Christian Market Series:So Can You Afford Not To Promote Your Book If God Told You To Write It?

"I want to be on the New York Times best-seller list. I know everyone is going to want my book. It's anointed." I hear stuff like this from new authors all the time. Strangely, those who have been in the game for a while don't say such statements. They've learned. Even the authors who have a track record with three or four books published (not just printed), don't expect to be the next "Oprah book club darling." Everyone who is anyone wants their book on Oprah. I just smile when I hear the comment and pray, "Lord, help me."

I specialize in the Christian market because I believe in the message of the Gospel. That's my mission - to market the message of the gospel to as many people as possible. So I run across tons of Christian authors. I encourage many to write their books. I even mentor some through the self-publishing process. Yet, I always tell to write what God tells them - not what's popular.

This is where it gets sticky. Even though God may give you a word to write and the book is published, it doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to be the next T.D. Jakes or Joyce Meyer. The book may be anointed but it still has to be sold through the world system - which is business. I try to tell authors "do not despise small beginnings." Every business has cycles. Start up is phase 1 - and the most expensive.

Books are business. People pay money for books and when money is exchanged, there are expectations. People buy what they are motivated to buy - not necessarily what is "best" for them but what they desire. Advertising, marketing, publicity create desire.

Now, if an author were to print books and give them away - that's another thing. No marketing is needed. But most want to make some sales. And it seems like some new authors even dream of being "rich and famous" and having people hunt them down for an autograph.

I don't get it. What's the heart motive? That's why I don't promote people - I promote the message of Jesus through their books. If it's all about the fame, prestige and money, there are easier ways to become a millionaire. If your heart is not right or your ego is out of line, the book will flop. Guaranteed. God resists the proud.

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