We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Dixon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christina below.

Christina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I’ve made as a business owner has been in terms of time educating myself. I inadvertently began this journey as an aspiring author interested in publishing my first book, How to Respect an Irresponsible Man. At the turn of the century, in 2000, the publishing industry was on the cusp of embracing technology, which turned things upside down. It was common for writers to spend 18 to 24 months submitting manuscripts to traditional publishers, who tended to dismiss writing novices. The publishing industry, in general, didn’t take self-published authors seriously. As I invested my time researching the industry for best practices, I found articles from Writers Digest and books like Dan Poynter’s Self-Publishing Manual. After several months of using my learned information, I released my book. I discovered that all the time I spent investing in educating myself was preparing me to walk into divine providence. I continued investing time in researching how to promote my book. Consequently, I ended up with interviews and speaking engagements, and the next thing I knew, I was meeting people frustrated by the process like I had been. Others asked me questions about the process, and PriorityONE Publications became more than the vehicle I used only to publish my writing. Since 2001, I’ve assisted scores of aspiring writers go “From Manuscript to Marketplace.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At my core, I am an encourager who challenges and inspires others in every area of my life. After more than 23 years of book coaching, I assist authors who long to manifest their publishing dreams of global distribution. While that means greater access, for some, it also means layers of process that many don’t know exist, leaving writers discouraged and causing many to give up on their goals. I see my role as encouraging writers to know the value of what they want to share as worthy of the challenges they must overcome. What I’m most proud of is how I inspire authors to find the willingness to learn and grow while helping them see the importance of living out the message of their book. I help them know that their message is worth finishing the process. As I keep pace with industry trends, I’ve learned that writers encounter those who offer services that take their money but fail to educate them about the process. Consequently, I’ve helped authors to use technology beyond merely printing books to global distribution.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

For me, referrals from satisfied authors are the best source of new clients.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The time when I had to pivot most in my business was when I became my father’s legal guardian. During that time, I recalled being a twelve-year-old with aspirations to be a writer. Back then, my father’s response had been, “What are you going to do for a real job?” Needless to say, my hopes were dashed, and I gave up the idea of writing for twenty years. I’d been in business for a decade when I became Dad’s legal guardian. Though I entered the publishing industry through nontraditional means, my dad had become proud of me and supported my efforts. While overseeing his care, I continued to do business; client projects took longer due to my time in emergency rooms. Thankfully, I had gracious clients who affirmed my need to prioritize my father’s care. Frankly, my client’s lives were also filled with challenges. It has been a joy to model the bulldog tenacity needed to complete a self-published book. I’m grateful I could still encourage, challenge, and inspire the authors I published then. We are a testament to the reality that when you want to accomplish something, you do it, even if you need to adjust the timing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.christinadixon.net
• Instagram: @christinadixonspeaks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinadixonspeaks/

Image Credits

Photos provided were either taken with a mobile device or created by Christina for promotional purposes.