Greetings from Marti Pieper in almost-fall Ohio! I’m visiting here for a few weeks as I help my mom clean out and pack up in preparation for her move to a retirement community. So in the midst of not-so-normal days, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to introduce someone who’s one of those friends I’ve never met. Becky Harling and I have traded prayers, reviews, support and encouragement online for a few years now without yet meeting in person. I read and loved her 30 Day Praise Challenge and am thrilled to re-introduce Becky to our CAN readers.

Praise and celebration seem to happen wherever Becky goes, so let’s get this party started.

Hello, my friend. I’m so glad to see (and share) you here today. How many books do you have published?

Five.

And what are a few of your latest titles?

The 30 Day Praise Challenge

The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents

I remember praying for you on a tight deadline for the 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents, and now it’s here. Congratulations! You were last featured on the CAN blog in 2010. What are the chief lessons you’ve learned about the writing life since then?

I think the main thing I have learned about myself as a writer is that I am more of a sprinter than a marathoner! In other words, If I get a contract and I am excited, I need to settle right in and write quickly. Then I can go back an edit. If I plod too long—I get bored!

That’s one of the benefits of long-term writing, isn’t it? We get to know ourselves. And I know you’ve learned lots about book promotion, too. What would you say are the chief lessons you’ve learned about promotion since then?

• Networking is everything! Make lots of friends!
• Give away LOTS of free books!

 And I’ve watched you do both those things during the years we’ve known each other, too. What are the most effective means of book promotion you’ve tried? 

Events scheduled around the date of the book release. Books sell almost 100 percent when I speak so if I scheduled an event related to the book around the date of release – that helps the book get off to a good start.

It’s hard to argue with a 100 percent sales record. But what are the least effective promotional activities you’ve tried?

Book Signings! 🙁

Enough said. And your favorite way to connect with your readers?

Probably Facebook. Or, if they live close, by going out for coffee.

You may end up with lots of people wanting to meet you at the coffee shop! Can you tell us if you saw God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?

Yes. Recently we hosted put on and hosted a Moms Unleashed conference as a soft launch for The 30 Day Praise Challenge for Parents.  K-LOVE decided to get behind the event. Not only did they promote the event for free on their radio station, they also came to the event!

That was so amazing. I love those God-sized connections. So what are your top tips for new authors promoting their first book?

Make and cultivate lots of friends!  Treat your readers like friends, not readers.

Simple, sweet, and true. That sounds a lot like the Becky Harling I know and love. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with us, Becky. I know your words will bless our readers.

How to connect with Becky Harling:

Becky’s Website

Becky’s Facebook

Becky’s Twitter

Gratefully,

Marti Pieper