My debut novel, Surrendered, was released just over three months ago. There was much anticipation, excitement, and a little anxiety warring inside me as that day approached. This has been a dream of mine since childhood, and I know it was God who put the desire to write (and to be published) on my heart. So, of course, I prayed my endeavors would be successful.
But what does that mean? I’ve had a few well-meaning friends ask, “How many books have you sold?” That’s generally a measure of one’s success—sales. A year ago, maybe even six months ago, that would have been my first concern, too. But when God’s in charge, He’s not so much concerned with numbers as He is with character growth and developing the right heart and motivation.
In 2009, I attended my second writer’s conference and met author, Camy Tang, who was then writing chick lit, a genre that has since declined in popularity. She continues to write and publish, but more importantly, she’s serving God. She left a lucrative job as a biologist researcher to write, because it was what God put on her heart (not unlike me). One of the questions that popped up in our class was how much money does she make? Her answer? Less than minimum wage. Hence the warning, Don’t quit your day job.
Fast forward to April of this year. I was again at a writer’s conference and learning from the Snowflake Guy, Randy Ingermanson (a past mentor of mine), and he announced that the average writer makes less than $5,000 a year. This average includes authors like James Patterson and J.K. Rowling (who are well into the millions), so you do the math.
According to my publisher and others in the “know” it takes a minimum of three books before a writer has enough of a fan-base to be financially successful. And again, financial success is relative. I’d definitely earn more as a teacher than a writer. And to be honest, probably more as a Walmart greeter! But what God’s been doing in me is far more valuable than book sales—obedience and trust. I’m learning more than I ever wanted about social media presence, email lists and Internet ads. I just want to write. But the whole point is to minister to the hearts of other women to give them the hope and promise of a relationship with Jesus Christ, and if no one is getting a hold of what I write, then what’s the point?
So, I was happy to avoid the numbers question until my quarterly report came in from my publisher a few days ago. I can only bury my head in the sand for so long. Am I going to be a best seller? Absolutely not. However, my publisher is happy with the numbers, so I’m happy with the numbers. I will never be a James Patterson or a J.K. Rowling, and I’m okay with that. This is a journey toward a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, connection with my readers (whether it’s 100, 1,000 or 10,000) and the enjoyment of creating characters and stories. To me, that’s far more valuable than monetary success or fame, and far less frustrating.
To those of you who desire to be a writer and financially successful? Don’t quit your day job.
Comments 2
I love your attitude and openness. Yes, sales and numbers are good, but lives touched and changed are better. You are a solid writer. Your stories are good—and your heart is right. That’s what counts.
Author
Thank you for being such a good friend, supporter and encourager all these years, John!