Category: Blogging

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Musings About My Story

Author R. Frederick Riddle

My story today is about the world of writing and what it takes to become a published author. When I first started my career in my middle twenties, I was raw, inexperienced, and an unbeliever.

My Personal Love Story.

I loved reading as well as writing. Considering the frustration of not being able to write an entire book, I have to say I loved reading more than writing. But there was a desire to write that wouldn’t quit.

My True Story.

Technically, I was enrolled in the School of Hard Knocks. This is a school with thousands of students, but no campus, no administrative offices, no mailing address, no teacher, and no curriculum. It is a school where the student learns by trial and error, mostly error. There is no graduation ceremony, no certificate, and no counselors.

It is a school where its students often learn the wrong thing. Failure is inbred, and the writer is frustrated.

A Foundation to the Future.

It is with that history in mind that I set out to establish my writing course which is now known as Basic Authors Training or B.A.T. to many of you. Having been through the School of Hard Knocks and having to relearn or more appropriately unlearn what I thought I knew was something I did not want anyone else to have to endure.

Teresa (aka Tess) and I launched T&R Independent Books in 2014. Although quickly challenged by my heart attack and her bouts with cancer to name a few obstacles we set about the business of publishing our own books. That involved buying the rights to my own books from the publishers. A few were simply unpublished, but most were transferred to T&R Independent Books.

Today, I am not only an author, but I am also a publisher, teacher, and coach who is willing to use my knowledge to help others become published author. All together I have over 20 years of experience as an author, and about 9 years as a publisher. During those years I have written over 15 books (fiction and nonfiction).

My New Story.

God laid on my heart to open myself up to fellow Christians who want to write and become published authors. Both B.A.T. and Ministry Publishing, which is for focused on publishing, are a result of His leading. If you or someone you know wants to become a published author, I encourage you to visit the store right here. Check out the Writing department and view the services offered. You can begin your career now.

If you want to learn more simply go to Writing – T&R Independent Bookstore.

You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Musings of a Published Author

Basic Authors Training Dept.

I am starting an entirely new blog that cover writing, publishing, and anything else that I can think of that is related to being a published author.

My name is R. Frederick Riddle. I am an Published Author, Editor, Formatter, Coach, and Publisher. I have been a published author since 2003 when I wrote Refuge: The Genesis Chronicles (no longer published). I was so pleased with that book that I followed it with Adam’s Chronicles (also no longer published).

Those two books formed the basis of the first book of the six-book series The World That Perished. In fact, that first book was entitled Perished: The World That Perished, which spanned from Creation to the Flood.

Now I have published multiple books into the teens. But along the way I was disappointed by the publishing industry. I did the work and they got the profits. So, in 2014 my wife Teresa (Tess Riddle) started T&R Independent Books with the purpose of publishing our own books.

Yes, I said “our” because Teresa expressed a secret desire to be an author herself. She had been editing my books and watching my progress as an author. So, in 2021 she wrote her first book. Later in 2022 it was changed (including its title) to Keys to Murder. This led to additional books all of which were Ladies Devotionals. All in all, she wrote three devotionals and was working on her fourth when she went in December 2022 to the hospital. Though released to home hospice care in January 2023, she passed away in her sleep.

Though now with the Lord in Heaven, her three devotions were republished along with the partial fourth as The Best of Tess in 2023. These books had an excellent response.

Looking back I realized that I had helped her learn to be a writer although I was simply being a good husband and involving her in my own career. But I was astounded that within one year she produced a republished novel, plus three published devotions, and was working on a fourth! Amazing!

It was then that God spoke to my heart and told me that I can help others become published authors. That is when I opened up to any professing Christian who would write in the Christian World view. Plus I wrote and have been adding to a Writing Course called Basic Author’s Training or B.A.T. to teach writing.

I can help you reach your dreams, to transform your simple desire into becoming a prolific author. If you don’t know how to write, I can teach and coach you. If you have a book in need of a publisher, I can transform that into a published book through Ministry Publishing.

Interested?

Check out www.trbookservices.com/shop/writing/.

You can learn more about R. Frederick Riddle at Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Essential Author Marketing Strategies for Success

Author R. Frederick Riddle

Author Marketing is just what the title suggests. You the author will do most of the marketing. If you have a good publisher, they will do some marketing. For example, T&R Independent Books markets using Social Media, plus other tools we have. But the truth is you will do most of the marketing. I explain what I mean below.

The Work of Author Marketing.

The author has tools at their disposal that they may not realize they have. For example, you may have multiple friends of Social Media like Facebook. Those friends can be golden. While they might respond to our marketing, they will likely respond quicker to you.

Email Marketing.

This is truly personal marketing. While a company may use email marketing perhaps using names you supplied, your efforts will be more personal and therefore more likely to succeed.

If you choose to use email marketing, then I recommend the personal touch. Share some of what you did to get that book written. In fact, you should work with your publisher for ideas and tools that they may supply.

Local Author Marketing

Do you have a local grocery store? How about the library? Or other local businesses? These are all possibilities. Especially if you are a regular customer.

Local independent business’s may be the best, but if you can get into a chain store, you might expand your market. Usually corporate stores need author’s to contact headquarters to get approval. When I was younger I had some of my best marketing doing Author Book Signings in a chain bookstore!

Social Media Author Marketing.

Just because your publisher is marketing on social media doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. He can perhaps flood them with posts about your book. But you can post as well.

You should have a Business Page on your Facebook account. Plus, don’t forget LinkedIn. That is primarily business to business, and you are a businessperson whether you know it or not.

I favor Facebook and Instagram for my books because this is where you find readers of an older generation. Younger readers tend to spend time on TikTok. I invest most of my sales time on Facebook, but I am not afraid to explore other platforms.

Email Marketing.

This is one of the oldest and still successful platforms to use. I have used it in the past but only lately have I considered email for my sales efforts. But it is a valid methodology that I will explore in the days ahead.

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This blog is now published on Fridays, and the Title is more subject related. R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. He can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. His website is T&R Independent Books.

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Ministry Publishing – Marketing

R. Frederick Riddle

Marketing has none of the joys of writing. In writing your imagination is often given free reign, wherein marketing requires more diligence and focus.

The Work of Marketing.

I have written over fifteen books and in each case I was the chief marketer. I have had to learn the trade the hard way. I had no one to teach or guide me other than books. The problem is that there are numerous individuals who appoint themselves as masters of marketing. Each however seems to have his or her own opinion on how to do it successfully.

So, I have learned different techniques and been forced to choose which I prefer.

Define Marketing.

Here is one definition: Book marketing is the strategies that authors use to get their book in front of their target readers with the goal of selling more copies. Many authors use various marketing tactics to develop a marketing plan. It’s worth noting not every book is the same, so your marketing plan will probably differ from other authors. The tactics that work for you may not be as effective for another author. This may be because they have a different audience or resources at their disposal, such as a different advertising budget or network of people.

That is a mouthful. So, let me simplify it.

Book marketing is the strategy or plan one uses to attract their target readers to buy your book. There are many different plans, but the goal is the same: Sales.

Social Media Sales.

Many authors find success using social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to organically promote and/or advertise their books. The critical first step is to discover which platform your target audience favors.

I favor Facebook and Instagram for my books because this is where you find readers of an older generation. Younger readers tend to spend time on TikTok. I invest most of my sales time on Facebook, but I am not afraid to explore other platforms.

Email Marketing.

This is one of the oldest and still successful platforms to use. I have used it in the past but only lately have I considered email for my sales efforts. But it is a valid methodology that I will explore in the days ahead.

Book Reviews.

I am constantly looking for people who review books. Many years ago they were out there and the little guy could make use of them. Today they are still out there but a little harder to find.

My advice: Don’t quit looking. A good review is something to be desired.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. You can learn more about him at Facebook. The website is at T&R Independent Books.

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Ministry Publishing – Take Time to Rest

Author and Publisher at T&R Independent Books

Take time to rest is an axiom to live by in life and in business. It is important for whatever you are doing.

Time to Rest.

What is time to rest? The concept is that our minds and bodies need to be rested, not necessarily sleep. But this is dealing with time. Time is not eternal, it is fixed. So we find a specific time to rest from what we are doing.

Why Should We Take Time to Rest?

Because our bodies have a need to rest. Moreover, our minds can become tired. This is particularly true when you work with computers. Eyestrain and simply sitting, or worse slouching at our desks. All of these can lead to energy strain. Rest, however, often rejuvenates us.

Do You Mean Take a Nap?

That is one way of resting. But there are other ways. Simply switching from one task to another often provides physical and mental rest. Here is a list of restful activities:

Nap

Switch Tasks

Take a Walk

Eat

Shower

What if You Don’t Have Time to Rest?

You always have time if you remember this maxim: A Tired Mind Makes Mistakes.

If you remember this then you will find time to take a rest. Otherwise, you might find yourself rewriting what you just wrote.

When I get tired, I tend to close my eyes and then if I am typing I get a string of letters.

Then I will take one of those restful activities and get recharged.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. You can learn more about him at Facebook. The website is at T&R Independent Books.

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Ministry Publishing When Opportunity Knocks

Author and Publisher at T&R Independent Books

What is Opportunity?

Opportunity: an occasion or situation that makes it possible to do something that you want to do or have to do, or the possibility of doing something.

When Opportunity Knocks Check it out?

What does it mean to check it out? When opportunity comes calling learn as much as possible about it. Who is offering it? What is it? What will it cost?

Once you have answers then evaluate.

Use a KJV Bible to Filter the information. Looking through the mirror of God’s Word what does it reveal about the principles undergirding the offer? Does it violate God’s Word? Ask questions that require more than yes or no.

Evaluate the Opportunity

This is more than passing the Bible test. You’ve already done that. Now you dig deeper. What are your needs and does the opportunity answer them? How much time and effort will it cost.

An example of this would be does Basic Authors Training or Basic Authors Training for Groups meet the need to transform your writing into a manuscript worthy of being published? Do they guarantee publication of your book if you meet the proper standards?

Then there are cost issues, such as can I afford this opportunity? This requires that you have some knowledge and understanding of where your finances are right now. You want the best savings possible without loss of quality.

Evaluate Against Personal Preferences

I can’t enumerate here because everybody is different. But you need to be honest with yourself. Cost, time, and energy are all important. But here we are talking about personal preferences. They can be arbitrary and silly, but you need to know.

The Opportunity is Valid and meets Your Needs. Now Do It.

This is the hardest part. Up to now you have been investigating, and asking questions. But now having decided it is good for you the time has come to Just Do It! No opportunity is going to transform you into a published author unless it is accompanied by the commitment to do it.

Don’t just wish, do.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com). You can also learn more about him at Facebook.

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Ministry Publishing B.A.T. for Groups

B.A.T. for Groups is an exciting new venture for me. Let me introduce it.

B.A.T. for Groups is Basic Authors Training for Groups.

This is the same writing course that I have been marketing for a while now. It uses the two-tier system of Teaching and Coaching. The student begins learning the basics from day one while at the same time starts writing.

Will the student make mistakes? Hopefully. You see, the training teaches principles and concepts that can at some point during the course be used to review, edit, and correct the manuscript that the student has been writing. By going back and editing their manuscript they use all their senses. But more than that, they learn not to fall in love with what they have written. It can always be improved upon.

The student works at his or her own pace and the transformation in their writing begins taking shape. The more they learn, the more they apply. And the more they apply, the greater is their confidence. By the end of the course, they have created a manuscript that is ready to be published. And then it is published.

So, what is unique about B.A.T. for Groups?

Groups. Short of giving the course away it is almost impossible to attract and register students with potential simply because they can’t afford it. Groups is a new concept for writing courses, as far as I know, that enables men and women to team up to take advantage of this unique learning experience. The Group price is proportioned amongst the students so that the cost is radically brought down to a manageable opportunity.

Why is it Subscription Only?

Because the cost has been lowered considerably it would be unprofitable to market at full price. There are just too many obstacles and ruts.

B.A.T. for Groups is subscription based on 10 months. Does that mean I have to complete the course in 10 months.

No. Never. This is a self-paced course. Only the subscription fee is 10 months. You can take the course and complete it at less than 10 months or more than 10 months.

Further, each member of the group is considered independently of others. Each member has One-on-One coaching and teaching. Each member receives the opportunity to have live coaching calls. Each member is able to get their manuscript published according to their timetable.

Why are You Offering B.A.T. for Groups?

This goes back to when I first thought about putting together a writing course. If you have followed me at all then you know that I went through the School of Hard Knocks. That school has no campus, no classroom, no individual teacher, no personal oversight, and no real principles to be taught. But if you can’t afford a writing course you are automatically accepted into the School of Hard Knocks.

In that school you may learn valuable lessons, but I can assure you that most lessons learned will be hard to learn and often result in failure, not success.

I spent a lot of time in that school and learned the wrong lessons. When God called me to write, He had to cleanse me of all the wrong learning, and teach me the correct stuff. I was poor and could not afford a coach. So, it was all trial and error. But as I grew more capable and, thereby, more confident I realized that there are a great many people facing the same issues I faced.

But the harsh reality was that of perception. If I priced the course too low potential customers figured it was not good enough to charge more. But if I raised the price to increase the value, those same people still couldn’t buy because it was too expensive.

But the group turns out to be a win/win. For me, I sell the Group course for a fair profit, but the members of the group experience tremendous savings because they share the cost. A simple example is that B.A.T. normally subscribes at $399.90 per month for 10 months.

That’s a fair price, but there are talented people out there who can’t afford to pay that much. But if 5 writers join in a group, they get the same course for only $179.97 a month for 10 months. That represents $219.93 savings. More than that, it is priceless to them because now they have an opportunity they can afford. And the future is theirs! You would be right if you said that a dream I have had for a long time has come true.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com). You can also find him on Facebook.

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Ministry Publishing Simple Thoughts

Simple Thoughts From A Simple Man

Simple Thoughts From A Simple Man has after much fanfare been published and is now available. I have included a link in this blog to the book. I have also included the interview I had with Dan Case, the author. Take a break and watch it.

Simple Thoughts is a Devotional.

There are 92 devotionals in the book which means you can have a devotion every day for 13 weeks, plus one extra. The book title includes the words 4th Quarter. Because the book is being published now instead of just before the end of the year, we decided to publish now for the 4th quarter. Plus there are at least two devotions dealing with Christmas.

The Author is a man of simple faith.

He has the ability to sometimes take difficult passages and make them clear. It almost seems that he is shedding light on the Scriptures. Or to put another way, you find yourself saying that makes sense.

He has spent a lifetime reading and meditating on the Word of God. He has seen God work in his life in such a way that the Scriptures came alive to him. From there it is just a simple step to sharing what God has taught.

Simple Thoughts took over 70 years to be written.

That is the sum total of his years on earth. As mentioned already he has seen God move in ways he didn’t anticipate and in the process take him deeper into the Word of God. It doesn’t take long to understand that he loves God and His Word. It is the outcome of a devoted life to serving God to the best he could possibly do.

Simple Thoughts is a Special Book

Why do I say special. There are a lot of good devotionals out there. That is true. But it is a rarity to find a book that speaks to men and women alike. A book that is founded on a clear understanding of God’s Word. As I edited the book I continually found those nuggets of truth that just sprang forward and gripped my soul.

In light of it being special you might want to give it as an early Christmas gift, or just an act of thoughtfulness.

If you would like to see the full interview, simply click on Dan Case Interview.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com).

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Ministry Publishing Interview with Dan Case

Author Dan Case

Ministry Publishing Interview with Dan Case proved to be historic and an absolute thrill! This is a man that God has used and is using today.

Interview with Brother Dan Case

It was a real honor to have Brother Dan Case visit me in my studio. He is a man I have known and loved in the Lord for years. His knowledge of the Bible, experience serving the Lord, and the Presence of the Lord in his life are striking features that immediately draw you to him.

We spent approximately 19 minutes talking about his life, salvation, and service. He is a remarkable man!

Interview with a Christian.

Dan Case was born into a Christian family that didn’t really have their doctrines down pat. It led to confusion on his part until he learned the truth. Once he understood that salvation is a gift of God that cannot be earned and is by grace alone, he asked Jesus into his heart!

But he still had much to learn before God could use him.

Missions

Early on in his Christian Walk Dan Case was burdened for Missions. Both he and his wife supported missions and raised their children in the Christian faith. But then God called them to a place far away and little known. It was the FIJI Islands.

Interview with a Christian Author

He didn’t say in the interview how he came to be published by T&R Independent Books because I didn’t ask. He did mention the pressure that others put on him to be published. But eventually he came to me and became one of my clients.

Working with him has been a joy. Every client has their own way of doing things, but he was true to his self-description as a simple man. He was straightforward, he had an idea of what he wanted, and he trusted me.

If you would like to see the full interview, simply click on Interview.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com).

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Blog by Ron – Ministry Publishing Blog

Logo for Ministry Publishing

Ministry Publishing is the new name for Blog by Ron. As Ministry Publishing Blog it is tied to Becoming A Published Author is Fun and to the service Ministry Publishing!

Ministry Publishing Blog Time has Come.

This is a transition blog. It is the last time you will see the words, Blog by Ron, and the first time you will see Ministry Publishing Blog. In the future you will see Ministry Publishing [ the subject here ]. For example, I could have named this Ministry Publishing Name Change.

But that is not the only change you will see. In the past Ron’s blog has dealt with a variety of issues and that will continue. But emphasis will be sharper.

Ministry Publishing Blog is a Service.

Ministry Publishing is a service of T&R Independent Books and is free. Moreover, it is focused on the literary world. It is also connected to the podcast, Becoming A Published Author is Fun. My intent will be to marry the blog to the podcast so that the content will be related. Moreover, posts and other visible platforms will be related to it.

The result will be a multilevel information package that provides you with both free and paid content for your growth as a published author.

Ministry Publishing Blog is Christian.

I am a Christian Author, Publisher, Teacher, and Coach. My goal is to assist other Christians who are active in their service to God to become Published Authors. While I teach through my blog and posts that you can Do-It-Yourself, the truth is that while easy it is time consuming. Taking time that should be invested into your writing.

It is hard to find Christian Indie Publishers that support the Local Church, the preaching and teaching of the Gospel, and are willing to put you in the driver’s seat. But that is exactly my goal.

I have criteria such as using only King James Version Bibles, and a few other rules. But my approach is to teach and coach you and allow you to make the choices as if you were the publisher yourself. That makes me unique because at the end of the day you can look in the mirror and say, This is my book that I authored!

This Blog Enables Writers Such as You.

That is what motivates me. I want Christian men and women who love the Lord and are serving Him to have a platform where they can write what God has inspired them to write. And for me to support Christian Missions with special emphasis on Heavens Ever Last Promise (H.E.L.P.).

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com). He is also on Facebook.