How to Hold On To Hope When Your Publication Date is Delayed

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Have you ever completed a writing project only to have its publication date delayed? You may have finished a book and can't find a publisher. Or, you have a desk stacked high with devotions or inspirational short stories, but God has not given you clarity on what to do with them. 

The Call

Years ago, when God called me to write, the road ahead wasn't a road at all. It was more like a fog-enshrouded trail. There was barely enough light to see the next step. I asked God, “Should I write for children or adults? Silence. “Should I write fiction or non-fiction?” Nothing.

Not knowing what my next step should be, I wrote what felt right. Some of those works found an audience, and others did not. But I completed each one. And along the way, discovered what readers wanted to hear from me. 

The Journey

As I trudged along my writing path, God, in his goodness, brought advisors along to guide my steps. Finally, when a publisher contracted my book idea, the fog lifted, and the sun came out.

Hallelujah! I had finally emerged from the deep woods onto a clearly defined road. My excitement escalated as my readers regularly asked, “When’s your book coming out?” 

Then, out of nowhere, my publisher delayed the release for another year. Instantly, I went from seeing the way forward to plopping down and crying out, “Why, God? Why?”

The Wait

The fog returned, and I didn't know what step to take next. But, "In my distress, I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears." Psalm 18: 6 (NIV)

He answered that my struggle was not with the publisher but with me. I love a well-defined plan with an organized to-do list. And I had completed my plan.

But God changed it.

He had delayed the birth of my book baby.

As that truth settled into my weary bones, He gently reminded me of my life verse. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 (NIV). While this verse has always resonated, it would not have been my first choice. God chose it for me because He knew letting go of control would be unnatural for me.

The Hope

I have learned, and continue to learn, that writing is a long game—a marathon. I completed a marathon once and found the experience unpleasant. The training is brutal, and most days, you want to quit. But the reward you receive when you keep going is a treasure you can never lose. It’s a weighty rock of accomplishment you can hold in your heart to remind yourself, If I did that, then I can do this. 

God's word is my hope. It's the mountain-sized rock that sustains me. My writing accomplishments are in His hands. I know what He is capable of and what He has promised. The words of Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) fill my mind. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” 

As that verse rolls over in my mind, I recall the marathon. When we got to the halfway point, many runners exited left. They were happy doing a half marathon. The rest of us turned right, aiming to finish the entire distance. And as I pounded the back half, one thought sustained me. You’re over halfway there.

When you’re at that point, you have two choices. Finish or quit. 

If that’s how you feel about a writing project, grab ahold of God's promises. Ask Him to give you a life verse to keep you moving along your path. 

When the fog blows in and the way forward disappears, something has to keep you going when your publication date is uncertain. What is that going to be? 

Do you find it hard to wait on God’s timing for your writing?

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How to Hold On To Hope When Your Publication Date is Delayed from author Ginny Cruz on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT is a pediatric physical therapist, early intervention specialist, and award-winning author. Her writing encourages and teaches moms simple and effective ways to help their baby meet developmental milestones. In addition to writing, she enjoys hiking, reading, and camping with her husband. Find out more at ginnycruz.com, Instagram, or Facebook.

Featured Image: Photo by Ronak Valobobhai on Unsplash