Deb’s Desk May Updates

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Thinking About Self-Publishing?

Are you thinking about self-publishing your next book? Do you have visions of your book on a prominent shelf in a large book retailer?

Think again. Your book may be listed on Amazon, but retailers dislike self-published books. They have restocking problems and problems with the quality of the finished product (typos, editing, etc.)

The bookstore market is a closed system that only deals with distributors and traditional book publishers. It's why we at Elk Lake work hard to help you have a finished product that is well-edited and has an eye-catching cover.

To read an excellent article on this subject, please see https://killzoneblog.com/2025

Upcoming Conferences

Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference: May 26-30

Cedar Falls Christian Writers Conference: June 12-14

St. David's Christian Writers Conference: June 18-22

Cascade Christian Writers Conference: June 22-25

Writing Podcasts Worth Listening To

Writing Off Social - The podcast for female Christian writers who want to grow and nurture their audience without social media.

While this podcast gives great advice about growing your newsletter, ditching social media isn't for everyone.

Writing Off Social

Your Best Writing Life - Linda Goldfarb is a sought-after keynote speaker. This podcast is always informative and fun.

Your Best Writing Life

The Novel Marketing Podcast and The Christian Publishing Show, both by Thomas Umstattd, Jr. offer valuable advice for Christian authors.

The Christian Publishing Show

The Novel Marketing Podcast

The Profitable Writer - Kent Sanders talks about how to build a writing career whether you're a novelist or nonfiction writer.

The Profitable Writer Podcast

Spring Beauty!
Spring Beauty!

Featured Blogs

From Deb’s Desk

By Deb Haggerty | April 29, 2025

What’s the deal with word counts? Have you ever pondered whether your work-in-progress is stretching too long or coming up short? Occasionally, we receive a submission that we must turn away because the manuscript doesn’t fit the expected length for its genre, being either excessively lengthy or disappointingly brief. Steve Laube recently shared a detailed…

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Spring News!

By Deb Haggerty | March 3, 2025

– Recent Awards – Steve Rogers’ book, A Year In The Room won FIRST PLACE in the Southern Christian Writers Conference Notable Book Awards. Good job, Steve! Karin Beery’s book, Finally Forever won Bronze for romance novels in the Feathered Quill Awards. Jonna Levan, God Meant You To Be You, won 1st place in 2 categories for the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards. Do you…

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Latest Releases for You!

By Deb Haggerty | February 27, 2024

New Year, New Books!   Legend of the Lake by Sheri Schofield Can love overcome death? Abuse? A long-hidden secret? Lily Mains, pregnant and distraught over the death of her fiancé, Konnor, goes home. She faces a mother intent on marrying Lily off to a socially acceptable man Lily knows is abusive and pushing her…

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New Year, New Books!

By Deb Haggerty | January 20, 2024

New Year, New Books! Sisters Ever After by Erin S. Quint Can God work in the hearts of two single parents so their daughters can be Sisters Ever After? Gianna Harper is living on borrowed time. Newly widowed, she’s struggling to hold things together at home and keep her business afloat while dealing with her late…

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Merry Books Make Merry Gifts!

By Deb Haggerty | December 3, 2023

Merry Books Make Merry Gifts! See below Elk Lake’s collection of Christmas-themed books (with links for purchase) that make great gifts for your loved ones this holiday. And by shopping “small,” you help a small business grow this season! Picture Books:   Whose Manager is This?, Lisa Robbins & Tatiana Kochan        …

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Deb Haggerty