Here is a lesson I learned when I wrote In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: if your book is worth reading then you can't give away too many copies! On one level, every book given away subtracts from sales. But on a much higher plane, every book given away multiplies sales. I've chosen to take a multiplication mindset. Here's my rationale. If people like the book, they will buy a copy for someone or tell someone about it. First generation readers spawn second generation readers via word of mouth.
I also think there is a spiritual principle at play. If you are generous with your book then God will multiply it. Luke 6:38 applies to anything and everything. It's the law of measures. "Give and it will be given unto you, good measure pressed down shaken together will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured unto you."
I gave away hundreds of copies of In a Pit to hundreds of church planters. So we "lost money" long before we "made money" on my first book. In fact, we were several thousand dollars in the hole. But the Lord honored that and blessed the book because of it. Now here is the payoff. Those hundreds of copies given away translated into thousands of books purchased as leaders used the book for small groups, sermon series, and books for family, friends & staff.
So here's the scoop. I'm going to give away several hundred copies of Primal to a few more groups of people: artists, discipleship pastors, campus pastors and lead pastors. I'll follow up with more details in the days to come.
But the bottom line is this: the more you believe in something the more willing you are to give it away. Why? Because you believe in the message. I've only written a few books. And I'm a biased author. But I really think Primal is more than a book. I think it's a movement waiting to happen. So I'm going to give away as many copies as I possibly can!
I also think there is a spiritual principle at play. If you are generous with your book then God will multiply it. Luke 6:38 applies to anything and everything. It's the law of measures. "Give and it will be given unto you, good measure pressed down shaken together will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured unto you."
I gave away hundreds of copies of In a Pit to hundreds of church planters. So we "lost money" long before we "made money" on my first book. In fact, we were several thousand dollars in the hole. But the Lord honored that and blessed the book because of it. Now here is the payoff. Those hundreds of copies given away translated into thousands of books purchased as leaders used the book for small groups, sermon series, and books for family, friends & staff.
So here's the scoop. I'm going to give away several hundred copies of Primal to a few more groups of people: artists, discipleship pastors, campus pastors and lead pastors. I'll follow up with more details in the days to come.
But the bottom line is this: the more you believe in something the more willing you are to give it away. Why? Because you believe in the message. I've only written a few books. And I'm a biased author. But I really think Primal is more than a book. I think it's a movement waiting to happen. So I'm going to give away as many copies as I possibly can!
20 Comments:
Give me one! http://jeremiahstingl.com
Thanks for this! Appreciate your wisdom.
I'm with you Mark! Great principle! I'm so with you that I'll give mine away too.
For a free eBook version of "Transforming Grace: God's Path to Life and Inward Change" visit my web site: www.JimJohnsonMissions.com
or write me at jimjohnson@web.de
Looking forward to reading it mark...free or not. "Pit" whetted my appetite. "Goose" helped satisfy the thirst temporarily. "Primal" ought to be a fountain.
So what do think of the 12k books I gave away at Catalyst? Do you think the same thoughts apply?
Margaret,
I think you set a record :) Considering 97% of books don't sell 5000 copies and you gave away 12,000 :) Can't wait to see how God uses Scouting the Divine!
Mark
Excellent post, Mark. I especially appreciate the multiplication principle and your thinking into the future. I've always given away copies of my books, but not nearly as many as you are doing. You've challenged me to do more. Thanks! Bob
Thanks mark & marg & others for your generosity! Your example is inspiring Reinforcing your credibility as a Christ follower. Lead on! R cor 11:1
You are absolutely right! After reading "In A Pit" I was handing out copies left and right. I have since lost track of how many I have given to people. I am excited to get my hands on "Primal". If you are looking for a non-profit organization that you would want to give copies to we have a large staff of avid readers who I know would love to dive into it. Either way, I will get a copy!
aaron.smith@ciy.com
I wish you could give us a copy at Lead Now!
thanks - we have used both of your previous books in small group ministries and sent them overseas to deployed soldiers - you are a blessing
Looking forward to being able to give away copies of Primal!
I couldn't agree more and it was so refreshing to read this on here. I can't wait to read PRIMAL and I know that with a lot of books that I enjoy and have read lately, such as "Crazy Love" and "Irresistible Revolution," I tend to buy copies for friends and give them out as gifts. With our book, "carried" we are giving away 100% of the proceeds to missions and we already sense God's favor with this. So, we are in an interesting place because if we have a friend and they want a copy, we could just give them one, but if they'd buy one for just $10 then they would be sending $20 in AID to places like Africa and Haiti for clean water. This is a good dilemna to be in for sure!
Mark: I totally agree with you. If you have a giving heart, God will make sure you prosper and go forward.
We are pastors of a small rural church; would love a copy of "Primal."
My email is jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com.
BTW, I found your blog via James Watkins
I would love to read both books...part of church plant in South Knoxville TN. Check us out @ www.thesummitlive.tv
Mark,
Great concept. We are in the same situation you all are ... need a building like yesterday. We are praying overtime for your situation ... maybe the blessing will trickle back here!
I'll take one!
Another Mark
Debbie and I will take one!!
-Brian
Co-Pastor
Grand Canyon Assembly of God
Hey Mark,
Any chance a small group leader could get a copy of Primal? :)
I've given away three copies each of In a Pit and WIld Goose Chase. Right now I'm leading a Sunday morning class of about two dozen twenty-something guys as we go through In a Pit. And just for good measure my wife is leading the girls through All I Need Is Jesus by Susanna Aughtmon!
I've been blessed by your first two and looking forward to Primal!
Would love to read 'Primal'...your ministry and writing has had a profound impact on the work God is doing down here in Powhatan VA.
Free or $21.95 - but the sooner, the better....
:-)
Post a Comment
<< Home