Best-Selling Author of 'The Shack' Reveals the Story Behind the Story on Books 'n' Such Podcast

Diane Eble, author, book publishing coach/consultant and host of Books 'n' Such podcast show interviews William P. Young, author of the runaway bestseller, The Shack. This book was rejected by religious and secular publishers alike, yet sold more than 700,000 copies since it was published one year ago and with only a $300 marketing budget. This interview can be found on www.reviewyak.com, one of the channels on Yaktivate.com.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 8, 2008 -- The author of the runaway bestseller, The Shack, William P. Young reveals the story behind the book on this "Books 'n' Such" podcast with host Diane Eble, author and book publishing coach/consultant. Young reveals how the book started--written as a gift for his six children, not intended for publication. From the moment he shared the story, however, people have enthusiastically championed it to others.

Yet, the book was turned down by "all the major publishers, both religious and secular" according to Young. "Too edgy for the religious publishers, too much Jesus for the secular publishers," Young says. Nevertheless, the book found its following from the beginning, largely through word of mouth. It's one of those rare publishing phenomena: a book from a small publisher, created to publish this book (Windblown Media), making it to the Publisher's Weekly bestseller list, selling more than 700,000 copies in one year. Exactly one year from publication, it's #11 on USA Today's bestseller list, having been in the top 150 for 12 weeks.

That alone is noteworthy. Even more amazing is that the author and publisher spent less than $300 on marketing and promotion. "Word of mouth is the best promotion an author can have, and this is the kind of book people seem compelled to give to others," Eble observes.
In the interview, Young shares many of the touching stories he's heard from people who have read The Shack. Eble notes that it seems to touch people who are disenchanted with religion yet hunger for an authentic connection with God.

Needless to say, Young's own life has changed as a result of becoming a bestselling author without even trying. He quit his day job two months ago, and now travels the country, speaking about the book and his views on God, the problem of evil, and some of the other tough issues the novel tackles.

Listen to the interview at www.reviewyak.com, one of many channels found on Yaktivate.com. Copies of The Shack are available at all major bookstores, including the online retailers, and from www.windblownmedia.com.

"Books 'n' Such" is a family-friendly podcast that seeks to bring you fresh insights from a variety of authors and thought-leaders. If you have a comment or an author you would like to hear interviewed, feel free to comment at www.reviewyak.com.

Yaktivate.com is a global media network and marketing organization that features podcast shows on channels that reflect a wide range of topics- from travel to business strategies to books and beyond. Yaktivate.com is always on the lookout for new podcasting talent and for businesses that are seeking an effective and cost-effective manner to reach their niche marketing audience.

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