Marketing, marketing, marketing! Professionals say publishing a book is 10 percent writing and 90 percent marketing. While drowning in the marketing pool, let's not forget our marketing and our writing should be 100 percent ministering to readers.
That's why I love book signings and speaking. I meet people who live on the earth and not on a page. Humans with flesh and feelings and pain more intense than the best author can write in a book.
This sign greeted me as I entered my Barnes and Noble book signing last Saturday. For a second I thought the signing was all about Elaine. Pinching myself back to reality, I prayed God would bring people to my table who need Jesus. He did.
Happy couple walked in arm-in-arm in love. On a course set by the Savior, they strolled straight to my book table. Oh my, they could hardly keep their hands off each other. The scene was cute and fun and Norman Rockwell worthy. "We're getting married!" she announced! Picking up We All Married Idiots, she smiled and said, "We won't need this. You see, we've both been married before."
I couldn't help my response. The words flew from my mouth, "Then I think you need this book even more!" (I didn't tell her that second marriages have a higher divorce rate than first marriages.) "Are you going for pre-marital counselling?"
"Oh no. We've already been married. We don't need counselling."
"Well, then I think you need my book. Some Pastors are using We All Married Idiots for pre-marital counselling."
More somber, she looked into my eyes and said, "I think you're right." Her future hubby seemed a bit stunned as she grabbed We All Married Idiots and headed for the check out.
I've added this couple to my prayer list.
Another sweet one came to my table hesitant to buy my book. She said, "I'm divorced and I have no plans to marry again, so why would I need to read this?"
I told her the book is helpful for singles in dealing with all their relationships.
She looked at the long check out line and sighed, "There's such a long line and I'm anxious to leave. I really don't want this book." Silence. "Oh, all right. Will you sign it for me?"
Five minutes later she returned jubilant! "I started reading while in line to buy your book and I couldn't believe it. I read one page and what you said touched my heart and helped me with a situation right where I am right now. I want another book to send to my son and his wife. They are going through some difficulties. This will really help them."
Thanks, God, for giving me words to write and books to market. Thank You for giving me opportunities to minister to people. Most of all, thank You God for showing up at my book signings!
What a Splash of Serenity!
Congratulations on your book! I clicked over to thank you for your kind comment on my photo and verse. I will look for your book at our bookstore!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth. We All Married Idiots is not in stock at most book stores. But, they can order it. The book will be in their computer system for order. When they see it, maybe they'll decide to stock it. Yea!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you,
Elaine
This post blessed me Elaine! I am anxious to get your book for my husband and I, as well as for our two married sons. I think it'll be a great Valentines' gift! ;-) Thanks for getting out there "in the trenches" where the "real" people are!
ReplyDeleteElaine Marie, you made me cry. Thank you for your kind words. Yes, We All Married Idiots will make a fun and a meaningful Valentine's Day gift.
ReplyDeleteYou are a blessing to me. Thank you!
Elaine
Hi Elaine, Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I would love to give you some input about your new Spanish translation--regarding the title. I think, with one subtle change, you would have the same impact as in the English version . . . which I loved! I would absolutely love to have the Spanish version for our church library. Wonderful content! Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lou Ann! Please email me the change at SplashesofSerenity.com.I'll pass it on to the translator. Where are you and your husband serving?
ReplyDeleteThe internet is such a blessed place to meet new friends.
You blessed me! Thank you,
Elaine
Hi again! The word "idiots" in Spanish is really almost as strong as a curse word. My recommendation for your title would be to use the word "Tontos" instead. "Tontos" has many shades of meaning, from "silly" to more like the English "idiots." It would work and not offend. The whole title would be something like "Todos Nos Hemos Casado con Tontos" or "Nos Hemos Casado con Tontos." Your translator will know what best to do.
ReplyDeleteWe are in the Basque region of Spain, near France, on the Atlantic side of Spain.
It is fun to meet people, especially people who love the Lord. God bless you!
Oh my Lou Ann! What a blessing to meet you. How in all the world did you find We All Married Idiots in Spain? I'm thinking via the internet.
ReplyDeleteI will forward your thoughts to Stephanie, the translator from Uruguay. I am so excited because I've heard from El Salvador, Bolivia, Uruguay, and now Spain that a Spanish translation of Idiots is desired. What a thrill to my heart thinking of all those Spanish-speaking marriages.
Hugs to you my friend, Lou Ann,
Elaine