CLICK HERE for more information on COLLEGE TEXTBOOKS!
CLICK HERE for more information on MBA DEGREE PROGRAM!
CLICK HERE for more information on READING BOOKS!
Do Christian Books Really Sell?
I have often wondered if Christian books sell as well as general market books. With the rise (and near fall) of mega-bookstores such as Barnes and Noble and Borders, we really have not seen any noticeable expansion of Christian bookstores. As I stroll the isles of the mega-bookstores, the “Christian” section (which is usually combined with all spirituality) has not grown either, in fact has decreased in size. According to statistics from the Christian Booksellers Association, approximately 2500 locally owned and operated Christian Bookstores have closed over the past 5 years. So has this once “niche” market fallen victim to mass merchants and or the economy?
Unfortunately, the deeper I got into the topic, the more questions I found had to be answered. While I started off just trying to do some research to determine if Christian books follow the same sales patterns as general market books, I came to understand it is anyone’s guess how the future will unfold for the publishing world. Also, as important, is the published page (both Christian and general) following the same digital path as music? That is a scary thought if You Are a bookstore owner, or worse yet, a publisher! Will we one day see a publishing world where an author simply registers his or her work digitally and there it is for the world to browse and purchase?
I have searched the web for Christian book resources and a few things have become quite evident. First, there are more websites than ever, selling books both Christian and general market. Second, authors of Christian books, who once relied on Christian Bookstores to sell their books, are more frequently selling their books (as well as other authors) on their own ministry websites. I think it is pretty obvious to everyone that as long as the internet continues to grow and be more competitive (sales tax exemption, low shipping charges, availability, etc.) brick and mortar bookstores will continue to lose market share. With Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Borders (who recently added an internet presence, a little late to the game) as the big players, niche websites are also sprouting up at a rapid pace. For example, Joyce Meyer, a very good selling Christian author, sells most of her products on her ministry website. However, they are all (or mostly all) at full list price. Whereas a niche website I found joycemeyerdailyword.com sells all, or most of the same products at a relatively low discounted price. Could it be that the ministries themselves, or big web players do not believe they have to compete on price? That may become an issue as the consumer forms opinions toward their browsing results and if a certain website does not establish itself as one of value, a consumer is less likely to search that site in the future. The internet discount (I believe for all merchandise) has become in essence an advertising fee to keep browsers “believing” in your site.
As you can see, asking what seemed like a simple question; “Do Christian Books Really Sell?” has opened up what appears to be a never ending sequence of questions and sideline distractions. Trying to get back to the original topic, here are a few things I have come up with. The Christian Book Industry has an association, but it is difficult to get sales stats from them. Each month they do report if sales were up or down and by what percent year over year, but what those increases and decreases translate to in dollars is difficult to determine. Since more and more general market booksellers are selling Christian books, the ability to determine specific sales numbers for Christian books is becoming more difficult.
I continue to watch best seller lists such as the New York Times and others, for Christian books, and I have noticed that typically, authors getting their books on the best seller lists have self promotion capabilities beyond that of their peers. For example, Joel Osteen, who has a very prominent television ministry, sees his books make the lists through prominent sales. I suppose when you have the attention of millions of people each week, all of whom has an interest and a liking for you, it is easy to translate promotion into sales. One item to mention is that once again, I found that when purchasing books directly from the ministry website, you are likely to pay full price. When searching the web for Joel Osteen books, there are plenty of sites selling his books at very low discounted prices. For instance, joelosteenbooks.org has his entire library including books, eBooks and audio books in both English and Spanish, all discounted off the full price.
I realize I have yet to answer the question I titled the article about. The simple answer is yes, Christian books continue to sell. But to answer that question more fully, they are selling in more places than ever before so to track the data for accurate comparisons is difficult. Considering the fact that bestselling authors releasing new titles has a greater impact on overall sales compared to the general market, it would be unfair to simply use year or year comparisons to determine whether or not Christian book sales are increasing or decreasing. I can foresee a time when all books just like music songs will be purchased predominantly through digital means and there will be real time sales numbers associated with each book so that the consumer can determine the popularity in real time. Until then, we will have to trust our instincts when purchasing a Christian book.
About the Author
Original Content By TheQuietWitness.com
Joyce Meyer – Wrong Thinking
|
|
Joyce Meyer Ministries MEGA PRAISE LOT! DVD box set, audio CDs, collection $445.00 |
|
|
NEW – Getting Personal with God by Joyce Meyer $300.00 |
|
|
Huge lof of Joyce Meyer audio 32 cd’s 2 dvd’s $169.99 |
|
|
Lot of 5 Joyce Meyer Cassette Tape Sets plus 9 Cassette $79.99 |
|
|
Dave & Joyce Meyer Ministers Conference 14 Audio Cassette Tapes A234 $74.89 |
|
|
JOYCE MEYER LOT: 9 TITLED MESSAGES!~ 5 BOOKS, 4 CD “CHANGE” BOX SET $67.00 |
|
|
Joyce Meyer Simple Prayer Simple Prayer 4-DVD Set (DVD $70.33 |
|
|
Joyce Meyer Simple Prayer Simple Life 4 DVD Set NIP $69.99 |
|
|
WORDsearch 9 Joyce Meyer Everyday Bible Library on CD-Rom [Brand New] $66.49 |
|
|
THE REDEMPTIVE NAMES OF GOD Joyce Meyer 12 Tapes $54.99 |
|
|
The Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer $58.49 |
|
|
Joyce Meyer Fruit Of The Spirit 10 Audio Sermon CD $59.97 |
|
|
Everyday Life Bible ~Joyce Meyer~ Leather ~ Pewter NEW $55.99 |
|
|
Everyday Life Bible ~Joyce Meyer~ Leather ~Teal NEW $55.99 |
|
|
Everyday Life Bible ~Joyce Meyer~ Leather ~Brown NEW $55.99 |
|
|
The Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer (Leatherbound) $54.98 |
|
|
The Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer $54.49 |
|
|
Everyday Life Bible ~Joyce Meyer~ Leather ~Pink NEW $53.19 |
|
|
THE MAKING OF A LEADER Joyce Meyer 12 Tapes $54.99 |
|
|
joyce meyer ministries SIMPLE PRAYER … SIMPLE LIFE DVD BOX SET NEW $54.75 |
|
|
Fruit of the Spirit – Joyce Meyer – Audio Book – Unabridged 10 CDs NEW $51.29 |
|
|
Approval Addiction: Overcoming Your Need to Please Everyone by Joyce Meyer… $49.95 |
|
|
EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE AMPLIFIED JOYCE MEYER PEWTER NEW $48.49 |
|
|
EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE AMPLIFIED JOYCE MEYER PINK/ESPRESSO BRAND NEW $48.49 |
|
|
EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE AMPLIFIED JOYCE MEYER BRONZE/BROWN BRAND NEW $48.49 |
|
|
WORDsearch 9 Joyce Meyer Everyday Life Software Library $49.00 |
|
|
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE/Joyce Meyer/Bronze Leather ****FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING*** $52.22 |
|
|
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE/Joyce Meyer//Pewter Leahter****FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING*** $52.22 |
|
|
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE – JOYCE MEYER (PAPERBACK) NEW $51.46 |
|
|
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE – JOYCE MEYER (HARDCOVER) NEW $51.37 |
|
|
Amplified – Everyday Life Bible – Joyce Meyers – Burgundy – Bond Leather – NEW $47.02 |
|
|
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE – JOYCE MEYER (PAPERBACK) NEW $50.99 |
|
|
THE CHARACTER OF GOD Joyce Meyer 10 Tapes $49.99 |
|
|
10 WAYS TO HAVE POWER WITH GOD Joyce Meyer 10 Tapes $49.99 |
|
|
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE AMPLIFIED JOYCE MEYER BURGUNDY BONDED LEATHER BRAND NEW $44.99 |
|
|
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE – JOYCE MEYER (PAPERBACK) NEW $48.96 |
|
|
The Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer (2006, Hardcover) $44.74 |
|
|
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE – JOYCE MEYER (PAPERBACK) NEW $48.66 |
|
|
La Biblia de la Vida Diaria/ Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer – Piel Genuina! $44.99 |
|
|
BURGANDY LEATHER Joyce Meyer THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE***FREE FAST SHIPPING*** $47.77 |
|
|
Managing Your Emotions: Instead of Your Emotions Managing You! by Joyce Meyer… $43.65 |
|
|
AMPLIFIED EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE/Joyce Meyer/PewterGraphit $43.33 |
|
|
AMPLIFIED EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE/Joyce Meyer/ Bronze/Allig $43.33 |
|
|
AMPLIFIED EVERYDAY BIBLE/Joyce Meyer/Pink-Expresso Lthr $43.33 |
|
|
THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE/Joyce Meyer/Teal Leather with graphite colored inset $43.33 |
|
|
Joyce Meyer Complete 4 DVD set Sealed Like New Simple Prayer Simple Life $44.00 |
|
|
Battlefield of the Mind: Winning the Battle in Your Mind by Joyce Meyer… $42.32 |
|
|
Amplified Everyday Life Bible-AM: The.., Meyer, Joyce 9780446578257 NEW Book $46.00 |
|
|
BURGANDY LEATHER Joyce Meyer THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE $41.44 |
|
|
Amplified Bible Bonded Burgundy Leather With Joyce Meyer (9.5 Font Sz) $45.33 |
|
|
BIBLIA DE LA VIDA DIARIA/ THE EVERYDAY LIFE BIBLE – JOYCE MEYER (HARDCOVER) NEW $45.00 |
|
|
JOYCE MEYER CD LOT Self-Help Christian Spirituality CALM DOWN & Cheer Up God Is $39.99 |
|
|
Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind by Joyce Meyer… $39.95 |
|
|
The Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer (2006, Hardcover) $39.95 |
|
|
Joyce Meyer Lot of 8 Tape Series Various Titles Like New! $40.00 |
|
|
Lot Christian CDs Cassettes Joyce Meyer, AFCM Ladies Advance, God money $37.99 |
|
|
The Confident Woman Devotional by Joyce Meyer (2010, Hardcover) $38.83 |
|
|
Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind by Joyce Meyer… $38.61 |
|
|
JOYCE MEYER AUDIO LOT 27 SETS 126 TAPES CHRISTIAN TAPES $29.99 |
|
|
Joyce Meyer 4 DVD Set Healthy Living DVD Set Spirit, Soul & Body EUC $39.99 |
|
|
Helen’s Asian Kitchen Spiral Slicer $16.31 The Spiral Slicer, by Helen’s Asian Kitchen, quickly turns almost any firm vegetable into continuous spirals; makes spaghetti-like strands, long, flat ribbons or thin slices. Features include an easy to use turn lever on top, clear bottom food receptacle and sharp, long lasting stainless steel blades…. |
|
|
10,000 Reasons $8.18 Matt Redman returns with his new album 10,000 Reasons. As the writer of many of the most-sung worship songs including “Blessed Be Your Name,” “The Heart Of Worship,” “You Never Let Go,” and “Better Is One Day,” Matt’s songs are sung by millions of people every Sunday. Matt has a unique ability to craft songs that teach deeply spiritual truths and remind us of God’s steadfastness. His new album 10,… |
|
|
Kingdom of Comfort $5.99 CD Kingdom Of Comfort by Delirious?… |
|
|
CD Managing Your Emotions (4 CD) $21.30 CD Managing Your Emotions (4 CD) by Meyer Joyce… |
|
|
This Is My Life [VHS] $19.98 … |
|
|
Assassination File [VHS] $14.98 … |
|
|
The Ripper [VHS] $35.00 … |
|
|
Battlefield of the Mind $6.69 Is there a war going on inside your mind that’s keeping you from happiness and prosperity? Let charismatic Christian author Joyce Meyer show you how to fight–and win–that battle in this entertaining motivational program! In this four-part seminar, Meyer coaches you on how to analyze your thoughts; relate them to the teachings of Jesus; examine your current issues; and emerge from your troubles a… |
|
|
The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer (unabridged audio CD) $21.36 Joyce Meyer’s, Battlefield of the Mind, is a Christian-based audio/cd which theorizes that a close relationship with God, scripture and recognition of one’s blessings can assist in combating the negative mind-scripts thatplague us all. |
|
|
Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer (Paperback) $10.09 In this Christianity-based self-help book, Jean Meyer counsels that a close connection to God and scripture, and an awareness of one’s blessings, can be of assistance in fighting off the tendency of the mind toward confusion, doubt and negativity. |
|
|
Battlefield of the Mind (Hardcover) $16.69 With over 3 million copies sold, Joyce Meyer`s BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND is now available in Spanish.Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and feelings of condemnation: all these are attacks on the mind. If readers suffer from negative thoug… |
|
|
Do Yourself a Favor…forgive (Hardcover) $12.02 Building on her signature message of using the mind to master difficult emotions, Joyce Meyer focuses on the most destructive, insidious one of all: anger. It is responsible for broken relationships, sleepless nights, high blood pressure and ulcers. It… |
|
|
The Secret Power of Speaking God`s Word (Hardcover) $8.06 #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer teaches readers how to create change in their lives and truly receive God`s blessings. Includes powerful Scriptures covering over 50 topics, such as patience, loneliness, and wisdom. |
|
|
Battlefield of the Mind (DVD) $8.9 Negative thinking can be a constant thorn in the side–not to mention in achieving important lifetime goals. With this program, best-selling author Joyce Meyer teaches viewers how to regain control of their lives by exploring–and ultimately modifying-… |
|
|
Pensamientos Poderosos / Power Thoughts (Paperback) $10.29 Joyce Meyer has a knack for coining phrases-her fans call them Joyceisms-and one of her best loved is “Where the mind goes, the man follows.”This was the basis for Battlefield of the Mind, and in her latest bo… |
|
|
Hazte un favor a ti mismo… Perdona / Do Yourself a Favor to Yourself… Sorry (Paperback) $10.48 Building on her signature message of using the mind to master difficult emotions, Joyce Meyer focuses on the most destructive, insidious one of all: anger. It is responsible for broken relationships, sleepless nights, high blood pressure and ulcers. It… |
|
|
Battlefield of the Mind (Large Print,Hardcover) $14.69 With over 3 million copies sold, Joyce Meyer`s BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND is now available in Spanish.Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and feelings of condemnation: all these are attacks on the mind. If readers suffer from negative thoug… |
|
|
The Secret Power Of Speaking Gods Word $8.7 #1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer teaches readers how to create change in their lives and truly receive God`s blessings. Includes powerful Scriptures covering over 50 topics, such as patience, loneliness, and wisdom. |
|
|
Do Yourself a Favor…forgive (Compact Disc) $17.81 Building on her signature message of using the mind to master difficult emotions, Joyce Meyer focuses on the most destructive, insidious one of all: anger. It is responsible for broken relationships, sleepless nights, high blood pressure and ulcers. It… |
|
|
The Penny $11.77 A young girl?s life is transformed when she stops to pick up a penny. Co-author Joyce Meyer is a well-known Christian speaker, and while THE PENNY is a novel, it deals with issues of faith and explores various Christian themes. |
|
|
The Secret Power of Speaking God`s Word (Hardcover) $12.11 In this new deluxe edition, bestselling author Joyce Meyer delivers a power-packed guide to the most effective Scriptures in the Bible.Speaking God`s word out loud is a form of prayer, a declaration that His promises apply to specific needs and… |
|
|
Power Thoughts (Compact Disc) $10.05 Joyce Meyer has a knack for coining phrases-her fans call them Joyceisms-and one of her best loved is “Where the mind goes, the man follows.” This was the basis for Battlefield of the Mind, and in her latest b… |
|
|
Confident Woman Devotional 365 Daily Ins (Hardcover) $10.76 THE CONFIDENT WOMAN has sold over 400,000 copies since its publication in 2006 and remains Joyce Meyer`s only #1 New York Times bestselling book. It continues to sell an average of over 100,000 copies a year; clearly, she tapped into the concerns and i… |
|
|
Discover the Joy of Being the Person God Made You to Be $9.98 Effective October 1, 2002, Joyce Meyer`s bestselling backlist is available exclusively from Warner Faith. And look for the first of several new major books from Joyce beginning in April 2003. |
|
|
Never Give Up! (Paperback) $10.87 On her popular television programs as well as in her books and public appearances, Joyce Meyer provides a deep connection to scripture and an awareness of the challenges of modern life. She also adds a healthy dose of encouragement. Her BATTLEFIELD OF … |
|
|
Be Anxious for Nothing (Hardcover) $12.65 Outstanding Bible teacher and author Joyce Meyer gives practical and powerful answers as she shares her past defeats with worry, frustration, and stress. Readers will discover the victorious principles that helped her to overcome these obstacles and re… |
|
|
Change Your Words, Change Your Life (Paperback) $10.05 “Words are a big deal. They are containers for power, and we have to decide what kind of power we want our words to carry,” says Joyce Meyer in CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE. “I believe that our words can increase or decrease our |
|
|
Change Your Words, Change Your Life (Hardcover) $14.78 “Words are a big deal. They are containers for power, and we have to decide what kind of power we want our words to carry,” says Joyce Meyer in CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE. “I believe that our words can increase or decrease our level of joy…. |
|
|
How to Succeed at Being Yourself $13.16 At last! The news you`ve been waiting for! Success, fulfillment, and satisfaction are finally within your reach. In How to Succeed at Being Yourself, Joyce Meyer will help you discover that emotional, spiritual, and social transformation are possible a… |
|
|
Change Your Words, Change Your Life (Compact Disc) $17.18 “Words are a big deal. They are containers for power, and we have to decide what kind of power we want our words to carry,” says Joyce Meyer in CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE. “I believe that our words can increase or decrease our level of joy…. |
|
|
Never Give Up! (Book) $14.65 On her popular television programs as well as in her books and public appearances, Joyce Meyer provides a deep connection to scripture and an awareness of the challenges of modern life. She also adds a healthy dose of encouragement. Her BATTLEFIELD OF … |
|
|
El Campo de Batalla de la Mente / Battlefield of the Mind (Paperback) $9.88 With over 3 million copies sold, Joyce Meyer`s BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND is now available in Spanish.Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and feelings of condemnation: all these are attacks on the mind. If readers suffer from negative thoug… |
|
|
Pahappahooey Island – What About Me!? (DVD) $8.12 Based on the teachings of Christian evangelist Joyce Meyer, PAHAPPAHOOEY ISLAND is a vibrantly colored children`s television show about a group of puppet friends who go on fun, musical adventures that teach them moral life-lessons (Meyer herself voices… |
|
|
Pahappahooey Island: Do It Afraid! (DVD) $10.31 Based on the teachings of Christian evangelist Joyce Meyer, PAHAPPAHOOEY ISLAND is a vibrantly colored children`s television show about a group of puppet friends who go on fun, musical adventures that teach them moral life-lessons (Meyer herself voices… |
|
|
Do Yourself a Favor…forgive (Hardcover) $20.21 Building on her signature message of using the mind to master difficult emotions, Joyce Meyer focuses on the most destructive, insidious one of all: anger. It is responsible for broken relationships, sleepless nights, high blood pressure and ulcers. It… |
|
|
Change Your Words, Change Your Life (Large Print,Hardcover) $15.98 “Words are a big deal. They are containers for power, and we have to decide what kind of power we want our words to carry,” says Joyce Meyer in CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE. “I believe that our words can increase or decrease our level of joy…. |
|
|
New Day, New You (Hardcover) $10.76 Joyce Meyer stresses the importance of spending even just a few minutes every morning with God. Beginning each day this way is an opportunity to get off on the right foot and to set the tone for the day. |
|
|
Every Which Way to Pray (Hardcover) $9.29 Every Which Way to Pray, the first children`s book written by New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer, is based on her book The Power of Simple Prayer and introduces a whimsical cast of Everyday Zoo characters, a group of quirky animals who inter… |
|
|
Field of Peace (Hardcover) $10.67 The second book in the Everyday Zoo series, written by New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer, uses the beloved cast of animal characters to help readers discover the importance of finding peace in our lives by making decisions that please God.a… |
|
|
Trusting God Day by Day (Hardcover) $11.96 In her dynamic new devotional, TRUSTING GOD DAY BY DAY, international speaker and New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer provides you with powerful “starting points” for every day of the year. Each day`s devotion is filled with practical advice… |
|
|
Trusting God Day by Day (Large Print,Hardcover) $13.24 In her dynamic new devotional, TRUSTING GOD DAY BY DAY, international speaker and New York Times best-selling author Joyce Meyer provides you with powerful “starting points” for every day of the year. Each day`s devotion is filled with practical advice… |
|
|
Trusting God Day by Day (Compact Disc) $14.78 In her dynamic new devotional, TRUSTING GOD DAY BY DAY, international speaker and New York Times best-selling author Joyce Meyer provides you with powerful “starting points” for every day of the year. Each day`s devotion is filled with practical advice… |
Tags: christian, inspiration, joyce, joyce meyer, joyce meyer conference, joyce meyer divorce, joyce meyer podcast, joyce meyer quotes, meyer, online