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| Does your stomach flip at the thought of Yale's main library? If it does, you are a writer, a bookworm, or both. |
Whatever happens in publishing comes from:
- Reader interest
- Talents available
- Communication tools.
Interest
Lacking reader interest, publishing comes to a stop.
Talents
Few have all the talents needed to create or re-establish a book. By God's design, a group of people can encourage one another and do good work. Perfectionists left alone will inhibit their own drive by focusing on what is lacking, whether the shortage is time, eyesight, or audience appreciation. Many of our projects have been sparked by the interest of readers, requests for more topics, and thanks for what has been done.
Tools
Only a few years ago, independent publishing was very expensive and so the printed book needed a high price, which inhibited sales. The bedraggled author, already worn down, had to give away books to promote the title, at his cost. Now we can say - here is the link for an impressive library of free e-books (PDFs).A.
I found a printed copy of some excellent lectures that will benefit those who care about Lutheran ideas, so that may become a reality. The good in American Lutherdom has been shredded by its leaders and scattered to the winds. However, some parts can be gathered and shared for mutual edification.
B.
One person showed an interest in reading The Errors of Modern Missouri - by reading all of it! I sent him three books this morning.
C.
Once a pastor was worried that a box of Luther books would end up at an African seminary that had joined the liberal, ELCA faction. I thought, "Oh no! Oh good! What better place to have the Word speaking in such clarity." Remember Mutiny on the Bounty? That really happened and the mutineers landed on Pitcairn Island. Later, they were served by Church of England missionaries. But one day they received a box of Adventists books, read them, converted, and sent the Christian missionary home.
Clearly, the written Word can move people in one direction or another. The barbarians are not at the gates. They are inside, guarding the gates, and charging exorbitant fees to pass through the gates.
We are finding ways to get the classic Lutheran and Christian books to people who want to read them. Social media tools make it relatively easy (and free) to promote the titles.
When the coffee kicks in, the writing team can do anything.
