In this space, WestBow Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. The following blog is from Eva Schmidt, author of “Grace for Tomorrow.” To learn more about Eva and her book, visit her website or Facebook page. To begin your self-publishing journey, get your free WestBow Press publishing guide today!
My Journey to Publishing Grace for Tomorrow
August 18, 2016 was an incredibly special day for me. It was the day that my debut novel, Grace for Tomorrow, went live! Grace for Tomorrow is the story of two women’s parallel journeys of faith. Mary is a young girl who turns her back on God after experiencing a family tragedy while Francis is a young mother struggling to rescue her crumbling marriage. Both women embark on a dark and lonely path they never intended to tread.
Writing a novel has always been my dream but it was only after I retired from my career in municipal government that I sat down at my computer and started writing. I had a general story outline in my mind, although I never committed it to paper. Many times as I wrote, the details took care of themselves. It was like I was reading a story with a twist – and I was actually writing it! God was giving me a story to write and he revealed it to me through my fingers on the keys. It was a unique and humbling experience.
I completed my first draft of Grace for Tomorrow in December 2014. I wanted to get it published but wasn’t sure it was good enough. Struggling with a lack of self-confidence and insecurities, I nevertheless researched a host of publishers on line. All too soon, I realized that traditional publishers didn’t take unsolicited materials or only accepted certain types of manuscripts. By the beginning of 2016, I gave up. I committed the publishing to God – trusting that if he wanted the book published he would provide a way – otherwise the manuscript would remain a document on my computer.
His Guiding Hand
March 24, 2016, I received a phone call from a lady at WestBow Press, asking if I still wanted to publish my novel. Apparently they had a sale on publishing packages. I took this as God’s direction and signed with WestBow Press within the next few weeks. I was ecstatic that God had given me a Christian publisher! He truly works in amazing ways!
My experience with WestBow Press has been nothing short of amazing. I knew nothing about publishing but their friendly staff has guided me each step of the way. They were always just a phone call away and turnover times were within the allotted timelines.
– WBP –
WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books are invited to do so by sending a message through the WestBow Press Facebook page and follow the WestBow Press Twitter account @WestBowPress. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar, punctuation, and length.
What a nice testimony to the guiding hand of our Lord. I’ll bet there are more than just a few ladies who will relate to your story and find a closer walk with Christ.
I could think of a good many struggling authors,(like me), who right now are wondering what to do with their novels. Thanks for sharing and I hope your sales and impressions on peoples lives goes on and on.
Author Terry Palmer
Thank you, Terry. Self-publishing is expensive and there’s no guarantee that the book will sell. Keep praying about it and let God guide you in this area.
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