As I am in the process of formatting our next book, Beyond a Mere Christianity, I am thinking of an analogy.
If you get down to details, you know there are many parts of a book. If you are an author or a publisher, you have many facets to consider.
To make this a simple analogy, let us look at three main components. The Cover, The Contents, and The Conclusion.
The Cover
The cover is the first thing that is seen. An old adage is that we should not judge a book by its cover; but that is not practical. If you want someone to read your book, you need a cover design that will pique a reader’s interest so as to look inside.
The Contents
The contents are the meat of your book, the reason for giving it a cover and putting it together. Your introduction will give the main points that you will unfold. Chapters break down your thoughts in ways that carry your reader to the end.
The Conclusion
The conclusion sums up what you have written in the contents. The reader should have something to take away; hopefully, he is advantaged from reading your book. If so, he may write a review and recommend your book to others.
How Do People Read You?
We all have a wardrobe, clothes designed to present an image to those we want to know. Sadly, some either unknowingly mislead others by how they dress or are dressing to please others. Those who see them do not really care what they have to say but are looking with selfish desires. Our expressions are also an outward image of what is inside.
What is the intent and contents of your heart? What do you want to say to others?
Can you speak graceful words of kindness? Do you encourage and witness of the Lord Jesus Christ to those who are looking for godliness and hope from you?
What conclusion do you leave with those you meet? Do you share God’s Word and memorable truths? Will they want to talk to you again? Will they recommend you to others? Will they give you a good review before God and others?
“For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;”
2 Corinthians 1:12-13
Dear Father in heaven, we pray that your name will be hallowed in us. Open our eyes to see ourselves as you and others see us ~ from the way we dress to what we speak ~ the words and message we maintain in our own hearts and minds. Let our final words and actions leave no doubt as to who we are and whose we are. Through us, make your kingdom known, as your will is being done. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Fran
God's Grace ~ God's Glory! 
Fran, as a lover of books I enjoyed your analogy of preparing a book to appeal to an audience with how we as believers “come across” to the lost and the brethren.
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Thank you for your comment, Tom. Blessings as you read and become the book the Lord wants you to be.
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Thanks, Fran! Blessings to you and I hope many are blessed by your new book!
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Thank you, Tom. The Lord is good and working all things for His glory and our joy.
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Fran, thanks for your words of wisdom. As I’m going through the growing pains of editing my novel, they are greatly appreciated. Putting our best foot forward in all that we do is so important – not because we’re trying to show off or give the best impression, but as Christians we are to be imitators of the One we serve. Thanks again for your insight.
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When He is conforming us to the image of His Son, we will bear the image of our Father. Thank you Kathy. Blessings for your book and your life.
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What a great analogy sister! I look forward to your new book. When it’s published, I’d love to have you on the podcast to talk about it!
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What a blessing that would be. We shall see. 🙂
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Amen. TY for the prayer.:)
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Good lesson here. As God has been training us these many years it has been like the editing process. Very difficult as the words have to be brutally cut to craft the right picture. But when the editing and formatting is done comes the presentation. God cares about the character of Christ being formed in us first however.
After all the work on the inside we may well forget that people don’t see that, at least at first. They have to read it but before they do they have to get past the cover. Many think we can slap a lousy cover on a book and people will look past it because the inside is so great. Wrong. My daughters have studied bad book covers for some time. This is such a thing that there is even a website dedicated to bad book covers. Many of them from Christians. These lousy book covers are a complete turn off. Unprofessional outside and we think unprofessional inside. Sorry that is just how most of us think. Is it any different when we are physically in front of others? Nope.
God works with us a long time with what is inside but He also cares that what is in us is presented well. His work in forming the image of Christ in us will naturally be reflected outwardly. We are learning that now. It isn’t as hard as the editing but I find there are still challenges.
Of course if we try to publish a work that is unfinished that too is a turn off. We must learn to wait until God has completed the manuscript inside of us before it can be presented to the world. That takes time but so few are willing to wait.
Blessings,
Homer Les
http://Www.uncompromisinghfaith.ca
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Homer, thank you for your comments. Hopefully, I can read your book sometime soon.
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I wanted to leave this comment on your blog post but WordPress would not accept it. This happens on other blogs even though I follow the blog. To Hidden Faith I commented; True faith is never found until revealed by the eruptions in this life. Thank you for sharing yours. Blessings.
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Thank you for the comment. I will check on why. Blessings.
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We have a draft version on Smashwords at present. Looking for beta reviewers. 😉
You are most welcome for the comment. I really liked your post.
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The Lord has blessed to enable us to publish since 2016. For twenty-seven years He has been the blessing, the source, and the continual outpouring of His grace in our ministry for His kingdom. Blessings to you as you share what He has given you and your family. I don’t have time to read at this time since I am in the process of our next book. Praying you will find the readers you need.
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That is quite alright. We are swamped with editing ourselves. 🙂 May the Lord’s blessing continue to be with you!
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Thank you for your comment over at my blog and I’m encouraged to hear you listen to Lauren’s interview podcast. How did your Lord’s Day go?
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It was past wonderful. Blessings for your week.
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👍
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Dear Fran, such important thoughts about the messages we express in every way – with our spoken words, written words, actions and images. May people look to Jesus when they read us like a book!
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