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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Launch TODAY for Letters to God on a Prodigal Son
Friday, November 4, 2011
Letters to God on a Prodigal Son Book Launch Nov. 8th
This Tuesday Nov. 8th, the long awaited book launch for Letters to God... will take place. Many FREE gifts and prizes will be awarded as well as a chance to win gift cards to some of your favorite stores. I've been contacting everyone on the network since this summer and it's not too late to join in! Just post this blog, facebook or tweets I've sent to the forum and posted on our group page.Here is the link for the FREE gifts and landing page information.
Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son—Overcoming Addiction Through Prayer is the poignant, true story of a parent's journey through the minefield of her adult child's addiction. This book will help you find peace in the midst of your tsunami and the secret to victorious prayer! Letters to God is a powerful journal packed with prayers, practical advice and key spiritual insights. It will help unlock the secrets to successful prayer, not only for those dealing with prodigals, but for anyone facing their own storm.
1. Tell me about your newest book, Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son?
This power packed journal and guide was birthed from the painful passage I experienced while navigating the minefield of my son’s addiction. I kept a diary that contained many insightful prayers, letters, and scriptures that I thought would help others navigate the turbulent waters of a prodigal’s addiction, so I worked on transforming it into a book. I added two sections, Lessons Learned and Suggestions that I thought would further help others to avoid some of the pitfalls I experienced, while offering a lifeline of hope. At the time my son was going through this terrible ordeal, I couldn’t find any Christian books on the subject that gave practical and spiritual, not textbook, advice. Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son was designed to fit this need. It’s filled with the heart-felt letters and prayers of a mother, key spiritual insights and practical advice. My desire in writing this book is to help others and minister to them though this true life story.
2. What did you learn from this experience?
I learned that God is faithful even when we’re not, even when we get mad at Him and don’t understand what he’s doing. God wants us to draw near to Him and cast ALL our concerns, cares, worries and anxieties on Him. He has very big shoulders to carry our burdens and for us to lean on and even weep upon. I also learned that God is true to His word. You can believe His promises as long as you understand them, have faith and continue to trust God with the outcome. I also learned that it’s very important to surrender your prodigal to God. That’s the best place for them.
3. What one issue ignites your passion?
Prayer and an intimate relationship with God are my two deepest passions. I want others to know how much God really cares for us and wants to know us. He gives us so many great gifts nestled in His promises. I want others to know how they can avail themselves of these treasures and go deeper with God. It is my desire to help others who face life’s challenges to know and understand how they can be victorious—in Jesus.
Here are some great reviews on Amazon. Some of them from our own John 3:16 members:
Letters to God on a Prodigal Son not only shares insights into the spiritual realm and explains the war that is waged against our children's souls, but Author Anita Estes teaches, how through prayer, faith and worship, one can be victorious over the powers of evil that hold our children in bondage. This journal accompanied with the lessons learned is a powerful tool for any parent finding themselves in similar circumstances.
This practical book will lift your faith and encourage you in your fight for your child's life. Throughout the entries, faith-filled prayers are included that are based on the scriptures to assist you in your battle. Understanding the spiritual realm, this mother shares how prayer and worship are some of your most powerful weapons to be waged in this war.
Addiction is rampant in our country, seizing our children and adults alike, dragging them into the darkest pit. In this book, God's hand is not so short that He cannot pull anyone from the deepest pit of despair of addiction and set them free. A triumphant story of faith tested in the fire of affliction, this book is recommended for anyone with a family member struggling with the stranglehold of addiction.
This book will greatly increase your faith and helps others to stand firm in their faith. A genuine love of prayer will be ignited within your soul with this book, learn how to come close to God through prayer, petition and worship. This book is proof positive that God is a Mighty Deliverer and is still in the business of answering the prayers of the faithful. Truly He has the power to work all things out for good.
A highly recommend read and a wonderfully written book, witness the transformation of a mother who felt helpless to help her son, but turns to God and never lets go. Watch her faith grow and her son find freedom, redemption and deliverance. This true story will touch your heart and give you the faith to keep holding on. This book is truly a triumphant and wonderful testimony to the saving power of God and the power of prayer. Thank you Anita Estes for sharing your story and writing this book. CBM Book Reviews
Estes' writing is straightforward, fluent and easy to read, so much so that I was tempted to rush through the book (it's a page turner) without taking time to grasp the seriousness and depth of the narrative.
The final outcome is proof positive that God does answer prayers, but not before Estes, her husband, who himself is battling self-esteem issues, and their two other children come out of denial and face the reality that their loved one is a drug addict and needs to be treated with the tough love that eventually helps in Ben's recovery.
This book should be required reading in schools to help parents and students recognize the dangers of alcohol as a gateway to harsher drugs, a fact often overlooked. Yvonne Pat Wright
Letters to God on a Prodigal Son is a fantastic book to help parents with addicted children cope with everyday life. It takes a lot of prayer and you learn quickly how to walk a tightrope. How high? It gets higher everyday.
I teach 3 recovery classes weekly. I'll be using this book. With God...we're finding 95% success rates, so I'm good with that! I'm happy! Jay Miller
Thank you to all of you who are helping make this a successful launch for God's Kingdom! Anita Estes
Monday, October 31, 2011
Guest Post by Amanda Stephan
Let's Celebrate the Launch of Amanda's New Book
Lonely Hearts
Lonely Hearts
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Book Launch Party for
Lonely Hearts
One lonely mother. Two matchmaking kids. Three eligible bachelors. What could possibly go wrong?
~ a Sweet Christian Romance ~
November 1st
Purchase Lonely Hearts from Amazon.com and add your confirmation number to the form on my website (www.booksbyamanda.com) for a chance to win a Nook, Kindle, iPod Shuffle, and receive LOTS of great eGifts from some very talented authors! Offer good only on November 1st.
Sample the First Chapter Here
Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan
Chapter 1
Becky Callis was new in town, and she felt her intrusion.
A bearded man outside the hardware store stopped sweeping with broom in mid-air, narrowly watching them as they drove past, perhaps wondering if she were the type to plunder and loot his shop. A couple of older women that had been chatting outside a tiny florist shop suddenly turned to stone, their mouths gaping open, possibly wondering what kind of woman would be caught dead in such an old pick-up truck. Becky even imagined one of their tongues hung out. She repressed a giggle and waved, receiving a incredulous half-wave from one of the women, and no acknowledgement from anyone else. She hated being stared at, and tried to keep a somewhat pleasant smile pasted on her freckled face as she drove through. She could feel her fair skin literally burning with embarrassment.
Her thirteen year old daughter, Jen, gave her a twisted frown. “Mom, what is wrong with these people?” She asked, her pixie face turning dark red as a teenage boy waved at her. “They act like they’ve never seen strangers before!”
Becky’s grin grew larger and more realistic as she gave a two-finger salute to the policeman leaning on his squad car with arms crossed as if daring her to go faster than the posted thirty mile an hour sign. Obediently, she stopped at the one red light the town could boast of and waited for it to turn green.
“I guess,” she said with a shrug, watching an old man sitting outside a diner pretend to read a newspaper. He spit tobacco juice into a jar and set it down next to his chair, his bushy eyebrows making it very clear what he was looking at. “They don’t get too many newcomers here.”
Her face nearly as red as her mother’s, Jen grimaced and pushed her sleeping brother’s head off her shoulder onto the vinyl headrest instead. “Well that’s fine, but they don’t have to stare. Makes me feel like we’re pets in a pet shop!”
“Or beef at a cattle auction.” Becky laughed at her discomfort, noticing that the green light flickered faintly before going completely out. She drove on at the urging of the honking car behind her before she spoke. Jen grunted. “Oh don’t worry, they’ll get used to us and I’m pretty sure you’re going to like it here. Just think,” she said brightly, turning onto a dirt road the ratty map indicated. “We’re celebrities!”
Jen laughed and looked out the window, taking in the country scene before her, the nosy townsfolk left behind. Large open fields of tall grass, trees lining the road, and mountains off in the distance made it a lovely scene she couldn’t find fault with.
Becky smiled a sad, wistful smile, thankful she had her kids.
In the nine lonely years following Frank’s death, she often found herself wondering how she was supposed to cope and go on as she desperately missed her ‘better half.’
Well, I’ll never forget what Frank looked like, she thought a little morosely to herself as she glanced over at Jeff. Tall for his eleven years, his cherubic face hid a wealth of mischievousness and humor that always brightened her day, especially when he looked at her with his guilty dark brown eyes as if to say he were extremely sorry for some prank he was about to pull or had pulled. Just like his father. Her heart wrenched with sadness, and she quickly turned her thoughts to another source of comfort.
Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan
Jen. When she looked at her daughter, it was like she was looking into a mirror. Petite, sassy copper hair that loved being just a tad on the unmanageable side, her hazel eyes full of compassion and loyalty, quick to laugh and quick to cry, she promised to be a beauty when she got older. Like her mother.
At least that’s what Frank had always said, Becky fought against the lump that insisted on forming in her throat as more memories of her dead husband flooded in.
Just in time to stop a tirade of reminiscent thoughts that would push her into a melancholy spirit, Jeff let out a terrific snore and wetly smacked his lips, making them erupt into giggles as his head lolled once again onto his sister’s shoulder. She rolled her eyes, but didn’t move him.
A few minutes later, Becky pulled into what looked like a tractor path instead of a driveway and stopped abruptly when a home came into view. “Jen, would you please check the address and see if this is the right place.” She asked solemnly, studying the old, dilapidated farm house, complete with thigh-high weeds for a lawn.
Brittle shutters hung on by sheer will-power next to dusty, grimy windows, a huge, antique antenna clutched a thin wire as if for dear life and tapped against the side of the house, knocking off peeling paint with every slight breeze, while a rustic lean-to that served as a shed as well as termite dessert, stood dejectedly off to one side of the drive. She tried to stifle a laugh and ended up snorting instead.
“Mom,” Jen answered doubtfully, looking at the paper in her hand. “This is the right place,” she wrinkled her nose, “but I don’t think the guy you’re renting it from told you the truth. Didn’t he say it was nice?”
They looked over at each other and burst out laughing, waking Jeffrey out of a terrific snore storm.
He bolted upright and rubbed his eyes and looked out the window. “Huh? What? What are you guys laughing at? Why are we stopped here?” He asked suspiciously.
“Welcome home kids,” Becky said, grinning as she pulled up alongside the drooping porch and turned off the truck.
Jen opened her door and glanced down at the weeds. Becky could almost see her thinking about ticks and bugs getting on her. “Oh my word,” she muttered as she looked around, a dismal frown on her face. “How are we supposed to get in? Is he going to meet us here or something?”
Jeff, always ready for an adventure, hopped out of the truck and ran to the porch. “He said he would leave the key under the mat by the front door. Come on,” he said as he ran, wanting to be there before his more precautious sister.
Unthinking, he yanked on the handle of the screen door, causing the whole thing to fall right off the frame on top of him. “Uh, mom?” He hung his head in shame, embarrassed that he’d already broken something. “I think we’re going to need a new screen door!”
“I’m pretty sure that’s not the only thing we’re going to have to work on.” Jen laughed, thankful that it had happened to him, and not her.
“Noted!” Becky answered good-naturedly, giving him a thumbs-up. She unlatched the tailgate, smacking her hands across her jeans in an effort to erase the dust she’d accrued during their long hours of driving with the windows down.
“Hey mom!” Jeff called, putting an end to her depressing musings. “You should see the beehive up here!” He pointed to a gigantic paper wasp hive in the corner of the porch ceiling.
Jen jumped off the porch, squealing as Jeff picked up a stick to poke at the hive. “Jeffrey Allen! Don’t you dare!”
“Did you find the key?” Becky called, trying to distract Jeff from the beehive.
Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan
“You don’t need it,” he said, innocently trying to hide the stick behind his back. “The door’s open.”
“Leave it alone,” warned Becky just as he was about to give the hive a good whack as she turned to go back to the truck.
“Aww,” mumbled Jeff, dropping the stick and shuffling to the car with his hands in his pockets. “Do you have eyes in the back of your head or something?” He grumbled, stepping up next to her as she pulled some boxes toward the edge of the tailgate of her old beat-up Chevy.
“Here,” she said, handing him a smaller box. “Why don’t you two help me and take some of these boxes in the house. And no. I don’t have eyes in the back of my head, I just know you awfully well.” She smiled indulgently at him, ruffling his thick hair.
Jen grabbed a box and started hauling it to the porch. “Too bad we sold our mower. Maybe we should get a cow!” She looked hopefully back at her mother.
“What’s the matter? Don’t you like the grass?” Becky laughed as she pushed more boxes near the end of the truck making it easier for the kids to grab them.
“Grass?” Jeff asked dubiously, struggling with his load. “If it were any taller, it would be over my head!”
Sensing her opportunity to pick on her brother, Jen blurted, “What do you mean, ‘would be’? It already is!”
Somewhat sensitive about his size, he glared ferociously at her, making her stifle any more comments she might have had.
“Come on now,” Becky said repressing a grin as she slapped him on the back. “Let’s all get along now. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’m going to need lots of help. Here,” she handed a box of cleaning supplies to Jen, and a broom and mop to Jeff. “Please take these into the kitchen.”
They did as they were told, quietly quarreling amongst themselves as they left her to stack things on the porch. Becky was just setting down another load when she heard a loud crash and screams coming from the kitchen. Immediately dropping everything, her heart in her throat, she raced into the house expecting something terrible.
Looking wildly around the kitchen, she was surprised to see both kids standing on the chipped white Formica counter, their faces white with terror. “What is it?” A large box of pots and pans lay ominously in the middle of the tiny kitchen and several lids had rolled over toward the antique refrigerator. This had obviously been the loud crash she had heard outside. Nudging the upset box with her toe, she wondered momentarily if a large poisonous spider had hitched a ride from their previous home and had scared the kids.
Jen pointed to the small utility closet at the end of the room while she clutched Jeff’s arm with the other. “There’s an animal in there!” She said, shuddering with horror. “I think it’s a huge rat!”
“Of all the things we have to have in the house, it’s got to be a rat!” Becky said shuddering convulsively, her lips stretched in a thin line. She hated rats and mice more than anything, and was always disgusted whenever she had to deal with them for some reason or other.
Cautiously, she grabbed a broom and tiptoed to the door, listening intently for any sound inside. Jeff shrugged off his sister’s hand and lightly jumped down off the counter, interested in seeing for himself what was in the closet. “Do you hear anything?” he whispered.
Becky shook her head and gently twisted the knob, ready to use the broom as a weapon and squash whatever it was. Slowly, she pulled the creaky door open. Taking a deep breath, she peeped
Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan
inside and caught sight of two brown eyes looking back at her. Opening the door all the way, she found to her surprise and immense relief, a pair of baby raccoons.
“Oh look,” she said, motioning for Jen to come down from her perch and look.
“They’re so cute,” Jeff said, poking his head inside the door so he wouldn’t miss a chance to see what had caused all the fuss. “Can we keep them?” he asked, looking up hopefully.
“No way,” Jen said, finally getting up the nerve to climb down. “That thing scared me to death.”
“I wonder how they got in here,” Becky mumbled, looking around the closet.
“Maybe it got in through there,” Jeff said, pointing to the broken floor register. When he stepped in to get a closer look, one of the raccoons backed up to the wall and hissed menacingly at him.
“I think we’re not going to get to keep either of these little critters,” Becky said, pulling him back out of the closet by the back of his shirt. “Go open the front door and I’ll try to sweep them out. Jen, get the mop and head them off if they try to escape.” Obediently, Jen grabbed the mop as Becky started sweeping both hissing and angry raccoons out the door. Finally, after three mishaps with one of the raccoons almost getting away and Jen re-climbing the counter screaming, they managed to sweep them both to freedom. Laughing, they hurriedly shut the door before they could change their minds and come back in.
“Jeff,” Becky said, turning to him. “Get the tool box out of the front of the truck and see if you can try to fix that register so they can’t get back in that way.” Jeff’s face lit up, happy to have a ‘man’s job’ to do.
“We don’t have much more to do,” Becky sighed, as she and Jen went outside to finish unpacking the truck.
Her face red with exertion, Jen swept a few strands of hair back and stood erect, trying to unkink her back after lugging a large box into the front room. “I sure am glad that we decided to have those yard sales before we moved.”
Becky puffed and tried to navigate around the room with her vision blocked by the load of boxes in her arms. “Oh come on, don’t you think it would have been interesting for you, Jeff, and I to carry in a couch?” She laughed as she and Jen slid down the wall and finally slumped to the floor, relaxing.
With an air of delight and pride, Jeff came in and joined them, his grin splitting his face in half. “I tried to fix that register the best I could. I don’t think he’ll be back. Duct tape fixes everything!”
Becky clapped him on the back. “Thanks. And thank you too Jen. I appreciate both of your help.” She leaned back and closed her eyes, drained.
Contentedly, they sat for a few minutes, hoping this could be the last move.
“Mom,” Jen said, her alarmed voice breaking the silence. “Someone’s here.”
Groaning, Becky stood up and arched her back just in time to see an old flat bed farm truck coming up the rutted drive.
“It could be the guy we’re renting from,” she said, unsure of herself. Quickly, she tucked a few stray hairs behind her ears and dusted off her jeans, trying to look presentable to whoever it was.
As it neared the house, the truck turned off the driveway to park in the long grass right in front of their door. A bent over old man in greasy overalls managed to get out and limp up the steps, chewing on a weed. He spat it out and knocked before he entered the room uninvited.
Alarmed, Becky stood with her hands on her hips, ready to push the fragile looking man out the door if necessary.
“Howdy,” he drawled, eyeing her and the two kids. “Name’s Pickles.” He stuck out a grubby, calloused hand her way, obviously intending to shake.
Lonely Hearts by Amanda Stephan
Becky took his hand and gave it a light squeeze and a gentle shake, afraid she would hurt him. “You’re the landlord?” She asked, looking over his shoulder at her open-mouthed kids.
He ran his hands up and down his overalls straps, amused. “Yup,” he said, glancing around at all the boxes. “This all ya got?”
“Yup,” Jeff mimicked humorously before Becky could answer. She shot him a warning look, her scowl deepening as he shrugged his shoulders and smiled like a Cheshire cat.
“That’s my kind of boy,” the old man grinned, scratching his bald head. “Ya got a year lease and yer rent is due the first of the month,” he said, getting right to the point. “I live right down the road to the left if ya be needin’ anything, just give me a holler. Glad ya made it,” he stuck his hand out again.
Liking his simple, country ways, Becky found herself pumping his hand up and down a little more enthusiastically this time. “There is one thing we need, if you wouldn’t mind. I don’t have a lawnmower.” She raised her eyebrows as she tried to give him the hint as she walked him out to the porch.
A look of pure astonishment passed across his weathered features as he scratched his head again. He thought a moment before answering. “Well ya ain’t got to worry about the grass. It’ll die in a few weeks when it gets colder out.”
Becky followed him to his truck, not quite ready to give up. “You don’t have one? We’d really like to cut the grass.”
Jen snorted, close at her mother’s heels. She hated being left out of conversations. “Yeah, we can’t find Jeff if he steps off the path.” Becky nudged her in the ribs, making her squeak.
“Sure I got one,” he said, climbing into his truck. “Bye.” He waved as he put the old truck in gear and drove off, another long weed clutched between his teeth.
Stunned, they watched him leave, a trail of dust clouds hanging in the air. “I think that means he’ll bring it tomorrow,” Jeff said after a moment, joining them on the porch. Amused, they burst into laughter at their neighbor’s odd ways.
Becky ran a hand over her face, her eyes twinkling merrily. “Who’s hungry?”
Always anxious to eat, Jeff gave a loud whoop as he jumped in the air. “I’m starving! What’re we going to have?”
She shrugged, looking from one happy child to the other. “I thought we’d just go out for something tonight, what do you think?” Grinning at their exuberant ‘yes’, she clapped Jeff on his shoulder and grabbed her purse. “Let’s go!”
Monday, October 24, 2011
A New Way to Sample Christian Books
A New Way to Sample Christian Books
By Lorilyn Roberts
The following blurb in italics is quoted from Nathan Bransford’s blog, dated September 29, 2011.
“There is so much talk about self-published books in the writing-o-sphere. But have you actually read one?
Poll below -
Poll below -
· Yes
69%
69%· No
30%
30%Total Votes: 1,773
Also, your further thoughts requested in the comments section. Did you like the self-published book you read? Would you read another? Do you only read traditionally published books? Etc.”
The poll was under way when the comments were posted so it’s interesting to look back at the final results. I read most of the voluminous 285 responses. If you would like to peruse them, here is the link: http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2011/09/have-you-ever-read-self-published-book.html
While it’s hard to generalize from such a wide variety of responses, some things are clear:
1. There is still a lingering prejudice toward print-on-demand/self-published books.
2. Many readers do not think print-on-demand/self-published books are on par with industry-published books.
3. A sizable portion of readers have not read print-on-demand/self-published books.
4. Many who haven’t read print-on-demand/self-published books would if they could sample them for free.
Out of the menagerie of comments shared in this blog post, after much reflection, I came up with an idea which I will share in a moment. But first, I want to give my own thoughts about the findings from this survey. I have said this for a long time, although most traditionally-published authors won’t agree with me: Readers don’t care how a book is published. They might think they care because of preconceived notions that self-published books are in the category of “vanity” publishing, and therefore, inferior. In reality, however, when you dig deeper into those who are not biased, you will find what readers really care about is content. Content is king.
My American roots go deep. Some of my ancestors arrived with the Mayflower, and in the decades of colorful history since then, dreamers have made us a great nation. The key factors that made that possible: Freedom and a capitalist system where hard work, creativity, and perseverance rewarded those who didn’t give up. Do we really need gatekeepers to tell the world whether something is good? Do we need a hundred authors with unread manuscripts returned because the overworked acquisitions editor was two months behind opening her mail? In the past, because of the financial investment, book publishers decided which books would see the light of day. Most never did, making it very difficult for promising authors to get discovered.
My American roots go deep. Some of my ancestors arrived with the Mayflower, and in the decades of colorful history since then, dreamers have made us a great nation. The key factors that made that possible: Freedom and a capitalist system where hard work, creativity, and perseverance rewarded those who didn’t give up. Do we really need gatekeepers to tell the world whether something is good? Do we need a hundred authors with unread manuscripts returned because the overworked acquisitions editor was two months behind opening her mail? In the past, because of the financial investment, book publishers decided which books would see the light of day. Most never did, making it very difficult for promising authors to get discovered.
Put ten people in a room and I guarantee you, they won’t agree on everything. Chances are they will have different tastes on what they like to eat, where they want to go on vacation, and yes, certainly on what books are worth reading. The traditional way of publishing books squelches creativity. I have spent far too much time trying to understand what an acquisitions editor or agent wanted, where he wanted my manuscript sent, and then he lost my manuscript anyway. That wasted time could have been better spent procuring an editor, improving my writing, and publishing and marketing my book myself. That is exactly what I did eventually. My point, though, is that the readers didn’t care how my book was published. They did care that it was worth reading.
I believe the days of mailing a book to one hundred publishers over five years hoping to find a “taker” are gone. Why would anyone want to do that? Authors can publish their own books now—faster and more efficiently. It doesn’t mean that the traditional way won’t exist into the future. It does mean ALL publishing companies will be vying for supremacy in a rapidly changing environment where the old ways of doing things won’t work as well. Competition raises the standard and forces downward the cost of publishing. The reader benefits from more choices in books and the result is a brighter future for new authors who are gifted with an entrepreneurial mindset. The only requirement—write the best book.
While the John 3:16 Marketing Network is for Christian authors, I envision our paradigm being adopted for mainstream authors, though it may not be free. The hard work in the John 3:16 Marketing Network is borne by many who have a passion to serve. Opportunities abound to provide books to readers all over the world, not only through industry-published books, self-published and print-on-demand books, but e-books as well. I envision e-books becoming popular in countries where the shipment of p-books is not practical or affordable. We are on the cusp of a revolution in publishing, and the John 3:16 Marketing Network is at the forefront of marketing innovation. Readers want diversity, options, and choices. The John 3:16 Marketing Network is poised to experiment with new ideas and introduce readers to new ways to sample books. Again, I want to emphasize, let the reader have more choices and make it easier for him to sample.
Not only is it important for authors to provide readers with the best possible product, why not give book lovers “more flavors”? With the end of the year approaching, I have exciting news.
First, we will have a short Christmas membership drive to allow newcomers (authors and bloggers) to join without a referral (must believe in John 3:16).
Second, to celebrate our first full year of launching best-seller books on Amazon, we will be offering a free e-book, Fifty First Chapters From Christian Authors, a New Way to Sample Christian Books.
Third, we will be introducing a new John 3:16 Marketing Network Membership for readers. If you are interested, all you have to do is sign up to receive our e-zine. You will NOT be bombarded with emails because I don’t have time to write them. My goal is to provide access to the best undiscovered Christian literature in the world. In the future, we will serialize e-books; and offer coupons for free e-books, shorts stories, and anthologies by John 3:16 authors. Tell us what you want; we would love to hear your ideas.
Our first e-book, Fifty First Chapters From Christian Authors, a New Way to Sample Christian Books, will be released on December 15 (or sooner). To receive your free copy, all you need to do is sign up to receive our e-zine. Enjoy reading the first chapter of fifty books by fifty authors AT NO COST. Nothing like beginning a new book that whets your appetite for more. You won’t have to travel to a book store or surf the web to find the kind of book you want. We have made it easy for you to sample a large assortment of all kinds of books while drinking your latte at Starbucks, at home curled up on the sofa, or during your lunch break at work.
Our John 3:16 Marketing Network authors are known and unknown, young and old, first-time published and multi-published, standard-industry published, self-published, and print-on-demand published. Our goal is to glorify God in our writings and help each other to promote books with a Christian worldview. If you are interested, please sign up for our mailing list. On December 15 (maybe earlier), you will be emailed a coupon to get your free copy. We will also be posting previews of chapters ahead of the launch at http://john316mn.blogspot.com. More information will be forthcoming.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Promoting Your Book at New Christian Books
Learn more about marketing your books online through the New Christian Books community. Run by John 3:16 Author Marketing Network member Cheryl Rogers, New Christian Books is an online magazine and store dedicated to help Christian authors.
"I developed the magazine earlier this year to accommodate reciprocal blogging arrangements with fellow John 3:16 members," says Cheryl. "The magazine has expanded from book announcements and excerpts to product listings."
The magazine features regular author marketing news, a Bible column, and digital book news, plus news about the latest new books. The New Christian Books Online Store features kingdom-building books, plus Scripture posters and Scripture songs.
It is free to join the community and post new book announcements, excerpts and product listings. Part of the package is an affiliate program to help sell members' books, Cheryl says.
The affiliate program, which is also free to join, includes online sales tools members can place on their blogs and websites. The tools include banners, text ads, text links and the oh-so-cool page peels that entice readers to click on an ad.
"These tools are easy to use online where ever you have the right to place html code," Cheryl says.
The site offers authors four opportunities to directly promote their books: pre-release announcement, post-release announcement, book excerpt, and product offering. Authors can promote their name and brand by posting comments on the site.
Cheryl is dedicated to maintaining a free service for authors with a God-given message who may feel shut out of other retail outlets. There are no setup or registration fees, no maintenance fees, and no storage fees. The site will generate revenue by taking a percentage of sales, advertising, and by providing optional services. Authors can sell digital and print books, but must have the right to enter into sales agreements. Authors agree to drop ship print books; digital books will be available for instant downloading by customers.
Visit the magazine.
"I developed the magazine earlier this year to accommodate reciprocal blogging arrangements with fellow John 3:16 members," says Cheryl. "The magazine has expanded from book announcements and excerpts to product listings."
The magazine features regular author marketing news, a Bible column, and digital book news, plus news about the latest new books. The New Christian Books Online Store features kingdom-building books, plus Scripture posters and Scripture songs.
It is free to join the community and post new book announcements, excerpts and product listings. Part of the package is an affiliate program to help sell members' books, Cheryl says.
The affiliate program, which is also free to join, includes online sales tools members can place on their blogs and websites. The tools include banners, text ads, text links and the oh-so-cool page peels that entice readers to click on an ad.
"These tools are easy to use online where ever you have the right to place html code," Cheryl says.
The site offers authors four opportunities to directly promote their books: pre-release announcement, post-release announcement, book excerpt, and product offering. Authors can promote their name and brand by posting comments on the site.
Cheryl is dedicated to maintaining a free service for authors with a God-given message who may feel shut out of other retail outlets. There are no setup or registration fees, no maintenance fees, and no storage fees. The site will generate revenue by taking a percentage of sales, advertising, and by providing optional services. Authors can sell digital and print books, but must have the right to enter into sales agreements. Authors agree to drop ship print books; digital books will be available for instant downloading by customers.
Visit the magazine.
Monday, October 17, 2011
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Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Book Launch Today on Amazon - FIT FOR FAITH, by Kimberley. Payne
BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT
Kimberley Payne, author and speaker, is launching her book Fit for Faith - 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health on
Tuesday, October 11th at Amazon.com. You can help Kimberley achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at Amazon.com TODAY!
About the book
This book unites physical health and spiritual health through a 7-week program to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. It is a reference on cardiovascular exercise, strength training, prayer, healthy eating, Bible study, flexibility exercise and journal writing.
About the Author
Kimberley Payne is a motivational speaker and author. Her writings relate raising a family, pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and everyday experiences to building a relationship with God. Through her work, Kimberley hopes to inspire women to live happier, healthier lives that glorify God. Kimberley is a former personal trainer and has worked in the designing and counseling fields of weight control, stress management, self esteem improvement and wellness programs. She enjoys recreational activities with her husband and two children near Peterborough, Ontario. You can visit her website at www.kimberleypayne.com
Bonus!
Buy Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical on Tuesday, October 11th and receive loads of FREE gifts from many generous supporters.
Sample chapters, Bible studies, short stories, and children’s books from acclaimed, best selling and debut Christian authors.
All if you buy your copy of Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health at Amazon.com on October 11th 2011!
These free gifts are valid on Tuesday, October 11th only.
Disclaimer
This Best Seller book launch has been coordinated with the help of the John 3:16 Marketing Network and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the Internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, Amazon.com
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Book Launch of Fit For Faith, by Kimberley Payne
Tuesday, October 11, ONE DAY ONLY! Get FREE gifts when you buy Kimberley Payne's e-book, Fit for Faith – 7 weeks to improved spiritual & physical health. For details see: http://kimberleypayne.wordpress.com
Speaking by Kimberley Payne
Kimberley has taught workshops in a variety of settings including churches, women's retreats, writers' conferences, and Women Alive conferences. Kimberley's energetic and enthusiastic presentations motivate individuals to reach their goals.
Fit for Prayer
Learn how to fit prayer and physical activity into your daily routine
This workshop unites physical health and spiritual health to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. In this highly interactive session, you will gain insight into how to incorporate prayer and fitness into your daily round.
Learn how to fit prayer and physical activity into your daily routine
This workshop unites physical health and spiritual health to lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God. In this highly interactive session, you will gain insight into how to incorporate prayer and fitness into your daily round.
Food for thought
Find out how to nourish your body and spirit through healthy eating and Bible study
Just as eating healthy foods nourishes your body, Bible study nourishes your spirit. You will learn practical suggestions and scriptural guidance to achieve your goals. Feel the joy of a healthier and more spiritually fit life.
Find out how to nourish your body and spirit through healthy eating and Bible study
Just as eating healthy foods nourishes your body, Bible study nourishes your spirit. You will learn practical suggestions and scriptural guidance to achieve your goals. Feel the joy of a healthier and more spiritually fit life.
Flex your Spirit
Discover a new way to express yourself with God through journal writing and stretching
Taking care of yourself physically is one way to honor God with your body. Your thoughts and emotions directly influence your physical health. Learn how to recharge your physical and emotional health through stretching activities for your body and spirit.
Discover a new way to express yourself with God through journal writing and stretching
Taking care of yourself physically is one way to honor God with your body. Your thoughts and emotions directly influence your physical health. Learn how to recharge your physical and emotional health through stretching activities for your body and spirit.
List of clients:
- Authentic Women of Canada (AWOC), Burlington
- Baptist Church, Peterborough
- Calvary Pentecostal Church, Peterborough
- Christian Reform Church, Orillia
- Emmanuel Pentecostal Church, Port Perry
- Fellowship Baptist Church, Cobourg
- First Baptist Church, Brampton
- Good Words, Toronto
- Lakeshore St. Andrew's Presbyterian, Tecumseh
- Millbrook Christian Assembly, Millbrook
- Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC), Ottawa
- St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, King City
- The Word Guild, Guelph and Toronto
- Women Alive, Peterborough and Toronto
Custom presentations are available.
Endorsements
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Tillson author parents with help from God
I just wanted to share this link with all of you as it was a major breakthrough to get this published in a secular paper here in New York. Tillson author parents with help from God...Now that's quite the headline!Praying for all your launches...Anita Estes
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Book Launch for The Book of Ruth A Story of Love and Redemption
I want to invite you to be a partner in my Book Launch:
The Book of Ruth A Story of Love and Redemption
It is a Daily-Bible-Reading Study of The Book of Ruth from the Bible.
It is an E-Book. I am self-publishing it through Christian Daily Resources.
The launch date is November 15th.
There will also be a Book Showcase November 10-14.
Mark your calendars
I will appreciate anything you can do to help with this launch.
Some of the things you might do to help.
Do a post on your site about the Book Launch
Donate a gift or e-gift as a giveaway the day of the launch.
Post messages on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In or
any other social network you are affiliated with.
Send out a message to your email list.
Tell your friends and family about my book.
You may ask what is in it for you.
I have many friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked-In.
You will get a lot of exposure.
I will also be happy to send any of you a pdf copy that requests it of my book, The Book of Ruth A Story of Love and Redemption.
The mission of this book is “Sharing God’s Word” with the world. I have friends all over the world, some in foreign countries, who are in areas where the word is not freely available as it is here. My desire is to get His word out. I will be an honor if you will commit to join me with this task. If you are interested in partnering with me please send me a message and let me know how you can help. Thank you so much!
May God bless you all!
Deborah H. Bateman
http://www.deborahhbateman.com
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