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Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

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Grateful For A Million Sold

July 23, 2019 By Julie Klassen

Recently, my publisher held a tea party to celebrate one million copies sold of my books. It was a lovely event. How do I feel about reaching this milestone? Do I feel proud or victorious? No. Am I ready to rest on my laurels and coast? No. Don’t worry, it hasn’t gone to my head. I am aware that many authors have sold far more (The Harry Potter series has sold over 500 million). But when the average book in America sells somewhere between 500-5000 copies? I am grateful.

Tea Party! Scones made by Publicists Amy Green and Rachael Wing. Thanks, ladies!

Grateful to the God of the universe who planted this desire in me as a young girl and later directed my steps toward a job in publishing. What a great training ground it was for a secret, hopefully-someday author! I am grateful to the people of Bethany House Publishers who taught me so much over the years; from my boss who said, “We want to look at your manuscript, but let’s send it around with a pseudonym so it will be reviewed objectively….” to the committee who decided to publish Lady of Milkweed Manor twelve years ago, to the talented design team who creates my covers, to the sales, marketing, and publicity folks who get the word out in an ever-changing marketplace, to my agent, editors, beta-readers, and most of all, my readers who bought and (hopefully) read those million books… I am grateful.

Steve, V.P. of Marketing, and Dave, wise V.P. of Editorial who sent my manuscript around under a pseudonym.
With my editors, Karen Schurrer and Raela Schoenherr.

I’ve been asked, “Did you ever think this day would come, way back when?” In all honesty, No. Perhaps because I am more of a word person that a numbers person. What matters more to me is that my publisher is happy and wants me to keep writing books. That’s enough to make me…grateful. And, just like in school when I received a good grade or encouragement from a teacher, such positive feedback only makes me want to work harder, write more, give it my all.

With Janet Grant and Cynthia Ruchti from Books & Such Literary Agency. I’m holding a gorgeous bouquet from my agent, Wendy Lawton.

So, thank YOU to all of my publishing, author, and reader friends who have supported me along the way. And now, it’s time to get back to work.

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Julie Klassen

JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Comments

  1. Lynn Austin says

    July 23, 2019 at 5:17 am

    Congratulations my friend!

  2. Suzanne Sellner says

    July 23, 2019 at 5:18 am

    A well-deserved honor!

  3. Caryl Kane says

    July 23, 2019 at 6:11 am

    Congratulations, Julie!

  4. Karen Witemeyer says

    July 23, 2019 at 7:19 am

    What a wonderful milestone, Julie. So proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. But I’m even more grateful to count you as a friend and retreat partner who knows firsthand just how humble and gracious you are. Here’s to the second million!

  5. Suzy says

    July 23, 2019 at 7:21 am

    Julie, We, the readers, are very proud of you and grateful to you for giving us such wonderful books to read! Thank you! And thank you to your publisher who keeps those books coming for us! Congrats my friend!!

  6. Carla says

    July 23, 2019 at 7:33 am

    Congratulations and may the Lord bless your next million as well.

  7. Donna Howe says

    July 23, 2019 at 8:03 am

    Congratulations, Julie! We want more of your books! We are grateful for your talent!

  8. Coco says

    July 23, 2019 at 8:16 am

    WOW 1 million! Congrats!! Looking forward to one of your next bestsellers 😃

  9. Anne Mateer says

    July 23, 2019 at 8:19 am

    Awesome! Congrats!!!

  10. Nicole Santana says

    July 23, 2019 at 9:14 am

    Congratulations! 😀

  11. Becky Wade says

    July 23, 2019 at 9:17 am

    What an accomplishment, Julie! I’m proud of you and all the consistent work you’ve invested year in and year out. You’re an inspiration!

  12. Leanne says

    July 23, 2019 at 10:24 am

    Congratulations! As a reader, I feel honored to have met you at a book signing a few years ago. I look forward to your new books!

  13. Betty Strohecker says

    July 23, 2019 at 10:49 am

    Congratulations, Julie! I have read and love all of your books. They are a blessing.

  14. Jenn Black says

    July 23, 2019 at 10:53 am

    Congratulations! What an honor! I recently discovered your books and cannot get enough. I really appreciate your writing. Keep up the good work…all for God’s glory!

  15. Kristina Barnes says

    July 23, 2019 at 11:45 am

    Congratulations!

  16. Sylvia Miller says

    July 23, 2019 at 12:11 pm

    Congratulations! I love reading your books and am looking forward to reading many more of them.

    Does the one million copies count the audio books and foreign translations? I am quite sure it counts digital downloads.

  17. Dani says

    July 23, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    Yay, Julie!!!!!!

  18. Elisa says

    July 23, 2019 at 3:07 pm

    Congrats on hitting a major publishing milestone!
    I love reading your novels and look forward to more. Afternoon tea with champagne seems fitting for the occasion… 🙂

  19. Ruby says

    July 23, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    Congratulations, Julie!

  20. Lonzine Lee says

    July 25, 2019 at 11:31 am

    What a wonderful milestone. Congratulations, Julie. Praise God! Please keep writing.:)

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