Greetings from Sarah Sundin! Today I have the honor of interviewing royalty! Doreen Hanna is known as the Queen of the Princesses for her work in guiding young ladies to see their worth as princesses—as daughters of the King of kings. So put on your crowns and listen to what Doreen has to share.

Doreen, how did you get into writing?

I had written a curriculum that I wanted published. After after several months of attempting to secure a contract for me my literary agent stated, “Have you ever considered writing a book?” “No,” was my immediate response. It seemed like too big of a project, even though I had written various stories for other author’s compilation books.

However, after some thoughtful reflection I realized God had been preparing me for such a time as this. I reflected on the honor that had been bestowed upon me to be embraced as a faculty member of CLASSeminars. They had incorporated a writer’s conference under their umbrella and I had been working them, and often attended classes! I began to consider that far greater visibility would be accomplished for the curriculum by writing a book about the need and the wonderful end results that come from implementing it.

How many books do you have published?

3 books and 4 curriculums.

What are a few of your latest titles?

Called to Bless Her was published in 2006 (self published)

Raising a Modern Day Princess was released in 2010 (Focus on the Family/Tyndale)

The Spanish version of Raising a Modern Day Princess was released in 2014 (FOTF/Unilit)

How did you get your first book contract?

Working the CLASSeminars writers conference, where publishers were on site ready to hear authors pitch their book proposals. I was thrilled to discover that my dream publisher, Focus on the Family was present. By this time I had been rejected by 12 different publishing houses. There sat a Senior Editor from FOTF who immediately embraced my proposal and my dream came true.

What has helped you promote your books the most?

Speaking engagements enabling me to have a book table, with people to assist so no one walks away.

Having help at the book table is vital! What mistakes or wrong assumptions did you make with the marketing of your first book? Did those mistakes cause you to change?

That the publisher did everything. I began doing more social media visibility and kept knocking on doors of those who I believed needed what I have.

What’s the funniest thing that happened during a promotional activity?

When a man came out wearing a princess crown while serving at a Princess event. He wanted to be royalty too!

I love that! Is there something you did that really helped with marketing your books?

Increasing my speaking engagements.

Did you see God open any doors you never expected in the promotion of your books?

Yes, international promotion by Tyndale brought us to a much wider audience that I could have ever imagined.

Now that you have been writing a while, what do you find works best for you in promoting your work and why?

Partnering with others that have like-kind ministries. Two work better than one and we bless/promote each other in the process.

What are your top tips for writers with their first book contract?

Ask the publisher and seasoned writers their top tips. That will take you further than anything! It takes courage to ask so overcome your fear and go for it!

Thank you for sharing, Doreen!

To learn more about Doreen and her books, please visit Doreen’s website or at her Modern-Day Princess Headquarters website.

Writing for Him,

Sarah Sundin

Sarah’s website