Today we are talking with Catherine Terry of At Home with Christian Fiction. I know Catherine from my Mastermind group. She has such a sweet spirit! I encourage you to visit her website and enjoy the wealth of resources she offers.
1. Can you tell us what business you are in?
I own & publish the website, At Home with Christian Fiction. Christian Fiction has developed into several genres from women’s fiction to thrillers and mystery/suspense, and has grown to become one of the top publishing styles. At Home with Christian Fiction brings readers the latest in what has just been published, as well as book reviews, and author interviews. A particular joy of mine is our Scripture Tree, on which many well-known Christian authors have shared their favorite Scripture and why it’s important to them.
2.. How long have you been doing your business?
Our website has been available to readers since January, 2005. We’re always growing and developing, so visitors are encouraged to check back often.
3. How many hours a week do you usually work?
I often put in 40-hours each week. A secret to having a successful home business is to treat it just like it is, a business. So I’m usually at my computer soon after awakening in the mornings, to late afternoon when it’s time to get ready for family arriving home.
4. Tell us what an average work day is like for you.
The number one criteria for managing this business is communication. Therefore, I begin with responding to messages that may have come in, to networking on various forums. We have a staff consisting of several reviewers so it’s important that I keep in contact with them. Then, it’s off to uploading reviews, adding new content, and making sure that everything is running properly. Later in the afternoon will find me reading and writing.
5. How long did it take your business to become
profitable?
Frankly, 2008 was the first year in which I’ve been working toward making our site “profitable.” At Home with Christian Fiction has always been a “labor of love” for me. I do it because I’m absolutely in love with Christian Fiction, authors, book promotion, and writing. I strongly believe that these books are written by individuals who are called to sharing God’s love and promises. Their books are their format for accomplishing this. It’s my delight to be able to share them with our readers.
6. What’s the best piece of advice you could give someone who wants to get started in the same type of business?
Study the product that you aim to promote. Get to know the individuals who create the product. As for Christian fiction, there is a huge wealth of blogs and websites created by Christian authors. In general, authors want to get to know their readers.
7. Anything additional you’d like to share?
It’s my #! belief that in order to succeed in owning your own business, you must be madly in love with what you do. If you’re looking for financial profits, there may be some months that you see little in return. If you love what you’re doing, it will get you through.
Thank you, Laurie, for publishing such a terrific blog. I’ve been enjoying reading up on other businesses.
My thanks to Catherine for sharing with us!
