My Biggest Regret as a Christian Author

When I first felt called to write, I was so focused on getting my message out that I underestimated the true cost of bringing a book to life. I assumed the biggest challenge would be writing the content—but I was wrong.

The reality? Writing the book was only the beginning. The expenses of editing, formatting, cover design, and marketing quickly added up. I didn’t fully prepare for the financial and time investment required to publish and promote a book effectively.

✅ Lesson learned: If you’re planning to write a book, count the cost upfront. Research the expenses involved in self-publishing or traditional publishing. Create a realistic budget that includes marketing, as this is just as essential as the writing itself.

In the early stages of my writing, I was driven by personal passion—which was good—but I lacked clarity on who I was writing for. As a result, my message felt scattered and less impactful.

Why does this matter? When you try to write for everyone, you reach no one. Defining your specific audience allows you to craft a message that speaks directly to their needs, struggles, and desires.

✅ Lesson learned: Take time to identify your ideal reader. Ask yourself:

• What are they struggling with?
• What solution or encouragement does my book offer?
• How can I write in a way that resonates with them personally?

When I wrote my first book, I had too many ideas swirling around. Instead of crafting a clear, focused message, I tried to cover too much ground. The result? My book lacked a strong, memorable takeaway.

Clarity is key. Without a core message, it’s easy for your book to feel disjointed or unclear. A strong, singular focus makes your book more impactful and memorable to readers.

✅ Lesson learned: Before you write, define your core message. Ask yourself:

• What is the one thing I want readers to take away?
• Can I summarize my message in a single sentence?
• Is my content consistently aligned with this message?

I wrote my first book with my perspective in mind, but I didn’t fully consider what my reader needed. This led to missed opportunities to connect with their struggles and provide meaningful solutions.

Why does this matter? Readers buy books that speak to their pain points or desires. If you don’t clearly address their needs, your book may not resonate—even if it’s filled with truth.

✅ Lesson learned: Before you start writing, spend time getting to know your audience. Engage with them through social media, surveys, or conversations. Understand their challenges so you can offer relevant and impactful content.

This is my biggest regret. Like many authors, I made the mistake of waiting until my book was published to start marketing it. Unfortunately, by then, it was too late to build the momentum needed for a strong launch.

The truth? Marketing needs to start before your book is released. Growing your platform, building anticipation, and nurturing your audience beforehand gives your book a much greater chance of success.

✅ Lesson learned:

• Start building your email list and social presence early.
• Share sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and valuable insights related to your book’s topic.
• Consider guest blogging or podcasting to expand your reach before launch day.

If you’re an aspiring or established Christian author, you don’t have to make these same mistakes. That’s why I’m inviting you to be part of Paper Crowns Volume 2—a powerful collaboration book designed to help you grow your influence before you publish your own book.

✅ Why join?

• You only need to write one chapter (4,000 words) instead of an entire book.
• You’ll gain exposure to a wider audience by contributing alongside other authors.
• It’s a fantastic way to establish yourself as an authority in your niche and expand your platform.

My hope in sharing these regrets is that you can learn from my experience and take a more strategic, intentional approach to your writing journey. Writing a book is a powerful calling—but it requires wisdom, preparation, and a clear focus to maximise its impact.

📖 If you’re ready to grow your author platform and share your message with the world, I’d love for you to be part of Paper Crowns Volume 2. It’s an incredible opportunity to collaborate, connect, and expand your reach—without the overwhelm of writing a full book on your own.

📌 Want to learn more? Click [here] to find out how you can join Paper Crowns Volume 2 and start building your author platform today. ✍️

👉 Ready to take the next step?

🌿 Join our free community of Christian authors

📚 Need guidance to write, publish, and promote your book? Check out our Paper Crown Media Mentoring subscription.

✨ Be encouraged. Be equipped. Answer the call to write.

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