Into the Fire

I'm not going to tell you how to write. I will tell you what works for me. I'm not going to give you ultimatums and start capitulating all the writing rules. I will say that if you do certain things which I have done in the beginning of this novel writing business, your writing will appear to be unprofessional and unready to attract those who hold the keys to publication.

And I can say this much: if you decide to go the ebook route and don't put your best effort forward, you will be contributing to the poor reputation that self-published authors desperately fight to overcome. It's a reputation that had its foundation in truthful analysis. Sloppy, poor writing with unintentional grammatical errors and proofreading failures. Sure, you put a book out, but it's hardly something to find satisfaction in if it's full of mistakes. Just being a storyteller isn't enough.

I can also say you can do it all right, well, even very well and not find the right door that opens to publication – at least not right away. It might come down to the decision to go ahead and self-publish a trade paper book or an e-book. It might. If it does, do it right. Do it well. Yes, even very well. Because all you have in the end is what you put out with your name on it. And that matters. As a Christian, it should matter a lot. Give your best to honor the Lord.

Father, we need your help, your inspiration, your direction, and your encouragement and prodding. We need it all. Help us to give our best for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.