Zeroes and ones
I was recently informed by Baker Books that they're going to declare my book, "A Genuine Faith: How to Follow Jesus Today" out of print. Seems that 4,000+ copies in two years isn't enough to justify keeping it around. Since this was my first attempt at writing/publishing for the general market, I'm not surprised. At the same time, it kind of "hurts" to know that what I wrote didn't appeal to very many readers (at least, by Baker Books' standards). Obviously, I didn't try to write something that would be "marketable." Yet, I secretly hoped it would do well.
Thanks to all who bought a copy, read a copy, or shared a copy.
18 comments:
I'm sorry to hear that. I truly am. For what it's worth, though, it's among my top five books (you rank with Fyodor Dostoevsky!) and has indeed been a blessing. Thanks to you for the investment of your time and effort.
i've recommended it to everyone that i know who is seeking to grow deeper in their faith...
i can't wait til the next book.
That's a bummer. We can only hope that your next will be just as good and that many more will recognize the value of your insights.
Thank you for all that you've done and taught.
I am sorry to hear this news. Like JR, I have recommended it to a number of people. Andrea and I have enjoyed it very much. Both of us have found it spiritually enriching and challenging.
Dr. Reeves,
Sorry to hear about your book. Please know that your thoughts have greatly influenced me (especially with regard to Lukan eschatology). I am actually using some of your notes on the Luke chapter to guide my teaching while working at Centrifuge this summer.
Dr. Reeves:
This is saddening and yet good news. It’s saddening because the book, which I greatly enjoyed along with your class, did not find as many readers as you or I would have liked. I don’t believe it was advertised/pushed enough. It is good news because after a couple or three more and you’re big stuff, this book, which will be out of print, will be something to brag about having on my shelf. Will you sign my copy, by the way?
At least the majority of your former students will always have "A Genuine Faith" listed in their favorite books section of facebook or myspace. Ha. And 4,000 of us are better for it. . :)
Dr. Reeves,
About two dozen people in our church bought your book, and took 8-9 Wednesday nights to discuss it. It sparked a lot of good discussion, and everyone I talked to was very glad they read it!
Sorry to hear, I did purchase 5 copies and I'm looking forward to the other two books.
this is so great.
once you're dead and famous (ala Clive Staples), I'll have a first edition. I'll be able to tell everyone, "yeah, the reprints are pretty good, but I had it when it FIRST came out."
b/c I love to boast. you know.
:)
"A la," JR.? Since when did you get a liking for French?
And it's not enough for you to boast that you have your name in print in that book, is it? :)
I bet it would have sold way more if they had put a bluejean pocket with "Genuine" stitched on it on the cover.
Seriously, though, there's over 4,000 people out there who know how to better follow Jesus, and why the Gospels are different. Thats really cool. Plus now you can sell the movie rights. Maybe I can find Mel Gibson's phone number..
i bought it, read it, discussed it, shared it, and loved it. brought back memories from class. thanks for writing it.
...and those that are reading it are growing.
give us more, though.
do you have any advice or information that can be used in talking to an atheist?
sorry about that...
I bet Dr. Phil's first book did the same thing...
that probably is not encouraging whatsoever..
But I loved that book and still refer to it often.
Dr. Reeves, I did not like it when I heard this news!! Please know your book is loved by us! We used it as a guide to take us through the Gospels at the church we previously served at. We also gave it to many, many friends, and everyone in my family has a copy, as well as Darryl's. It still encourages us to this day! Thank you for writing it! Hope all is well with you and your family!
Post a Comment