Persistence

, by

Aloha from Karen, At my first writer’s conference I won the persistence award. I wondered if I just asked the most questions and if that was a polite way to say I was a pest. But over time I realize writers need persistence to succeed and someone saw that in me. I looked at this year’s calendar and already see deadlines looming and contracts that look great-more than I ever expected. I look back and realize I persisted and years of hard work matter. Even more, I see other writers I knew from my early beginnings also finding more success…

Read More

Growing Your Fiction Sales

, by

 Happy writing from Gail Gaymer Martin at www.gailmartin.com   Through the years, I’ve watched my friends use different strategies to help their fiction sales grow. Some work and some don’t, but the ones who’ve found success, provides us with lessons so that we might learn from them and try some of their techniques. Obviously sales grow most when your work is in the bookstores and when it is promoted and distributed by your publisher. So this means, mainly working with traditional publishers. Mine put my novels in store—book stores, grocery stores, super marts, and any place books are sold. They…

Read More

By the Numbers

, by

Hi, all! Ava Pennington here from sunny Florida…well, mostly sunny Florida. The afternoon rainstorms have finally started, to the residents’ joy and the tourists’ chagrin! Lately, I’ve been thinking about the relationship between words and numbers in the publishing industry. I’m a writer, not a mathematician. I love words – their structure and style, their rhythm and rhyme. I enjoy alliteration and onomatopoeia. I’m drawn to the images that words evoke. Numbers…not so much. Still, serious writers know that publishing—even Christian publishing—is a business. And business is often about the numbers.

Read More

ICRS, Where the Industry Meets

, by

Aloha from Karen,  A few weeks ago I attended the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). I’ve been going for more than a decade. One convention hall fills with authors, publishers, sales reps, agents, and store owners, and all the newest Christian books and products. It’s an exciting place for anyone who loves books. Many authors sign free copies of their books. I didn’t sign this year but  Faithwords gave away a huge stack of my books as I stood and watched them disappear in a few minutes. A lot happens at this show.  

Read More

Endings are Beginnings

, by

Aloha from CAN Treasurer Karen Whiting With one week before my book deadline I’m working on endings-the indexes, appendixes, and final review. But it’s also time to look at beginnings. From the time I thought of the idea for the book I also thought of the marketing and the audiences. As I hand in the book it’s the end of the writing and the real beginning of promoting the book. The book, co-authored with CAN member Jocelyn Green, is Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front of American Wars.  

Read More

Twitter-pated

, by

Aloha from Karen, CAN treasurer Twittering gave the world a fast way to communicate and also a new tool for marketing. Marketing with only a few words takes planning and focus.   I stopped logging onto twitter often because I often read dribble, such as someone telling me they are going to eat (unless it’s connected to a focus-such as how to make healthy choices or making a meal a girlfriend or family time) or hard sells that continue to talk about a specific product. Today logged on and found that since I reduced the people to follow I enjoy…

Read More

The Jewels of Amazon

, by

Hello and happy spring from Cat Hoort and Kregel Publications! Question for you: have you found the jewels of Amazon? I’m not talking about any lost treasure, rain forest, or river. I am, of course, referring to Amazon.com: the go-to online retailer that has made it easy for practically anyone anywhere to get our books. We know them as a retailer—a seller. But did you know they also market? Amazon offers several ways for you to interact with your readers—right there on your book’s product page. Here are a few “jewels” that are easy, accessible, and effective ways to market…

Read More

We CAN Market and it Begins with the Book Idea

, by

Aloha from the CAN treasurer, Karen Whiting CAN began several years ago when a few author friends shared a great idea of forming a group that would help one another market and learn how to market. We are still growing into the best ways to do that. This blog has been a great teaching tool to share how to market and I’m rthankful to be part of such a network. I want to share some tips of what I’m doing to prepare to market a few future books    

Read More

Different Routes – Same Destination

, by

Hi, Ava Pennington here, with an observation about the routes we take in our writing. One of the most helpful gifts I’ve received is a GPS for my car. Helpful, because if there’s a way to get lost, I’ll find it. So I’m dependent on that little voice that says, “In fifty yards, turn right.” When I program my GPS for a long trip, I’ve noticed that it often gives me options. I can avoid toll roads, but the trip may take longer. I can choose the shortest route, but it may cost more. I can travel by freeway or…

Read More

Don’t Just Read a Blog – Comment!

, by

Hi, all! Ava Pennington here, to talk once again about additional ways we can market our books. Marketing isn’t restricted to convincing people to make a purchase. Good marketers will tell you that successful marketing is dependent upon relationships – building them and keeping them. One way to build relationships is to participate in the blogging community.

Read More