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W. Terry Whalin

Goodreads Author

Born

in Huntington, West Virginia, The United States

August 12

Website

http://terrywhalin.com

Twitter

terrywhalin

Member Since

April 2011

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W. Terry Whalin understands the editorial desk--as an editor and a writer. He worked as a magazine editor and his work has appeared in more than 50 publications. Terry is an Acquisitions Editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 books through traditional publishers. Terry's newest book released on October 5, 2021 called BOOK PROPOSALS THAT $ELL, 21 SECRETS TO SPEED YOUR SUCCESS (REVISED EDITION). Another recent book from Terry is, 10 PUBLISHING MYTHS, INSIGHTS EVERY AUTHOR NEEDS TO SUCCEED . Late in 2014, Terry had another new book, BILLY GRAHAM, A BIOGRAPHY OF AMERICA'S GREATEST EVANGELIST. Terry is a popular speaker at numerous writers’ conferences and an active member of the American Society of Journalists and Author ...more

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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

W. Terry Whalin Aspiring writers need to:
1. learn all they can about the details of how publishing works. You want to learn from experienced writers--not people who h…moreAspiring writers need to:
1. learn all they can about the details of how publishing works. You want to learn from experienced writers--not people who have published one or two books but people who have published many books. Read how-to books such as Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams (http://JumpstartDreams.com). Also read blogs like The Writing Life (http://TheWritingLife.ws) and take free teleseminars like (http://AskAboutProposals.com).
2. Actively work at being published in print magazines. So many people want to publish books which is fine but thousands or even millions of people will read your magazine articles. Writing for magazines will establish your credibility with book editors and literary agents because you have a track record of being published. Magazine articles are shorter than books and you learn a great deal about how to reach a target audience, how to tell a good story, how to have a beginning, middle and end and much more. You can see my perspective on how to get started (based on the fact that I've written for more than 50 magazines) at: http://www.right-writing.com/basics.html
3. Get to a writers conference. The sooner you can attend one of these events, the better--whether local or national. You can learn more at: http://www.right-writing.com/conferen...
4. Keep growing and persist in following your publishing dreams. Too many authors try once or twice, get rejected and give up. It's a shame. You have to be persistent in this business.
5. If I can help you, don't hesitate to reach out to me. My email is in my twitter profile and many other places online.(less)

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I have a book that is the actual journal of when my newborn son died, and the 3 yrs following. An experienced author told me it needs to be published but I simply cannot do the cover letter. Do you have any ideas if this book is worth pursuing and can I find help in writing the cover letter?

W. Terry Whalin Kat,

Sounds like an idea with potential. Here's the challenge: ideas are everywhere. You have to determine if the idea is a book length idea (40,000 to…moreKat,

Sounds like an idea with potential. Here's the challenge: ideas are everywhere. You have to determine if the idea is a book length idea (40,000 to 50,000 words) or if it is short magazine article (1,000 to 1500 words). You will reach more people with your magazine article than 99% of the books published and it is easier to accomplish.

Also what is your purpose writing this book? Is it simply to capture the information for your family or to help others who face this same experience? If it is the later then maybe you have a book project. You aren't writing for everyone but a specific target audience.

Finally how to you make your idea stand out from the other ideas? Not to discourage you but you have to understand that editors and agents receive hundreds of emails each week. Your pitch has to be worth pursuing. Editors and agents do not read manuscripts, they read book proposals. I have a number of free resources that I've created to help other writers:
http://AskAboutProposals.com (a free teleseminar)
http://terrylinks.com/bookcheck (a free book proposal checklist)

Hope this helps you determine the viability of this concept and whether it is a book length project or a magazine article.

Warm Regards,

Terry
__________________________
W. Terry Whalin
Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Straight Talk from the Editor (FREE Ebook):
http://straighttalkeditor.com

Follow Me On Twitter:
http://twitter.com/terrywhalin

My blog, The Writing Life (over 1,000 entries):
http://www.thewritinglife.ws (less)

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W. Terry Whalin’s books

Average rating: 4.19 · 853 ratings · 202 reviews · 44 distinct works • Similar authors

	Billy Graham: A Biography of America's Greatest Evangelist 4.24 avg rating — 187 ratings — published 2002 — 9 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Samuel Morris: The Apostle of Simple Faith 4.29 avg rating — 140 ratings — published 1996 — 8 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success by W. Terry Whalin (Goodreads Author), Marilyn Allen (Foreword) 4.35 avg rating — 124 ratings — published 2005 — 6 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Sojourner Truth: American Abolitionist 3.93 avg rating — 112 ratings — published 1997 — 12 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed 4.58 avg rating — 40 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams 4.44 avg rating — 34 ratings — published 2009 — 6 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	One Bright Shining Path: Faith in the Midst of Terrorism 4.08 avg rating — 25 ratings — published 1993 — 5 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Lessons from the Pit, A Successful Veteran of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Shows Executives How to Thrive in a Competitive Environment by W. Terry Whalin (Goodreads Author), W. Terry Whalin (Goodreads Author) 3.74 avg rating — 19 ratings — published 1999 — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Billy Sunday: Young Readers Christian Library 4.13 avg rating — 16 ratings — published 1996 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Alpha Teach Yourself the Bible in 24 hours 3.93 avg rating — 15 ratings — published 2002	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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W. Terry Whalin's Blog

Our Days Are Short

By Terry Whalin @terrywhalin
Each of us have a limited number of days on this planet. We may not think about it but sometimes this fact comes roaring our lives.
In my Bible, I have a series of friends photos that I pray for every day. A number of these people are missionaries that I served with through Wycliffe Bible Translators. A few weeks ago one of these friends that I’ve known since the 70 Read more of this blog post »

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W. is Currently Reading

W. Whalin is currently reading

Market Eminence: 22 Strategies to Build a Bold Personal Brand, Become a Business Celebrity, and Drive Unstoppable Growth

by David Newman

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Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season

by Cheryl Barker (Goodreads Author)

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W. Whalin said: " A Different Look at an Annual Celebration

When the calendar turns to December, the Christmas music is already playing in the stores. Cheryl Baker helps readers celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with these 25 devotions CHRISTMAS FOR THE HEART.

Eac ...more "

Oct 13, 2025 10:11AM · see review

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I Never Signed Up for This: One Mother's Journey to Surrender Her Children to Their Calling

by Ann Bowman

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Jun 30, 2025 07:03PM

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W. Whalin is on page 48 of 194 of Market Eminence Market Eminence: 22 Strategies to Build a Bold Personal Brand, Become a Business Celebrity, and Drive Unstoppable Growth by David Newman progress:	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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W. Whalin is currently reading Market Eminence: 22 Strategies to Build a Bold Personal Brand, Become a Business Celebrity, and Drive Unstoppable Growth by David Newman	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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W. Whalin rated a book it was amazing Go Find the Hidden Children: One Family’s Mission to Rescue Kenya’s Most Vulnerable by Tracey Hagman	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
A Powerful Faith-Stretching Story Tracey Hagman understands parents who have vulnerable children because of the Hagman’s son, Simon. GO FIND THE HIDDEN CHILDREN: ONE FAMILY’S MISSION TO RESCUE KENYA’S MOST VULNERABLE is a moving story. The beginning t ...more
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W. Whalin rated a book it was amazing A Tale of Two Dogs by Kirsten Nelson Telan	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
A Celebration of Differences In the colorful page of A TALE OF TWO DOGS, you meet two different dogs. Hochi is bold and curious Shiba Inu from Japan. Murphy is a loyal and gentle Pug from China. This book is a celebration of the differences of each do ...more
Dec 17, 2025 03:36PM · 2 likes · like · see review
W. Whalin rated a book it was amazing Christian Writers Market Guide - 2026 Edition by Steve Laube	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This Book Contains Endless Writing Opportunity I’ve been in publishing for decades and I understand the 2026 CHRISTIAN WRITERS MARKET GUIDE has many opportunities for your writing life. As bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins writes in the foreword, “I ...more
Dec 16, 2025 07:35AM · 1 like · like · see review
W. Whalin rated a book it was amazing The Engagement Effect: Cultivating Experiences that Ignite Connection, Build Trust, and Inspire Action by Steve Spangler	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
A Fascinating Read It’s one of the buzz words in our culture: engagement. The greater the engagement the more connection you have with your audience. Steve Spangler puts lighter fluid each day into his wallet. Throughout the day whenever he pays for s ...more
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W. Whalin rated a book it was amazing Moments of Grace for Teachers: Stories & Scriptures to Warm Your Heart & Refresh Your Soul by Carol Kent	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The Perfect Choice for Any Teacher If you are looking for an ideal gift for your teacher at school or church, I loved reading MOMENTS OF GRACE FOR TEACHERS. Each chapter begins with a moving quotation followed by a short inspirational story from bests ...more
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W. Whalin rated a book it was amazing Christmas for the Heart: 25 Devotions Reclaiming the Beauty and Wonder of the Season by Cheryl Barker (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
A Different Look at an Annual Celebration When the calendar turns to December, the Christmas music is already playing in the stores. Cheryl Baker helps readers celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with these 25 devotions CHRISTMAS FOR THE HEART. Eac ...more
Oct 13, 2025 10:10AM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Christmas for the Heart by Cheryl Barker. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Christmas for the Heart by Cheryl Barker <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">

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Quotes by W. Terry Whalin (?)

“You have the greatest passion for your book so you need to show that passion and create an email list and different ways to connect with your readers.”
― W. Terry Whalin, 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed

tags: life, publishing, writing

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“The successful writers continue to learn and grow in their craft—and also to grow their audience or tribe or platform.”
― W. Terry Whalin, 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed

tags: audience, authors, publishing, success, writing

6 likes

“I’ve found most authors have the wrong mental picture of the process. Instead of a sprint, publishing is more like a marathon. Slow, steady and consistent action will get you your audience and success.”
― W. Terry Whalin, 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed

tags: life, publishing, writing

5 likes

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W.’s Quotes

“The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”
― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

5736 likes

“Hook your editor with a strong opening sentence to bring attention to your writing.”
― W. Terry Whalin, Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success

tags: book-proposal, book-publishing, insights, magazines, publishing, writing

2 likes

“No book or magazine article is for "everyone" so know your audience, then target them with your writing.”
― W. Terry Whalin, Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success

tags: book-proposal, book-publishing, insightful-quote, magazine

5 likes

“As a book author, it's your responsibility to cast a vision for your book about the length and appearance before you pitch the idea to a publisher.”
― W. Terry Whalin, Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success

tags: author, book-proposal, book-publishing, insightful-quote

2 likes

“Keep passing the open windows.”
― John Irving, The Hotel New Hampshire

tags: learn-it-live-it-love-it, perseverance, suicide

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W.’s Friend Comments

Comments (showing 1-6) post a comment »

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message 6: by Yza

Mar 30, 2015 11:57AM

Hello....I would like to know if you'd be interested in reading and reviewing our YA Urban Fantasy eBook, SECRETS OF RAVENSTONE, KEEPER OF LA TECLA (THE KEY). It's currently listed on Amazon and Smashwords. If interested, please feel free to contact me via Goodreads. Thank you.

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message 5: by Chris (last edited Nov 03, 2014 04:15AM)

Nov 03, 2014 04:15AM

Terry, I am pleased to accept your goodreads friendship request. I see that you and I read vastly different things. It warms my heart to see a man of your religious leanings embracing an LGBTQ reader. Thank you for making this a better, less prejudiced world. ONE LOVE!

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message 4: by Brenda

Oct 27, 2014 06:17PM