The Motivational Editor

Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published

Debra

Writing for Children

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Author Linda Mai offers her expertise as a children's writer with a post on writing for children

Today’s post is from children’s book writer Linda Mai. Linda has a master’s degree in Elementary Education and taught third grade. Besides writing picture books and middle grade novels, she plays in a handbell choir, rides her ATV, and loves to travel.

Writing for children is easy, right? Actually no. It isn’t! In fact, many agree it’s harder to write for children than adults. WHY? Because every word must count in a picture book, and you must leave room for the illustrator to tell half the story.

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3 Ways to Use Payhip to Flex Your Creative Marketing Muscles

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This month’s post comes from Dak Frederick.

Dak Frederick blogs about 3 ways authors can use Payhip.

Dak helps aspiring authors turn their passion for helping others into high-quality self-published books. He’s a freelance writer who enjoys crafting articles focused on creative marketing strategies for authors and entrepreneurs, as well as content on personal finances and self-development. He is a retired U.S. Marine [semper fi, Dak] and holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Ashford University. He’s the author of 101 Things Every Man Should Know and is a member of the International Association of Publishers Writers and Editors. His faith and family are what keep him rooted.

You can find Dak at www.dakfrederick.com. This is his affiliate Payhip signup link. Should you decide to sign up with Payhip, use his affiliate link. It won’t cost you extra, but will pay Dak a bit of money.

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The Power of Private Messaging

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The Power of Private Messaging by Jennifer Waddle

This month we have guest Jennifer Waddle. Jennifer is the author of Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer (affiliate link), and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.

The Power of Private Messaging

By Jennifer Waddle

Last year, I had the privilege of being interviewed on a YouTube channel and was able to share the highlights of my book about chronic worry. Little did I expect that interview to cause a flood of private messages to arrive via email, Facebook, and other social media platforms.

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The Basics of How to Publish on KDP

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Book spread in Indesign for KDP publishing.

Most indie authors want to publish on KDP, though there are other platforms as well. What follows will get you started and ready to publish your first book.

You can establish your KDP account anytime you want, though it makes most sense to me to set it up when you’ve got your first book ready to publish.

If you’re publishing both print and ebook formats here are the basics of what you’ll need by the time you hit that PUBLISH button.

  • A pdf or docx of the print book interior
  • A pdf of the paperback book cover. If you want to create a hardcover version, that will require a separate file
  • An epub or docx file of the ebook interior
  • A tiff, png, or jpg file of the ebook cover
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3 Ways to Convert Your Email List into Paying Customers

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I reached out to several friends recently for their help on marketing. So over the next several months, I’ll be bringing you guest posts along with some of mine. Today’s post is by Kim Steadman, The Word Shepherd.

When Kim’s not sweeping dog hair, experimenting in the kitchen, or doodling on paper, she is writing and mentoring authors. She is a freelance writer, speaker, and teacher. You can find what she’s up to next at www.KimSteadman.com or at www.TheAuthorpreneurClub.com

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Structuring Nonfiction

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structuring nonfiction

Last month we looked at structuring your fiction story. This month we’ll look at structuring nonfiction.

While nonfiction has no plot, you still must ensure that your topic flows in an organized manner from beginning to end.

Does your subject matter fit a chronological arrangement? Perhaps it better fits a topical structure or even a step-by-step flow. Maybe there are overall themes that serve as sections/parts for your book and specific topics that fit under each theme.

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Structuring Your Book

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structuring your book,
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

While worded in various ways, many of my readers stated they struggle with structuring their book, aka developing a plot. So, let’s take a look. (I’ll cover structuring nonfiction next month.)

I’ve written various posts on this topic throughout the years, and you’ll find links to several of those posts listed at the end. Why say it all again?

To start, every novel must have these items…

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Do You Have a Strategy or Just a Plan?

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Develop a strategy to achieve your goals.

The year 2022 was probably one of the busiest years I’ve ever had, but I ended the year frustrated and feeling like I’d gotten nowhere. I failed to complete nearly every goal I set.

Oh, like most entrepreneurs, I put in an average of over 200 hours of work every month. But I had little income to show for it. I wanted to make 2023 different—better—with more income but fewer hours and less stress.

God’s instructions were, If you want big money coming in, you need to learn how to run a business and properly manage that money. Aka be a wise steward.

I’ve been fully self-employed since late 2010. Has the business supported me? Not fully. Praise the Lord, God provides in other ways and my needs are met and bills are paid.

But I’ve determined that 2023 is the year I’ll make my business self-sustaining. And to do that I need to start with knowing three things:

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