STEP #1: Establish a Prayer Team
Six years ago, I sent a Facebook message to several godly women, explaining my desire to form a prayer team and inviting them to participate. I requested a one-year commitment, which each woman accepted. My team was formed, and though membership has changed slightly over the years, it still exists today.
If you establish a team, practicing consistency will promote effectiveness. For instance, it’s helpful to create a daily, weekly, or monthly prayer schedule. Also, it’s best to specify needs rather than asking for prayer in general. Are you facing a critical deadline? Sending a proposal? Nearing your book launch? Details regarding your career should be communicated on a regular basis. Let's entrust our writing ministry to the faithful prayers of others. It makes a powerful difference. The Lord delights in the prayers of His people, and He answers.
STEP #2: Grow Your Platform
Blogging and social media help us build an audience, a necessary career component whether we self-publish or seek a traditional publisher.
Blogging Tips:
• Post regularly.
• Write valuable content.
• Choose a mission for your blog and stick to it.
• Limit posts to 1,000 words or less.
• Edit before posting.
Social Media Tips:
• Focus on using two platforms well (advice I heard from Edie Melson, who specializes in social media.)
• Utilize a scheduling tool, such as Hootsuite (also recommended by Edie Melson) – I use the free plan to post on Twitter. I don’t use it for Facebook, however, because of the FB algorithm.
• Incorporate video – People respond well to videos, and according to Bill Carmody, “video will dominate for the foreseeable future.” (Check out his article HERE for helpful insights.) I can attest to the effectiveness of video, too, due to my Devotions for Women videos. They generally reach farther on Facebook than my blog posts, and one video in particular has received 200+ likes on Twitter.
STEP #3: Write A Lot for Free
Following this advice from Cindy Jones in my early writing days has produced fabulous results. It encouraged me throughout my years of writing for Sophie Woman’s Magazine, and it prompted me to write for ZMI Family Ministries International, then known as Zookeepers Ministries. While I didn’t receive monetary compensation, these opportunities created name-awareness, improved my writing skills, and provided experience in meeting deadlines. PLUS… I met a retired LifeWay editor through ZMI. She connected me with LifeWay’s head of adult publishing, who connected me with my current editor for Journey Magazine. God is so good!
As you aim to move forward in your writing career, which of these steps will you take next?
Note: Portions of this post first appeared in “Writer Steps” on May 1, 2018 at www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com.
Feeling overwhelmed or perplexed about how to progress as a writer? Consider three steps that will enhance your writing career. via @emilywickhamPH @MaryAFelkins #ChristianWriter #WritingTips #SeriouslyWrite
EMILY WICKHAM seeks to stir hearts toward Jesus. She writes for Journey Magazine, a LifeWay publication, speaks at ladies’ events, and shares “Devotions for Women” videos on social media. Emily encourages Christian women plus equips Christian writers on her blog, www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com. She is the author of one Bible study, which was translated into Spanish in 2016. Emily, a resident of North Carolina, is Mark’s wife of 29+ years. They are the blessed parents of four children and one daughter-in-love. God’s faithfulness and love inspire Emily on her journey through life as she purposes to exalt Christ through written and spoken words.
Connect with Emily:
Website: www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/emilywickham.author
Twitter: www.twitter.com/emilywickhamPH
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/estherstudy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilywickham.author
Alcanzando la Justicia:
See Emily’s website for special offers or purchase the book on Amazon.
