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Friday, August 05, 2005Hmmmm **Day 10 of "Journey to Publication"**You're probably wondering "Where was God in all this?" Believe me, He was all over it. But more on that later. For now, we're sticking to a chronological timeline. And as of yesterday's post, I was peddling 30K units of I Did My Chores! and had a romance manuscript on my bookshelf that was too tame for the general market and too steamy for the inspirational. About seven or so months after the "big rewrite" (see yesterday's post), I received my April 2004 edition of a trade magazine from the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association). I quickly flip through it and come to a screeching halt on page 35. The title of the article took up half the page and was called, "Fiction on the Edge: Retailers & Publishers Wrestle With Edgier Fiction." Hmmm. I start to scan, then slow down and begin to read. Every word. It was in a Q&A format, interviewing bookstore owners, publishers and acquisition editors. They said things like: "Superficial fiction ... trivializes God's grace." "To make a case for stories with grit, look no further than the Bible." "The edgier fiction gets, the less retailers trust the publisher." "We need new voices to reach those who have tuned [CBA fiction] out." "Edgier fiction is ... one way to reach nonbelievers." Hmmmm. I drum my fingernails against my desk. I reread the article. I start looking at the names of the actual people interviewed and who they represent. I see an acquisitions editor from Bethany House Publishers. He seems to be an advocate for this fiction with an edge. Hmmmm. Because I used to be an investigative reporter, I won't go into detail, but suffice it to say, that within five minutes time I learned the email address of that editor from Bethany House. Hmmmm. I type up a little note to him, telling him about Bride and that I think maybe he should have a look at it. I sit for a moment. "So, whatdayou think, God? Do I push the 'send' button?" An overwhelming sense of peace and confirmation fills me. "Even though I discovered his email address by somewhat questionable means?" Another wave of peace. I hit "send." It goes through. I sit at my computer and feel the heat crawl up my neck because I know it is a big "no-no" to cold-call (or in this case, cold-email) editors to pitch your books. Within five minutes time I hear back. Tune in Monday for Mr. David Long's response to me sending an unsolicited message to his private email address.
posted by Deeanne at 12:45 PM
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7 Comments:
Brief detour re "steamy" and "edgy": Why no sex in Christian novels? 2 reasons for my question: #1--The "romance" market is the hugest which means that a lotta Christians are reading novels with sex in them already. And just cuz millions do it doesn't make it right, but there's also #2 reason--Drew's really beautiful explanation to Constance about how God is pleezed with married sex, and even delights in it. Thus my question: Why no sex in Christian novels, even righteous, God-delighting married sex? Could be a great example for nonChristians--sex the way God wants it to be, happily and with the spouse (and only the spouse).
12:05 PM
I'm going to be talking about this very thing as a guest blogger later this month. It'll be at a blog that hosts guest romance authors of every sub-genre imaginable (paranormal, suspense, romantica, etc). When I get the "time and the place" I'll be sure to let ya know!!
12:39 PM
Kudos to you and Bethany House for being trailblazers in edgy-but-Christian fiction! I'm really enjoying the details of your journey to publication. Good questions from Barb, too.
Dee, your blog reflects the energy, fun, and honesty that made me love your novel. I'm just sorry I didn't start hanging out here sooner. Looks like you've been having a ton of fun!
7:58 PM
Welcome, Margaret. We're glad you're here!
8:20 PM
Ha! Miz Margaret--In school, I drove my teachers nuts. Father Benjamin even yelled at me in front of the whole marriage class one day because I constantly harassed him with questions. Fortunately this cheery author lady is an extremely patient person. Miz Dee, make sure Margaret knows about ze beeg fall book discussion!
3:43 PM
Hi, Barb! Yes, I heard about the book discussion. Forgiving Solomon Long, right? I've read it, and I'll be there. Good book.
I wonder if Father Benjamin did any better than my pastor did when he taught the seventh commandment in our confirmation classes. (Lutheran.) He was red in the face, stuttering, using lots of big words. He didn't exactly convey the idea that God is pleased with married sex.
7:47 AM
A lot of Father Benjamin's fellow Catholics ragged on the poor man for teaching on marriage when he had forsaken such bliss for the priesthood. Maybe Miz Dee's work is the answer for helping the country's spiritual leadership overcome their angst re married sex???
5:13 PM
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