According to the news, masses are running to their local grocery stores and gas stations to purchase tickets for the Mega Millions Lottery, hoping for a big win. I understand. The idea of sudden wealth is intoxicating. So is hitting it big in the publishing world.
I admit watching The Hunger Games phenomenon and having major author envy. What would that experience be like, to write a hit series read by millions? When Suzanne Collins hears Matt Lauer talking about her book on the Today show, does she get that buzzy feeling in her tummy?
My debut novel, MOTHER OF PEARL, may not garner Collins’ massive notoriety (the odds are about as good as winning the Mega Millions lottery) but I do have a ticket to some level of success. Let me tell you about it….
My agent, Sandra Bishop of MacGregor Literary, is in my corner. This business is full of ups and downs and Sandra lends her expertise and time to carefully guide my publishing career. Without her support, I’d be nowhere.
My publishing house, Abingdon Press, works tirelessly to position my book for success. They assigned me a cracker-sharp editor, created a gorgeous cover, answer my unending questions, and are so supportive of Mother of Pearl. Can’t even describe how much that means to me.
I also have a network of book-reading supporters. People I grew up with who are cheering me on, family and friends who are telling all their friends (and sometimes people off the street) to order my book. Writing buddies who stand on the sidelines yelling “Go Kellie, go!” Reviewers and endorsers who recommend this story about a high school counselor who works to bring a predator coach to justice.
I could fill this blog with many more examples (like the web-designer, the film studio, the marketing consultant, the graphic designer who have helped me) but first I’d have to swallow the lump in my throat. It does take a village, you know?
Most importantly, every morning I spend time with One who reminds me that even if my book sells like The Hunger Games (or not), I’m simply a woman loved by Him. My true worth is already settled and does not depend on sales numbers.
Life is good.
P.S. – MOTHER OF PEARL is now available for pre-order. Head over to www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com and get yours! And if you’re the lucky one who wins the lottery tonight, I’d be tickled if you’d order a few thousand more!
Comments 7
What a great post, and so encouraging! Yes, fame and fortune shouldn’t be our motivations as Christian authors. That’s not to say that making a little profit off our hours of research, writing and revising would be wrong! But I think God would have to supernaturally position a Christian-themed book to make it “big” by the world’s standards. Not that He can’t! But we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness…”
Yes, we can take courage that we’re following God’s direction as we write. And thank the Lord for all those encouraging friends/family who get excited about our books and want the world to know!
Tweeting this!
Thanks for commenting, Heather (and so true). I’m excited to check out your blog this morning!
Kellie, this is such beautiful post. The three sentences just me make lean back and say, “Ahhhhhh. So true.”
Thanks, Julie! (my lottery ticket was a dud…let’s hope my book does a little better). Smiles.
Kellie I know all of this must be so very exciting for you. I’m so happy to have met you and now cheer you on.
Oh Anita…it IS! And I’m running over to check out your blog this morning.
Love it, Kelly! I can’t wait to read your upcoming book!