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 Jeffrey Donley, author of The Counterfeit Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About the Birth of Jesus. To begin your self-publishing journey, get your free WestBow Press publishing guide today!
- Tell us a little bit about your book. What inspired you to write it?
My book is titled The Counterfeit Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About the Birth of Jesus. We all enjoy the Christmas season but lose sight of Jesus among the commercialization of His birth. God wants us to know the real historical truth about Mary, Joseph, and the Virgin conception of Jesus—for our salvation depends upon it.
In my book I deal with three Counterfeit Christmases: the supernatural Santa Claus, a fabricated Jesus and virgin birth story to cover for an adulterous Mary, and lastly the counterfeit Christmas of nativity scenes that have a donkey, an inn or hotel, a mean innkeeper, a blue or white blanket, a warm manger crib with fresh straw, shepherds, angels, and three wise men who were kings. Do these sound familiar?
What’s real? What’s true? How do you know? In my book, I unwrap the real historical birth of Jesus.
- What are 5 things you’ve learned about self-publishing?
The first thing I learned about self-publishing is to make sure that you have thoroughly researched your topic. Secondly, make sure that you complete your manuscript before contacting the publishing company. Thirdly, you must find the best picture for your front cover. People do judge books by their covers! A fourth thing I learned, is to make sure that numerous people have read your manuscript for errors. And finally, I learned to be patient during the different stages of production.
- What do you love most about self-publishing and would you recommend it to other authors?
I like the fact that my work will be published to the world. I would recommend WestBow Press’s self-publishing to other authors.
- What’s your favorite social media outlet for marketing/promotions?
Amazon has great exposure, but I prefer television and radio to promote my book.
- What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
My advice to aspiring authors is to write about what YOU know. Do not write about topics that you have no knowledge of, or experience in. When you write about what you know or have experienced not only is your mind in the process, but your heart is there too.
– 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.