Category: Christian

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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 – My Best Seller

My Best Seller is the book Hurricane Ian Winds of Providence & Provision. It achieved Best Seller status by outselling all the other books in TR Bookstore. Had some competition, but so far it is on the top.

What Makes it a Best Seller?

There are several definitions of best-selling, such as number of books sold in a niche, number of books sold in a store, and the number of books sold in the nations. Those are only three possibilities. In the case of this book it is based on instore sales. It simply outsold every other book we sell.

Ian was Deadly

Another thing to look at is the why or the how. In this case, Hurricane Ian was the largest hurricane to hit Florida in known history. Hurricane Charlie could fit within Hurricane Ian’s eye! That’s big!

It is also Personal

The book is told in the words of individual members of the family. I put them in chronological order so that the reader who see the different viewpoints of the family. Told in that matter, the story has greater impact than if I just reported the storm.

It was a Best Seller Because It is Inspiring

From start to finish and from before the storm to its aftermath you see how the faith of a family endures and triumphs. No matter our ethnicity, our station in life, or our age we all like to see humans overcome adversity, to survive, and to extend a helping hand to others.

This family and the church they represented took a beating but stood firm and became instrumental in helping others in their communities and beyond. It is a testament to what God’s people can do when walking with God.

It is a Best Seller because it Displays God’s Providence

When reading this book you can’t miss the hand of God. Decisions made that seemingly had nothing to do with the coming storm played a crucial role in their survival. Other decisions made because of the approaching storm proved providential in ways no one foresaw. God takes the Brunos and transforms them into heroic decisions, actions, or things. (The story of Bruno is in the book.)

Because of Hard Work

That’s right. There are many ways and definitions of what makes a best-selling book. But all of them require work and dedication. Whether you are new writer or a veteran author you still have to put forth the effort.

That is why I have a coach, why I have subcontracted social media advertising, and yet put forth continued effort.

You can have the best idea, the best written manuscript yet not get published or never get a sale. It takes effort, consistent effort. You can use the best marketing tools and strategies available, but if you don’t provide the strong desire, or as once said, the “blood, sweat, and tears” necessary, then you just might fail.

If you want to get the best results, you must put out your best efforts!

If you are interested in this book, it is now bundled with The Best of Tess at a very low price. Use the link below to visit the bookstore.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. Visit him on Facebook at (2) Facebook. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com).

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Blog by Ron – The Next Step

Author R. Frederick Riddle

The Next Step for me is not to be full-time, but to actively build the business. Why do I say that? Because I am now full-time.

My Next Step Was to Go Full-Time.

Up until the end of June I considered that I needed to achieve certain goals to be able to go full-time. But God took me aside to explain a few things.

Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t, I repeat, I don’t hear voices. But I do hear God through the preaching of God’s Word, the reading of God’s Word, and through brothers and sisters in the Lord.

As I said, God took me aside. I imagine He set me on His lap and gently held me as He explained His will.

You are Wrong!

Nobody wants to hear those words, but that is what God told me. He pointed out that it was He that helped me write the course on writing, it was He that enabled me to take a part-time job, and it is He that wants me full-time in the business. I could add it was He that put the support of missions on my heart.

I was looking at things the wrong way.

The Next Step is based on the current Situation.

There is nothing wrong with having goals, but not recognizing that those goals either have been achieved or are possibly wrong goals. The fact is that I am already full-time!

How?

I am doing the work. I am creating content. I am getting my message out. I am making plans and acting on them. I am making short term and long-term decisions that will impact my business for years.

My Next Step is to Build upon the Foundation.

That foundation is in part the books I have written whether fiction or nonfiction. God enabled me to do so. Another part of the foundation is Basic Authors Training where I teach writers to become published authors. I have expanded and improved the content to a higher professional level. In addition to that I have added two services, Ministry Publishing and Fast Trac. All in all I am offering great content at affordable prices.

That is the foundation. In the days, weeks, and months to go I plan on more content to be published on Facebook and LinkedIn, plus YouTube. Furthermore, I plan on  additional content being added in the course. It is an exciting future.

It Includes the Help Ministry.

This is a ministry that God laid on my heart late last year. It started with Him laying a coworker on my heart and expanded to a vision. This vision is to help people, Christians and non-Christians. In will eventually include financial help, both literal and advisory, plus spiritual help as well.

Have You Taken the Next Step?

Whether you are talking about your Christian Walk or your Christian business, you need to always be taking that next step. It is a sign of a growing Christian.

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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 – Prose vs. Character

Author R. Frederick Riddle

Prose vs. Character is a battle every author deals with even if unaware. But before continuing, let me define my terms.

Prose is a literary description of people, places, and events.

Character in this blog means describing the people, places, and events through his or her eyes, and expressing them through their voices or thoughts.

When I started writing books, I primarily used Prose. Let me brag for a moment. I wrote some pretty awesome description! But I soon learned that awesome does not necessarily equate to best.

Best is using the character!

Let’s explore that.

  1. Prose is from the author’s viewpoint. It is divorced from the characters. No matter how eloquent, there isn’t the emotional attachment a character can bring. There is a place for prose in writing, but it should be minimized.
  2. When a someone is describing something he or she infuses the description with his or her personality and biases.
  3. Emotional descriptions are impactful. Prose cannot truly compete.
  4. Storyline can be affected by the description. Thus, keeping the author out of it can be helpful!

Requires Balance

A good balance would be to try to only use prose to connect between scenes, places, and people. If you find yourself not sure, then let character be your first choice. If it doesn’t work, then use prose.

Prose vs. Character is Important

You might wonder if balance is really important.  Consider this, humans are multifaceted’. The more levels you can connect with them the more they will receive and connect with you.

To break that down, take a look at what makes up a person:

His or her:

Biases – political, religious, even educational.

Education – no schooling, high school, college.

physical traits – height, weight, hair, eyes, etc.

relationship to Christ – saved – unsaved.

Spirituality – walk with God, testimony, bible knowledge.

Training – learned skills, trade.

and more…

What if the reader is touched on two, three, four, or more levels? Don’t you think that the fictional person gets more real to the reader? The closer they get to one another, the more the reader identifies with the character. The more the reader identifies with that person, the more the reader is drawn into the story, and enjoys it. That breeds success.

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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 – Words Are Necessary Tools

Author R. Frederick Riddle

Words are necessary tools for authors. Lately I have been posting about reading and writing. Why am I so insistent on this subject?

Necessary Tools.

When God created men and women the use of words was immediately practiced. I know that evolutionists think early man simply grunted and drew pictures on walls. Other than artifacts indicating that man has lived in caves at times, they have no proven evidence that man couldn’t communicate through words.

We know that the first chapter of Genesis was written by God Himself, plus that Adam began writing afterward, probably after being ejected from the Garden. In addition, we know that mankind was created and God saw everything as “very Good.” That translates to perfect.

I believe and the Bible certainly indicates that Adam and Eve were highly intelligent, probably geniuses. Listening and talking to God required words, such as naming the animals. naming the foliage. Adam and Eve used words from the very beginning. There was no evolution.

Adam and Eve not only communicated with God, but with one another. Words were necessary for them. Which brings us back to the initial statement that words are necessary tools. Since we are talking about writing, the statement can be made that words are necessary tools for authors.

Tools of our Trade.

It should not surprise you that I said that. We authors work with words all the time. Not just writing our stories, although that can require thousands of words, but getting published and selling our books also require words. Doubt that? Consider the need for grammar aids, and, recently, AI.

Words Require Caution

Say the wrong word at the wrong time and see what happens. When I was a naïve teenager working on the assembly line, I made a joke to a woman. It was innocent, and harmless, but the wording and structure of the words caused her to interpret the words differently than I met. She instantly was angry. Fortunately, I gave her my meaning and she realized I was telling the truth. I do not know what she would have done if she hadn’t believed me. I was much more careful in my conversation and choices after that.

Writing books is communication between the author and the reader. You don’t want to use the wrong word at the wrong time. It can turn off that reader quickly. You lose that reader plus others influenced by that reader.

Reading is important.

I encourage authors to do research. Words are extremely important when doing research.

Research involves reading internet material, other books, and, sometimes, academic documents.

Words Require Something

If everything I have said is true, what does that mean for me? Basically, three things.

  1. Study to show thyself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15a)
  2. Search the scriptures is a good rule given by Jesus. There it was knowing Jesus. But the writer is also to search or research material that may enter your book. But it is also needed for publishing and marketing.
  3. In Psalm 90:12, we are told to apply our hearts to wisdom. That is referring to godly wisdom, but it is an excellent principle for writing, as well.

In other words, study, do the research, and apply what you learn. These three habits are well worth the investment of time and yourself.

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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.

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Blog by Ron – Getting Published is Fun

Author R. Frederick Riddle

Getting Published is more than a headline or a cute phrase. It can be and is a vital part of your writing career.

If you have been following my posts, you are aware that I am a Christian author and publisher. That means that I have gained insights over time and can thereby help you navigate the roiling waters of writing.

Getting Published Posts

To teach authors about writing and getting published I invested a great deal of that knowledge plus time, sweat, and tears. I guess that is a little over dramatic, but it sounded good.

The truth is that while I was joking, I was also telling the truth. I learned to write the hard way. You may have heard me talk about the School of Hard Knocks. It is one fact of my life that propelled me to write the course. I don’t want you to go to that school, or if you are currently in it, I don’t want you to stay there.

Getting Published is Fun – the VLOG

At the beginning of the year I began a VLOG (Video Blog) which is much like a podcast but strictly video. I use that VLOG to share tips for you in your writing, publishing, and marketing.

At the same time, I publish posts on Facebook and LinkedIn, which by some strange magic show up reinforce what I am teaching. Each post and each VLOG share similar hints, tips, and facts yet from a slightly different perspective. Moreover, they magically show up about the same time. Why? Aren’t I being redundant? Perhaps, but the old saying is that it takes repetition to teach. Besides some of you may only be on YouTube, others may focus on Facebook, and still others may be on LinkedIn. And others may be on all three. But the point is to get the information out there.

Getting Published is Fun is True

Let me list some of the ways I think getting published is fun. This list is not organized, just listed as I consider them.

  • Holding my published book for the first time

There is something special about holding your first book you have written in your hand. In fact, there is that same special feeling everytime you get published whether it is your first, or seventh, or tenth.

  • Seeing my name in print

When I got my first book and saw my name on the cover, I was thrilled. That may have been the moment I realized that my dream had come true!

  • Seeing my name in Google Search

That may seem odd to you, but when I searched for R. Frederick Riddle and got back a listing not only of the books I had written, but the other information about me as well. Try searching for your name, especially if you have an author’s name. Or a business name.

  • Getting a Royalties report

It is always a happy feeling when I receive a royalty payment no matter how much it amounts. It means somebody is buying and reading something I created.

  • That first sale

I wish I had written down the who, where, and when of my first sale. But I was so excited, I gave away books!

  • And every sale thereafter

Now that I am an Indie Publisher, I track my sales. And I am vain enough to go back and look at them. It always is a good feeling.

What is my Tip for you?

Be willing to invest yourself in whatever it takes to achieve your goal. I am not just talking about money, although that is necessary. I am talking about your time and energy. And I am talking about the effort it takes to change your preconceived ideas. That is harder, but often very important.

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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). To find him on YouTube go to (159) TR Independent Books – YouTube,

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Blog by Ron – Course vs. Service

Author R. Frederick Riddle

Course vs. Service sounds mysterious in a way. But basically, I offer to ways for authors to get published: a writing course called B.A.T. and a publishing service called Ministry Publishing.

Course vs. Service is Unique

I have talked a great deal about Basic Authors Training which is a writing course that teaches, provides one-one coaching, live Zoom meetings, email, and other methods of communication. In addition, a publishing/marketing plan is included.

The service is called Ministry Publishing and does not include the teaching of how to write a book, or set your business up. Ministry Publishing is strictly focused on publishing and marketing.

Course vs. Service is very Affordable.

Both the writing course and the service offer affordable ways of paying. Both provide 12 monthly payments or pay in full up front. This time period was chosen to alleviate the financial crunch that a full pay payment could impose.

The Service is Repeatable

This simply means that you can purchase this service on future books. Each book for the same price. The publishing aspect is covered completely by this price, whereas the marketing aspect is covered within the Author’s Book pricing, making it self-funded and recoverable.

What do I mean by recoverable? If you buy the book and resell it to customers you pay nothing in addition to your author’s price. Whatever retail price you choose is what the customer pays, you keep the difference between basic cost (author’s price) and retail price. Retail price is determined by you.

Course vs. Service is for Christians.

T&R Independent Books is a Christian business dedicated to publishing and marketing books. The worldview in either is Christian. It is strongly emphasized that students or clients not only be Christians but that you be involved in your local church ministry. Both are aimed at Christian authors.

Ministry Publishing has Limitations.

By limitations I am referring to the genre and to writing standards. There are genres that simply don’t fit the Christian worldview. We do not publish:

  • Evolutionary
  • Horror
  • LGBQ literature
  • Science Fiction (but we do publish Futuristic)
  • Pornography
  • and a few others (contact T&R when in doubt)

Which is Best for Me?

If you have never written a book before or are a novice in need of more instruction then taking a writing course would be best. There are things you need to learn, such as:

  1. Setting your business up
  2. Creating a website
  3. Plotting
  4. Learning how to edit
  5. and more.

If you know how to write or perhaps have written a book, then you don’t need the course unless you feel you need to improve your writing skills. The publishing Service is best for you because it includes:

  1. Editing (optional)
  2. Formatting
  3. Publish Ready
  4. Publishing
  5. Marketing
  6. Marketing tools
  7. and more.

It is Your Choice

Whichever you choose is the right choice for you. There are thousands of new books being published every week and month. It is important that you put your best work out there so that it will be noticed. And always remember that whether take a course or go straight to publishing, you are going to do most of the marketing. So, choose a company who will not only provide you tools for marketing, but will do some marketing for you through an online bookstore, a blog that is gaining readership, a vlog that reaches people interested in books, and in other posts generated by T&R.

As I say in my posts, be In It to Win It!

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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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A Thanksgiving Wish

Author R. Frederick Riddle

A Thanksgiving Wish for You

As we approach Thanksgiving and the Christmas season, families generally anticipate shopping. Especially shopping for their children.

Or if you don’t have children, you might be shopping for the extended family, or for friends, or just between spouses.

In any case, shopping tends to take front state. Now, you might think it strange that I, a seller of books, plus a writing course, and a publishing service, would not be on the bandwagon. Well, if you have seen my posts of Facebook, you know I am selling. In fact, I jumped into the Deals market with both feet and offer potential buyers a 25% discount storewide!

But as a Christian I thing there should be more.

My Thanksgiving Wish for You is That You Find Time for God.

You have legitimate needs that need to be taken care of; or you have children or other relatives that you need to buy presents for and you don’t have much time. But may I encourage you to take 10 – 15 – 20 minutes or more and truly offer up your thanks to God the Father.

I won’t go into all the things you owe God for what He has done in your life. But I do encourage you to take a look at the last year and list the blessings. When I do that, I see that God has blessed me beyond measure.

If I pause and consider my wife’s passing, I find reasons for Thanking God even there. She passed in her sleep with a smile on her lips, the last words she spoke to me were, “I love you!”, and she was spared another battle with cancer. It was painful for me, yes. But when I look at those positive things, realizing only a miracle could have changed the outcome, I am overwhelmed with what God gave us in the last 2 months of her life. I now have memories, precious memories for the rest of my life.

I am not wishing you to lose anyone, but I am praying that you will treasure the loved ones you have by your side, and that you get at least a glimpse of God’s providential care for you.

The Times We are In

We live in precarious times. From a biblical standpoint many of us believe we are in the End Times. But whether we are or not is not the issue. The issue is that God deserves our lives, our thanks, and our obedience.

Let’s render to God all we are and have. That means our lives, our hopes, our fears, and our possessions. But mostly it means our hearts!

My Thanksgiving Wish for Our Nation

Wouldn’t it be nice if our politicians “would just get along.” Usually people who say that mean get along by agreeing with me. But it would be nice if the could work together.

Do you remember 911? One of the things I remember is that for too brief a time our nation was united. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents were united in prayer and determination. It was beautiful!

One wish I have is that they will learn to work together again. I am not talking about loving one another, although that would be a great start. I am talking putting our nation ahead of our petty desires, and putting God first in everything! Being thankful and acting accordingly!

My Wish for You

I don’t know the vast majority of you, but I truly wish that this Thanksgiving you will have plenty of food to eat, that your favorite football team will win (as long as it’s the Detroit Lions), that you will have great health, that you might make new friendships along the way, and that you will remember and have a reserved a special place in your heart for Jesus!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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Why do You Want to be a Published Author?

Author R. Frederick Riddle

Why do you want to be a Published author?

That is a good question, and I have 3 answers.

1 – Why do I Write?

I write because I love to write. I was once told my writing is only a hobby, not a business.

The hobby part may have some merit, but it has never been a hobby. A hobby is defined as: Hobbies are usually, but not always, practiced primarily for interest and enjoyment, rather than financial reward. Hobbies sometimes become careers, but they can change, be dropped, etc.

But while there is similarities, the truth is that for me writing is a calling. God called me to write and it requires more dedication than a hobby.

2 – Why do I do my own marketing?

While I love writing and have some talent in that area, marketing didn’t come naturally to me. But I have dedicated myself to marketing because my writing is a calling, and the marketing aspect comes with that calling.

Unfortunately, for a long time I didn’t have a coach or mentor. I self-taught myself a lot, but I couldn’t quite put it all together. Since 2022, that has changed and I am now experiencing my best years ever.

3 – Why do you use Social Media?

This is more complicated. I know there are some bad people on Facebook, but I believe there are some good people on Facebook, as well. These people can benefit from my products. For example,

A – Christian fiction books are based on actual people and events in the Bible. While I write the fictional story behind the story, they also relate the Biblical accounts. All of which means my readers can be entertained and taught at the same time.

B – Christian nonfiction books take sometimes complex issues or doctrines and reduce them or simplify them for easier understanding. I often say they are written by a simple man for simple men.

C – Writing course known as Basic Authors Training, which brings me much joy because it gives me the opportunity to help others become published authors.

D – Ministry Publishing enables me to be part of other people’s ministry or success, and enable them to have their books published.

In Conclusion.

T&R Independent Books brings you this blog post to keep you informed on the issues of today. Authors need to stay informed so that they can relate to their readers facts as well as entertain them with their imagination.

Basic Authors Training is a Basic Writing Course that explains and guides you into becoming an author. Powered by video along with PDFs and Live Coaching you learn the basics of writing, publishing, and marketing.

VISIT MY AUTHOR’S PAGE TODAY: amazon.com/author/rfrederickriddle.

Don’t forget to comment below. We are always interested in your opinions. And to make sure you get our blogs, simply check the box that says, Notify me of new posts via email.

Company information:

T&R Independent Bookstore is a division of T&R Independent Books founded in 2014 by R. Frederick and Tess Riddle. Ministry Publishing, is both a service and an exciting outreach to the Christian Community.

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Blog by Ron – Ministry Publishing

Ministry Publishing is a new venture that I am personally and professionally excited about. Over the years I have noticed that evangelists must carry a ton of their books with them or have them shipped to a church they will be in to preach.

I have also personally seen a pastor have to buy 5,000 copies of his book and store them (usually at the church).

Times have Changed

The need to carry with them books or have books shipped ahead is still common practice. Hopefully they don’t have to order a minimum number of books.

Times have changed with the advent of print on demand. I believe that pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and those in Christian Education should be able to benefit from print on demand technology.

To a small extent, they do benefit. But it is the same benefit that the rest of us get. Shouldn’t men of God get a better benefit?

Enter Ministry Publishing

Ministry Publishing is just that. It is a service that is provided to men in the ministry as pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and Christian teachers. It is also a ministry to women who minister to women and children.

It is a ministry that publishes books. For a small fee (compared to other publishers) Ministry Services will provide editing, proofing, formatting, just about any service you can think of, plus publish the book.

In addition, at no extra cost to the customer, we do offer marketing that pays for itself. The cost of marketing is included in the book’s retail price, thus offsetting the printing cost.

Ministry Publishing Helps the Ministry

In my experience, evangelists most often support their ministry by selling their books. This is a time-honored tradition. But it also represents a major financial burden to buy many books, store them, and transport them. The profits they receive go to the ministry to pay for the travel expenses, housing, and much more.

Because the marketing cost is included in the purchase price, it results in no out-of-pocket costs to the evangelist. Most publishers that I am aware of charge a marketing fee and sometimes require a minimum purchase. But by having a per book price that is included in the base cost, the ministry can order as many or as few as needed.

That is the benefit for evangelists, but for ministers of the gospel it helps them in a slightly different way. With all the costs included in a per book basis the pastor or his church are not dealt a devastating blow.

For example, if a pastor hires Ministry Publishing to publish his book, the upfront cost is $500 (or $83.33 per month for 6 months), no matter how many pages long it is. The pastor’s book is published and the pastor orders 10 copies (number varies depending on pastor’s needs or plans). Let’s say the basic cost is printing plus T&R publishing fee is $4.85. At 10 copies, the pastor would pay $48.50. The pastor sets a retail of $12.99 for the book and sells all 10 for $129.90. His per book profit would be $12.99-4.85=$8.14 per book or a net profit of $81.40 for all 10.

Or the pastor might give them away with a total cost of $48.50.

Either way, the pastor has accomplished his goal and either reaped a profit for the ministry, or expended a small amount of money on the project. The customer has been in control for the whole process.

if you want to know how to learn to be an author, you should visit my article titled Whats-the-Truth-about-Best-Sellers.

To visit our bookstore, go to TR Bookstore and look around. You’ll find books by my late wife Tess, plus books by me, including Hurricane Ian Winds of Providence & Provision.