2. Capture your idea immediately by writi'ng it down. Keep a journal.

3. File your ideas where they can be found. Develop a corresponding resource file.

4. Ask yourself which ideas you feel most compelled to develop.

5. Pray about your ideas. Ask the Lord to help you weed out the "fluff" and to show you which should take priority. Work them into your Goal Planning Chart.

6. Research the market. (See ABC’s of Marketing.)

7. Before you begin writing, picture your reader and pray for him.

8. Determine the best format for your idea—story, article, devotional, poem, or perhaps even a book. Be realistic. Learn the best opportunities by networking with other writers.

9. Do the necessary research. Quote accurately and get permission when needed.

10. Outline or develop a plan for your manuscript.

11. Write and rewrite as many times as necessary until you are certain this is your very best work. If at all possible, attend a writers’ group and have your manuscript critiqued. Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers' Market Guide has a list of workshops. It may be ordered through Write His Answer's online bookstore.

12. Ask yourself: Do I have a clear theme or story line? Is my idea tightly focused and well organized? Is there reader identification and a strong take-away? Have I been open, honest, vulnerable? Did I show or tell? Teach or preach?

13. Resist the temptation to mail it too soon. Let it "cool" for at least a week. Live it!

14. Put your best foot forward. Show you have carefully studied the market by submitting a manuscript that will meet their editorial needs. Be sure to use the proper manuscript format and enclose a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope).

15. Do the needed recordkeeping to keep track of submissions.

16. As you mail your manuscript, release it to the Lord and get to work on your next writing project. Be sure to get a receipt from the post office and note this in your log of writing expenses/earnings.

17. If your manuscript is returned, resubmit it immediately to the next name on your list.

18. After publication, pray for the editor and his ministry, and for the people who will read your printed piece. Learn all you can from the changes the editor made. Send a brief thank you letter and another manuscript or query. Be a good steward by marketing reprints if you have not sold all rights.

19. Do not give in to the deadly D’s—disappointment, discouragement, doubt, and despair. Look to Jesus. Remember he never promised it would be easy to follow him. Claim the promise of Galatians 6:9 and persevere.

20. Keep developing your skills. Keep growing. Attend writing seminars and conferences (see list in Christian Writers' Market Guide). Consider enrolling in a correspondence school (see Links and More Links.)

From Write His Answer—A Bible Study for Christian Writers (Phoenix, AZ: ACW Press, 1999).
© 1999 Marlene Bagnull.