me with regards to publishing books. But here’s one thing I wish I had done differently: in those earlier years, I was a little shy about assembling a mailing list and acquiring email addresses. It all seemed too self-promoting to me to ask for emails when I didn’t even have a book to offer. Nowadays you have blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and a host of other ways to communicate with your subscribers. Even if you don’t have a book to offer your subscribers, you can stay connected with them. It’s important to establish your platform in a consistent, professional way.

Q: What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

A: Of course, the biggest accomplishment for me is the number of changed lives I hear about on a regular basis. It almost overwhelms me to read these kinds of statements: That book saved my marriage. That book saved my life. I’ve never been the same since I read your book. I’ve never known God’s presence or understood His love until your conference (and to all of these statements, I say, thank you, Lord).

Another thing I’m very excited about is the way that my ministry/career is evolving into a three-pronged approach: speaking, writing, and radio. I love each of these modes of communication equally and I’m very thankful for the opportunities that are before me in all three of these areas.

Q: If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

A: I know that I’m walking out the exact calling for which God designed me. And I’ve never been more fulfilled and motivated to make my days count than I am today. I have friends who are writers, period. I have other friends who are speakers, but not writers. I have other friends in radio, but they don’t speak or write. They are all specialists in their field. But it’s different with me. I don’t want to be exclusively any one of these. I have found my niche by balancing my time between the three. I have my work cut out for me. It takes a while to master three crafts, but that’s what I want to do.

Q: Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

A: As I mentioned in my answer above, I’ve found the best in all three worlds!

Q: How do you see yourself in ten years?

A: Lord willing, I see myself with a thriving, daily radio program, five to seven more books under my belt, and a continually growing speaking platform. I would also like to write a few Bible studies with companion teaching DVD’s.

Q: Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

A: Don’t let the dream consume you; let it motivate you. Don’t let your life get out of balance in order to achieve your dream. If you do, you won’t last there. Keep your walk of faith your utmost priority. Be available for your loved ones. Take care of your body through exercise and nourishing food. And remember, you are valuable because God says you are, not because a publisher validated your work. Humbly receive criticism, hone your craft, and put your hope in God. In due time, your dreams will come true.

Debora M. Coty is a seasoned raconteur (storyteller), a raqueteer (tennis player) and a racketician (loud laughter). Also a freelance writer and newspaper columnist, she’s had over eighty works published in international magazines, newspapers, trade journals and anthologies. You can visit her website at www.deboracoty.com.

In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook…the latter two with sporadic results. A former contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine, Suzanne’s work has appeared in many magazines. Her first novel, Copper Star, a World War II love story, received three literary awards. Since then, she has published two more books and has five books under contract. Suzanne is a popular retreat speaker and teaches Precepts at her church. Find Suzanne on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

Joanna Bloss is the author of God’s Gifts for the Grad (Barbour, 2009) and has written for a variety of publications including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. She is a certified personal trainer, graphic artist, and currently working towards her master’s degree in clinical psychology. She lives in the Midwest with her four children. Keep up with her busy life at http://joannabloss.blogspot.com.

Faith Tibbetts McDonald, a former contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine, a newspaper columnist, freelance writer, professional speaker, and lecturer at Pennsylvania State University, received the Reader’s Pick award for an article published in Today’s Christian Woman magazine. Faith has contributed to numerous books including Women Ask, Women Answer: Questions Women Long to Ask, Answers They Need to Know (Thomas Nelson, 2008). Faith lives with her husband and three children in Pennsylvania. Visit Faith on Facebook.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Suzanne, Debora, Faith and Joanna Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)?

Suzanne is the author of Copper Star and Copper Fire. Her novel, For the Love of Dogs, is due out in February. She is contracted with Revell/Baker for four books. The first is the non-fiction Amish Peace in an English Life, and the other three are novels about the Amish.

Debora is the author of The Distant Shore and Billowing Sails and is totally excited about Mom Needs Chocolate: Hugs, Humor and Hope for Surviving Motherhood, Regal Books’ featured Mother’s Day release in 3/09. Everyday Hope (Barbour Publishing) will follow in 8/09 and Barbour has recently initiated discussion concerning a book project for 2010.

Joanna wrote God’s Gifts for the Graduate (Barbour, 2009) and has contributed to a number of anthologies. She has a novel and several non-fiction projects in the works.

Faith is waiting for replies from magazines regarding articles submitted for publication. She uses her waiting time to work on an epistolary novel with a co-worker and is also writing a book of personal essays entitled Lose Weep, Find Keep.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

Joanna: I wrote my first book, Simply Transformed, after receiving positive feedback from a class I taught on healthy living, specifically weight loss and nutrition. I talked with one editor, but he passed on it because it didn’t have the “wow” factor—i.e. didn’t offer a magic solution guaranteeing results. He said I was a good writer, but because I didn’t have a pre-existing platform they weren’t willing to take a risk on me. I was a little disheartened by that, and for a while seriously considered self-publishing. I’ve since put it on the back shelf, but occasionally print out excerpts to share with my personal training clients.

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

Suzanne: For my book Copper Star, I received rejections from virtually every single Christian publisher. Most didn’t even consider it—I had no name, no agent, and I’m sure my proposal wasn’t as polished as it should have been. I had a connection with one major publisher, and the book traveled fairly far into the company’s selection process…but then it was rejected. Right at that time, I received a contract from a small press, and an agent picked me up…she liked my writing. She recommended that I go ahead and get a book published, and the small press was a good way to start. I did so, and that book ended up winning three literary awards and was the best seller for this small press. I don’t think I would have had that kind of recognition at a large publishing house, and I learned so much through a small press—a crash course in book publishing/promotion, which has served me well.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Debora: I try to review rejection slips like jockeys view horse-poo: a vocational hazard. Just step over the piles, wipe the nasty off your boots and keep moving forward, always forward. One editors loss will be another’s delight.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

Suzanne: I chose Vintage Inspirations, a small press, and a very ethical, well-run company. I knew it would be around for a while, and I have really admired the positive directions and enthusiasm that the editor, Dawn Carrington, throws behind the company. I would recommend Vintage to any author, and I do.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

Debora: I carried the first copy of The Distant Shore around the house, sobbing. In fact, I cried for three days, totally overwhelmed by God’s grace and mercy. The cover was the most beautiful I had ever seen – an island sunrise – it blew me away.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

Suzanne: I sent out promotional postcards and an e-mail newsletter to everyone I knew, and offered my books to them at a low price. I asked for their help in spreading the word, with stamped postcards, making suggest-a-purchase requests at their library, etc. I spoke to all of the bookstores in my area, and offered consignment sales to them, as well as having events at their store. I did a talk “So You Want to be Published” at Barnes & Noble, with another author, that was very well attended and very successful.

Faith: I market my book on Facebook, mention it to my students, and take every opportunity I can find to either give a copy to an influential reader or sell at bookstores or other venues. The key is being creative and look for opportunities wherever they may present themselves.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

Debora: Not in the least. I feel that the potholes and delays in my path to publication were no accident. Every single bump and rut helped me learn and became in integral part of being able to help others on their journeys. I started submitting articles for magazines and worked my way up through a monthly newspaper column to books (9 now, with a 10th under negotiation). Each step was a higher rung on the ladder and essential to reach my final goal: book publication.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

Suzanne: I am constantly growing as a writer, and hope I will always be growing. There’s so much to learn! Currently, I have four published books, and four under contract to Revell/Baker. Also, I’ve contributed to many non-fiction books, most recently to Barbour Publishers 365 Daily Devotions’ series. Much credit goes to my agent, Joyce Hart, who has provided very helpful and strategically savvy guidance.

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up? What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

Debora: I wish I had books like Grit for the Oyster to enlighten me about the nuances of the publishing biz and encourage me to persevere through the early stages of finding my literary voice. It would have been a terrific asset in gaining self-confidence and realizing I was not the only aspiring author with enough rejection slips to wallpaper a banquet hall.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Joanna: I’ve just survived the most emotionally intense year of my life, but in spite of that I’ve signed a contract for another book, finished my bachelor’s degree (after a 20 year hiatus) and started graduate school. Being a published author has been a dream of mine for a very long time and accomplishing that dream has given me the confidence and inspiration I need to pursue other dreams.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

Faith: I can’t “not write” – I can’t imagine anything else on earth I’d rather do.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

Suzanne: I would never, ever, ever give up being a writer. Ever.

How do you see yourself in ten years?

All four of us hope to be healthy, active, busy with our families and our hobbies and living in homes lined with bookshelves full of our best-selling books!

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

Suzanne: If you take that dream very seriously–learn, grow, challenge yourself, be willing to learn from criticism, and stick with it–it will be a reality. Just remember, the process is more than half the fun! The growth you’ll see in yourself, the relationships you make, the stretching of your life experiences…it’s all good!

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Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder/President & Treasurer of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Email: pthib-7@centurytel.net  Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com    

Welcome to Beyond the Books, Pamela. Can you tell us whether you are published for the first time or multi-published? Can you give us the title(s) of your book(s)? 

I am multi-published with 4 titles and numerous short stories, articles and essays to my credit. Titles include: Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams & Tempered Fire (books 1, 2 &3 in 5-part series) published by ComStar Media, LLC available in Ebook & Print! And The Inheritance, published by The Wild Rose Press also available in Ebook & Print! I also have short stories (called Rosettes) published and/or coming soon from The Wild Rose Press. Some of my articles can be read at Associated Content and Helium Knowledge. 

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

My very first book is now known as Tempered Hearts and it is published.  For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it? Hundreds! Honestly I began submitting Tempered Hearts almost immediately after it was written in 1996. I submitted to agents and publishers. In Dec. 2000 the title was picked up by Writers Exchange E-Publishing Co. and in June 2001 Tempered Dreams was published also by WEE. Since WEE did not offer POD services, I paid for the print copies and worked with the Books-A-Million stores to distribute.

In 2002 I pulled my contract and signed with an “up and coming” new publisher that never got off the ground. Left floundering after 18 months in an unfulfilled contract, in 2003 I started over –pitching to both agents and publishers, and eventually signed the entire Tempered series with Com Star Media. In 2005 both Tempered Hearts and Tempered Dreams were re-released (edited/new covers) and in 2006 Tempered Fire followed. Tempered Joy will be out in 2008. 

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

Rejection always hurts. First I cry and threaten to quit and then I get angry and frustrated. Eventually I’ve learned to view rejections the way my husband always has—as “their loss.” J  

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

Tempered Hearts was initially published by Writers Exchange E-Publishing Co out of Australia. I had worked with Sandy Cummins, Editor and CEO of WEE when she published several of my articles in her Ezine; from there our trust in each other grew and when she announced that she would be publishing novels, I submitted and she accepted. One reason I chose to sign with WEE (and the publishers since) is that they understood my writing and didn’t/don’t adhere to strict, ultra-conservative, Christian guidelines. You see, although I do write inspirational, I write “Inspirational with an Edge!” I write “steamier and grittier” with a higher level of sensuality and “gritty realism” than found in traditional Christian romance. That said; please let me reiterate what I’ve said before: All things that give God glory deserve to be praised! My writing is not better than traditional Christian romance, it is just different. 

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

Getting those first –and subsequent- acceptances is a thrilling experience! I celebrate in different ways (though always with chocolate). J 

What was the first thing you did as far as promotion when you were published for the first time?

 Purchased a domain name and developed a website (well actually a cousin developed it for me). This is first and foremost the most basic form of promotion an author should have. 

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

Oh sure, I would choose for a Big Name, Traditional publisher to see the value in my writing and pick up my books and promote me straight to the Best Seller Lists! (Who wouldn’t?) J

However as recently as 2005 an editor from Steeple Hill (Harlequin’s Inspirational Imprint) informed me that the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) may never relinquish guidelines on sensuality it their romances…so the chance of that Big Name Publisher picking up my work is slim.  

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

Yes, I’ve been published numerous times with articles, essays and devotionals. Hopefully I’ve grown as an author in writing a better, cleaner and more concise story. 

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

Other than change my entire writing style and voice to ‘fit’ the CBA guidelines of “chaste” romances, I’m not sure I could have done anything differently to speed things up. Believe me, I tried that! I revised and revised until I couldn’t even recognize my own story. Disheartened and frustrated, I quit doing that and just wrote what God gave/gives me to write. The one mistake that I deeply regret is signing with a company that was not well established. Even if it is a new publishing company, writers need to beware and be smart about signing a contract with someone who is not actively working toward the publication and advancement of their authors.  

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

Other than publications itself, which is a great accomplishment, I have co-founded a local writers’ group: Bayou Writers’ Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

My profession of choice is a stay-home wife/mother. I have worked in various professions all of my life but that one dream has escaped me. You see, all I’ve ever wanted from the time I was old enough to articulate it was to get married and have a family. Although I do have a wonderful husband, four great children (six if you count my sons-in-law) and two BEAUTIFUL grandchildren, I still have not attained the “stay home” part. Alas, it is what God desires of me –not my will that counts. J 

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

One of the great things about being an author is that you can combine the best of both worlds no matter what your profession; although I would dearly love to be a stay-home writer. 

How do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully still writing and possibly achieving the stay home status. Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day? Never give up! Writing is a gift and a talent….don’t bury your talent or hide your gift.