Book Sales
by JVS on Jun.21, 2011, under Writing
I just got my first official report on sales for The Day Metallica Came to Church… and it was disappointing. It’s not the lack of potential revenue for New Hope Church that bothers me (although I was hoping for some kind of rationale to allow me to spend time on a second book). And I don’t think it’s a problem with my pride (although who can really be honest about their own ego). What bothers me most is that the idea isn’t catching on the way I hoped and dreamed it might. And maybe it’s too soon to make any calls in that regard. I understand that. But still disappointment lingers. I know that God’s timing is not our timing. And I still believe with all my heart, that the idea of co-illumination is an important one. And I realize that I am an impatient man. So then I’ll wait… and try not to catastrophize. It’s still a good idea, what’s happening on the ground at New Hope is real, God has all kinds of ways of affirming the work of his hands, you may still write another book John… so just relax and trust.
This morning, immediately after I read the sales report email, my son Edward’s cab arrived – to pick him up for his day program. As a Sikh taxi driver stood waiting at the end of our walkway, an elderly woman walked by him on the sidewalk. I can still see them both… and feel the truth in what I saw. Often I wonder who those cab drivers are. You hear stories about how experienced and well educated immigrants end up driving taxis… is this guy one of them… making the hard employment choice for the sake of his children’s future? And the older woman, well I recognized her! She’s Coleen, the one who delivered flyers in our neighbourhood for years. I wrote about her once, about her dignity, strength and work ethic. Seeing those two hard working people together I remembered again the privilege I have to do what I do. And how truly good things are. And how ‘just right’ the job I’ve been given is. I’ll keep working at it!
June 26th, 2011 on 9:17 am
I’ll encourage you in my own discouraging way.
Did you think the gates of hell would yield so easily as by the publishing of one little book? Look at the lengths it took God through his Son to break into the conversation of this world and when he was accomplishing the ultimate victory not a single human witness in the audience had a clue as to what he was doing. Some of them mocked him and even his disciples which he let in on the conversation stood in despair.
There are many good books written, many fine sermons preached, many great saints toiling sacrificially and the world shrugs, if it notices at all.
The audience of one sees.
Now get back to work.
pvk
June 23rd, 2011 on 10:34 am
Keep up Gods work brother. Know that many people across the world pray for you and your ministry everyday. Even here in Tryon N.C. Stay at the foot of the cross. Malachi
June 22nd, 2011 on 10:17 am
Tannis said some very wise words there. Yeah, John, I just want to add encouragement. It’s easy to be discouraged I know. I can get caught up in the numbers game – whether it’s book sales, number of hits on my blog, or number of people showing up for an event, etc.
But just to echo Tannis, in a slightly different way, I quote from Chuck Bomar’s College Ministry From Scratch: “Numerical growth is often a perception of success – not necessarily proof of it.” (p. 20) In context, this realization came to Chuck Bomar after he had ‘successfully’ created a college-aged worship service packed with 900+ students in just four years.
So, to paraphrase for your situation: “Numerical sales is often a perception of success – not necessarily proof of it.” Blessings.
June 21st, 2011 on 8:41 pm
Hey John,
From one writer to another, I’d like to say this: Book sales are only one measure of a writer’s success. And how many artists never lived to see how their vision impacted others?
I believe success is best defined as having the privilege to do what we love. God has given you a passion — and a talent — for writing (not to mention the sheer persistence and willpower it takes to sit down and actually write!); the only rationale you need to craft another book is your own desire to do so.
Life is too short to do anything other than what we truly love and believe in, and you’ve always lived by that so beautifully. That, in itself, is inspiring, and your journey as a writer encourages me in my own. So keep at it, John, and experience success with every sentenced typed. Words worth reading never fall on deaf ears (or blind eyes, I suppose), and your message is arguably too great to not have an impact.
Phew… I just filled my writing quota for the day, haha! Hope you’re well.
-Tannis