Becky Kopitzke

Devotions for Moms

  • Lifestyle & Faith
    • Blog
    • Resource Library
  • Writer Coaching
  • Books
  • Speaking
  • Courses
  • Shop
    • Cart
    • Amazon Favorites

Why Writers Need Other Writers

September 30, 2020

Lisa-Jo Baker was the first person to tell me I could publish a book.

Well—I should clarify. Lisa-Jo was the first person in a position to know who told me I could publish a book. My husband, my blog readers, my mom… they told me I could and should write a book, too, but… they weren’t exactly publishing insiders. And some of them (Mom especially) might have been a little biased.

Lisa-Jo was not biased.

But Lisa-Jo was someone who knew about writing. And publishing. And what it takes to secure a contract then usher a book into the world.

Back when I’d been blogging just a few years and was first starting to dip my toes in the possibility of pitching a book proposal—i.e., first allowing myself to dream a big dream for my writing—I met Lisa-Jo through an (in)Courage writers’ forum. At the time she was already a best-selling author and ultra-popular mom blogger, and I followed her career with fangirl enthusiasm. When I found out she’d be guest facilitating the forum, I jumped at the chance to glean some wisdom.

In those days, I didn’t have a book contract yet.

I didn’t have an agent.

I was one among a sea of hopeful writers.

But Lisa-Jo treated me like I was somebody.

And you know what she told me?

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have thousands of followers. Publishers will still consider you if you have great writing and a solid idea. You DO have a shot at a book deal. Go for it!”

So I did.

And you know the rest. Three book contracts and tons of writer coaching clients later, I’m grateful to God for bringing me to this point, where I’m not only living my dream as an author but also blessed to pay forward my knowledge to other writers and creators.

And when I look back at pivotal moments in my career, Lisa-Jo was one of them. That singular conversation sparked the confidence I needed to take a big step forward. And she was right. I did get an agent, and a book contract, only months later—with less than thousands of followers.

If big-famous-bestselling-author-and-blogger Lisa-Jo Baker hadn’t encouraged me, I’m not sure I would’ve believed it possible.

We all need someone like that in our lives. In our careers. In our support circle.

Because as writers we live a unique lifestyle that most of our in-real-life friends don’t totally relate to or understand. Blogging, book writing, publishing, speaking, podcasting, online ministry—it’s a weird world we dwell in day after day. Finding people who GET IT, who can talk your language and share your challenges and cheer for your victories in solidarity—that’s solid gold.

We need each other.

If for no other reason than to remember we’re not crazy. That we’re on track. We’re following a God-given calling to create and communicate and spread the gospel in our own bloggy, booky, podcasty way.

And together we can cheer each other on. We can “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

And if you’re lucky enough to find a Lisa-Jo in your life?

It just might change the game.

So I want to do that for you.

Today I want to give you the chance she gave me.

I want you to find your PEOPLE. Your mentor. Your Lisa-Jo.

Actually… the REAL Lisa-Jo.

Because God sure is funny.

Introducing The Huddle—a new coaching hub for Christian communicators.

Seven years after that pivotal pep talk from the one and only LJ Baker Extraordinaire, Lisa-Jo and I met in person. And we discovered we are kindred spirits. We share similar career experiences, passions, and enthusiasms. My fangirl glasses have now made way for a new kind of view—a genuine love, respect, and friendship for this very real, very wise and VERY hilarious woman whom I’m now honored to call my business partner. Together with two of our dear colleagues (and friends!), Katie Reid and Jonathan Purifoy, we founded Ministry to Business, an organization designed to equip Christian communicators to earn a living from their ministries so their messages can be lasting.

And today we are opening the doors to our exciting new coaching group, The Huddle.

The Huddle is a place where Christian writers, speakers, podcasters, teachers and makers—that’s you!!—can gather to GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED about how to grow your skills and earn a living from your craft. It’s your support network of like-minded creatives who GET YOU, your love for writing and serving Jesus by serving an audience through words.

And enrollment is only open for a limited time.

Will you join me there? And YOU can get to know and love Lisa-Jo (and Katie and Jon) as much as I do.

Click here to learn all about The Huddle and what it can do for you and your ministry.

I can’t wait to see you inside!

Much love,
Becky

  • Share
  • Tweet
Become a Patron!

Filed Under: Writer Coaching

Join My Community

    Which updates you want to get from Becky?

    Meet Becky.

    If you love your kids but you sometimes forget to feed them lunch, if you're crazy about your husband but some days you want to set his hunting gear on fire, and if you adore Jesus with your whole heart yet you mess up time and time again, then you and I are friends already.

    We need each other. I'm so glad you're here.

    Subscribe to Me on YouTube

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoyavx3CZvM

    Follow me on Instagram

    beckykopitzke

    This time of year I start dreaming of warmer days. This time of year I start dreaming of warmer days. Halfway to summer...
    The post-Christmas morning shrapnel. My heart is o The post-Christmas morning shrapnel. My heart is overflowing with gratitude... for this family, for abundance in spite of a year that seemed to take much away. 2020 brought us isolation, uncertainty, a cancelled house build, uncomfortable change of direction, and prayer upon prayer for stability that did not come. Yet in the midst of it all, I am learning to put my hope in what matters most... and leaning on the only true stability in this world. Praise God for sending His son, our salvation. The light of the world. Merry Christmas, friends!
    Rest... it’s not a practice that comes naturally Rest... it’s not a practice that comes naturally to me, but I know it’s important for a hundred different reasons. Grateful for this holiday week of quiet and restoration. What are you reading by the fireside this Christmas break?
    New favorite family games! Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pi New favorite family games! Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (my 10-year-old is a fierce competitor) and Double Ditto... quick rounds and great fun. We’re huge board game fans, especially over school breaks! What are your favs?
    It’s his birthday. Husband. Dad. Amazing man of It’s his birthday. Husband. Dad. Amazing man of faith and integrity. We’re so grateful he’s at the helm of Clan Kopitzke. Happy birthday to the love of my life.
    Beautiful summer day with friends on the farm. Tha Beautiful summer day with friends on the farm. Thank you, God, for sunshine and loved ones!
    Loving summer bike rides with my beautiful teen. W Loving summer bike rides with my beautiful teen. We made a pit stop for some passion fruit lemonade because, well, #starbucks. Why not.
    Instagram post 17858481403783117 Instagram post 17858481403783117
    Comparison is the devil. Let's support one another Comparison is the devil. Let's support one another rather than judge, focus on our strengths rather than wishing for someone else's, and be content in knowing God has equipped us with exactly what we need to do His will. Besides, much of what we *think* we envy in others isn't the whole story. There's always a filter. The grass is greenest where you water it.
    My beautiful firstborn turned 13 last week. For h My beautiful firstborn turned 13 last week.  For her birthday, Mom bought her(self) Lauren Daigle tickets. #smartmom
    Today is the day I once thought was so distant, so Today is the day I once thought was so distant, so never-going-to-touch-me. In the days when I was changing diapers and  scrubbing juice spills out of the carpet, the thought of independent children seemed surreal. But how time passes when we’re going about daily life. Today my firstborn is a teenager. 13th birthday, wow. And my mom career is entering a new stage. I have high hopes for God’s grace to cover it and bless it as He has every step previous to this one. And I’m grateful... so grateful for this beautiful girl. Happy birthday, Clara Jane! You are loved beyond measure!
    My beautiful girl. She still loves to play in the My beautiful girl. She still loves to play in the snow. Turning double digits this year. Where did a decade go??
    Load More... Follow on Instagram

    Follow me on Pinterest

    Visit Becky Kopitzke's profile on Pinterest.

    Hi there.

    Need some wisdom and encouragement?
    Check out my free resource library.

    Yes, Please!
    • Home
    • About
    • Books
    • Speaking
    Copyright ©2021, Becky Kopitzke. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs