Tag: trbookservices

Posted on by — Leave a comment

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.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Waiting on God

Author R. Frederick Riddle

Waiting on God is the prerequisite of the Christian life and our serving Him.

You face difficulties in life. God says trust and wait on Me. You have challenges and opportunities where you need God to lead you. This is something we all face wherever we live or serve.

Called to Write.

You’ve received God’s call to become a writer. You know it but God hasn’t told the specifics. What should you do. Well, here is plan.

Waiting on God to Verify.

By this I do not mean to do nothing while you wait. If you think God might be calling you to be an author, you need to take some small steps in preparation for the verification and beyond. Here are some possible steps to consider.

  1. 1) EXAMINE the ‘Why’ you think God is calling you. This involves being honest with yourself. It involves a careful examination of what you may be identifying as signs. You can ask other people but what you get are opinions. Maybe helpful but only you seeking God’s revealing will know for sure.
  2. 2) IF you are satisfied with the results of step (1), then examine your live for obstacles and start eliminating them. This also involves honesty and the seeking of God’s searchlight into your soul and taking action on what you discover.
  3. 3) PRAY fervently and sincerely for God’s direction. I am not talking about some formula prayer or a ‘now I lay me down’ prayer but a prayer that is intense.
  4. 4) LISTEN. If you don’t listen to God’s response then you wasted your time in steps 1 thru 3. Oh, and by the way, God cannot be constrained to just one way of answering. You can lay down a chamois and that is ok, but He cannot be restricted to that method.

These may seem obvious and unimportant to you but they are neither. They get your heart right, and puts God in the Driver’s seat.

Waiting on God to Give You the Opportunity.

This may not take long at all or could take a very long time. Write down things that might be worthy subjects you might be interested in writing about. You could also write out the concepts of stories. This will get your mind ready.

Waiting on God to Lead.

The Indwelling Holy Spirit may have something He wants you to write about. It may be that story you’ve been thinking about. Or He may have something altogether different. That is okay. You just switch to God’s plan. Your mind will adjust and soon your mind will be in subjection to God’s direction.

When you reach that point you will find that things flow easier and God’s direction is moving you. These steps are essentially what I do, but the key is to put yourself in a place where God can communicate with you not just to you.

This is a simple plan, but you may have a better plan. That is fine. The idea is simply to wait upon His leading and enabling.

___

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 out more about him and what he offers at Facebook and LinkedIn.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

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.

___

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.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Blog by Ron – The Birth of Jesus

Host R. Frederick Riddle

The birth of Jesus is a subject that is worthy to look at during the Christmas season. With December 25th just around the corner, there are questions that need to be answered.

Why was the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem?

In Micah 5:2 it says, But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

The reason it is called Bethlehem Ephratah is that there were two Bethlehem’s. So, the prophet had to be specific.

And what was so special about this town. It wasn’t far from Jerusalem and the sheep raised there were owned by the priesthood and were used in Temple worship.

Why did Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem?

Because all Jewish men were required to go to their family home or birthplace and pay their taxes. Joseph had been born in Bethlehem and so he had to go there to pay his taxes.

So. God used a Roman emperor, a pagan, to cause Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem where she gave birth to Jesus, thus fulfilling scripture.

When was the birth of Jesus?

By a pagan tradition we celebrate His birth on the 25th of December. But let’s take a look at some facts.

The sheep of Bethlehem were owned by the Temple and used for the temple sacrifices. One of my favorite books over my lifetime has been A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm by Philip Keller.

That book follows the sheep as they travel up a mountain, graze on a plateau, then travel back down to their home range. It starts in Spring/Summer and ends in Fall. Because the shepherds were near Bethlehem when Jesus was born, we know He was either born in the Spring or in the Fall.

When you study the time of the taxation you discover it took place in 3 BC. In Luke 2:1-5 is says And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Bethlehem was 70 miles from Nazareth and only 6 miles from Jerusalem where Joseph would need to go in two weeks for the Feast of Tabernacles, which commemorated the 40-year journey of the Israelites who left Egypt for the Promised Land.

In Luke 2:8 the shepherds are said to be abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

If this was wintertime, the flock would have been within a structure not in the field. In my book What’s True About Christmas? Updated I go into more details which point to His possible birth in September.

In fact, there is evidence, both biblical and secular that points to a September 11th date. In the end, this date is conjecture, but it is much more accurate that December 25th.

Should we abandon December 25th to celebrate Birth of Jesus?

Absolutely not!

We couldn’t even if we tried. My point is that we should want to know as much truth as is possible. Knowing the approximate date of His birth adds depth to my Christmas experience. Nothing is taken away from my enjoyment of the season.

___

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 learn more about R. Frederick Riddle and T&R Independent Books at www.facebook.com/ronald.f.riddle, and at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfrederickriddle.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Blog by Ron – BLACK FRIDAY 3-DAY SALE

Black Friday 3-day sale sounds like just another commercial. But it is more than that.

What is for sale on Black Friday

It is more than books in a bookstore.

Yes, I am offering books for sale such as:

Any one or all six of The World That Was novel series based on the Book of Genesis. These books are said to ‘bring the Bible alive!’

Any one or all of the growing What’s True About nonfiction book series. Topics include Christmas, Revival, God, and more.

What’s so Special about this Black Friday?

Basic Authors Training which introduces 2-tier instruction. This is basic teaching married to live coaching. B.A.T. is a self-paced writing course that allows you the freedom to learn at your pace while having access to a real coach who will work with you.

This course is designed to provide you with information that will help you grow, yet apply right now. And it leads to you getting published. Guaranteed!

Guaranteed Publishing?

Yes. T&R Independent Books is a Christian Indie Publisher of Christian books. If you meet the following criteria T&R will guarantee your book will be published.

As a student you agree:

  • Your fiction or nonfiction work is within the Christian worldview.
  • All quoted Scripture will be from the King James Version Bible.
  • You have completed the course and been offered a publishing package.

In other words, after the completion of the course, you will receive a publishing package at no extra cost which you can accept or refuse. If you desire to publish elsewhere that is your right. But if you agree to be published by T&R Independent

When is the Sale

It takes place on November 28 through 30, 2024 or Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and Small Business Saturday. It may be extended through the weekend to include Cyber Monday, but that is not currently planned.

What is the Black Friday Sale?

It is 10% off the current sale price. For example, is a product is currently for sale for $12.99 it will be reduced by another $1.30 approximately. Another example is the Basic Authors Training writing course.

That is currently on sale for $4500 and will be reduced by $450. Or if subscription it will be reduced from $400 a month for 12 months to $360 a month for 12 months. (the 12 months only refers to subscription price, not length of course time).

The course is a self-paced course featuring teaching and live coaching to bring out your best and transform you into the published author you want to be.

___

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 can be found on Facebook.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Blog by Ron – The Resurrection

Author R. Frederick Riddle

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a hotly debated issue. Some people say it never happened. These have their heads in the sand.

Others say He was resurrected in the spirit. But that leaves a body in the tomb, yet the tomb has been and is empty.

Still others believe that He was bodily resurrected and coming back. These people have a rock-solid faith.

Let’s take a closer look.

The Cross

A literal reading of the Word of God leads to the belief that Christ was crucified on Wednesday and arose Sunday morning. Some people believe that He was crucified on Friday and celebrate the day as Good Friday. This is not supported with scripture unless you divide the days.

Why?

Simple math. You cannot get three days and nights which comprise 72 hours into two days (Friday and Saturday). The only way this is achieved is be dividing the days which neither the context nor the actual wording support.

Part of the confusion rests on the sabbath. There is the sabbath which occurs on Saturday, and the Passover, a high day or high sabbath. In John 19:14, 31 we learn that Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover, the next day. Thus, the crucifixion was on Wednesday, not Friday.

Another factor is the confusion over how long Jesus was in the tomb. It was three days and three nights. Only a crucifixion on Wednesday allows this. Consider that Thursday the Passover began in our time Wednesday at 6pm (sundown). This means Jesus was in the tomb (using our time) from Wednesday 6pm to 6am (night), Thursday 6pm to 6am, and Friday 6pm to 6am. He was also in the tomb in our time from Thursday 6am to 6pm (day), Friday 6am to 6pm, and Saturday 6am to 6pm.

Thus He was in the tomb three days and three nights, and was resurrected sometime after 6pm Saturday which was the beginning of Sunday. The stone was rolled away at dawn not to let Jesus out but to allow the women to look in.

The Resurrection Means No Body in the Tomb

There are a great number of man-made religions in the world and the bones of the founders never left the burial place. But we know that Jesus left the tomb and was seen of many. At one time He appeared to some 500 people. While it is possible to delude one or two people at the same time, it is not possible to delude 500 at the same time.

The Resurrection is Absolute

Some deniers claim the resurrection is unimportant. That is because they think that Christianity is just another religion. But it is more than a religion, it is a relationship between God and man through the God-man Jesus Christ. If Christ was not resurrected then He was buried and no longer lives. If He no longer lives there is no hope for us, we are most miserable (1 Cor. 15:19).

The Resurrection is Historical

After the crucifixion Christ appeared to many people as noted above. It was the fact of the resurrection that empowered the early church to dig deep roots and survive the persecution that came.  That led to the imprisonment of the apostles and none recanted their belief in the resurrection. Look at this list:

  • Peter: crucified upside down.
  • Andrew: crucified on an X.
  • Phillip: crucified upside down.
  • Thomas: stabbed with spears.
  • Matthew: murdered after scolding a king.
  • Bartholomew: skinned alive.

None of these recanted in their belief in the resurrected Christ.

The church itself would have died quickly if the resurrection were a lie.

Although the Jewish culture had always had Saturday worship, the church began worshipping on Sunday immediately! The only explanation is the resurrection.

The Jewish sacrificial system was abandoned and disappeared shortly after the resurrection. While many reasons may be given, the only one that makes any sense is they are no longer needed.

Jesus Himself told the Pharisees that He would be raised (John 2:19).

The resurrection was real and well documented. It is an historical fact that changed the world. Jesus Christ came to take your sins and mine and to take them to the cross. There He dismissed His spirit and died in our place. He was buried in a tomb and arose after three days and nights in the tomb. And He ever lives and will come back for us some day soon!

___

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).

Posted on by — 1 Comment

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.

___

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.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Blog by Ron – Turning Loss to Gain

Author R. Frederick Riddle

Turning Loss to Gain can have various meanings. But in this blog I am talking about losing your soulmate.

How can such a loss be turned to gain?

My wife, Teresa, and I were married 41 years and 5 months before she went home to be with the Lord. It was a happy marriage founded on our mutual love for God and for one another.

Eight years older than her I never figured she would go first. She considered that possibility, but always claimed she would die in an automobile accident. It didn’t happen that way.

Turning Loss to Gain Begins with a Loss

In 2018 Teresa was diagnosed with cancer. It was quite advanced, requiring massive doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but she beat it. In 2019 she had it again. This time it was chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. She beat it again and remained cancer free until 2022.

Although diagnosed in 2022 with cancer, it was small and wasn’t the cause of her death. All the radiation she had reopened the surgical wound and on February 19, 2023, she bled to death in her sleep. She suffered no pain, went to sleep here on earth and awoke in heaven.

Yesterday, February 19, 2024, was the first anniversary of her death. It had been a sudden and unexpected loss. I lost the love of my life, my confidant, and the number one supporter of my writing career.

Turning Loss to Gain Can be Bumpy.

I regularly thank God for the great memories we had together. But I also thank Him for the family of God, Christian friends who support me in prayer, and acts of kindness.

In 2014, Teresa (aka Tess) and I had founded T&R Independent Books with the sole purpose of publishing our own books. Aside from laying a firm foundation for the new business, we had to deal with my heart attack in the same month, her cancer, and other issues. But in 2022 we published the most successful book we had ever published up to that point. Titled Hurricane Ian Winds of Providence and Provision, it was a hit and made 2022 the best year ever up to then.

In 2023, after her death, I published another hit. This is The Best of Tess which was a collection of her Ladies Devotionals plus an unfinished work that I finished with a postscript of our last 2 months together.

It was a bumpy time from 2014 through 2023, but God demonstrated His love and care throughout. When Teresa passed from life to glory, it suddenly grew very bumpy. Yet Christian friends, the family of God, stepped forward and wrapped their collective arms around me. Through them God comforted, supported, and guided me.

As a result, I trusted God, His Word, and my faith grew. Instead of being overwhelmed I was strengthened.

A New Direction

Earlier in 2022 I had written a course for the purpose of teaching people how to write. But it languished as I paused everything to care for my wife. After her death God began directing my thoughts back to that course and ultimately to launching it in 2023. He did this through Gordon Duncan who took over Christian Authors Community & Service or CACS after the founder Tom Blubaugh had died.

Aside from heading CACS, Gordon has another business called Capitalize Your Best which helps companies grow to new heights. I signed up got his course and his coaching. This resulted not only in the launching of the course, Basic Authors Training, but also the launching of Ministry Publishing.

Ministry Publishing is a publishing service to Christians who serve their local church whether paid or volunteer. It had an immediate impact.

Turning Loss to Gain is Exciting.

It wasn’t long before I had clients for the Ministry Publishing. My first clients is a husband/wife missionary team. They minister to men, women, and juvenile prisoners by taking the gospel to them. They are now in the process of writing a 365 Daily Devotional. This is an exciting project!

Another client is rewriting his biography. This one will tell more of his story than previously, plus it will be published by T&R Independent Books. Having crisscrossed America with the gospel, it is a story I am excited to see in print.

Turning Loss to Gain is A Work of God

As Christians we live in a world of loss, injury, and wrong. We suffer for a variety of reasons. But God doesn’t want us to mope and feel sorry for ourselves. Whatever grief or obstacle we may face in this life, He wants us to turn to Him and let Him turn that loss to gain.

Our God is a loving God Who has in many cases called us to use our writing skills for His use. He wants us to lay our troubles at His feet and allow Him to lift us up, to turn our loss to gain, and use us to His glory.

Thus, our loss when submitted to His care brings us great joy. Moreover, it allows God to transform our lives in ways we didn’t foresee. All God asks of us is that believers trust and follow Him. He will give you back so much more than you lost!

___

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).

Posted on by — Leave a comment

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.

___

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,

Posted on by — Leave a comment

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!

___

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).