Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Bauch.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of publishing a book and have started writing many over the years. However, after I began my career in publishing, my own work kept getting shoved further and further down the priority list.
Rewind a few years back, to 2020. Like many people, to me, it felt like the world exploded. Every day, I’d doomscroll through the day’s headlines, crying and feeling helpless and hopeless.
One day, through my tears I sent up a desperate prayer, asking God what I could do. The answer was simple: pray.
Thus, the idea for my book, One Nation Under God: 40 Devotions for Patriotic Women, was born. I wanted to write a book that used Scripture to encourage and equip women to pray for America.
In the coming years, I’d think a lot about the project, even curating Bible passages I thought spoke to different topics. Yet once again, client work continued to crowd out my personal writing time. Every year beginning in 2021, I’d write as my goal for the year: Write the prayer devotional! And every year, I’d be disappointed in myself that I hadn’t made any progress.
Fast-forward to 2024. I got connected to my publisher through another publishing friend (if anyone’s wondering, publishing is very much a relationship-driven business), and when they requested a book proposal that October, I was kicking myself. However, I slapped together a proposal in a couple of days, and within a couple of weeks, I had a signed contract.
I really wanted the book to come out in 2025, which meant I had to turn it in asap. January 2025 found me writing nonstop, cranking out 5K+ words per day. (And kudos to my gracious husband, for letting me hide away in a hotel for a few days to write in peace and quiet!) Early in the process, I had a meltdown because I didn’t feel up to the daunting task. Who was I, to be writing this book? My husband gently encouraged me, reminding me that I’d written other people’s book, and mine was just as worthy. He also reminded me to keep my why in focus—my heartfelt desire to help women pray for our country.
Although I’ve gone through the publishing experience with hundreds of authors, it’s been a whole different experience as an author. I feel that I now have more empathy for my authors and better understand some of the pain points they endure along the way.
And I must say that there’s nothing like holding your finished book in your hands!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! As I mentioned, I put off writing the book, or even putting together a proposal, for years. When opportunity knocked, I definitely wasn’t ready to shoot my shot. This was an important lesson for me to learn, and I now encourage authors to chip away at their writing projects and not to procrastinate. Even an hour or two of writing a day is better than nothing and moves the needle. Pages stack up over time!
There was also the aforementioned meltdown early in the process. I was overwhelmed and felt like I didn’t know what I was doing. Imposter syndrome reared its ugly head, and the deadline seemed impossible to do the work justice. Thankfully, my husband guided me back to my why, and maintaining that focus kept me on track even when doubts—and extreme sleep deprivation!—threatened to derail me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In addition to being an author, I’m a ghostwriter/collaborator, editor, and writing coach. I love partnering with authors who want to publish a book that truly helps others in some way—whether it’s an inspirational memoir, a tactical self-help book, or a visionary leadership book. It’s an honor and a blessing to steward someone else’s ideas, words, and stories, and it’s my greatest joy in life.
That’s one thing I feel sets me apart from others: I know, without a doubt, that this is what I was created to do. People can see that passion and dedication. I’m immensely grateful that I get to wake up every morning and spend each day doing work that fulfills me.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Of course, since I wrote a devotional, the Bible played the biggest role in my latest work. And since I’m a Christian, the Bible is the single most important resource in my entire life. The more I read it, the more I want to read it, and the older I get, the more I recognize its wisdom. The world seems to be getting increasingly chaotic and confusing, and I appreciate having a clear, trustworthy guide that helps me cut through all the noise.
The other most important resource in my life is my relationships—family, friends, colleagues, and my congregation. I grew up in a dysfunctional, toxic household and suffered a lot of traumatic experiences. Yet even through all of that, my loving family members and friendships kept me grounded and helped me feel safe. The incredible people who love, support, and challenge me are one of the secrets to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amandabauch.com/
