To Market, to Market... or Not?



When I posted on Facebook recently how I’d unfollowed someone on Twitter because I was tired of her constant bragging on herself, I got a huge response. 

Seems I hit a nerve.

As a Christian writer, I believe in marketing my gift. I would never have written a book if I didn’t believe I had something worthwhile to say, and could say it in a unique way that people will want to read.

So I talk about Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top in many different places. And often. I don’t apologize for that.

What I take issue with is someone who is in my face every five minutes, saying, “Look at my book; look at all the rave reviews on my book; buy my book or you’ll be sorry.”

I find that obnoxious and self-serving.

Yes, Jesus marketed Himself by shouting in the marketplace and telling people to come to Him. But He didn’t do that ALL the time. He ministered to people most of the time.

There was balance in His life.

Besides, He was God. I’m not. 

Unlike some, who think we need to put our name out there every second so people will see us and buy from us, I never want someone to block me from their lives because I was in their face too much.

I want to strike a balance between ministry and marketing. Like my Master, Jesus.

How do you feel about Christians marketing their books, music, art, etc? What do you think is a good balance between marketing the gift God has given you, and becoming overbearing?

I Did a Hard Thing

I did a hard thing Saturday. Before I sent my (finally!) finished proposal to AMG, I asked my husband to go over the “Marketing and Promotion” section with me. I have a tendency to bite off more than I can swallow and digest, and he is the one who most suffers when I melt down because of my foolish over-commitments.

It was scary to say, “Tell me if you don’t want me to do any of these, or you think they are too much.” On a list of twenty items I was willing to do to promote my book, I expected him to cross out all but “will work with sales and marketing team to set up interviews.” Instead, he surprised me.

He left the entire list intact, even the item about renting a hot air balloon and sailing to France in it, to sell my books on the Riviera! What a fun surprise to discover he is more committed to my call than I thought. Thank you, Honey.

May the Lord surprise you today with people who believe in your call to write for Him.