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