John 4:19-26

"Sir," the woman said, "you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?"

Jesus replied, "Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on the tis mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming-indeed it's here now- when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth."

The woman said, "I know the Messiah is coming-the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

Then Jesus told her, "I AM the Messiah!"

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

What would you do?

So... this weekend, we had the Cornhole Tournament at the Journey. It was really cool and we had a bunch of Cumberland University students come by (which was the intention behind the whole event!) and we gave away a $500 first prize for the winning team. All in all, it was a big success.

So, I carry a blackberry. Have to... for work. My wife hates it, but that's another story. But, I love my blackberry. I can get instant emails, text my friends, look up things on the internet.... it's literally like having my laptop in my pocket. And Saturday, during the cornhole tournament, I got the best email I've gotten in quite awhile.

As you all know, I have been trying to get the book that I've written published. Right now, I'm in the "find an agent" stage. So, I've been sending out proposals to agencies and blah blah bah.... you know how it goes. Well, Saturday, I got an email from a really good agency informing me that they were completely hooked on the story and the sample chapters I had sent them. Now, they want the entire manuscript! So, naturally, I fell all over myself trying to get to the computer to send it back to them! LOL.

Anyway, I've always believed that since I started writing this book, that it was going to be successful. But in order to make that happen, I'm going to have to put a lot of energy into it. When you send a book proposal, one of the first things they want to know is.... what are you going to do to ensure the success of the novel? Well, the obvious answer is.... Whatever it takes! Right? Yeah. But what is "whatever it takes". Many publishers are willing to put money behind a good book. But few of them are willing to put money behind anything if the author doesn't have a marketing plan.

So here's the question. You've written a novel that you believe in with all your heart and soul. What are some of the things you would do to promote it? I'd really really love your input. Please leave a comment and a suggestion. Who knows you may be responsible for the greatest marketing idea to come about in 40 years! (and I'll even give you credit for it!)

Have a blessed day.

Robbie

4 comments:

Josh said...

just some thoughts as I have been in some meetings lately about publishing etc...

Also...know some one now who is on his like 10th book to be published etc...

Sneak peeks are great...maybe just one chapter that you randomly send out to people and let them read and then tell them that once published they'll get a free copy...but that you need their help in promoting it etc...

So for example if you gave me a sample chapter..I'd read it...like it..post about it - hype it up on twitter - facebook - etc...telling others they really need to take a look at it when it comes out..

Another thing would be endorsements by other authors who are at least some what known...so getting them sample chapters and having them do the same things etc...

Just some thoughts..and it might not be an answer at all..but we were told recently of a guy who was a well known author..hit a writers block..and didn't come back for years...well publishers/agents told him the b ook wouldn't work...well he decided to put it on the internet for a free download...soon it was all the rage...and those publishers/agents were knocking at his door...

Just some thoughts!

Hope it goes well and exceeds your expectations!

Anonymous said...

I know this sounds simple but social networking is a big emphasis right now. Creating a website for the book, creating a fan page on Facebook, twitter about the book, blogging are all things that can easily be done. I don't think publishers expect first time authors to shell out a lot of cash but instead to take an active role and putting their reputation on the line with the product. Some first time authors get an advance and put a book out there not caring if the book does well because they already have the advance. Advances are being rethought. Be willing to bypass an advance to have it go toward a marketing budget. This goes against the grain of agents because they get a percentage of the advance. Their is balance but publishers are not willing to take all the risk.

VClarkTN said...

Let me start with this, congratulations and good for you! It's great news and here's a brief thought to add to what Josh mentioned.

I'm working on several books right now, but what I've learned in research is before you start have all the marketing avenues set up. Set up a domain for your book title, set up a small website to base from, get your Facebook page, MySpace page and Twitter account set up and ready to go.

Then start with a list of all these great marketing ideas that involve other people. People respond to things they are involved with and spread the word.

It's all about your "fan club" and with that you know I have a pretty good background to draw from.

Would love to brainstorm with you about ideas and would love to hear more about your book.

Another friend Sutton Parks is also in the early stages with his book, John Ford Coley just wrote one and Dana Martin is a great friend who was just published in Chicken Soup. They all may be good contacts to draw from.

We need an online group of writers promoting and cross promoting their projects! What do you think? We could do that!

Valerie

Elder James said...

Give me $1,000,000.00 and I will tell you what you need to know.