Once upon a time, there was a Christian marriage and sex blogger who decided to write a book. She took some of her blog content, massaged it into book format, and self-published Sex Savvy: A Lovemaking Guide for Christian Wives. Some people bought it. They liked it. More people bought it. And it was a lovely, unexpected thing for the author. She thought no more about it and kept writing.
Fast forward a few years, and her self-published book caught the interest of a literary agent and traditional publisher. Bringing their expertise to the table, Sex Savvy took on new life. It was expanded, reworked, repackaged, and generally made a whole lot better.
And now I get to share it with all of you!
This has been working behind the scenes for a while, but Sex Savvy is going off sale and will be replaced by Hot, Holy, and Humorous: Sex in Marriage by God’s Design. This is truly a new and improved version, put out by the fabulous folks at BroadStreet Publishing. What can you can expect from Hot, Holy, and Humorous? I thought I’d answer a few questions you might have.
Is it the same content as Sex Savvy? Yes, and no. Everything in Sex Savvy is in this book, but there are several added chapters with even more information and tips for sexual intimacy in your marriage. Also, chapters have been reworked for better flow and readability. If it were me, I’d definitely buy the new version.
Why go with a traditional publisher, instead of sticking with self-publishing? A couple of reasons. One, if you go to a Barnes & Noble, a Lifeway Christian Store, or ChristianBook.com, you won’t find my self-pubbed book. Large book retailers almost exclusively buy from traditional publishers. BroadStreet has relationships with bookstores, and I’m hoping that my book will reach a broader audience through their efforts. Two, traditional publishers have a whole lot of experience putting out their products. They bring their know-how to bear on the quality of the product, and I saw that firsthand as I worked through this process. Hot, Holy, and Humorous is professionally packaged, polished, and produced.
When does it go on sale? June. I’ll be here with a specific date, but that’s when it will go up for sale. Whether it hits your local bookstore depends on the buyers in your market. But it will be up on major online retailers, like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and hopefully several other, easy-to-reach book distributors.
How can you help the book launch? Order it today! Buy it when it releases. Tell others about it. If you read it, please post a positive review online at B&N, Amazon, iBooks, Goodreads, etc. (By the way, anything less than 4 stars doesn’t work to an author’s advantage for Amazon’s algorithms. Just an FYI.) And ask your local bookstore to carry it. Sometimes, book buyers will respond to requests from their customers.
Why do you need this book? That’s really the most important question of all. Why on earth should you buy a book about “Sex in Marriage by God’s Design” anyway? First of all, I assume you being here means you’re at least mildly interested in the subject. Second, I’ve gained a bit of wisdom on this topic — made it my forte, my bailiwick, my wheelhouse, my passion. I have a personal story about sex done the wrong way and done God’s way, but I’ve also read a lot on the topic, studied the Bible for God’s instructions, talked to many people about their sexual struggles and successes, and advised plenty of spouses and couples on improving their marriage beds. I’ve heard from more than a few that I have indeed helped, for which I give all credit to God.
But whether you’re clueless about your marital intimacy, have a few issues left to resolve, or think things are going pretty well overall, Hot, Holy, and Humorous has biblically based perspectives and tips for you. It’s a easy-to-read book with lots of practical suggestions, all from a Christian point of view.
So why do you need this book? Because it will help your marriage.
Over the years, I’ve invested in resources that have nurtured my marriage, and it’s a great feeling to be able to offer that to others. I pray this book blesses you and those you love!
Congratulations. That is a big deal. Thank you for your obedience to God’s calling in your life.
Thanks so much, Ruth! I really appreciate that.
Congratulations. Any chance there will be an audio version?
From your mouth to the publisher’s ears! I would LOVE to record an audio version. And yes, I would like to do it in my voice. (Partly because I’d hate to make someone else try to pull off my quirky humor, or to read chapter titles like “How to Give a Blow Job” into a microphone.) Honestly, digital and print sales will likely determine some of that. If the book sells well, they’re more likely to request an audio version.
You taught me how to give a blow job– of course I will buy your book.
🙂
Hahahaha! Can I use that as a testimonial? Just kidding. 😉 All the best, K!
Ditto! My husband thanks you. 😉
First, this is really amazing news and I am very happy for you!!!!! God is amazing in all the fun things He blesses!!
On a second note, I write about sex, as well, on my blog. I would love to know how you “caught the eye” of an agent. I would greatly appreciate an email from you if you have the time.
Thanks, Christina!
And I’ll shoot you an email…
Congratulations, J,
Your publisher, Carlton Garborg, was well established in Christian book publishing for years before he launched BroadStreet. I’ve met the guy, and I think your book will do well with him! Great cover, too. With “HHH” right front and center, your books should fly off the shelf.
Eric
Aw, thank you! Carlton’s been great.
Hurray! I didn’t realize you were unagented or I would have been all over that a long time ago! Then again, I don’t typically mention my ties to publishing in my comments on these blogs; I’m not as brave as you and feel like there are just some things publishers don’t need to know about me. Ha.
Broadstreet is really going places! They are one of the fastest growing publishers I work with and their team is made up of some of the best in the industry that all came together and decided to start their own house. I have been blown away by their design team especially, so I am sure the book is absolutely stunning! So excited for you, J, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
Hey, you’re an agent? I had no idea. (Then again, I barely keep tabs on the days of the week, so you might have mentioned that before… If so, sorry.)
I’m happily agented now by WordServe Literary. Thanks so much for the encouragement!