Jim Jordan

WinePress Author Picked up by Crossings Book Club and Integrity Publishers

Jim Jordan has a tip for authors: “Ask.” The key to the success of his novel, Something that Lasts, was that he wasn’t afraid to ask for book signings, ask for newspaper articles, ask for speaking engagements. “You’d be amazed at what happens when you just pick up the phone and talk to people,” says Jordan.

His book got off to a good start with the help of a local publicist who contacted media and churches in his area. He knew a number of people at different publications in town because he’s a local attorney. The Dallas Business Journal put in a nice feature story about his book due to his reputable law practice. He did book signings three out of four weekends a month, and normally sold between 10-45 books. He adds that you can’t just sit there at book signings, you have to talk with the customers and create interest.

Jordan did a lot of radio interviews and he spoke at various churches and groups. Interestingly enough, he didn’t talk directly about his book but normally about three lessons he learned through the writing process:

1. Don’t be afraid to fail for Christ. He talks about how the book industry is an industry of “No.” People in this industry always say no and tell you you’re going to fail, your book’s probably no good, and the odds against success are unbelievable. Every step they beat you down with negativism. Jordan counters, “You can’t fail if you go into something with the purpose of glorifying Christ. You’re doing it for the right reasons, so regardless of how you do in the eyes of men, you can’t fail in Christ’s eyes.”

2. Don’t try to face temptation alone. Satan is smarter than I am. If I think when I’m tempted I can deal with it myself, I’m stupid. The main character in my book tried to do that and got knocked off his pedestal. Ask God to help you, by praying, “God I’m not strong enough but you are.”

3. Don’t be disheartened when you get discouraged in your faith. Elijah called down fire from heaven but there’s more to the story. Right after he did that and was a big hero, the queen told him she was going to kill him. Instead of relying on God and standing up to her, he ran away. If Elijah can get discouraged, so can we. God gave him some space and let him vent, but then told him, “Ok, it’s time to get back to work.”

Jordan doesn’t talk directly about his book, but by the time he’s done talking, people naturally want to buy it.

He experienced such great response that he decided to hire an agent who took his book to the CBA convention. His agent gave Something That Lasts to a number of publishers for review, including Integrity Publishers. In the meantime, the WinePress publicist had sent his book to Crossings Book Club, and they loved it. Crossings selected it as one of Crossings’ 2006 offerings to its members. Integrity Publishers also liked the book. Impressed by Crossings’ selection of the book, Integrity offered Jordan a contract. Now the two companies are working together for a May 2006 release of Something That Lasts.

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