A-Marketing We Will, Go-d!

As a writer, I’ve learned there are many facets to publishing besides writing. One colossal aspect is marketing. How will people know about what I’ve written if I don’t tell them? They won’t. So, I must make my book known.

I confess I’m not a big fan of marketing. Honestly, I’m rather lame at it and cringe when it comes to learning new methods and techniques. I’m not alone, though. Most writers don’t enjoy marketing. We would rather sit at our computer and do what we are most comfortable doing: write.

Last year’s release of my book Outta My Mind, Into His Heart, with co-author Sharon Atwood, required us to step out of our comfort zone. Our niche on mental health expanded my territory. I have gone places, met people, and done things I would have never done.

Our marketing has taken us to bookstores, some of which were not-so-friendly and some of which were sketchy and out of the way. We have peddled and promoted in libraries, football fields, churches, health centers, elevators, conference sessions, and vendor booths. Our message of hope is vital and sometimes costs us money. But we believe in our investment and think it is worth it.  

Our efforts may or may not yield profitable results. We rarely know the extent of our impact. We have been questioned a time or two about why we promote our product, but we know that is nothing more than a distraction.

Research says it can take seven or more times to expose a potential buyer to our book before they buy it. That means I’ve got to show them, tell them, inspire them, and wow them repeatedly. They must be convinced there is a benefit to purchasing my book.

Blessings Come in Diverse Ways

Last week, I visited a mental health center I didn’t know existed. Sharon and I walked into a large room full of bright eyes, wanting to hear what we had to say. They were grateful for us having taken the time to come. Sharon and I knew we would not sell any books since they didn’t have money for such luxuries. Our goal was to plant a spiritual seed and bring joy to their hearts. Our marketing effort was more of a ministry in this case.

In contrast to this visit, when I went to the hair salon later that week, I was surprised when the stylist expressed interest in purchasing a copy of our new adult coloring book. Unfortunately, I wasn’t prepared and didn’t have any with me.

A Missions Market

On my drive to visit my mom last week, I contemplated how similar marketing books is to missions work. As believers, we have a message to share. Just like an author is excited about their message, we, as Christians, are excited about the message of Christ and want others to hear and act upon it. Much effort, time, and resources are spent to get that message out. Preparation and planning are crucial, but spontaneous occurrences can happen, just like what happened at the hair salon.

Proclaiming the name of Jesus can lead to uncomfortable and out-of-the-way places. Numerous presentations using different techniques may be required before hearers accept the gospel message.

I recently read about a man in Honduras who worked with American crews on numerous service projects. The man was not a believer but heard the gospel from these incoming teams. Seeing the work performed for those in need, propelled by a love for Jesus, caused him to want to become a Christian. It took this man many times to be exposed to the gospel before he accepted it.

I have been on many mission trips around the world. They cost money, for which I am glad to pay. I believe in the message of hope I go to represent. It is crucial and has an eternal impact. Even though only a few have ever told me they wanted to accept Christ right then, I know God is at work. Seeds are planted.

Somehow, I like the idea of marketing a little better now.  

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? Romans 10:14