REAL WRITERS. FINISHED BOOKS.

Imagine holding your finished book.

Meet four writers from our sprints, holding books they’ve brought into the world. Imagine what it would mean to hold yours.

Karen Garrett holding Called to Be a Creative
Karen GarrettCalled to Be a Creative
Paula Moore holding His Art
Paula MooreHis Art
Susan Park holding God’s Blueprint for Blended Families
Susan ParkGod’s Blueprint for Blended Families
Patti Fagan holding 40 Days of Prayer for My Finances
Patti Fagan40 Days of Prayer for My Finances

You've felt the nudge. Maybe for years.

God put a book on your heart, and you said yes.

You have journals, notes and ideas. Maybe a few chapters. You're not sure how it all fits together.

So you set aside Tuesday morning to write. Then the phone rings. Someone needs a ride, an appointment moves, a meeting at church runs long. By Friday, the document is still open to chapter two.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

And when you do sit down,
the old questions are waiting.

  1. Who am I to write a book?

  2. What will people think?

  3. Is it too late for me?

The thing is… procrastination usually has a root. Most of the time it's fear. Sometimes it's perfectionism. And sometimes it's spiritual resistance trying to keep your message quiet.

After mentoring writers since 2010, I can tell you what helps: a finish line, a clear next step each week, and people who notice when you've gone quiet.

Introducing Procrastination to Publication

A 90-day sprint for Kingdom Writers who are ready to finish what God started

You can know your book matters and still struggle to make time for it. Or sit down to write and spend the whole hour trying to decide what to do next.

In this sprint, we give that work a place on your calendar. You’ll bring your book to guided work sessions, make progress alongside other writers, and have a clear next step to keep working on afterward.

Between calls, your weekly check-in brings your wins and struggles to me. I’ll send you a personalized email with encouragement, guidance and a prayer. You’ll have someone helping you follow through, especially when the week doesn’t go as planned.

We begin February 4. Your 90-day finish line is May 5. Choose a published short book or a finished manuscript, then take the next step with us.

ONE SPRINT. TWO WAYS TO FINISH.

Choose the finish line your book needs.

FAST TRACK

From idea to published short book

For a focused project of about 10,000 to 20,000 words, work toward writing, editing and publishing in 90 days.

Your goal: a book readers can buy.

STEADY TRACK

From unfinished draft to finished manuscript

Give a longer book the time it needs. Use the sprint’s structure and support to finish writing your manuscript in 90 days.

Your goal: a manuscript ready for the next stage.

Both tracks include the same coaching, curriculum and community. At kickoff, we’ll help you choose a realistic goal for your project.

WHY THIS SPRINT HELPS YOU FINISH

Make progress together.
Keep going between calls.

Leave with work done

Bring your book to our Get It Done Days. We’ll work through a specific task together, so you make progress during the session and learn a process you can use again.

An outlined chapter. A stronger section. A book blurb you can use.

Keep going through the hard weeks

Submit your weekly check-in and receive a personalized email from me with encouragement, guidance and a prayer. We’ll celebrate what moved forward and work through what’s holding you back.

Personal accountability that helps you return to your book.

Know what to work on next

Follow a weekly action plan from your first idea through writing, editing and publishing. Use the lessons, templates and checklists to tackle the stage you’re in.

Spend your writing time moving your book forward.

PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY, ENCOURAGEMENT AND PRAYER

You’ll be seen, supported and prayed for.
Every week you check in.

The weekly check-in is one of members’ favorite parts of the sprint. It gives you a moment to notice your progress, be honest about what’s hard, and choose your next step.

I read what you share and send you a personalized email with encouragement, guidance and a prayer for you. Your book, your questions and the week you’re actually having are part of that conversation.

  • See progress you might have missed. Small wins count, and we’ll celebrate them.
  • Get help with what’s keeping you stuck. Bring the doubt, the decision or the part you keep putting off.
  • Follow through on a next step. Choose what you’ll work on, knowing you’ll check in again the following week.

You don’t need a perfect week to fill out the form. The weeks when you’re struggling are a good time to reach out.

Lois Martin holding Super Bloom

“To me the best thing about [the sprint] was the accountability and the personalized prayers from Shelley.”

Lois MartinAuthor of Super Bloom

After publishing her book, Lois returned and finished the first draft of her first cozy mystery.

GET IT DONE DAYS

Show up with your book.
Leave with work done.

Protect this time on your calendar. I’ll guide you through a specific part of your book, and you’ll work on it while we’re together. Even in a full week, that’s time your book gets to move forward.

What do you need to work on next?

Choose where you are today. See how the sprint helps you move forward.

WEEK ONE ACTION PLAN

A topic you can commit to.

Work through your ideas, identify your reader and choose a focus for your book. Give your writing a direction so you can stop circling possibilities and start moving forward.

Your next step forward: A clear topic and reader to guide your next decisions.

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BOOK ROADMAP + KICKOFF CALL

An outline you can write from.

Bring your scattered ideas. We’ll guide you toward a working book outline, so you can see how the pieces fit together and what to write next.

Your next step forward: A working outline that gives your book a shape.

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BOOK PREP + NEXT STEPS

Your ideas and materials in order.

Gather the content, notes and resources your book needs. Make progress organizing what you already have and spotting what’s missing, so your next writing session has a clear starting point.

Your next step forward: More organized book materials and a clearer next step.

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CHAPTER BUILDER GET IT DONE DAY

One chapter mapped out and titled.

We’ll build out one chapter together, turning your outline into a plan for the words you’ll write. Then use the same process for the chapters still ahead of you.

Your next step forward: An outlined, titled chapter and a process you can repeat.

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REVISE AND REWRITE GET IT DONE DAY

A stronger section of your manuscript.

Bring a section you’ve already written. We’ll work through revising it from start to finish, so you can see how to improve your writing and keep editing with more confidence.

Your next step forward: A cleaner section and an editing process for the rest.

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BOOK BLURB BRILLIANCE GET IT DONE DAY

A blurb you can use to introduce your book.

Work on copy that reflects your book’s heart and helps the right readers want more. Get support putting your book’s value into words instead of facing that description box alone.

Your next step forward: Book-description copy you can actually use.

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You don’t have to arrive at the same stage as everyone else. Bring your notes, your rough draft and your questions. Use each session to move your own book forward, then keep going with a process you can repeat.

Can’t make it live? Send your questions ahead and use the replay as a guided work session.

I Want Help Finishing My Book

A plan for your book. Time to work on it. Support to follow through.

A LOOK INSIDE THE CURRICULUM

See the path from your first idea
to a book you can share.

Twelve weekly action plans walk you through the process. Each one pairs practical book work with encouragement to keep inviting God into your writing.

Weeks 1–3

Give your book a direction. Then write.

Choose your reader and topic, shape your outline, and build a writing rhythm that fits your life.

Explore these weekly action plans
  1. WEEK 1

    Make your book plan

    Choose your book’s focus, outline it, set a writing plan and gather a prayer team.

  2. WEEK 2

    Start your first draft

    Choose your writing method, organize your research and protect time to write.

  3. WEEK 3

    Keep the words coming

    Work through distractions, boundaries and the inner critic as you continue your draft.

Weeks 4–6

Turn your draft into a stronger manuscript.

Learn how to revise your own work and prepare for professional editing.

Explore these weekly action plans
  1. WEEK 4

    Self-edit with a process

    Work through seven editing steps, including reading aloud and catching repeated words.

  2. WEEK 5

    Bring the manuscript together

    Check references, add front and back matter, and research editors.

  3. WEEK 6

    Prepare for professional editing

    Get your manuscript ready for an editor and begin building interest in your book.

Weeks 7–10

Make the publishing decisions one at a time.

Work through the choices behind a finished book, from pricing to formatted files.

Explore these weekly action plans
  1. WEEK 7

    Plan your publication

    Explore pricing, categories, keywords and your publishing options.

  2. WEEK 8

    Choose your book’s details

    Work through your title, ISBN and formatting decisions.

  3. WEEK 9

    Finalize your manuscript

    Review edits, proofread and prepare to format or work with a formatter.

  4. WEEK 10

    Prepare your book files

    Finish formatting and proof your files while managing your energy for the final stretch.

Weeks 11–12

Get your book ready for its readers.

Bring the cover, description and publication steps together.

Explore these weekly action plans
  1. WEEK 11

    Create the cover and book description

    Write your book blurb, gather feedback and work through your cover design.

  2. WEEK 12

    Publish and take your next steps

    Learn the Kindle and print publishing steps, review proof copies and follow a post-publication checklist.

This is the full curriculum path. Your pace depends on your project and track. Steady Track writers focus on completing their manuscript; Fast Track writers work toward publication during the sprint.

I Want This Plan and Support

Put real progress on your calendar

These are appointments to move your book forward, with coaching and guided work built in. All calls are Thursdays at 11 AM Mountain (10 AM Pacific, noon Central, 1 PM Eastern).

Book Roadmap + Kickoff Call

Turn your scattered ideas into a working book outline and get ready for the 90 days ahead.

Book Prep + Next Steps

Organize your content, notes and resources, spot what's missing, and prepare for the Get It Done Days ahead.

Chapter Builder Get It Done Day

Work through one chapter together so you leave with an outline, a title and a process you can repeat for the rest of your book.

Stories that Stick Get It Done Day

Outline a story that connects with readers using the Sticky Story Framework.

Revise and Rewrite Get It Done Day

Strengthen a section of your own manuscript during the session, then take that editing process into your next chapter.

Book Blurb Brilliance Get It Done Day

Work on copy you can actually use to introduce your book and help the right readers want to read it.

Book Cover Brainstorm Get It Done Day

Explore cover concepts and gather ideas to guide your conversation with a designer.

Celebration Call

Share wins and testimonies, explore what's next, and map out your next 90-day goal.

How much time will this take?

Plan on about 3 to 5 hours a week. That's two live calls a month (about 3 hours total for the month), a quick weekly check-in, and your writing time.

Life won't clear out for 90 days, and it doesn't have to. You need a few protected writing blocks each week and a group that notices when you show up.

If you fall behind, bring it to your weekly check-in. We’ll help you choose a manageable next step.

Christine's book hit #1 in its New Release category on launch day.

"And even when I fell behind here and there, I was motivated to catch up... I don't think I could have done it without this."

Christine Boersma Smith, Author of Joy-Full Seasoned Women

From "someday" to published

Kathy Blossom holding In His Hands

Kathy Blossom carried a devotional in her heart for twenty years. Fear and not knowing where to start kept her from taking the first step. In the sprint, she finished. Here's what she says now:

"I have been trying to write this book for twenty years, but my fear of writing or even knowing where to start kept me from taking that first step... Seeing my book in print has given me a sense of success that I overcame my fear and trusted God to get me through! My only regret, now, is that I didn't do it twenty years ago!"

Kathy Blossom, Author of In His Hands: 21 Daily Devotions from the Potter's Perspective

Lizzy holding her published books

"Before joining, I was trying to figure everything out on my own on a tight budget and with zero publishing experience. This program made everything feel doable... I've now published two books... I can now call myself an Author, which is so surreal. If you're on the fence, don't wait. This program is absolutely worth it."

Lizzy, Author of A Case of Mistaken Identity

Hear it from the sprinters

Elizabeth has done three sprints. She published one devotional, finished a second and sent it to her editor, and wrote 70% of a longer book.

"I just really want to encourage you to stick with it, to work the process, because the process works."

Marlene published her book.

"Procrastination is my middle name. So you helped me to achieve something that is rare in my life..."

Carla accomplished more here than in any other writing program she's tried.

Lynn pushed through spiritual warfare and got her manuscript to her editor.

A published book. A finished manuscript. Real progress worth celebrating.

Save My Seat

Publish during the sprint and we'll celebrate you

Get featured to our email list

We'll introduce you and your new book to our list of 1,000+ writers in our end-of-sprint email. Have a small audience? That's okay. This gives your book a send-off.

Published author t-shirt

Claim yours when your book goes live.

Shelley wearing the published author t-shirt

YOUR COACH, SHELLEY HITZ

I know what it’s like to need someone in your corner.

My husband CJ and I have been publishing since 2008 and mentoring writers since 2010. We’ve published more than 70 books together and helped over 1,000 writers move past self-doubt and become published authors.

But experience doesn’t make me immune to fear. Before a training run for the Pikes Peak Ascent, I stood in a parking lot wondering how I could possibly finish.

CJ, my running coach, reminded me of the work I’d already done. I trusted the process, and on race day I finished faster than my biggest goal.

That’s the kind of support I want you to have for your book. I’ll pray for you, help you see your progress, and point you toward your next step.

Shelley Hitz holding her published books
Practical coaching. Prayer. Someone cheering you on.

Is this sprint for you?

This is a good fit if...

  • You feel called to finish your book and want a clear next step and people walking beside you.
  • Deadlines and accountability help you follow through.
  • You can set aside about 3 to 5 hours a week for the next 90 days.

This may not be the right fit if...

  • You’re looking for someone to write or publish your book for you.
  • You're not ready to make time for writing right now.
  • You want a self-paced course with no deadlines or check-ins.

Join the February 2027 sprint

We start together on Thursday, February 4.

Pay in full

$570

One payment

Save $60

Payment plan

$210

3 monthly payments

$630 total

  • Guided work sessions that move your book forward
  • A clear weekly plan from idea to publication
  • Personalized check-in emails with encouragement and prayer
  • Accountability and a community cheering you on

Paid in full, that’s $190 a month for three months of guided work on your book, a clear weekly plan, and personal encouragement, accountability and prayer when you check in. One-time investment, no membership and no ongoing monthly charge.

We all start together, so this is the round to join if you want to finish by spring.

ThriveCart checkout pending confirmation for the February 2027 sprint.

Questions? Send us a message and our team will help.

Your questions, answered

What if I can't make the live calls?

That's okay. Send your questions ahead of time and watch the replay. We also keep a searchable list of questions from past calls, so you can often find your answer right away.

Can I really finish my book in 90 days?

That’s the goal we’ll work toward together. Your starting point, book length and available writing time matter. Fast Track writers aim to publish a short book of about 10,000 to 20,000 words; Steady Track writers aim to finish a manuscript. Lois and Kathy published their books, and Elizabeth published one devotional and finished another manuscript. At kickoff, we’ll help you set a realistic goal for your book.

I've tried other programs and didn't finish. Why would this be different?

You may already know a lot about writing. The missing piece can be turning that knowledge into regular progress. Get It Done Days give you time to work on your own book with guidance. Your weekly check-in brings you personal encouragement, accountability and a prayer from me. We’ll help you work through what gets in the way and choose a next step you can take. Carla accomplished more here than in any other writing program she’d tried.

What if I fall behind?

Tell me in your weekly check-in. We’ll look at where you are and choose the next manageable step. You don’t have to disappear because you missed a week. Christine fell behind here and there too, and kept moving toward publication.

What happens when the 90 days end?

The sprint wraps up May 5, and we celebrate together on May 20. Pending: how long sprinters keep the replays and curriculum. Shelley decides by Dec 1. If you're on the Steady Track and want help taking your manuscript to published, you're welcome to join a future sprint, the way Elizabeth did. You can also keep writing at your own pace inside Christian Book Academy.

Will I be charged every month?

No. You pay once, or in 3 payments. There's no recurring fee after the sprint.

I'm writing fiction. Will this help me?

Yes. We've had sprinters finish both fiction and nonfiction. My own experience is mostly nonfiction, so at the Book Roadmap and Kickoff you'll choose the track that fits your project: Mapping Your Message for nonfiction or Mapping Your Story for fiction.

I've never published anything. Is this for me?

Yes. Lizzy started with zero publishing experience and a tight budget. She's now published two books.

How is this different from Christian Book Academy?

Christian Book Academy is our membership, where you go at your own pace with no deadlines. Procrastination to Publication is a 90-day sprint with a start date, a finish line, live coaching calls, and a personal reply from me every week. If you need a deadline and a group to finish, the sprint is for you.

I'm already a Christian Book Academy member. Is there a member price?

Yes. Members save 30%: $399 paid in full or 3 payments of $147. Pending: where members find their member checkout link.

Will I get one-on-one support?

You’ll get personal feedback on the group calls. When you submit your weekly check-in, I’ll also send you a personalized email with encouragement, guidance and a prayer. This is a place to bring your own progress, struggles and questions. If you'd like private one-on-one coaching on your own schedule, ask us about the 90-Day Book Accelerator.

Still have a question?

Send us a message, and we'll help you decide if the sprint is right for you.

Let this be the season you finish

Your book matters.

Somewhere there's a reader who needs the words God gave you. They can't read a book that isn't finished.

You don't have to finish it alone, and you don't have to wait for a better time. God has called you, and He equips those He calls.

Eighteen sprinters have already said yes and published. I'd love for you to be next.

Cheering you on,
Shelley

P.S. You don't need to have it all figured out before you join. Bring your notes, your ideas and your questions to the kickoff on February 4. We'll take the first step together.

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS FEBRUARY 4

Bring the book you can’t stop thinking about.
Let’s take the next step together.

I'm Ready to Finish My Book