Today, I did something I’ve been dreaming about for probably 20+ years.
I signed my first book contract with a Publisher.
And it was… nice.
Not amazing, not “get-a-picture-of-me-signing-this!”… that’s right, not even quite a Kodak moment (can we still have those?).
Just nice.
And that in itself was really amazing.
As I mentioned in my last post, I went through a time of pretty obsessive blogging. Obsessive checking of stats, celebration of link-backs, thinking about “my platform”… the whole nine yards, as it were. And the entire time, always thinking about that moment when I got the ultimate recognition- a publisher who’d take me seriously.
Coincidentally, during all of this, I was preaching to people that they shouldn’t base their identity on things like what others thought of them, how well they were doing in achieving their goals, etc.
Yeah, I know.
Eventually though, it sunk in. It took a season away from blogging, away from worrying that if I didn’t write, didn’t comment on the latest Driscoll silliness or get a certain amount of retweets and hat-tips I’d lose that sense of identity I had built around writing.
I know I’m still not out of the woods. I know an identity based on what Jesus thinks of me, not what you, the ethereal reader, thinks of me is a constant struggle to maintain. Refocusing daily on Christ, remembering what He’s done for me, constantly pushing down the ego needs of a heart dead set on gaining approval from a myriad of other sources rather than the rock-solid affirmation of the love of God, that continues to be the work of my life.
And it will be even through writing what I hope will be many more blog posts, articles and books. Writing because I think it’s helpful for others and I have something I can and should say, not because I want to be seen as the guy who has written something.
That’s a fine line.
Wish me luck in keeping that balance.
Oh… and buy my book!
Crap.
A well deserved congratulations. I look forward to buying the book… and soon being able to call you Dr. Bob, as well.
I appreciate your words Bob. This has been a constant battle for me as well, which is rooted in my own background and insecurity. It’s nice to see that those in the writing world are thinking through these issues.
While I appreciate you words, my pessimistic nature thinks – easy for you to say, the one who has the book deal. I am started to believe more and more that in a world where writing a book for a publisher, which is ultimately a business, it is impossible to get away from self promotion. It is nice to say there is a balance, but the truth i
s, you need enough Twitter followers, influence, accomplishments and name recognition to be considered – which is opposite of the kingdom.
I’d love any insight you might have. I am coming at this as someone who is looking for perspective and does not have all the answers…
Congratulations, Bob!
Thank you for the candid follow up thoughts as well. I find myself with a tendency toward those same missteps, and it is encouraging to read that you experienced some of the same challenges and that you are well on the way toward overcoming.
I am praying you continue to find your value and identity in Jesus, just as I pray the same for myself.
I hope you continue to enjoy all the niceness a publishing contract brings
Bill- How many can I put you down for??
Bryan- Great questions!I think you are right. There are some inescapable realities in the publishing world. Whether it’s self-publishing or traditional, it’s still the same game- get out there, get known and sell some books.
But in the same way that “It’s not so much what happens to you as what you do with it”, it’s not so much how you have to promote your work/self as *what you do with it.* In other words, in the same way I think that a good, kingdom-minded follower of Jesus could open a great lemonade stand and feel good about letting people know about it, advertising, building business, while still remaining very focused on Jesus, I think (or maybe I should say “I hope”) it’s possible to do the same as an author. I guess it all comes down to what you are internally doing with it. Are you making a living and honoring Jesus? Or are you trying to be “successful” and honoring your ego?
At least that’s my take from the pre-published side…
I’ve always deeply appreciated your voice. I look forward to how this will transform you and the community that takes it all in one page at a time. Sign me up for one.