Book Marketing Jesus' Way Archives - Eddie Jones

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’ 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.

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.