"Simply an inventory reduction"

On book sales not meeting expectations

[This image was generated by AI.]

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When I set out to write my book, Bridge-Building Apologetics, I kept my head out of the clouds, for the most part. What I mean to say is that I was generally realistic about how sales would go considering my lack of platform and notoriety. So, I wasn’t all that surprised that when my book was released in May 2024, it was met with mediocre interest and so-so sales. That’s not to say that it didn’t sell. In fact, I’ve heard that it does well at conferences, often selling out. I’ve seen this happen first hand a few times, which is so cool! However, there are only so many conferences, and honestly, book sellers and the publisher only take so many copies to those kinds of events.

You might be asking: How low is low, Lindsey? According to BookScan (which is roughly 75% accurate), I’ve sold just more than 1,000 copies. This number does not include ebooks or audiobooks, of which I know I’ve sold many. This is just physical copies.

1,000 physical copies! Yes, I know, that’s a big-ish number (esp. compared with some books), and I am incredibly grateful. But apparently that’s not a big enough number to avoid the letter I received this week from my publisher: “… the decision was made to reduce our current inventory only, we are not closing out this title—this is simply an inventory reduction.” Now, I don’t know exactly what this means for Bridge-Building Apologetics long-term, but if you’ve been waiting to get your copy, you may want to get moving.

I’m not really writing this to be all doom and gloom, but from the beginning of this process, I told you that I would give you a peak behind the curtain as to what happens when a book gets published. I’ve told you some of the amazing things, like what it’s like to record an audiobook, and I’ve let you in on how tough it is to get book reviews on Amazon (I FINALLY hit 50 reviews, by the way, so that’s awesome!).

When I wrote about publicity back in December, I shared some advice I received from a mentor:

“Lindsey, keep going. Keep pushing. Keep marketing. Keep telling people about your book.”

And so I will. I’ve heard such good things from folks who have read my book. I’ve met with book clubs. I’ve visited churches and other organizations to talk about the various concepts in my book. I’m not throwing in the towel, and honestly, I don’t think my publisher is, either. The letter did say “we are not closing out this title.” I will keep sharing about my book because I think it’s a book worth sharing … for the cover alone, which was hand drawn by Elisha Zepeda. All he had to work with was “hand drawn bridge.” And I think that what he came up with is beautiful:

There is still much to celebrate with this book, and I will continue to do so, no matter its future. There are a few things you can do if you want to help put it on the map:

• Share it with your friends and family. It’s about $12.50 on Amazon and $10 on Christianbook right now — get the people you care about a copy.

• Follow me on socials (Facebook and Instagram) and share my posts.

• Review it.

• Let your pastor know about it. Maybe even get them a copy to add to your church library.

• Request it at your local library.

I’m not ending on a downer. I’m happy I wrote this book. I’m so pleased with all of the people I’ve met along the way, too. And my hope isn’t here on Earth, and it certainly isn’t in book sales. My hope is in He who died for me and was physically resurrected for me, the one with whom I will spend eternity:

1 Peter 1:3-6

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Lindsey Medenwaldt is the author of Bridge-Building Apologetics. She is the director of operations for Mama Bear Apologetics, and she is also an adjunct professor at Northwestern College in Iowa and Midwestern State University in Texas. For more information or to request Lindsey as a speaker, visit lindseymedenwaldt.com.