A Book Sold Is Not a Book Sold
by Marianne McDonough
In the past month, I’ve had the privilege of doing two Barnes and Noble book signings. Yesterday morning as I prepared for the second one, I began my day with the second chapter of Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson (my third reading of this excellent book), and here’s what I noticed:
“The right book in the right hands at the right time can save a marriage, avert a mistake, demand a decision, plant a seed, conceive a dream, solve a problem, and prompt a prayer. That’s why I write. And that’s why, for me, a book sold is not a book sold; a book sold is a prayer answered.”
Wasn’t that a timely message for me to read on the day of a book signing?
Arriving about a half hour early, I set up and began to get my bearings. Since I was not scheduled to start until 2 p.m., I didn’t notice a young woman who stopped, perused a book and called out to me. Surprised, I turned around and greeted her. She said, “I was drawn to this book right away, and I could see immediately that it is just the book for my sister who’s going through cancer.” We conversed for a bit, and then she added, “I was definitely supposed to come here today.” The smile on her face was beautiful.
About ten minutes later another woman approached me whose brother is undergoing chemo. She, too, ended up buying a book. I signed, and she said, “I came here for a purpose today.”
I love meeting readers, hearing their stories, and sharing my experience and thoughts with them. And I especially enjoy their reactions when they realize that our meetings are not coincidental.
As I reflect on book signings now, I thank God for reminding me of Batterson’s wisdom at the exact time needed. Of course, I knew when writing my book that I wanted first and foremost to help people, but now I have a great way to articulate my motivation. Writing a book is all about prayers answered, and that is the best possible reason to write.
Submissions are due at March 13 meeting!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be guided toward and possibly published in a major Christian magazine, Today’s Christian Living!
Click here for guidelines and more information.
Upcoming events:
March 11
REGISTER NOW FOR SEMINAR!Masterful Writing
Speaker: Bob Hostetler
Sessions will include:
• Masterful Article Writing
• Masterful Platform Building
• Mastering Your Craft
• Masterful Marketing
Hostetler is an experienced, successful, and highly-skilled author/editor. You will enjoy and benefit greatly from his expertise
March 13
Monthly Meeting
Featuring Bob Hostetler
Write Like Will (8 Ways Shakespeare Can Improve Your Writing)
Bob Hostetler’s latest book, among 35 others, The Bard and the Bible, provides an in-depth study of the poetry of William Shakespeare and the power of God’s Word. With those insights, he will describe how the Bard’s techniques are relevant and apply to our writing today.
About Bob Hostetler:
Bob Hostetler is an award-winning writer, editor, pastor and speaker from southwestern Ohio. His thirty-six books, which include The Bone Box and American Idols (The Worship of the American Dream), have sold millions of copies. He has co-authored eleven books with Josh McDowell, including the best-selling Right from Wrong (What You Need to Know to Help Youth Make Right Choices) and the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door. He has won two Gold Medallion Awards, four Ohio Associated Press awards, and an Amy Foundation Award, among others. Bob is also a frequent speaker at churches, conferences, and retreats.
Bob was ordained to the ministry in 1980 by The Salvation Army. He and his wife, Robin, served in The Salvation Army from 1980-1992.
In addition to his training for ministry with The Salvation Army, he earned degrees in English Bible from Cincinnati Christian University and English Communications from Bloomfield College.
In 2000, Bob and Robin helped to co-found Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio. He has served that church in leadership and teaching pastor roles.
He has been a disc jockey, pastor, magazine editor, freelance book editor, and (with Robin) a foster parent to ten boys, though not all at once. Bob and Robin have two adult children, Aubrey and Aaron, son-in-law Kevin and daughter-in-law Nina, and grandchildren Miles, Mia, Calleigh, Ryder, and Avery. They live in Hamilton, Ohio.
Next Month – April 10Publishers Night:
Bethany House Editors
Andy McGuire & Raela Schoenher**Bethany House editors will discuss the acquisition process, what they’re looking for in an author, how to improve your platform, and how to write and submit a successful proposal. Additionally, guild members will have the opportunity for short one-on-one pitches.
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