The eBook Boom {find your voice}

Before I get too far in the {find your voice} series, I want to get this out there. I like eBooks. I think they’re a great idea. I love that their is a platform for writers that allows us to find an audience, market ourselves, and have a tighter rein on our creative endeavors.

However, since Sarah Mae released her How to Market & Sell Your eBook book (which I devoured in a day) I’ve noticed the influx of bloggers jumping on the eBook bandwagon, which isn’t bad–not at all!

We all have a story. We all have a book to write. We all have something worthy to share.

I do believe that.

But right now may not be the right time for each and every one of us.

I’ve talked with a friend about this, because we’ve both struggled with the “if I don’t do it now I’ll miss the bandwagon and when I finally write it no one will want it.”

Don’t rush to publish what God has for you to write. Follow His lead. Don’t just look at a prospective eBook with dollar signs in your eyes.

After I read Sarah Mae’s book, all the ideas I had for eBooks floating around in my head keep pouring out. I’d jot down ideas here and there, scribble notes, and take mental pictures. I’d tell my husband, “I’ve gotta write this. I have to do this now.” I became slightly obsessed.

When I started to talk about my novel (yes, the one I’ve been working on for nearly 6 years and never talk about) as an eBook, my husband gave me the proverbial “hold up.” He reminded me that this was my passion and a journey for me as the novel has morphed over the years.

“You want this to be your best work,” he told me, “don’t rush it just so it can be published.”

Best advice ever. At least for me.

I’m reminded of Brooke McGlothin’s Warrior Prayers. Last year at Relevant, I remember her asking in a publishing session about a book she had and a publisher wanted to turn it into a flip calendar. She wanted to know what the panel thought since she hadn’t been able to find someone else to publish Warrior Prayers. Hands down the panel told her no and to hold out for something better. She waited.

And, yep. There was definitely something better.

You never know where God may lead you, but follow His lead.

He may say write right now. He may say wait. He may say write, but don’t publish…not yet.

He’ll take you on a journey. But come to the altar first and follow.