Jesus, John the Baptist and Marketing

Putting Jesus, John the Baptist and marketing together has been problematic for me. I see Jesus overturning tables in His house. I hear Him say you can't serve God and mammon. I see John calling the Pharisees all sorts of names, and yet more people come to be baptized (Ironically, it seems, this act brought more "marketshare.").

And yet, as an author, I'm responsible for marketing my books. It's a conundrum, to be sure. So I'm reading through the Gospels again to see what Jesus' upside down Kingdom looks like, and how it would relate to me as a marketer of my books. This journey comes with surprising results. Read on...

In Matthew, we see John the Baptist. He must be a marketing genius, right? Must've had a great speakers bureau. Because it says, "Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district of Jordan." He was pop-U-lar! But, weirdly enough, he didn't follow three steps to success. Instead, he:

• wore ugly clothes (He was not slick or polished.)
• ate weird food (He concentrated more on survival than building a personal empire.)
• and alienated the powerful (He didn't grab at power, didn't seduce it thinking it would further his message.)

What would it look like if we wore ugly clothes, ate weird food, and wrote words that alienated the elite in our world? This is precisely the beautiful part of John's counterintuitive "marketing plan." And what was it exactly? He became what God created him to be, a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, a voice crying in the wilderness.

And then I turn the pages and see Jesus' baptism--a humble, yet powerful act. He submits Himself to John's baptism and then hears from heaven. God the Father begins His ministry in a supernatural way, and then plunges His Son into the wilderness (the same place John preached from) to face temptation. During the last temptation, Jesus stands on a mountain and the kingdoms of earth are displayed before Him. I imagine America's brilliance flashing there too.

Satan sneers, "All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me."

Jesus replies, "Go, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only."

What's the implication for little ol' me?

• Sometimes I get whirlwinded into trying to be all that so I can be successful.
• I place a publishing house's desires for me above my desire to follow after Jesus.
• I try to appease the powerful.
• I am wooed by the kingdoms of this earth and all their glory.
• I forget that John and Jesus both had huge followings because of their messages and being rightly related to God the Father.
• I unwittingly believe that there are "steps" to success, and that success is the highest thing I can aim for.
• I buy into a corporate model of marketing, forgetting that the Kingdom of God does not result from my perfecting my personality and branding prowess, but from my simple, undecorated, unheralded obedience moment by moment.
• I forget that God is the One who promotes, not me.
• I forget the Scripture about letting others promote me.
• I tangle myself up in tasks to sell books, while my soul ebbs away and my joy diminishes.

What's an author to do? Yes, of course, this is a job, and part of my job is to market my books. I get that. But I must say, I've spent the last year frustrated. I've done practically everything one could do to sell and get the word out, following established methods. The result? The very book I was promoting threatens to go out of print. It's like the Lord is watching from heaven, a smile on His holy face. "She thinks it's all about her efforts. In her zeal, she's forgotten Me."

Sometimes God thwarts all our efforts, whether it's to get published, remain published, or sell books. Sometimes He does that to get our attention back where it should be, on the Kingdom of God. In my case, I'm seeing it. He is whispering to me, "Will you trust Me with your job? Will you be more about my counterintuitive Kingdom, or your own personal bookselling empire. If you sell books by your efforts, you'll be able to point to your own glory for making it happen by your own scrappy-ness. But if you let it all go into My hands, if the increase comes, you'll easily give Me the glory."

I'm not saying that you should be passive and lazy. Nor am I saying that if you let things go, God will be obligated to cause increase. I am saying it's important to put all your eggs in the sovereignty basket, resting, trusting, acting as He leads.

I'd love to hear your stories of surrender to sovereignty as it relates to the book biz. Share away!

Mary DeMuth writes and speaks from Texas. And she loves her kids and husband. And she knows you shouldn't start sentences with AND but does it anyway. And she's surprised you're reading this boring postscript. You can "meet" Mary at www.marydemuth.com.

Comments

[Gerry Blumberg]

I love that you use "and!" Thank you for sharing your heart and giving us all a good reminder about God's sovereignty.

[Nicole]

Mary, I know one thing: God is pleased with your heart because after "all that", you always come back to His plan, His sovereignty.

And, Mary, you've been a great marketer, worked hard at it, done it all. You're a good writer, talented, gifted in many ways. But I have to agree: it's Him who brings the increase. It's Him who draws up and designs the path. Ultimately, we have to follow His plan for us, not man's. Contrary as it may be to man's view(s) of success, He's who we serve.

I have always admired your heart, Mary.

[Mary E. DeMuth]

Thanks Gerry. There is so much to the word AND.

Nicole, thanks for your kind words. Always a blessing.

[Suzanne Eller]

Insightful and very good post, Mary.

[sally apokedak]

Great post, Mary. Thanks.

[Kathi Macias]

Thank you, dear friend and fellow wordsmith, for your humble and honest post. How well I relate! A few years ago, when I sought God for direction in my life/ministry, His words were, "Somebody has to set up the chairs." How I tried NOT to hear those words--but they wouldn't go away. I knew He was calling me to serve others in ministry and leave my own public ministry in His hands, regardless of the outcome. What a relief and joy it was when I obeyed! Though, like you, I still have to do the marketing part of my job--to one extent or another--I understand that the outcome is not my responsibility. I just need to be faithful to follow Him...today. It's so good to have the joy back!!!

[Sue J]

Phil Vischer's story comes to mind immediately as I read your words. A man with an empire, albeit made of veggies. But he came to the same place where you are (after bankruptcy hit the empire) and came to the same conclusions.

There's such joy when you find your gift, and you take those first steps to seeing your joy increase as the gift is used and well received. And then something happens (I like to use 'and,' too), when you are on to the next thing. Consumed by your own joy, you try to top your gift by doing more, giving more, perfecting more....whatever more it is.

But the Source of the joy becomes lost in the what's next. Why do we do that? Even when we know better, why do we do that?

For me, the closer I seem get to Him, sometimes the further away from Him I can be. Throw that cold water on me, because I'm not worthy to pass the cup to someone else...not until I get some focus back.

Just remember, God is good! He has spoken to you and will continue to do so.

[Mary E. DeMuth]

A reader sent me this amazing prayer. It fits so well with what I wrote, that I thought I'd share:

HUMILITY

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being slandered, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, deliver me, Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That in the opinion of the world, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
others may increase, and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I,
provided that I may become as holy as I should.

- Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val

[Jeanne Damoff]

Wait a minute . . . you mean Jesus didn't host win-a-free-healing contests and wear a bracelet that said WWID?

Lovely post, dearie. And that humility prayer is amazing. Hooray for sovereignty and rest and letting God ordain our steps. I never want to be so busy building my little empire that I miss the exceeding abundance He has prepared for me--even if that abundance will be found in setting up chairs as Kathi said. We are most fulfilled doing that for which we were created. Lord, deliver us from letting the world define "success."

[michael snyder]

Yep, I agree with the ladies. Stellar post. And timely too!

Mike

[Mark Goodyear]

Lots to think about here. Lots. And I've already started eating weird food since we visited the Insectorium and ate bugs and worms at the insect cafe.

Crickets taste exactly like trail mix when cooked properly. Seriously. I could eat a bowl of the buggers while I watch tv.

Meal worms tasted fine, but they had a distinctively wormy texture.

I'm not sure what this comment has to do with marketing. : )

[Madison Richards]

I was recently in Pismo Beach, CA and walked past a chocolate shop that specialized in chocolate covered insects! They had the usual worms and whatnot, but also boasted chocolate covered crickets and even SCORPIONS!! Yikes! Made me exceedingly glad I am allergic to chocolate!

(Great, great post Mary! I am with you that conclusion page...)

Madison

[Mary Ellen Courville]

Mary,
As a new author, God has put me in my place, or should I say, reminded me of his place, of his sovereignty again and again. First, a small publisher produced a short story of mine, "Breathe" in an anthology. I paid for copies, and prepared to promote etc... The books did not arrive. In their place I was shipped an empty box. I lost any confidence in marketing the books, fearing that they would not "arrive" at their destinations. After months of e-mail and confusion, I finally received the books.

At my book signing, I did share the short story I'd written. I also read the devotional "The Empty Box" I had written during my wait for the books. In it I imagined God's pain at receiving an empty box from us, after he'd poured so many spiritual gifts into our lives. I accepted the challenge of returning the box of my life filled, by using and acknowledging the blessings he's given.

In my first signing, the focus became what God had done instead of my work. Now again, I face a challenge. This time I sought out a Christian publisher for a children's book "The Pilgrim's Basket." It was accepted and put into the publisher's calendar of steps: editing, illustrating, promoting etc... Again my promotion confidence has been halted due to production problems along the way. As I type, the illustrator awaits publisher payment for the final illustrations. I wait to promote and wonder what lesson I missed last time.

I pray that what God wants to accomplish with this book, he will. I pray that the purpose of this story will be accomplished and surrender to the fact that it's not my purpose.
http://www.writethroughme.blogspot.com/

I also pray that I will find the confidence and the publisher for my next book, "G-ma's Pearl". I know it is not mine but His. I am committing not to finding a set of steps to follow in order to submit it to publishers, but to praying that I would follow in his steps and submit it to his will instead.

Thank you sincerely for your empathy and encouragement. Sorry for such a long response...

Mary Ellen

writemaryellen at ymail.com

[Sharon Fawcett]

I am feeling pretty ragged too, Mary, as I am trying to promote my new book, releasing next month. While I have been working night and day trying to find special markets, influencers, etc. I am trying to leave the results in God's hands. He can do much with very little...or with nothing!

For example, I spoke at a conference in May and the president of the national Christian women's organization holding the conference met me as they were placing the sign (with my topic title) outside the door to my seminar room. When she asked about me, I mentioned that I was a writer with a book on overcoming depression releasing in the fall. She got quite excited and, God multiplied that one little comment (my loaf and fish) into an offer from the president to promote my book through her ministry. She will include comments about it in her newsletter (as well as a promotional postcard) which is sent to 7,000 women. She will also have a review of the book published in their magazine in February.

My local Christian bookstore owner made a similar offer when all I asked was to have my book launch at his store. Next thing I know he's sending flyers about the book and launch to 3,000 of his customers and e-flyers to another 1,500.

So, I think that if we are faithful to do the things God shows us to do, He is faithful too. Perhaps what's happening for me has something to do with the fact that the book I wrote was not one I was really gung-ho on writing, but one I strongly felt God calling me to. I didn't feel qualified, but He opened doors every step of the way and made it happen. He's continuing to open them as the book moves toward its release. I feel like it's more His project than mine, I just typed the words. So, what He chooses to do with the book is His decision. Still, I will do my part as we work together to bring a message of hope to others through this book.

Sharon Fawcett
Author of HOPE FOR WHOLENESS: THE SPIRITUAL PATH TO FREEDOM FROM DEPRESSION

[Vonda Skelton]

Thank you, Mary! Oh, how I needed this today!
Blessings, my friend.
Vonda Skelton
www.VondaSkelton.com

[Bob McGregor]

"And" a comment. The Hebrew vav letter is translated 'and' and it starts a lot of OT sentences. And it is a good connector word indicating that this thought is connected to the one before.

and you write good, Mary.

[Patti Hill]

Oh, Mary, sigh, how did you know? I'm right in the middle of promoting my just-released book. I fell into the trap of silly contests, so I spent the better part of a day making and ironing transfers of the book cover onto cheap tote bags. I could have been praying for the recipients, but I was too mad at myself. I felt like I'd sold my soul. Not just because of the contest, but the anxiety I've felt about not doing enough of anything. Huh? And so, your post hit home. THANK YOU, dear one. And thanks to all the others for sharing so honestly from your hearts. Search the Scriptures? Bingo! (Which means "Amen, sister!" in Colorado.)

Already dressing funny and willing eat bugs if covered in chocolate,
Patti

[Dianne Neal Matthews]

Mary, thanks for sharing your heart. After having a couple of books published, I've been feeling overwhelmed with all that I'm "supposed" to do as a good author--get speaking gigs, round up interviews and blog tours, develop a database of emails, start a newsletter, increase the Internet presence, keep studying the craft, network every chance I get--and oh, yes, don't forget to write.

Your post caused me to remember that my most exciting marketing opportunities have been obviously orchestrated by God. Tomorrow, I will forget it all and take my Bible and notebook to a park and spend a few hours with the Source of my joy and my creativity. And I'll say a prayer for you and your ministry, too.

Dianne

[Terra]

This was very sweet to read, as I am working on the PR for my first book. Yes, we can line up all of our worldly ducks in a row, do A, B and C, and God may have other plans for us.
Thanks for bringing this all up.
God was so wise to help me so that my first book was co-authored with 5 wise (and sometimes silly) writing partners, and a worthy publisher.
Almost all authors work alone. Yikes! I am so blessed.
Terra