Book Marketing Jesus’ Way Book

People crowded around Jesus to listen to the word of God. (Luke 5:1-6)

People crowded around Jesus to listen to the word of God.

(Luke 5:1-6)

Nearby an author stood in a booth packing up his books. When Jesus asked permission to sit in the booth, the author shoved aside some boxes to make room. After speaking to the people, Jesus asked the author to put out some books for display and some bookmarks.

The author replied, “Master, I’ve worked hard all night—months, actually—and haven’t anything to show for it. But because you say so, sure, I will put out some promotional materials.”

When he had done as Jesus asked, the author sold such a large number of books that his back began to ache from lifting boxes. His hand cramped from signing copies. Overwhelmed, he signaled to friends in other booths for help. Others hurried over to unpack boxes, take orders, and hand out bookmarks. The author sold out all the books he had plus books from his friends’ booths.

Astonished the author said, “Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man.”

Jesus replied, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will catch men for me with your words.”

That day the author stopped promoting books the old way, left everything, and followed Jesus.

Will we?

Book marketing Jesus’ way places our confidence in him. We work to make our books known but trust that only he can bless our efforts. When we work with all our heart as though working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24), we can be sure we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward, for it is our Lord Christ we are serving.

Our Prayer

“Lord, help us to write for you, to have your heart, your compassion, your grace and mercy for others. Through your Spirit inspire us to add words to our books and writings that will draw others to you. We want to catch people for you with our words. Amen and amen. ”

This is but one of ten encouraging stories we will explore from the life of Jesus for how he went about promoting his message of Good News. Learn from:

  • Two Fig Trees
  • Wind and Waves
  • Water and Wine
  • Loaves and Fishes
  • Fish and Nets
  • A Fish With A Coin
  • An Miraculous Open Door

and more.

When thousands gathered on a hillside to hear Jesus teach he already had in mind what he was going to do. (John 6:6) Is this the way you come to your book promotion? Do you already have in mind what the outcome will be? How many copies will sell, how much you’ll spend? What your return on investment will be? Or are your efforts simply based on hope and a vague prayer for blessing from God?

There is a better way to promote your books—one that doesn’t require spending more money than you can afford to invest. If you believe in Jesus and his power of restoration and life, you might benefit from Book Marketing Jesus’ Way. Begin to believe your words are even now blessings others and pointing them to Jesus.

Book Marketing Jesus’ WayBook Marketing Jesus’ Way inspired BookDeals.app, a new way to discover Christian books at FREE and 99 cents. Be inspired with fiction and nonfiction that offers love, truth, and hope.

Our Purpose and Activity From God Cannot Be Stopped

Acts 5:36-39

A Fictional Adaption of (Acts 5:36-39)

Recently a conferee at a writers conference commented on the sudden popularity of an author and how almost as quickly the individual’s fame plummeted.

“Some time ago Gladis’ books were everywhere. She was on morning shows, featured on book clubs, even rumored to be about to start her own publishing company. She claimed to  have the secret to publishing success and at one point had about four hundred others committed to doing whatever work she asked. Then she was tragically killed in a car accident and all her followers went back to doing what they were doing before. All of it came to nothing.”

I nodded but said nothing.

“After her, Jude whatshisname, the guy from Gatlinburg, appeared in the days leading up to the last election and led a bunch of people in a march on the Capital. His book was number one on Amazon. He too was killed, in this case by police, and all his followers were scattered. Some are probably still hiding. I’m still trying to figure out if I can replicate any of the success those two enjoyed. Do you have any advice?”

The faculty member I’d come to meet with had been sitting at the table with us during this conversation, listening.

Finally he said, “In instances like these I would advise you not to get too excited about sudden fame or a quick best seller. Instead, work on the craft and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. If your purpose or activity is only of human origin, it will fail. Or at least fade from the public’s memory. Maybe not right away, but in time.”

“Paul wrote almost half the New Testament,” I said, “and as far as we can tell he never earned a cent in royalties. I doubt he saw any of his works in print. And yet who of us wouldn’t like to have that sort of legacy.”

“C.S. Lewis died one week short of his 65th birthday,” my faculty friend added. “Name another author whose books are being sold more now than they were when they were alive. Lewis’ vision for the Christian life was seemingly simple while being very complex. My advice is this: if your writing is from God, no person or event will be able to stop your influence for his kingdom. And should anyone try, they’ll only find themselves fighting against God. Write for him and write what he tells you to write. God is in the business of creativity and productivity.”

When others come against you, meditate on these verses. Take comfort in knowing God is on your side.

Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isaiah 8:10)

The Lord thwarts the purposes of the peoples. (Psalm 33:10)

When in doubt as to whether your work is of worth and glorifies him, meditate on this verse.

Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:21)

Write what the Holy Spirit places on your heart. Write with excellence. Then wait on the Lord. His submission process considers the impact our writing will have for all eternity. Be faithful and let his fame be your glory.

 

Leave Everything And Follow Jesus

Book Promotion Jesus' Way

Leave Everything And Follow JesusPeople crowded around Jesus to listen to the word of God. (Luke 5:1-6)

Leave Everything And Follow JesusNearby an author stood in a booth packing up his books.  When Jesus asked permission to sit in the booth the author shoved aside some boxes of books to make room. After speaking to the people, Jesus asked the author to put out some books for display and some bookmarks.

The author replied, “Master, I’ve worked hard all night—months, actually—and haven’t anything to show for it. But because you say so, sure, I will put out some promotional materials.”

When he had done as Jesus asked, the author sold such a large number of books that his back began to ache from lifting boxes. His hand cramped from signing copies. Overwhelmed, he signaled to friends in other booths for help. Others hurried over to unpack boxes, take orders, and hand out bookmarks. The author sold out all the books he had plus books from his friends’ booths.

Astonished the author said, “Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man.”

Jesus replied, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will catch men for me with your words.”

That day the author stopped promoting books the old way, left everything, and followed Jesus.

Will we?

Book marketing Jesus’ way places our confidence in him. We work to make our books known but trust that only he can bless our efforts. When we work with all our heart as though working for the Lord, we can be sure we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward, for it is our Lord Christ we are serving.

 

Lord, help us to write for you, to have your heart, your compassion, your grace and mercy for others. Through your Spirit inspire us to add words to our books and writings that will draw others to you. We want to catch people for you with our words. Amen and amen. 

Book Promotion Jesus’ Way

Jesus went from village to village teaching. When the time came for him to expand his ministry Jesus called the Twelve to himself and began to send them out two by two. Each pair served as Jesus promo team, his street squad. For us they serve as an example of book promotion Jesus’ way.

Book Promotion Jesus’ Way

“Take nothing for the journey except a staff,” he said. “No bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.”

If this sounds like your book promotion budget give thanks. You are already well on your way to promoting your books in the way Jesus promoted his message.

Authority and Power—Not Money and Marketing

“I give you my authority. When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. Preach repentance. Heal the sick. Drive out unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:8-13)

The efforts of the Twelve proved so successful that people came from all over. So many pressed in on them that Jesus and the Twelve could not eat. Seeking to escape the crowds they left in a boat. In response people ran on foot from all the towns and reached the place where Jesus and the Twelve landed. Picture paparazzi and fans flocking to catch a glimpse of a rock star. That’s the scene along the shore. We know from the feast that comes later that day that five thousand men, plus women and children, gathered to hear Jesus.

That’s the result of his power and authority flowing through twelve disciples. Their promotional efforts brought a huge crowd. Do our promotional efforts draw such a following?

Words From Jesus

If not consider these words from Jesus.

“The words I have spoken to you are Spirit. They are life.” (John 6:63)

Do our words bring life to our books? Or do we grumble about our sales, complain about negative reviews, call our books “dead”?

Jesus gave his disciples power and authority to drive out DEMONS and CURE DISEASES. (Luke 9:1)

Do we believe we have this power and authority? Does this promise from Jesus quicken our spirit? Or do we allow a spirit of negativity and sickness to rob our books of sales and success?

“I give you authority to trample on SNAKES and SCORPIONS—to overcome ALL the power of the enemy. NOTHING WILL HARM YOU.” (Luke 10:19)

Do we reel from attacks from the enemy? Do we cower as those defeated and wounded? Or do we advance as those who are more than conquerers in Christ.

“You will be CLOTHED with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

Have we received power from on high? Are we clothed in his Spirit? Or are we only attempting to promote our books through works of the flesh?

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit COMES ON YOU.” (Acts 1:8)

Can we recall when the Holy Spirt came upon us? Have we felt its power flowing through us into others?

“Anyone who has faith in me will do even greater things than the things I have done.” (John 14:12)

Are others stunned at how the words of Jesus, spoken by us, quicken their spirit? Have we witnessed his power drawing others to him for healing, comfort, provision, protection . . . the abundant life Jesus promised?

“Because I am going to the Father, I will do whatever you ask in my name so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for ANYTHING and I will do it.” (John 14:12-13)

When we ask Jesus, do we limit our requests to our daily needs? Or do we search our heart for the treasures he has placed within—those visions and dreams he as confirmed in our spirit but which have yet to be evident in circumstances?

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. WHATEVER you bind on earth will be bound in heaven. WHATEVER you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)

Finally, have we bound others by an unforgiving spirit? Or have we freely giving them forgiveness and reminded them that Jesus forgave all who came to him. Freely we have received forgiveness. Freely we will give.

When we are in Jesus and Jesus is in us—when we are filled with his Spirit—his power and authority flow out to others. If we believe our books bring glory to the Father and Son then let us go in prayer and ask Jesus to intercede on our behalf.

Book Promotion Jesus' Way

Dream the Dreams of Jesus

Bahama Breeze

What Would You Attempt to Do if You Knew You Wouldn’t Fail?

When faced with a barren field dream the dreams of Jesus. A few years back I found myself sleeping in Lums Pond State Park near Newark, Delaware. Some months earlier I’d lost my job.

Oh, I knew where my job hid—in a cubicle in Bangalore, India. But I wasn’t flying halfway around the world to bring it home. I couldn’t afford the plane ticket. Couldn’t afford a room at the Howard Johnson in Newark, Delaware, either. So, the afternoon before the start of the Delaware Christian Writers Conference I pitched my tent on hard-packed dirt, unloaded my gear and drove my twenty-year-old Toyota hatchback up the road to the University of Delaware campus. I had a dream and a manuscript and not much else.

Dreams Have a Life of Their Own

Dreams come alive when we are not watching. While we’re going about life with all its worries, our dreams slip off and—if blessed by God—come alive. My dream sat in the passenger seat staring out the window. My dream dreamed of sailing the islands, surfing reef breaks and writing a best-selling novel. My dream was a big time dreamer.

Before I left the house that morning I’d “prayed on” the breastplate of righteousness. I’d asked God to keep my thoughts pure and my dreams secure. Righteous thoughts are the lifeblood of Christians. What we hold in our hearts, we speak with our mouth. And what we speak often come to life because our words carry life and death (Proverbs 18:21).

Lust long enough and you take what’s not yours. Meditate on God’s Word and your spirit aligns with his Spirit and his Spirit creates.

God knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Plans for good not ill, plans for a future and hope. One of the dreams God placed in my heart was to write for Him.

The last night of the writers conference the John Riddle called my name. My manuscript Bahama Breeze had won first place. With award came a $1000 check. Minutes later, sitting in my beater car, I wept. God’s affirmation that my dream was also his dream meant more to me than a thousand dollars.

Dreaming the Dreams of Jesus Pays Off

But a thousand dollars is still a thousand dollars, so… when I returned to my campsite and found my tent in a soaking heap and my sleeping bag drenched, I threw it all in the trunk, crawled behind the wheel and said to my dream in the passenger seat, “Come on, dream. We’re checking into a hotel. God has upgraded us.”

A good many act as if Jesus came to kill, steal and destroy, but that’s the other guy. Jesus came to heal, fill and restore. Jesus is not a genie whose head we can rub to get what we want. But when our heart aligns with His and His dreams for us re-align our spirit to His, small and great things will spring forth.

This vision you have in your heart? Is it a dream of dreams from Jesus? Ask Jesus if it’s from him or the enemy. And if it’s from him, believe he will bring it to life.

 

See it. Sow it. Speak it. Reap it.

Book Marketing Jesus' Way

See it. Sow it. Speak it. Reap it.Out of your heart are the issues of life, both good and bad. Keep you heart safe with all diligence. Guard it. Pray God’s protection over your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)

Lord, out of the desires of our hearts seeds are conceived. With our mouths we sow both good seed and bad. From within our hearts, by faith,  we bless what we have sown.

If we sow bad seed and bless it with bitter water, we will reap a harvest of disappointment. If we envision evil and sow seeds of corruption, we will bring forth death, rotten fruit, and decay. (James 1:15) 

May it not be so, Lord. We ask you to remove all imperfect seeds. May only your seeds of life live within our hearts. We confess right now, right here, that you have sown good seed in our hearts and will continue to sow seeds for tomorrow and the days to come.

My heart is rich, fertile soil. I declare that I am careful to sow only what is pure, good, and honors you. I will know the seeds sown in my heart by the fruit that tumbles off my lips.

I have and will continue to sow abundance in my heart. I have and will continue to speak life to my books—each and every one.

Lord, you ask, “What is it you want?” I see a harvest ripe with good sales, good reviews, and readers whose lives are changed by the words you place within my heart. I sow your words. I speak your words. I reap a harvest from your words and expect abundance to be my reward.

Amen and amen.