The document discusses the process of turning research into books, emphasizing the importance of validating research efforts through publication while also recognizing that not all research is suited for this format. It highlights motivations for publishing, challenges in the current publishing landscape, and opportunities for engaging with audiences in the Christian community. Key considerations include the broad application of research, available resources, and the ability to provide compelling narratives.

1. Turning Your
Research into
a Book

2. Our Vision
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3. Our Mission
Our Mission:
GMI leverages research and technology to create,
cultivate, and communicate mission information leading
to insight that inspires Kingdom service.
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Information
Provision
Decision
Support
Kingdom-Centered
Outcomes-based
Evaluation
The Knowledge Stewardship Cycle

4. • We all want our work to be valued and utilized.
• Most of us see book publishing as a validation of our efforts.
• But is it true that all research should find a home in a book?
Not All Research Should be a Book

5. • James Nelson: reaching a broader audience
• JD Payne: part of Kingdom stewardship requires telling others what
you find
• Darrell Jackson: research in a book creates space for longevity,
analysis and reflection
• David Bulger: a book form would give weight and significance to the
valuable info
• David Garrison: the books were a seamless part of answering his own
questions and those he felt were being asked by the broader
audience
Motivations for Publishing

6. • Books no longer stand on their own – they are part of a larger
conversation
• People are reading fewer books and scanning many of the ones they
do read
• Publishers are loosing revenue and focusing on topics with the
broadest appeal
• Niche publishers are popping up to address holes in the general
market
• Individuals and organizations are acting as their own publishers when
they have direct-to-consumer distribution
Realities of Book Publishing

7. An Example: Good to Great
• Collins used a large team of researchers who studied "6,000 articles,
generated more than 2,000 pages of interview transcripts and created 384
megabytes of computer data in a five-year project"
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_to_Great
• Why did Good to Great Work?
• Broad topic
• Depth and quality of content
• Compelling takeaways
• Hedgehog Concept
• The Flywheel
• Level 5 Leadership
• Clear examples
• 11 Examples such as Abbot Labs, Kroger, Wall Greens, Pitney Bowes, etc.

8. • James Nelson: Converting research into narrative
• JD Payne: Time and budget to complete the project
• Darrell Jackson: Books are immediately out of date once published
• David Bulger: Working with the publisher (even though they added a
lot to the process)
• David Garrison: Verifying facts and checking stories as the book is put
together
What are the Challenges?

9. • James Nelson: opportunities for the author to engage with audiences
• JD Payne: speaking and writing opportunities
• Darrell Jackson: helps establish a track record, competence and
expertise
• David Bulger: generating interest in the topic and results
• David Garrison: creating hope and encouragement in the Body of
Christ to press on with the unfinished task
What Opportunities are Opened Up?

10. • Does your research have broad application in the Christian
community or is it designed for a very small group of believers?
• Do you have stories to work with?
• Have you thought through the broad lessons your research can
provide to your audience?
• What is the felt need from the reader?
• What is your bandwidth in time and money to commit to the project?
Key Observations

11. Thank You
VISIT:
• http://www.gmi.org/connections/webinars/
to sign up for future webinars
www.gmi.org/gmibooks to see our catalogue
of book products
• www.missiographics.com for mission
infographics
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