Getting a book published takes a lot more than simply writing a book. For me it’s meant researching publishers, writing a proposal, revising, making the pitch, waiting, wading through legalese before signing a contract, getting the final manuscript in order, sending it in, more waiting, more revising, reviewing cover art, getting an author photo, going over proofs, more waiting, working at book promotion–and of course a lot of celebrating each step of the way.
[Added note for clarification: For my first book, it took all of that and more, while my upcoming book unfolded in a different way. In this case, the publisher approached me first with an invitation to write for their ongoing Lectionary Bible Study series. That made the road to publication much shorter which has been a wonderful gift!]
Right now I’m happily anticipating the Abingdon Press release of Christ Is for Us, and I’ve been working on a short script for a possible promo video that goes like this:
Christ Is for us.
The title of this new Lenten study reminds us that no matter what challenges we face in life, no matter what’s happening in the world around us, we can live with confidence and hope in God.
You protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of rescue!
says the psalmist.
For God so loved the world
that he gave his only Son
proclaims John’s gospel.
In other words, Christ is for me and for all of us.
That message drew me to this study, and I pray that it will encourage and inspire the individuals, groups, and congregations who will use it. Read Scripture. Wrestle with the text. Explore. Live out what you learn.
So may Christ’s sure presence be your strength.
May the Spirit animate your daily living.
May God draw you close and lead you forward.
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Christ Is for Us is scheduled for release before the end of the year in regular paperback, large print, and e-book formats. Now available for pre-order:
I hope you’ll check it out,
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April Yamasaki 
Oh how lovely! And congratulations on your newest book!
Love it April! Wishing you the best.
Thank you both–I love the cover and eagerly await the finished book!
Congratulations on your new book! It sounds like a refreshing message for Lent.
Thanks, Charity – I loved working on this study, and look forward to sharing it in print with others. Christ is for us during Lent and always.
April, congratulations. I’m so impressed by your dedication to all the tasks of writing and publishing. May you and all who read your books be connected in the larger vision you hold out here. Christ is for us!
Amen, Shirley! I love the variety of tasks related to writing and publishing since they draw on all sides of my introvert/extrovert/ambivert nature, and given all of the changes in publishing over the last few years, I am constantly learning which I also love. While I’m waiting for the release of Christ is For Us, I’m also starting a new project that I’ll share on my blog next week, so please stay tuned….