Ink and Impact for Christian Writers | How to Write a Book, Self-Publish, Christian Book, Book Marketing, Nonfiction Book

Dalene Bickel - Publisher, Book Coach, Ghostwriter
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Confused about how to write a book?Struggling to find time to write?Ready to learn a step-by-step process to self-publish like a pro? Welcome to Ink and Impact, the podcast for Christian writers who want to self-publish their first nonfiction book. I’m your host, Dalene Bickel – a Jesus-loving book coach and founder of Lasting Legacies Publishing.  I’ve worked in the self-publishing industry for 29 years and I’ve written and published more than a dozen nonfiction books for clients (and myself). What started out as a way to help retirees privately publish their life stories expanded in 2021 when the Lord called me to serve Christian writers.  I believe the Lord is calling Christian writers just like you – writers of all ages, races, and nationalities. Writers who are willing to create quality nonfiction books that offer the light, hope, and truth of Christ to a weary and waiting world.  Books that make a true impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy. Maybe that resonates with you. Maybe you feel led to write a faith-based business or how-to book, memoir, devotional, or Bible study.  But as a busy business owner, parent of littles, family caregiver (or a combo of all three), your dream of becoming an author might seem out of reach right now. The reality is that God has given you a message to share right now for a reason. Here on the podcast, I’ll help you develop a publishing plan, write your manuscript, self-publish your book, and sell more copies no matter how much - or little- time you have. Join me here each week as I bring you rotating content full of practical information and tangible tips as well as occasional interviews and industry insights, all from a Biblical perspective.  Get  ready to:  Replace distraction with productive action,Learn a clear step-by-step process, andCommunicate your message in a way that attracts readers. Fire up your computer and brew an extra pot of coffee, friend. It’s time to write your book and make an impact! NEXT STEPS: Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Schedule a 1:1 Coaching Callhttps://lastinglegacies.as.me/?appointmentType=39640667Join the Publish Like a Pro Community www.facebook.com/groups/publishpro/Visit the Website https://dalenebickel.com/ink-and-impact/Email me:  info@inkandimpact.com

  1. FEB 6

    Ep.155 | Spotify Will Sell Physical Books - What that Means for Authors

    Spotfiy just announced that it will begin selling physical books in partnership with BookShop.org this spring.  Listen in to discover what this means for authors ... and the marketing lessons we can learn from Spotify. Sources: LinkedIn -  Spotify will sell physical books in expansion beyond audio Wall Street Journal - Spotify, a Major Audiobook Provider, Will Soon Offer Physical Books Companies Mentioned: Spotify BookShop.org Amazon.com Next Steps: Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro. Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching  Connect with Dalene: Contact - > info@inkandimpact.com Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel  What additional topics would you like to learn about? Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!

    17 min

  2. JAN 30

    Ep. 154 - Are You Prepared? 3 Things That Can Thwart Your Author Goals

    Before you dive into writing, learn these three things that can thwart you from reaching your author goals this year.  Listen in! Next Steps: Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro. Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching  Connect with Dalene: Contact - > info@inkandimpact.com Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel  What additional topics would you like to learn about? Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!

    16 min

  3. JAN 23

    Ep.153 - Confronting Criticism: 2 Questions Every Author Should Ask Themselves

    Whether we ask for it or not, every author receives feedback and often, it's in the form of criticism. How you respond to that criticism is important. Today I share the 2 Questions Every Author Should Ask Themselves when they receive real - or perceived - criticism. Next Steps: Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro. Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching  Connect with Dalene: Contact - > info@inkandimpact.com Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel  What additional topics would you like to learn about? Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!

    20 min

  4. JAN 15

    Ep.152 - Have I written enough? Too much? How to know when your manuscript is complete

    As I've mentioned before, there are no cookie-cutter solutions for authors.  Such is the case for book length - what might be too long for one reader might be the perfect length for another.  However, there are general rules of thumb and best practices you can use to determine when your manuscript is complete. I'm going to share 3 of those best practices with you today! Next Steps: Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro. Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching  Connect with Dalene: Contact - > info@inkandimpact.com Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel  What additional topics would you like to learn about? Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!

    14 min

  5. JAN 8

    Ep.151 | Discerning the Will of God for Your Book Project

    Do you want to write a book ... or is it the will of God that you write a book? There's a big difference. There's nothing wrong with creating a book based on your personal desire to do so, but when God wants you to write a book, it gives your book enhanced meaning and purpose. The impact will be bigger and can lead to unexpected blessings that you could never have imagined. This isn't a name it and claim it principle. Just because you write a book based on God's leading, it doesn't mean that you'll experience worldly success.  Your book might not become a national bestseller. Your bank account might never grow from book sales. You might never be invited to speak on stages in front of thousands of people.  But when you properly discern the will of God and faithfully share the message He has given you, you become a willing participant in His bigger plan.  You will make a true and lasting impact, one that can bring your readers -and you - closer to God. IF you choose to obey the call, that is. But how do you know if your book idea - or any plan, for that matter - is the will of God? That's what I'm going to share on today's episode. Next Steps: Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro. Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching  Connect with Dalene: Contact - > info@inkandimpact.com Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel  What additional topics would you like to learn about? Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!

    8 min

  6. JAN 1

    Ep.150 | Year in Review and What's to Come - Author Planning

    What worked last year ... and what didn't? What goals do you have for your author career next year? It's important for every writer to ask themselves these questions. This episode is more than just a year in review summary, it digs deeper into why certain things may not have worked and showcases the importance of inviting God into your everyday author journey. Listen in to reflect, plan, and discover 3 resources to help you in the New Year: Your Path to Publishing (free guide) 1:1 Book Coaching (1 hour clarity call) 2026 Book Planning Session (send an email to info@inkandimpact.com to ask to join the waitlist) CONNECT WITH DALENE: Contact - > info@inkandimpact.com Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com Connect -＞ Join the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel   Next Steps: Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro. Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching What additional topics would you like to learn about? Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!

    26 min

  7. 12/02/2025 · BONUS

    Ep.149 | BONUS | Taking Consistent Action for God's Glory with Becca Yager

    How consistent is your writing schedule right now?Do you feel guilty if you aren't writing for an hour (or more) every day?It's easy to compare ourselves with others but the reality is we all have different schedules and commitments.  If you're struggling to write more often, you'll be encouraged by my guest Becca Yager as she shares her writing approach, which has less to do with the number of writing sessions and more to do with trusting God and His timing. Today's interview is the fifth in a series of 6 bonus episodes that shine a spotlight on just a few of the amazing members of my Christian Authors in Action community. Most podcast interviews talk to authors after the book is published, during their book launch. This series of interviews is different. Here you'll hear from Christian writers in the midst of the writing phase or navigating their time in-between projects.  Keep listening to discover tangible tips you can apply to the reality of your own writing life. Next Steps: Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro. Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching Connect with Becca: Website - https://beccajyager.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beccajyager Connect with Dalene: Contact - info@inkandimpact.com Podcast - www.inkandimpact.com Connect - Join the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro FB/IG/LI - @dalenebickel  What additional topics would you like to learn about? Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!

    22 min

  8. 11/14/2025

    5 Book Marketing Tips for Nonfiction Authors (that don't include Amazon ads)

    "I wish I hadn't sold so many books," said no author ever.  Authors ALWAYS want to sell more books, but most of the time, they simply don't know HOW.  The good news is that regardless of whether you're a first-time aspiring author or a seasoned multi-book household name, there are ways you can consistently sell more books - yes, even your backlist titles.  Here's a crucial fact you need to know: Nonfiction books are marketed much differently than fiction books. If you've been relying on fiction tactics to sell your nonfiction book, you're probably experiencing less than stellar results. Therefore, this episode is for nonfiction authors who are ready to sell their books more effectively ... and efficiently. Get ready to learn 5 book marketing tips that will help you make a bigger impact AND income as an author. RESOURCES: IngramSpark (book wholesaler) Schedule your 1:1 Book Mapping Session with Dalene Snag a free copy of Your Path to Publishing  CONNECT WITH DALENE Contact - > info@inkandimpact.com Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com Connect -＞ Join the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel NEXT STEPS: Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro. Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching  What additional topics would you like to learn about? Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!

    11 min
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About

Confused about how to write a book?Struggling to find time to write?Ready to learn a step-by-step process to self-publish like a pro? Welcome to Ink and Impact, the podcast for Christian writers who want to self-publish their first nonfiction book. I’m your host, Dalene Bickel – a Jesus-loving book coach and founder of Lasting Legacies Publishing.  I’ve worked in the self-publishing industry for 29 years and I’ve written and published more than a dozen nonfiction books for clients (and myself). What started out as a way to help retirees privately publish their life stories expanded in 2021 when the Lord called me to serve Christian writers.  I believe the Lord is calling Christian writers just like you – writers of all ages, races, and nationalities. Writers who are willing to create quality nonfiction books that offer the light, hope, and truth of Christ to a weary and waiting world.  Books that make a true impact on the world and leave a lasting legacy. Maybe that resonates with you. Maybe you feel led to write a faith-based business or how-to book, memoir, devotional, or Bible study.  But as a busy business owner, parent of littles, family caregiver (or a combo of all three), your dream of becoming an author might seem out of reach right now. The reality is that God has given you a message to share right now for a reason. Here on the podcast, I’ll help you develop a publishing plan, write your manuscript, self-publish your book, and sell more copies no matter how much - or little- time you have. Join me here each week as I bring you rotating content full of practical information and tangible tips as well as occasional interviews and industry insights, all from a Biblical perspective.  Get  ready to:  Replace distraction with productive action,Learn a clear step-by-step process, andCommunicate your message in a way that attracts readers. Fire up your computer and brew an extra pot of coffee, friend. It’s time to write your book and make an impact! NEXT STEPS: Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Schedule a 1:1 Coaching Callhttps://lastinglegacies.as.me/?appointmentType=39640667Join the Publish Like a Pro Community www.facebook.com/groups/publishpro/Visit the Website https://dalenebickel.com/ink-and-impact/Email me:  info@inkandimpact.com

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