My Utmost for His Highest has sold over 13 million copies. Almost every Christian has a copy somewhere in their home or on a device. It has been a staple in the publishing industry for over 100 years with many cover options and styles. On Amazon alone, there are over 22 options that show up on the home page when doing a quick search.
Unlike this classic most authors do not see this type of sustainability within their books. As new books grace the shelves of the local bookstore or rise to the top of the online searches the books of the past are placed in the back of the store or the bottom of the search.
But never fear! Your message is still relevant and there are ways to keep your book exposed to the reader if you are consistent in your marketing and willing to reinvent your message.
Here are five ways to keep your book in front of your ideal reader:
First, keep promoting your book. Most authors start full-speed ahead when their book is released but eventually they slow done until their book is no longer part of their vocabulary. To keep the momentum going utilize the overall themes and truths found in your book to develop a blog or social media strategy. Build trust with those who follow you about your topic and as you do you can give a promotion every few weeks to purchase your book giving them a resource to go deeper.
Second, do a second edition. If your book has been in the marketplace for a few years this is a great step. This revised book could have new content added to the end, questions developed for discussion of each chapter, and even a new cover. These elements will allow a re-release of your book with a fresh look and attract new readers.
Third, create something to enhance the message of your book that can be placed on your website. This could be a video teaching series, teaching guides, or any other resource that would lead people to purchase your book. Awareness of the new content will bring an incentive to dive deeper into your original work.
Fourth, create a companion product such as a devotional, Bible study, workbook, weekend retreat, or even a journal. There are so many options that will bring your reader to experience the truth found in your current book with renewed purpose! Every writer always has more to say on the original topic and this is a great way to expand your message and go deeper into the topic you’ve developed.
And finally, use your book as a platform to speak about your message. Expand your content into a 30-minute talk or even a series. Create a one sheet that describes your book and your message to send out to churches and those who put on events. As you find places to share this message you will bring awareness to your book and sell them at the back of the room.
As you look to continue to keep your book current and find more readers, do it with one aim: to bring people to the hope of the gospel. More important than any of these practical steps is launching out this intentional reengagement with prayer. Allow God to continue to work the message He has given you in your own life and then share it with others.
We would love to walk alongside you on your re-engagement journey at Redemption Press. We have trainings and workshops to give you the tools you need as well as a team who will help you get your God-ideas published and reach your audience in a whole new way with excellence.
Find out more at redemption-press.com.
We’re here to help you achieve publishing success! Redemption Press is a Christian-owned-and-operated hybrid publishing company. Our business model promotes excellence in independent publishing services by using the project management style of a traditional publisher. We empower Christian authors to fulfill their publishing dreams without giving up creative control or rights to their work.
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