Community Update

We would like to thank each one of you who have joined the BP community.

As we endeavor to build a vibrant author community, we’re excited about what God has in store for BelieversPress.

With 115 members, the community is growing!

Some recent topics:

• Synopsis Exercise: the Elevator Pitch
• Choosing a Title for Your Book
• What are the “press ready” requirements for BelieversPress?
• How do I find the word/character count of my manuscript?
• The Top 3 Things That Will Kill Your Novel’s Chances of Being Published

Step-by-Step Publishing Guide

If you haven't checked out the step-by-step publishing guide yet, we still welcome your feedback! Let us know if it is a helpful guide to working with BelieversPress.

Download your copy now » [PDF]

Offer your feedback on the BelieversPress community forum »

Author Profile

Name: Ray Kelly

Title:  The Hourglass Principle

Why I wrote my book: I have been quoting the use of an hourglass for many years as a means to describe my work ethic and sales methodology. I always said I needed to put this in writing someday. When my Dad passed a few years ago those who were close to me kept saying that I really needed to write a book about some of my Dad’s favorite sayings. I took this opportunity with The Hourglass Principle to bring both of these ambitions to life. The really cool part is that I was able to blend traditional sales process with Christian principles.

About me and my book: I am married with two wonderful children. I have been in sales my entire life and plan to use the book as a ministry and a consulting practice.

The theme of The Hourglass Principle is to focus the reader on selling with integrity. It provides an alternative approach to selling that reminds the reader that what they say or do today will mold and shape them into the sales professional they choose to become. Too many times sales people get themselves into desperate situations that place a strain on their ethical core. The Hourglass Principle is unique in that it blends traditional sales process with Christian principles. This book provides the sales person with tools and character traits that can be utilized to become successful in sales and life without selling out their morals or ethics. The goal is to demonstrate by practical example and Biblical Scripture that sales people can go further in their career by maintaining strong moral standards and a high level of integrity. Whether embarking in a new career in sales or a seasoned professional, The Hourglass Principle is the perfect addition to their reference library.

Favorite part of working with BelieversPress/Bethany Press: When I started this project I knew absolutely nothing about the book business. Sara was wonderful and very patient with all my questions. She really helped me to focus on the right aspects of bring my book to life.

Tip to share with others:  Start developing your marketing plan now. The publishing and printing is the easy part. Determining your target market and how you are going to access that market is how you are going to sell books.

New Providers

Please welcome two new providers to BelieversPress:

•  Tangent Covers
•  Steven Mark Book Designs

Coming soon!

• Book coaching
• Audio books
• Ebook

BelieversPress Marketplace - New Titles

• The Power of Purity
• 8 Questions God Can't Answer
• The Hourglass Principle

Browse all books at the marketplace.

May 2009 Christian Writers' Conferences

May 1-2
Act One: Writing for Hollywood Workshop
New York, NY

Antelope Valley Christian Writers Conference
Lancaster, CA

American Christian Writers Atlanta Conference
Atlanta, GA

Northwest Ohio Christian Writers' Spring Retreat
Whitehouse, OH

Northwest Christian Writers Renewal
Bothell, WA

Orange County Christian Writers Felloswhip Spring Writers Day
Irvine, CA

Georgia Christian Writers Spring Festival
Atlanta, GA

May 6-8
Evangelical Press Association Convention
Indianapolis, IN

May 13-16
Colorado Christian Writers Conference
YMCA Estes Park Center, CO

May 15-16
American Christian Writers Memphis Conference
Memphis, TN

May 17-21
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
Ridgecrest, NC

May 27-29
Catholic Media Convention
Anaheim, CA

(See http://www.stuartmarket.com/Conferences.html for all 2009 conferences)