Claim OwnershipInk and Impact for Christian Writers | How to Write a Book, Self-Publish, Christian Book, Book Marketing, Nonfiction Book
Subscribed: 18Played: 266
Subscribe
© 2026 Ink and Impact for Christian Writers
Description
- Confused about how to write a book?
- Struggling to find time to write?
- Ready to learn a step-by-step process to self-publish like a pro?
Welcome to Ink and Impact, the podcast for Christian writers who want to self-publish their first nonfiction book. I’m your host, Dalene Bickel – a Jesus-loving book coach and founder of Lasting Legacies Publishing.
I’ve worked in the self-publishing industry for 29 years and I’ve written and published more than a dozen nonfiction books for clients (and myself).
What started out as a way to help retirees privately publish their life stories expanded in 2021 when the Lord called me to serve Christian writers.
I believe the Lord is calling Christian writers just like you – writers of all ages, races, and nationalities. Writers who are willing to create quality nonfiction books that offer the light, hope, and truth of Christ to a weary and waiting world.
Books that make a true impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy.
Maybe that resonates with you. Maybe you feel led to write a faith-based business or how-to book, memoir, devotional, or Bible study.
But as a busy business owner, parent of littles, family caregiver (or a combo of all three), your dream of becoming an author might seem out of reach right now.
The reality is that God has given you a message to share right now for a reason.
Here on the podcast, I’ll help you develop a publishing plan, write your manuscript, self-publish your book, and sell more copies no matter how much - or little- time you have.
Join me here each week as I bring you rotating content full of practical information and tangible tips as well as occasional interviews and industry insights, all from a Biblical perspective.
Get ready to:
- Replace distraction with productive action,
- Learn a clear step-by-step process, and
- Communicate your message in a way that attracts readers.
Fire up your computer and brew an extra pot of coffee, friend. It’s time to write your book and make an impact!
NEXT STEPS:
Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
Schedule a 1:1 Coaching Call
https://lastinglegacies.as.me/?appointmentType=39640667
Join the Publish Like a Pro Community
www.facebook.com/groups/publishpro/
Visit the Website
https://dalenebickel.com/ink-and-impact/
Email me:
info@inkandimpact.com
153 Episodes
Reverse
As I've mentioned before, there are no cookie-cutter solutions for authors. Such is the case for book length - what might be too long for one reader might be the perfect length for another. However, there are general rules of thumb and best practices you can use to determine when your manuscript is complete. I'm going to share 3 of those best practices with you today! Next Steps: Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish...
Do you want to write a book ... or is it the will of God that you write a book? There's a big difference. There's nothing wrong with creating a book based on your personal desire to do so, but when God wants you to write a book, it gives your book enhanced meaning and purpose. The impact will be bigger and can lead to unexpected blessings that you could never have imagined. This isn't a name it and claim it principle. Just because you write a book based on God's leading, it doesn't mean t...
What worked last year ... and what didn't? What goals do you have for your author career next year? It's important for every writer to ask themselves these questions. This episode is more than just a year in review summary, it digs deeper into why certain things may not have worked and showcases the importance of inviting God into your everyday author journey. Listen in to reflect, plan, and discover 3 resources to help you in the New Year: Your Path to Publishing (free guide) 1:1 Book Coa...
How consistent is your writing schedule right now?Do you feel guilty if you aren't writing for an hour (or more) every day?It's easy to compare ourselves with others but the reality is we all have different schedules and commitments. If you're struggling to write more often, you'll be encouraged by my guest Becca Yager as she shares her writing approach, which has less to do with the number of writing sessions and more to do with trusting God and His timing. Today's interview is the fif...
"I wish I hadn't sold so many books," said no author ever. Authors ALWAYS want to sell more books, but most of the time, they simply don't know HOW. The good news is that regardless of whether you're a first-time aspiring author or a seasoned multi-book household name, there are ways you can consistently sell more books - yes, even your backlist titles. Here's a crucial fact you need to know: Nonfiction books are marketed much differently than fiction books. If you've been r...
Has God called you to write a book but you don't feel qualified?Do you work full time and wonder how you'd ever fit writing a book into your busy schedule?Have you ever wondered if anyone would even buy your book if you took the time to write it?If so, you'll be encouraged and inspired by Kim Oswalt who shared those same questions but decided to simply step out in obedience to become the writer God called her to be. Today's interview is the fourth in a series of 6 bonus episodes that shine a ...
Are you ready to self-publish your nonfiction book? Are you 100% certain? Maybe the deadline is looming and you're scurrying around, trying to do all the last-minute things. But have you taken the time to honestly evaluate the big-picture things that can make or break your book's success? Anyone can learn how to write a book. You need to create one that stands out. And the majority of authors (both traditional and self-published) sell fewer than 100 copies. Ever. Not just on launch day, but c...
Have you ever been led to include something in your book that seems completely random?Do you wonder how networking applies to authors?Are you overlooking opportunities to serve others with your writing?In today's episode, you'll learn how God can use your past experiences and current talents to create a meaningful legacy in a variety of unexpected ways. This interview is the third in a series of 6 bonus episodes that shine a spotlight on just a few of the amazing members of my Christian Autho...
Are you ready to write a profitable nonfiction book? If so, today's episode is for you. Just to be clear, today's episode isn't about marketing tips and sales strategies - I'll talk more about those in future episodes. Before you get upset and accuse me of clickbait, I encourage listen through to the end. You'll soon discover that profitability extends far beyond our bank accounts. In fact, it starts with a focus on your readers. If you don't write a book that meets re...
Have you ever found yourself ostracized from a group you thought was your tribe?Have you ever doubted that you can be accepted for who you are?Have you ever felt somewhat adrift after the frenzy of finishing a book on a tight deadline?If so, you'll relate with today's guest and benefit from her insights and infectious joy. Today's interview is the second in a series of 6 bonus episodes that shine a spotlight on just a few of the amazing members of my Christian Authors in Action communit...
You're a Christian entrepreneur who has heard all the benefits of writing a book - attract new clients, become seen as an authority or thought leader in your field, be invited to speak on bigger stages...That all sounds great, but you have an even bigger purpose than that. You want to share your expertise to help others and make a meaningful Kingdom impact. And all of that sounds like it will take a lot of time and effort. You WANT to write a book but you simply don't fe...
This interview with artist and writer Holly Beals is the first in a series of 6 bonus episodes to shine a spotlight on a few of the amazing members of my Christian Authors in Action community. Listen in to discover how you can tap into your own creativity and apply simple strategies and processes to become more focused and productive during your writing sessions. CONNECT WITH HOLLY BEALS Website - https://hollybeals.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hollybeals/ Join Holly and D...
Get ready to make an impact AND an income from your book. In this 1-hour live masterclass you'll learn: How to get laser-focused on your publishing goalsMy signature self-publishing frameworkThe 3 keys to selling more books and generating more income opportunities Sign up today to make sure you don't miss it. Remember, it's completely FREE! Register here and invite a fellow writing friend! What additional topics would you like to learn about? Ready to write and self-publish your first no...
Have you felt God nudging you to write a book, but you haven't started it yet? Or maybe He called you to write a book years ago and you began the project, but then you allowed distractions to cause you to place it on the back burner. Maybe you've been keeping that book simmering in the background, occasionally giving it a stir, but maybe you turned off the heat, walked away, and let it grow cold. Regardless of how long your book's been sitting on that back burner, it's time to move it t...
If you're trying to write a book but are constantly second guessing your every step ...If you feel overwhelmed by all the to-dos on your self-publishing checklist ...If you're constantly distracted and unfocused in your writing efforts, orIf you're simply not even sure why you're writing anymore,This episode is for you! In a world that gets crazier every day, it's critical that we work with clarity and purpose. And in a world that's constantly telling us we need to do this, that, AND the othe...
Have you ever wondered: "How can I reach more readers?""How can I sell more books?""How can I improve my book marketing efforts?"If so, you're not alone. I don't know a single author who wouldn't like to sell more books and reach more readers to make a bigger impact. The good news is that in order to sell more books, you don't have to spend a fortune or block off large chunks of time. You just need to apply the four simple strategies I share in today's episode of the Ink and Impact podcast. G...
Self-publishing offers a host of benefits, including - and most importantly - that you get to retain all the rights to your content and you have full access to all of your marketing analytics. But in order to actually sell books and make the kingdom impact you want to make, you have to self-publish strategically. In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 things you should NOT do in order to self-publish a book that sells. Go grab a pen and notebook and let's dive in! R...
Have you ever said something like: "I don't want to market myself.""I want to give God the glory, not myself.""I'm writing a book to help others, not puff myself up."Those are all valid concerns. As Christians, we absolutely should give God all the glory and focus on serving others rather than ourselves. But I don't think that means Christian writers aren't supposed to build an author brand. Quite the contrary. I believe it's important to let potential readers get to know you, the author.&nbs...
Are you busy and distracted by all your day-to-day responsibilities?Trying to figure out how to fit writing a book into your already overcommitted schedule?Wish you could achieve a different level of focus?In this episode of Ink & Impact, I’m sharing 4 simple and practical writing strategies so you can finally get focused and write your book faster. Related Resources: Snag a free copy of Your Path to Publishing Ep.129 - How to Write a Book Faster (without Generative AI) Ep.80 - Ho...
A couple of years ago I hosted a morning coffee chat for Christian writers in my area. Later that day, I received a message from someone I had invited who asked, “How do you know if you’re a Christian writer?” She had been interested in attending, but didn’t go because she didn’t feel qualified. Remembering this led me to create today's. Listen in to discover 3 tips for beginning authors who are writing their first Christian book. Schedule a 1:1 Coaching Call New and ...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States