I don't want to be a saleman!

[Eric]

I currently have a problem promoting my book. THe truth is that I do not want to be a saleman. I have written my first book and released it early this year. The book is a Christian book and I have seen many of Ministers create products and get corupt by the money and lose the message. Basicly, making the Gospel a commodity. I am stronyly against that and I strive not to promote myself but the message. I have gotten good responses from people that has read the book, saying that it really helped them. It changed there life and it was refreshing. However, with the beliefs and my lack of being a salesman, the numbers are low. Does anyone know how I can get higher numbers without selling out. I believe that the book has great potential to minister, aide, and answer questions of many.

Author of "Skinny Dipping with the Savior"

[GW]

Eric said:
"I have seen many of Ministers create products and get corupt by the money and lose the message. Basicly, making the Gospel a commodity. I am stronyly against that and I strive not to promote myself but the message."

Well Eric, I can see your problem, and IMHO, If you see a problem with becomming corupt, you should be able to avoid it. The only way to get people to find out about your book is to PROMOTE IT. I believe the bible said something about you not hiding your talents under a basket and that you should let them shine for the world to see.

Eric, you also said that:
"I believe that the book has great potential to minister, aide, and answer questions of many."

If you believe this, as you say you do, then not promoting it (AKA being a salesman) is doing a disservice to the target group you wrote it for. If you don't promote it to them then why go to the trouble of writing it & getting it published in the first place?
Some suggestions
1. Limit your promotions to christian venues (bookstores, radio interviews, newspapers, websites, book clubs, & magazines.)
2. If you go to a church only take it to the office & discuss the matter with the preacher and get permission to talk to the leaders of those church groups, who might benefit from your book and get their contact information. I'd also set the individual meetings on any day except Sunday.
3. You probably won't get rich off your book, even with promoting it.
4. Hundreds of new books are being released each day and with out promoting your book it will get lost.
5. Pray each day for guidance. This is probably the most important suggestion of all.
6. Churches are always looking for ways to raise money. Fundraiser booksignings are a good way to sell to church groups.(see #2)
7. Ask yourself this. What did I write this book for? To become rich & famous or as you said. to minister, aide, and answer questions of many.

I hope this helps you.
G W Pickle

[Robin]

Well unfortunatly I think it comes with the territory. If people do not know your book exists then your message will not b heard.

One thing you might want to do - since Money does not seem to be the primary factor...find an existing charity (the key word here is existing) that you believe in that is in no way associated with yourself and then donate all proceeds to that - and when you are selling it - tell people that all money is going to that place. That way you will do good for a charity you like and your message will get out, and you won't feel guilty about promoting it.


--
Wife of author: Michael J. Sullivan
The Crown Conspiracy (Oct 2008)
Avempartha (April 2009)

[Mary]

Don't think of it as promotion. Think of it as evangelizing.

[Lee]

You are most likely the only one who will advocate for the book without being paid. In a sense, you are the only promoter who isn't a 'sell out!' In all your promotions, let your passion for the message come forth. You're right, it isn't about you, but about the results your work is producing...talk about that. :)