How to write a chriscsp proof090813 by Vision House Publishers

Short Manual

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How to Write a Chris... Authored by Linda C Tardy 8.5" x 11.0" (21.59 x 27.94 cm) Black & White Bleed on Cream paper 30 pages ISBN-13: 9780981682853 ISBN-10: 0981682855 Please carefully review your Digital Proof download for formatting, grammar, and design issues that may need to be corrected. We recommend that you review your book three times, with each time focusing on a different aspect.

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CopyrightedÂŠ February 2008

VHVHVHVHVHVHVHVHVHVHVHV Vision house Publishersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;A Christian Book Publisher

Copyright © 2008 Linda C. Tardy No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or other, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher. All scripture have been taken from the King James version of the Bible. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 By International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. All pronouns pertaining to the name Jesus Christ have been capitalized as it may not be capitalized in the Bible. However, it is out of respect and reverence for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

OVERVIEW ………………………………………………………

4-5

STEP THREE…………………………………………………………7 INSTRUCTION AND WISDOM ………………………………….. 8

Cover Design by L.C. Tardy

PERMISSION STATEMENT ……………………………………… 9 Vision House Publishers Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774

AUTHOR PAGE ……………………………………………………..10 SUMMARIZING IT ALL ……………………………………………11 PUBLISH WITH US …………………………………………………12

5 HOW TO WRITE A CHRISTIAN BOOK,

HOW TO WRITE A CHRISTIAN BOOK

OVERVIEW ision House Publishers have prepared a short manual for the person who wishes to give God all the glory in their lives. This place called, "Life", is a preordained 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

od created you with a purpose in his mind. Do you 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

end. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

God," for your understanding. Getting to Know God is understanding "Who You Are in Christ When you write your books and periodicals God is telling you to give a word to the unsaved and the

Jesus," as a result, you will learn how to use your gifts and talents to glorify the Lord. You are

saved. God does not want you to live in ignorance, so he has chosen you to prepare your books for

God’s earthly administrator placed here on earth to make a difference in the lives of others.

them who are living in darkness, to the loss, broken hearted, the blind, those in prison, and to the

You are placed here to show the love of God in your character and through the books that you

captives, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. This is how Jesus began His ministry. (Luke

are instructed by God to write. Like Solomon asked God for wisdom and discernment of the

4:18) Since we are followers of Christ, your ministry should be a carbon copy of Jesus ministry.

heart, you too, can ask God for wisdom to write your books, and to discern when God is

Everything you do should be done to glorify God.

speaking to your heart and telling you that it is the right season, it is your time to start doing the work of 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

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10)

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 more clear in your mind.

Vision House Publishers | September 2013

Copyrighted © February 2008

Vision House Publishers | September 2013

Copyrighted © February 2008

How To Write a Christian Book

How to Write a Christian Book e) Preface - The background of your idea, or where did you get the idea from.

Step One: Be Prayerful f) Other options for beginning pages (Prayer) (seek guidance of Holy Spirit) However, stay within a) Ask God if this is what He want you to do

industry standards, seek wisdom.

b) Ask God what is the title of the book

g) Author page – should include a brief bio of the author and photo, generally about one paragraph.

c) What should I say Lord (listen for His voice, and wait) h) Conclusion page – a summary of all that was written in your book, beginning with a good d) What pictures should I use for the front/back and author page?

thesis (idea, theory, argument) statement and ending with a thesis statement. It is the closing

Who will be my publisher Lord? Seek the face of God on this matter: “Ask and it will be

of an essay, your book, trying off the writers thoughts and leaving readers with a sense of

given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”(Matthew

completion.

7:7)

What is a thesis statement? It conveys your purpose, establishes your voice, the controlling idea,

Step Two: Beginning pages of book

the main point, the conclusion you draw from your evidence. The central idea to which all of your general statements and specific information, relate.

a) Copyright page, ISBN, and (LCCN) Library of Congress Catalog Number Step Three: Starting the Chapters 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.

a) Chapters can be in several different formats, such as: Example: Chapter One, Chapter 1, Chapter I (use numbers, roman numerals, or word

When using scripture: KJV is not copyrighted, NIV and other versions of the Bible are recom-

Number)

mended to get permission from Zondervan. www.zondervan.com It is recommended that you use English words and numbers. When setting up your manuscript the 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

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.

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. Acknowledging God first brings forth God’s promises, and blessings for obedience

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.

(Deuteronomy 28)..

Vision House Publishers | September 2013 | Copyrighted © February 2008

Vision House Publishers | September 2013

Copyrighted © February 2008

HOW TO WRITE A CHRISTIAN 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:

HOW TO WRITE A CHRISTIAN BOOK

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,

What is a Query? Introducing your novel/book and convincing the publisher to read your manu-

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

script. It is more like a marketing strategy. Your goal is to get the publisher to ask for more. Give a

under Scriptural support.

What do you expect for your readers to gain?

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 and Wisdom

emember that God is the pen of your heart. Seek His face for instructions and wisdom,

discernment 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. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. 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, to deliver the lost to Christ, to bring joy to the hearts of God’s people and you will overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of your testimony. (Revelations

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 John 5:4, 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, Habak-

12:11)

kuk 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.,

Step Five: Remember to glorify God, and not to give the enemy no glory while you write, but to

Galatians 5, 1 Peter 2:9, John 15, 1 John 2:5, Jude 24,25.

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 ). Vision House Publishers | September 2013

Vision House Publishers | September 2013

STEPS IN PUBLISHING A BOOK: A

HOW TO WRITE A CHRISTIAN BOOK,

Putting it all in order…. Summarizing it all….

ABOUT THE AUTHOR LINDA C. TARDY IS A GRADUATE OF THE JERICHO CHRIS-

Writing A Book …..

TIAN COLLEGE, CLASS OF 2002. SHE IS CURRENTLY PURSUING HER BS DEGREE IN CHURCH MINISTRIES/ THEOLOGY AT ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY, TULSA, OKLAHOMA. SHE IS PRESIDENT OF VISIONS MAGAZINE

g Gettin

te to wri a e d i an

a book

AND VISION HOUSE PUBLISHERS. SHE HAS WRITTEN 7 BOOKS, HER LATEST "CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.”

Start journaling

ALSO SHE HAS PUBLISHED 12 MAGAZINES. SHE HAS WRITTEN OVER 100 ARTICLES AND POEMS. SHE IS A PRAISE DANCER AT THE EVANGEL CATHEDRAL. SHE HAS DE-

VOTED HER LIFE TO SERVING THE LORD

Completing Your Manuscript Find a quiet place, no distractions Vision House Publishers | September 2013 | Copyrighted © February 2008

STEPS IN PUBLISHING A BOOK: B

Publish with Us... ͹ΒΧΖ͑ΪΠΦ͑ΓΖΖΟ͑ΥΙΚΟΜΚΟΘ͑ΒΓΠΦΥ͑͑ Have Your Manuscript Edited

r? e h s i l b pu

the o t t i g Takin CN C L — ight Copyr

. ISBN No g n i n g i s As r pages e v o C g n Designi

ΡΦΓΝΚΤΙΚΟΘ͑Β͑ΓΠΠΜ͑͑͝ ΓΦΥ͑ΟΠΥ͑ΤΦΣΖ͑ΙΠΨ͑ΥΠ͑ΘΖΥ͑ΤΥΒΣΥΖΕͰ͑

Don’t Wait any longer….

Scheduling a publishing date

Helping you through the process of publishing

Fulfill your assignment in this earthly realm that God has

My books are published, Now What?

Scheduling a book signing at a Christian book store or Church event

given to you...

NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR:

ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES YOU WILL SETUP A SAMPLE OF YOUR BOOK. EACH PAGE HAVE BEEN GIVEN A CHAPTER HEADING IN WORD NUMBERS. REMEMBER TO PRAY AND ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR GUIDANCE BEFORE YOU BEGIN: I WISH YOU VICTORY! IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

BEGIN

COVER PAGE: Create your own design, you can get a picture from google that is not copyright, usually the graphic design writes/watermarks his/her company name on the picture. If the picture is not claimed, you can use it:

Copyright page: Contact the Library of Congress , usually the payment is $45 or more, they will assign you a LCCN (Library of Con-

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...will be generated by editor (Step One)

INTRODUCTION: Read the beginning of the manual (Step #2) for the definition of introduction. Here you can also choose to write a dedication page as well.

DEDICATION...Here

you can also choose to write a dedication page as well. Who do you dedicate your book to?

THANK YOU… Remember to give thanks to the Lord first.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…. Contributors, family and those who help you along the process...

PREFACEâ&#x20AC;¦ (step #2)

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CONCLUSION PAGE (step #2)

AUTHOR PAGE (step #2)

ACKNOWLEDGING SOURCES:

BACK PAGE

The Little Brown Handbook, by Pearson

Here you will tell what the book is about and sometimes authors give another brief biography of themselves, along with a small photo (this is on the author page as well) (Optional)

Avoiding Plagiarism— (Latin word for (“kidnapper”) “The presentation of someone else’s work as your own. Whether deliberate or accidental plagiarism is a serious offense” (Peterson, 648). You must acknowledge someone else’s material. Copyright Infringement— Occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner. More source styles...

MLA STYLE— MLA documentation style employs brief parenthetical

citations within the text that direct readers to a list of works cited at the end of the text. A parenthetical citation might look like this: (Pearson, 667-713). Only one article mentions this discrepancy (Wolfe, 62). APA STYLE— In APA documentation style, parenthetical citations

within the text refer the reader to a a list of sources at the end of the text. A parenthetical citation contains the author’s last name, the date of publication, and sometimes the page number from which material is borrowed (Pearson, 804). One critic of Milgram’s experiments questions whether the researchers behaved normally toward their subjects (Baumrind, 1988) CSE STYLE— Natural and applied sciences (Council of Science Editors, Scientific Style and Format, The CSE Manual for authors, Editors, and Publishers, 7thed., 2006 (Pearson, 834). CHICAGO STYLE— Writers in the humanities generally rely on one of the following guides for source-citation style: The Chicago Manual Style, 16th ed.,2010 (Pearson, 785).

The back cover also includes the publishers name address web address and phone (optional) Also logo of publisher barcode and ISBN No., which will be assigned by the publisher. CONGRATULATIONS! On creating your first book…

You are now ready to give your manuscript to a publisher. Don’t forget to present your manuscript in PDF format (Step #3).

Note: Seek permission to use any copyrighted media, from either print or online sources, photographs, charts, maps, cartoons, diagrams, paintings, audio files, video files and so on (Pearson, 655).

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