I’ve been engaged in some form of writing on a regular basis for the last 10 years or so. Over the last 3-4 years I’ve had the world of publishing opened up to me. After publishing a few dozen articles, I recently published my first book. 2/
God willing I’ll have more coming out in the years ahead. I plan to continue writing books as long as I have something to say that I & others think is valuable. As a new writer, I have some notes, observations, & lessons from my experience that I think others may find helpful. 3/
1. The books I’ve written or am currently writing each began with a good book proposal. My book proposals are about 10-15 pages and include among other things my CV, a short statement of my Christian faith, a one paragraph summary of the book, my reasons for writing the book…4/
…my target audience, an overview of competitive titles, thorough outlines of each chapter, and a list of potential endorsers. 5/
2. I find two of the things publishers are most interested in are the target audience and the overview of competitive titles. First, it’s vital that you determine who your target audience or ideal reader is, and don’t be afraid to be very specific. 6/
Don’t say your book is aimed at everyone. Few books reach everyone. Publishers want to know what type of person will realistically pick up your book. You need tell them who that person is. And be specific. 7/
As for the overview of competitive titles, be as transparent and thorough as you can be here. What books are already out there on the subject and how will your book differ from, compliment, or improve on others? This will only help your proposal, not hurt it. 8/
3. I do not use a literary agent. I reach out to publishers directly myself. Sometimes I will ask another author or scholar to write a brief endorsement for my book proposal that I can send to the publisher. Iain Murray was kind enough to do this for “Spurgeon and the Poor.” 9/
4. Some publishers will give you a contract if they like your book idea, even if you haven’t written the first chapter. Others will want to see a few sample chapters before issuing a contract. Some wait until they have a full manuscript before they’ll give you a contract. 10/
I’ve done all 3. There are advantages & disadvantages to each. That said, my personal preference now is to write without a contract up front & then just shop a manuscript once it’s done. Much easier & gives you more control over content. And then you don’t have a deadline. 11/
5. There’s not much money in the kinds of books I write and most of my friends write. It’s gotta be a passion project. 12/
Better yet, if you’re involved in publishing as a Christian, it has to be because you think what you’re writing will genuinely help & serve people, strengthen the church, encourage a faithful Christian witness, & bring glory to God. Money is basically a non-factor for me. 13/
But then again, since none of my books are likely to be best sellers, this will never be a struggle for me 😅 Maybe others actually have to wrestle through this one. 14/
6. Don’t ever write something for publication unless you have something you feel you need to say that either hasn’t been said, or you think you can say better than others have said it, or you’re able to speak from a unique perspective that no one else shares. 15/
If you’re going to write successfully you’ve got to have something to say. If you don’t have something to say, wait until you do. 16/
7. You will probably spend more time in research & editing than you will in writing itself. Just prepare yourself for this. Don’t write until you’re ready to write & after you’ve written, review it over & over again, & as you do make needed edits, revisions, & improvements. 17/
Just accept writing is a lot harder than you think it is and takes a lot longer than you think it should. 18/
8. A book is never finished. It’s just let go of. It could always be better. But eventually you have to let it go and release it to the world. 19/
9. While writing, don’t share your stuff with lots of people. Pick 2-4 excellent readers and thinkers who can help you evaluate your writing, your argumentation, your story telling, your vocabulary, etc. 20/
Excellent input from a few is invaluable. Lots of diffuse input from a huge focus group will only confuse and disorient you. 21/
10. Generally speaking, I have found the writing community to be an extraordinarily encouraging group of people. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many people have come alongside me to encourage me in my writing and have offered to help me in all kinds of ways… 22/
…whether it’s reviewing my drafts, offering endorsements, putting in a word with a publisher, or just offering prayers and words of encouragement along the way. This has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of writing. 23/
11. My experience is very limited, but I didn’t find it hard at all to secure endorsers for my book(s). I haven’t met half the folks who endorsed “Spurgeon and the Poor,” but I had a hunch they’d find the topic interesting. I aimed high and went from there. 24/
To my surprise, almost everyone I asked said they’d be happy to read the book and provide an endorsement if they liked it. And thankfully they all liked it 😅 25/
12. Writing for publication can make you feel incredibly exposed and vulnerable. But remember, all writers feel this way. We’re all struggling as writers. Even the best writers will sometimes write things they look back on with embarrassment and regret. 26/
They will acknowledge their writing is never as good as they want it to be. So cut yourself some slack, find some friends that know how to encourage and critique you well, and remember your identity is in Christ and not your writing. 27/
The best motive for writing is not to fulfill or express yourself, but to honor God and serve others. If you write with those two motives, you’ll find that you’re less self-conscious in the writing process. You’ll also find more joy in your writing.
That’s all for now! 28/28
That’s all for now! 28/28
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