I had learned much about publishing before starting Southern Christian Writers, but it had been years since I had a manuscript published. If I was going to lead writers, all of them pursuing independent publishing, it was time to publish again.
Tag: book
KEEP THE CHANGE
I had not planned to sell books and was not prepared to make change. The first man handed me a $20. “I’m sorry. I don’t have change,” I said. “Keep the change,” he responded. I was selling the book for $15. It retailed for $16.99. Why would anyone give me an extra $5 for a book swirled in my mind unable to take root and send a response to my mouth.
WELCOME TO MARKETING
Before I received my books, an acquaintance called. She tried to buy five books from the publisher’s website, but the links did not work. I called my marketing representative the publisher had assigned to me. He promptly called my friend to take her order. I had questioned that anyone would spend money on something I wrote, and was surprised that my first sell was not one but five books.
FIRST FORAY IN MARKETING
She returned with Robin Wells, St. Tammany Parish Literary Artist of the Year and author of sixteen critically acclaimed fiction romance novels that had been translated into eighteen languages. Her books had won the National Golden Heart Award, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Award of Excellence, the Golden Quill, and the Holt Medallion. I wondered how I merited being on a panel with such a distinguished author.
NINE MONTHS
I received an extensive e-mail from my publisher explaining how the publishing process would proceed. The expected length of the process, nine months, reminded me of pregnancy. I had the due date for the birth of my second book.
AN OFFERING
During our lengthy conversation, Dr. Tate said something that touched a chord with me. Regarding the marketing fee, he referenced King David who refused to offer to God that which cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). I write as an offering to God and that put me at ease about my investment. Dr. Tate’s innovative way of doing business impressed me. Compared to traditional publishing it was unconventional, but it was fair and based on biblical principles.
A PHONE CALL
I debated with Dr. Tate for two months over who could do a better job. He had confidence in his marketing department. I had confidence in the company I wanted to hire. He offered to produce and run a TV commercial on Christian television at no cost to me.
AN INDUSTRY ADRIFT
My conversation with Bruce Barbour confirmed how far Christian publishing had strayed from its foundation in three generations. This descendant of D L Moody had just informed me his family who published Christian books were not practicing Christians.
AN EDUCATION IN PUBLISHING
Instead of 10 minutes with the agent, I got a 45-minute education in Christian publishing and the opportunity to pitch the book idea while he prepared for the workshop.
DISILLUSIONED
He glanced at the query letter and grinned. As I rambled incoherently, trying to sell the idea, I wondered why he was smiling. When I stopped talking to breathe, he said, “I’m interested.” His interest dumfounded me. I did not have a clue what I should say next.
Faith's Mystery 