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.
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.
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.
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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Congratulations my friend!
A well-deserved honor!
Congratulations, Julie!
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!
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!!
Congratulations and may the Lord bless your next million as well.
Congratulations, Julie! We want more of your books! We are grateful for your talent!
WOW 1 million! Congrats!! Looking forward to one of your next bestsellers 😃
Awesome! Congrats!!!
Congratulations! 😀
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!
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!
Congratulations, Julie! I have read and love all of your books. They are a blessing.
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!
Congratulations!
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.
Yay, Julie!!!!!!
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… 🙂
Congratulations, Julie!
What a wonderful milestone. Congratulations, Julie. Praise God! Please keep writing.:)