Today, August 9, From Death to Life: How Salvation Works turns 3 months old. It was officially published on May 9, 2018, but the thought process and labor toward that goal go way back. I have been overwhelmed, humbled, and encouraged by the response to the book. I am grateful for all those who’ve taken the time to read it and offer feedback.
Stats
I thought I’d share a few stats thus far on the book. I originally ordered 500 copies and only have about 30 or so left. One of those books got ruined in a tent while camping in Batesville, AR but the rest are in the hands of readers (as far as I am aware).
I’ve given quite a few away (hey, I’m just glad I’m not paying someone to read my work like I’m back in seminary!). I’ve also sold quite a few in my own community and sold bulk orders (5 or more) to several individuals and churches. I’ve also sent books to Scotland, Canada, Singapore, and Australia.
I don’t have all the shipping receipts with me today from the PayPal orders, but I did go on Amazon and look up where exactly my books have gone for people who have ordered through that site. Turns out, I’ve sold 50 books through Amazon that have gone to 22 states. The breakdown is as follows:
- CO – 2
- PA – 2
- MO – 3
- AR – 9
- IL
- TX – 10
- NJ
- NC
- ID
- CA – 2
- ND
- OK
- NH
- WA – 2
- AZ – 3
- OH – 2
- IN
- AL – 2
- WY – 2
- GA
- KY
- OR
Also on Amazon, the book has sold 96 kindle copies. The vast majority of those have been in the U.S. but there have also been kindle orders in the U.K., Australia, and Canada. (If you’re thinking about grabbing a Kindle copy, wait till 8/14. It will be on sale that day!)
My Reaction
Even if a lot of people don’t read this post, I am glad I wrote it because it has caused me to reflect on the kindness of God toward me in how far reaching this book has made it in only 3 months. I’m not a “big name” and didn’t use a “big publisher” but somehow over 500 people (counting the kindle books) have read or at least have a copy of From Death to Life their hands.
Several people have written kind reviews on their blogs: here, here, here, here, here, and here. There are also currently 9 Amazon Reviews for a ranking of 4.8 out of 5 stars. I’m also very grateful to the men who endorsed the book for me.
I have been so encouraged by those who’ve taken the time to write out what they thought of the book. I am grateful to all those who’ve prayed for, purchased, helped promote, or contributed to From Death to Life in any way. I am grateful for Free Grace Press publishing the book. I have been blessed with many great friends new and old.
What’s Next
I plan to print another 500 copies of the book within the next few days. If you’re interested in helping with that I’m willing to sell a bulk order to you at a discount. You can contact me here for more information on that. I am also mulling over the idea for another book, but that is most likely going to be a Winter 2018 project at the earliest. We’ll see how it goes.
Let me conclude by once again issuing my deepest gratitude to all who have supported me in this endeavor so far. My greatest goal in all of this has been to see God glorified in His people correctly understanding how salvation works. Perhaps along the way, there has been a soul or two converted. If so, praise the Lord! I hope the long-term effects are much greater than “Hey, some guy in Arkansas wrote a book!” I’d appreciate you saying a prayer, even now, for a deeper and lasting impact of the book.
I know of at least a few people who are using the small group study guide I wrote to accompany the book. I would love to continue to see God’s people studying the important doctrine of soteriology and continue to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To God alone be all the glory.
To anyone interested in buying a copy you can check out Amazon, or contact me directly for an order.