Vision House Publishers have prepared a short essay for the person who wishes to give God all the glory in their lives. This place called, "Life", is a foreordained journey back home with the Lord, and all that has been done has been a divine setup by God. We need to realize that this is not our permanent home, and that God has prepared a place for us in heaven. Every gift and talent was given to us before the world began, and before God formed you in your mother’s womb, he created you a prophet unto the nations. Therefore, God had a plan before you were born, and that plan is to prosper you, not to harm you, but to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
When you write your books and periodicals God is telling you to give a word to the unsaved and the saved. God does not want you to live in ignorance, so he has chosen you to prepare your books for them who are living in darkness, to the loss, broken hearted, the blind, those in prison, and to the captives, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. This is how Jesus began His ministry. (Luke 4:18) Since we are followers of Christ, your ministry should be a carbon copy of Jesus ministry. Everything you do should be done to glorify God.
How do you write a book? Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14) There are many talented writers in the world, whether secular or Christian. Do I have to be a Christian to write a book? Certainly not, but only what you do for God shall last. However, to establish a relationship with Jesus, God’s plan of Salvation must be included in your life. God has given us passion, vision and purpose. You must have salvation, you must repent, and turn away from old ways before you can begin a work for God. (1 John 1:9.) Those feelings that we encounter about doing something great, all come from God. But your energy must be focused on developing a Relationship with God. It’s just like meeting someone for the first time; you must get to know that person and his/her expectations. Well, God has expectations for his children. Once you get to know God, and all he expects of you, your purpose becomes much clearer in your mind.
God created you with a purpose in his mind. Do not think that it is unusual to have great dreams and visions, and that there must be something wrong with you, or you are thinking to far from what the world expects from you? You are not ordinary, but extraordinary. You are an ambassador for Christ Jesus, the apple of God’s eye, His priceless treasure, you are fearfully, and wonderfully made by God to do his good works in this earthly realm. Whatever gift or talent you have, just know that it did not come from the world, but from God. If you are a writer, then you are a writer for God, and he is the pen of your heart, instructing you on how to save his people. You have to learn to listen to the "Voice of God," instructing you on what to say. God's voice comes with peace and authority. Sometimes he tells you to take your time, and other times he is saying, "GO," which is a command. To learn more about God, get into a good "word church," where the Pastor will break down the "word of God," for your understanding. Getting to Know God is understanding "Who You Are in Christ Jesus," as a result, you will learn how to use your gifts and talents to glorify the Lord. You are God’s earthly administrator placed here on earth to make a difference in the lives of others. You are placed here to show the love of God in your character and through the books that you are instructed by God to write.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10)
Step One: Be Prayerful
a) Ask God if this is what He want you to do
b) Ask God what is the title of the book
c) What should I say Lord (listen for His voice, and wait)
d) What pictures should I use for the front/back and author page?
Who will be my publisher Lord? knock and the door shall be open (Matthew 7:7)
Step Two: Beginning pages of book
a) Copyright page, ISBN, and (LCCN) Library of Congress Catalog Number
Publisher will do the copyright for you, (unless you self-publish) and assign you an ISBN No. which identifies your book. The Library of Congress after copyright will assign a LCCN No. for your copyright page.
When using scripture: KJV is not copyrighted, NIV and other versions of the Bible are recommended to get permission from Zondervan. www.zondervan.com
Table of Contents– Usually the (TOC) will be generated by editor
b) Introduction - Here you will paint a picture of all the benefits that the reader will get from your book, it is the selling tool part of the book. This is where you capture the attention of the reader.
c) Thank you page - First, we give thanks to God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, then we can give thanks to people if you choose to. However, our work is always through the grace of God.
d) Acknowledgement - Recognition of those who have made a contribution to your work/book.
e) Preface - The background of your idea, or where did you get the idea from.
f) Other options for beginning pages (Prayer) (seek guidance of Holy Spirit) However, stay within industry standards, seek wisdom.
g) Author page – should include a brief bio of the author and photo
h) Conclusion page – a summary of all that was written in your book, beginning with a good thesis (idea, theory, argument) statement and ending with a thesis statement.
Step Three: Starting the Chapters
a) Chapters can be in several different formats, such as:
Example: Chapter One, Chapter 1, Chapter I (use numbers, roman numerals, or word
Number)
It is recommended that you use English words and numbers. When setting up your manuscript the standard font style is usually Times Roman, and the font size is 12, with one inch margins (Top/left/bottom/right) Using Microsoft word is the application most editors use when editing/formatting, and changing your manuscript into a PDF (Print Digital File) is what the printing company will ask for when you have completed your manuscript.
Submission of your manuscript, proposal, and signing the publishing contract will all be given to you on the publishers website, email or mailed to you.
What is a Manuscript? Type written or handwritten version of a book.
What is a proposal? Summary and Overview (brief description of what the book is about) Bio, marketing features, sales channel and sample chapters can be included in your proposal. Some publishers have proposal forms on their websites to fill out, and those can include questions like: What do you expect for your readers to gain?
What is a Query? Introducing your novel/book and convincing the publisher to read your manuscript. It is more like a marketing strategy. Your goal is to get the publisher to ask for more. Give a good description of your novel. What gets a publishers attention is true professionalism.
Front/back covers for your book, and photo for your author page can all be design by you, a graphic designer of your choice or the publisher will provide a graphic designer for you.
Step Four: Instruction
Remember that God is the pen of your heart. Seek His face for instructions on every chapter. Contemplate on His word. Be still and seek peace. Find a quiet place, and block out distractions. Each time you sit down to write, you are being guided by God, and saying what he want you to say to his people. You actually have an assignment to do for God. I know there are many distractions that we encounter. But if you seek God on redeeming the time, He will setup a place for you to write, with a peaceful environment. Sometimes God will move you out of the mess to get His will accomplished. Expect the unexpected when you are doing the will of God, but be mindful, and always acknowledge God’s presence in your circumstance. Remember, God has chosen you to spread his gospel through your gifts and talent. You are a publisher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God has chosen you to tell your testimony to the world, and you will overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of your testimony. (Revelations 12:11)
Step Five: Remember to glorify God, and not to give the enemy no glory while you write, but to refer to the enemies (devil) job description that God had created him for, and that is to be a “waster,” and a “destroyer,” but let the reader know that Jesus came to give us life, and life more abundantly, (John 10:10 ).
Step Six: Avoid gossip, and speak no evil of no man while you write, but uplift your brother and sister, even if they have done you wrong, speak of forgiveness, and how God honors forgiveness. The Bible tells us to let know corrupt communication proceed from your mouth, but that which edifies the hearer only (Ephesians 4:29) I have included the scriptures to support communication and forgiveness under Scriptural support.
Step Seven: Permission statement:
If you are including the lives of others in your book, make sure that they approve of it, and/or use other names to protect the innocent, if you will. Be guided by the Holy Spirit. If necessary get their permission in writing. Remember not to use any corrupt communication concerning the lives of others. (Ephesians 3:29)
Writing a book God’s way requires commitment, and an obedient attitude unto Christ. If you are not saved, repeat these words: I (say your name) confess with my mouth, Jesus is Lord, I believe in my heart that God raised him from the dead, now I am saved. Now find a good word church where the Pastor will help you learn more about establishing a relationship with God.
Here are some nuggets to help you stay strong through the process:
Scriptural Support: Romans 10:9, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 6:14-15, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 1:5, 1 John5:4, Romans 8:28-30, Hebrews 11:1-6, 1 Peter 2:9, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3: (2,8, 15,16, 23), Colossians 4:29, 2 Timothy 2: 2-4, 1 Peter 5:5, Isaiah 43:19, Psalm 12:1-12, Isaiah 45: 2-3, Habakkuk 2:2-3, Isaiah 61:3, John 15, 3 John 2, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:19,John 14:23, Ephesians 6:10-20, Ephesians 3:20, Ephesians 1:3.
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