Why Won't They Tell Me?

Every time I speak at a writers’ conference, and every time I foolishly wander into an Internet chat room, I can expect to hear certain questions from aspiring authors. Sooner or later, in one form or another, one question always seems to come up:

Why won’t agents and editors tell me why they rejected my book? Or worse, why won’t they answer at all? 

As a writer, I certainly feel their pain; how can I ever hope to improve, if no one will tell me what needs improving? But after three years as agent, it’s easy to see the other side. 

First, it’s not my job. I know that sounds unbelievably cold and callous, but it’s true. I’m here to identify promising writers, offer their works to prospective publishers, and then negotiate the deal. Every minute I spend away from those functions, causes me to shirk my contractual obligations to existing clients. 

Book Review: Boy Meets Girl; Will They Get Out Alive?

So, what’s wrong with our world today? There are many answers to this important question, of course, but let me posit a scenario: Children grow up without godly values. Because their parents have a lousy marriage. Because they started out with a directionless courtship. The consequences are huge, and far-reaching.

In his new book Dating Like Airplanes, Caleb Breakey doesn’t preach. He shares his own struggles in pursuit of (now-wife) Brittney; his mistakes, joys, and hard-learned lessons. True love is about giving, not taking. Waiting, not rushing. Self-examination, and seeking advice from those who have gone before.
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The Struggle of Every Christian Writer

The Yabba-Dabba-Prophet

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege to counsel and mentor hundreds of aspiring writers. They believe with all their heart that God has given them a gift, a ministry of the written word, a message that they feel compelled to share with the world. I can scarcely imagine a nobler calling, especially in light of the battles that most struggling scribes must endure. Sometimes I offer words of encouragement; sometimes I must administer a dose of tough love. A couple of years ago, I came up with this slogan:

Salvation comes by grace, but publication comes by works.

Let me explain.

To Self-Publish, or Not to Self-Publish?

The Ultimate Editor?

These are crazy and confusing times in the publishing business.

In this fiercely competitive era, when publishing houses are becoming increasingly selective, many aspiring authors seek their salvation through self-publishing. Just imagine: no one will tell you what to do. No one will have the gall to tell you the market for your genre is already oversaturated, or that you use too many split infinitives. You can do it yourself, bypass the evil arrogant editor or corporate executive, and release a book on your own terms. Power to the people, baby!

Before we go any further, let's define some terms: By "self-publishing," I mean a broad range of services whereby the author pays any type of advance fee to a vendor. Or in a newer twist, a company (such as Lulu or Amazon) that requires no payment up front but will print (or e-publish) just about anything you send them. The variations are endless.

Books Are Alive And Well, Thank You

I like books. There, I’ve said it.

For some of you who know me through one of my many publishing endeavors, you might be tempted to read that statement and think duh, of course Steve likes books. He’s in the business. But let me explain.

I don’t own a Kindle or a Nook. Further, I’m in no particular rush to get one. Count me as one of those old fogies who live by the axiom, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” For me, there was never anything wrong with the old version. Handcrafted calligraphy to woodcuts?  That was progress. Animal skins to paper? Wonderful. Woodcuts to moveable type? Genius. Moveable type to offset? Marvelous. Offset to digital? Bravo. Paper to silicon? The jury is still out.

Hold the phone. The reports of the death of paper books have been greatly exaggerated.

Authors Vs. Publishers: Who Wins?

It’s getting harder and harder to squeeze out a nickel in the publishing business these days. Authors, publishers and vendors continually struggle for the upper hand. The business models are changing, technology brings new opportunities, and everyone wants to be first to exploit the Next Big Thing.

In a recent online report, Publisher’s Weekly reports a new development in this ever-changing landscape: Regnery Publishing prevailed in an arbitration case where three authors accused the company of cheating them out of their royalties. (The case has many facets, but for our purposes today I will carve out this narrow angle.)

Is Christian Publishing Forgetting Christ?

Dear Mr. Christian Publisher:

When I hung out my shingle as a literary agent, I had a crucial decision to make: Did I want to work in the “Christian” market, or the “general” (non-religious) market, or both? The future of my career could very well hinge on this important choice.

Certainly I began my publishing career with a religious book, released by a “Christian” house in 2006. I didn’t even bother pitching it to Dutton or Doubleday, because it clearly wasn’t in their wheelhouse. The good news is that we live in a big world of many options, which has a place for everyone and every genre.