Christian writer Mary Henderson won the first annual WestBow Press Publishing contest for unpublished authors at the 2010 Orange County Christian Writers Conference. Are you writing a Christian book and thinking of entering our second annual Westbow contest? Read Mary’s story about her book, Break Free, now available at amazon.com or from her website at http://www.maryhenderson.org.

Christian author discovers the key to breaking free—and into print

By Mary Kay Henderson

Sitting in the audience at the Christian writers conference in Orange County, I could hardly believe they had called my name: Mary Kay Henderson. It was one of those surreal, longed-for moments you treasure for a lifetime.  I was announced as the winner of the WestBow Press Publishing prize for my manuscript Break Free. My first book would now be published!

It had not been a short road: for eight long years I had interacted with publishers and agents about this inspirational book. I received both encouragement and constructive criticism, revising and improving the manuscript through the process.

So when the prize was announced at the 2010 Orange County Christian Writers Conference, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and eager excitement to begin the publishing experience.

Since then, WestBow Press has been delightful to work with in every way. They have provided excellent professional service each step of the journey, from editorial consultation, to cover design, to marketing strategies.  My numerous phone conversations with a wide variety of individuals at WestBow have been welcoming, informative, and productive.

It was an incredible feeling this past November when I first saw my book available on amazon.com, complete with the “Search Inside” feature!  And the fun just keeps on coming, as WestBow has recently distributed my press release nationwide and we continue to interact about marketing strategies.

Check out Break Free on maryhenderson.org. I hope that my experience encourages others to persevere with their writing, and to pursue the necessary avenues to make their dreams a reality.

Christian writers, find out more about how you can enter the WestBow Writing Contest or any of our other contests—as well as the great keynote speakers and workshops featured at this year’s OC Christian Writers Conference 2011—by signing up for our free email list!