When a book releases, a race begins.  I didn’t know it was a race until I became an author. It is a race against time. I’m at the beginning of the race.  My book released on October 26. I poured hours and hours into the writing, editing, and re-editing process.  I, like many authors, poured myself out in the pages of my book.  For a few months it’s out of the authors hands while the publisher, in my case Zondervan, chooses cover art, proof reads, typesets and prints the book.  Then a call comes for a marketing meeting.  You sit there hoping they mean all the nice things they say about your book and the possibility of outreach through it. Then you wait and wait for the release date of the book. 

That day came and went in my life, and nothing happened.  Gordon and Gail MacDonald were guests on my radio program that day and they congratulated me, but otherwise, the day was uneventful.  People ask me, “How’s it going?  How are sales?”  I respond, “I have no idea, it’s too early to tell.”  Then I remember this window of opportunity.  Did I mention yet that the window is about 3 months? Publishers put about 3 months of promotion into your book. I’m already 3 weeks in. 

Among writers there is talk about publishers.  “Do they do a good job at promoting?”  “They’re o.k., but they’re not for profit.  They don’t have as much money for marketing.”  “You’re with a great publisher.  I hear they really get behind a book and market it well.”  I don’t mention any publishers by name because the opinions about them change with the wind.  What I’m learning is that a lot of the marketing and promotion is up to me.  It doesn’t matter the publishers name on the spine of your book.  You are in for some hard work and long hours to help promote and market your own book. Don’t let ANYONE tell you otherwise!

I’m thankful for a marvelous platform like my radio program, Midday Connection.  I’m thankful for a large network of friends at my church.  I’m excited that I’ve been in Christian Broadcasting for 26 years and a lot of people know who I am.  I am working hard to get the word out about “What Women Tell Me: Finding Freedom From the Secrets We Keep.”  I’m realizing the ‘God’ component is the biggest part of the promotions process.  It seems that women are being touched.  And when women are touched, they usually tell other women. 

I told my story as transparently as I could in the book, but beyond that, I need to trust God to get the message out.  The message that I stake my life on, that we can have freedom from the secrets we keep!  

A good friend sent me this email from someone she’d given a copy of my book. It is exciting and humbling all at once.

“I love the book so much that I was almost late to work this morning!!!  When can we all get together for discussion?  Where can I get more copies to give to the women in my family as Christmas gifts?  This is the book I’ve been waiting for for the past 15 years!  This is what I’ve been feeling for so many years but haven’t been able, or willing for that matter, to articulate!  I think every woman in every church in America needs this book!Thank you thank you thank you!!!”

Posted by Anita Lustrea  |   2 Comments »