Dreaming of the day your novel will be on the big screen and you will be basking on an island in luxury? Longing for that multi-million dollar contract for your next novel?
In reality, most writers will sell a few hundred copies to friends and family. With some training and marketing experience, they might sell a few thousand. After the training and marketing expenses, their income might outweigh the expenses. However, not always, especially in the early years.
When you are a budding writer, it's easy to despair over a minimal income while learning the craft and developing contacts and marketing skills. We tend to compare ourselves to other writers who are winning awards, signing huge contracts, and speaking at conferences. Isn't that out measure of success? If so, then does that mean you are failing?
If a high income is your measure of success in your Christian book writing career, it might be time to re-evaluate. King Solomon had more wealth than anyone at that time. He wrote that the person loving money "will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income." Ecclesiastes 5:10
Perhaps he understood that when he longed for money and gold, he always wanted more. As he grew old, he realized all his gold and possessions were temporary and he would leave them behind.
Please don't confuse notoriety with success. Often a writer's income increases with their name recognition, meaning the more books they write, the more they are known. If a reader hears of a book written by an author they have read and their prior book(s) inspired them, challenged them, entertained them, or helped them understand something, they likely will read another book by that author. But should our ultimate goal be to be known and sell millions of books?
My first book was written from the heart and included a Bible study on suffering. According to industry standards, it should never have gone to press. Who wants to read a book about a hummingbird and backyard critters with a Bible study on suffering?
Not many people have read it. It will never be my best seller. But I still get notes from people who read it. They often tell me how much it touched them and helped them. Each one of those notes is a far greater reward than the royalties I could have made on a different type book. By sharing truth from the word of God, my income might be delayed, but the impact on their heart might change the world--at least change their world.
I realize my books will probably never earn a Pulitzer or have contracts with six figures. However, I also have learned that my income matters far less than my impact.
Every penny I have earned in royalties will be left here on earth. But, when I have lifted one desperate heart, or gave hope to someone I might never meet in person, I have increased my treasure in heaven.
That's an eternal treasure.
- Pray about what God wants you to write.
- Pray about the themes He wants you to address.
- Study the writing craft and give it your best effort.
- Listen to those who offer constructive critiques.
- Make your book the very best it can be.
- Then, let God provide the increase. He may bless it in ways you never imagined.
Dear writer,
It's easy to compare our writing income to others and feel as though we are unsuccessful. May I remind you that writing for income is far different than writing for impact. When you touch even one heart with a truth that draws them closer to God, you are storing up treasures in heaven that will last for eternity.
I pray God blesses you with ideas for faith-building books, with the confidence that He will use them in mighty ways for His kingdom.
Blessings,
Lisa
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21(NASB95)
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