But before people can pray to the Lord for help, they must believe in him. And before they can believe in the Lord, they must hear about him. And for anyone to hear about the Lord, someone must tell them.- Romans 10:14

Over the course of a decade I likely published upwards of two thousand “profile” articles in various Tampa area news outlets. My column featured local personalities, business owners, preachers, authors, politicians, and more.

Once in a while the tables get turned, and a small portion of that helpful media exposure shines the spotlight on my work.

That’s what happened in Tampa last week, via local editions of The Osprey Observer, when writer Andria Barrios did a creditable job reporting on my recent release, Pilgrim in Progress: notes from the journey.

Here’s the link to the article: “Popular Christian Author, Columnist Publishes Latest Book.”

PUBLICITY: Generating exposure of this quality is one of the huge benefits of placing work with an established publishing house (as I did with Upper Room Books for seven years). Publicity is everything when it comes to establishing a toe-hold in the market, and getting my name “out there” is one of the reasons I am so very grateful when readers choose to share my work with their friends via social media.

If anything, the quality of these latest two books (Pilgrim in Progress, and In God’s Image) is my best to date; but – absent the support of the trade – only a handful of people have any idea they even exist!

This is where you come in (if – of course – you’re willing to help). If you really are on board, then here’s what you can do:

1. Share – and recommend – links to my work on your social media account.
2. Purchase “Pilgrim in Progress” and/or “In God’s Image.”
3. Write a positive review to post on Amazon.
4. Buy copies of these books for your friends.
5. Get a copy for your pastor, or small group leader, at the church you attend.
6. Lead a study based on one of these books.
7. If you are a pastor or leader, recommend these books as an alternative to the expected “everyone is reading them” selections.

THE NEW BOOKS: 

Pilgrim in Progress: notes from the journey is an inspirational memoir of sorts, a series of 99 short chapters covering topics such as life, faith, church, travel, scripture, and – most powerfully – the weeks leading up to and immediately following my brother Geoff’s death.

If you want to get an unvarnished look at life, and what I think about just about everything, then Pilgrim in Progress is going to be a great read for you.

(Click here for more information…)

In God’s Image: what the New Testament teaches about being a man is designed as an eight-week study, suitable for individuals, small groups, or an entire church. The book takes seriously the idea that human beings are created in the image of God, and then asks us to take a long, hard look at how we reflect God’s likeness in the way that we live as Christians.

Men are specifically targeted because, in my estimation, there is a boatload of misinformation circulating when it comes to the biblical idea of manhood. What does a man made in God’s image look like in this 21st Century? What can we learn from the witness of the New Testament? Do we have any room for growth as Followers of the Living Way?

(Click here for In God’s Image…)

THANKS! So I’d like to thank you in advance for your help in spreading the word. Just a couple of weeks of solid sales would propel these new books into noticeable positions on the lists. Once that happens, who knows how God will choose to use such an opportunity to share some good news about the amazing reach of the Gospel of Love?

Peace, love, and blessings – DEREK