tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post1575787133174437028..comments2023-10-27T11:41:01.596-05:00Comments on SORMAG's Blog: SORMAG's ONLINE BOOK FAIR - Breaking Into The Christian Market - DAY TWOLaShaundahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-89364303102068175932011-06-13T15:51:57.188-05:002011-06-13T15:51:57.188-05:00I hate that I missed the "live" discussi...I hate that I missed the "live" discussion on Saturday, but this was a very informative panel discussion.<br /><br />I'm still holding out hope I can make it to ACFW in St. Louis this year. No firm plans but stranger things have happened. I'd hoped to make it back to Faith and Fiction, but it's not looking like that will happen. I went in 2008 and it was one of the best things I've ever done for boosting my writing confidence and just having a chance to meet authors of whom I am completely in awe.<br /><br />Part of the reader problem is perception, and unfortunately, it too often falls along racial lines. Faith-filled stories by AA authors are assumed to be "church dramas", a popular but small segment of the Christian fiction market. Faith-filled stories by non-AA authors are assumed to be Pollyanna-ish and not "real". Both assumptions are incorrect. I've read so many good stories across the divide, and wish more readers would give Christian fiction a chance. As a whole, I see much higher qualify in the Christian fiction I read than the secular. <br /><br />AA Christian fiction authors have had a difficult time breaking into CBA publishing. After awhile it becomes self-fulfilling prophecy. We believe it's hard so we don't pursue that avenue. Then too, many white Christian fiction readers only read CBA titles. Although it's not a CBA publisher, I'm hoping to see one of the main publishers, Harlequin's Love Inspired line, feature more stories with minority main heroes and heroines. It's happened but it's rare. I'd also like to see more AA authors write tales with a broader cast of characters.PatriciaWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-41882986820116523852011-06-13T13:57:23.581-05:002011-06-13T13:57:23.581-05:00This is great information. Most of all I hope ever...This is great information. Most of all I hope everyone understands the importance of the editing proess. It can either make or break your career. There is nothing worse than putting out a poorly edited book. People remember it and will think twice about buying your books in the future.Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14352639327384936082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-45777513331431625992011-06-11T22:53:44.088-05:002011-06-11T22:53:44.088-05:00I want to thank you ladies for participating today...I want to thank you ladies for participating today. <br /><br />A few of you might know my mom is in the hospital and I’ve been at the hospital all week. I was thinking about canceling today, because I knew I wouldn’t be able to be online as much as I wanted because I’d be at the hospital. However I remembered this wasn’t a live event. All I need to do was make sure my pages were online and everything else could take care of itself. That’s the wonderful part about being online.<br /><br />We had some lively discussions. I hope you’ve learned as much about the Christian market as I have.<br /><br />We’ll be back for day 3 on June 18th. <br /><br />See ya on the net.LaShaundahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-11841052828708882982011-06-11T22:51:20.449-05:002011-06-11T22:51:20.449-05:00Leslie,
ACFW is a good organization; most of thei...Leslie,<br /><br />ACFW is a good organization; most of their interaction is online. You can join the main loop and then they have loops for your area of the country and genre. I signed up for the main loop, central Missouri and the course loop when I first joined. I learned a lot from these loops. I’m on digest, so I get a big post two or three times a day. Last year I signed up for the editing loop which was very encouraging for finishing your manuscript. This year I signed up for the different genres I write, romance, historical, young adult and science fiction. These loops have been great because they are another avenue for learning about the craft.LaShaundahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02882241010643308240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-6507808689818543292011-06-11T22:31:33.158-05:002011-06-11T22:31:33.158-05:00Oh, and thanks, LaShaunda!!!Oh, and thanks, LaShaunda!!!Lyn Cotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11366375647118584580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-3561215332337280832011-06-11T22:31:20.011-05:002011-06-11T22:31:20.011-05:00Well, I hope this was of help to "lurkers&quo...Well, I hope this was of help to "lurkers" but I know I've learned some new things. So happy to meet all of you!<br /><br />And the conflict between the world and those of us who don't want our books to be conformed to it isn't going away.<br /><br />We want characters who are transformed through Christ!<br /><br />Joylynn and Sheila, I'll be getting in touch with you.<br />And I'm trying to host an A-A author once a month on my blog so keep in touch!Lyn Cotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11366375647118584580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-36886431818388897052011-06-11T21:02:35.190-05:002011-06-11T21:02:35.190-05:00Hi again everyone! This day turned out to be much ...Hi again everyone! This day turned out to be much fuller than I anticipated! As I am going back now to read through all of the posts, I can truly say that so much information and support for Christian authors is out there - through other authors! I know for myself, I praise God for the near and dear friendships I've formed with other writers. Having a writing network is essential for growing as a writer - and for maintaining sanity as well. Though I have developed real relationships with several writers, I know I have kind of been out of the loop with many things over the past couple years. But with grad school now finished (yea!) I am looking forward to coming back up for air.<br /><br />For starters, I am so looking forward to attending the Faith and Fiction Retreat. I remember participating when the F&F retreat was just a one day conference, so this soon coming weekend experience will be a new one for me. I am hoping to connect/reconnect with the life support system made up of other Christian authors. God never made us to function alone - indeed we are the "body" of Christ - so no member works or grows in isolation. Though creative writing is by nature a solitary act, the process of ministry is only strengthened and completed when others are involved. As seen in the posts today, whether talking about editing, agents, or the Christian reading community at large, we need each other to live out God's calling on our lives.<br /><br />In addition to the upcoming conference, I also want to become more involved with the ACFW. I am a member on paper (I think I'm up-to-date with my dues...), but have never quite known how to really connect. It sounds like the conferences are an excellent starting point.<br /><br />Well, I am honored to have been part of such a prestigious group of writers. Thank you LaShaunda and everyone who has participated in the discussions today. It is a breath of fresh air to know we are in this together, for a common purpose, for a singular mission. I praise God for his continued faithfulness and am waiting with great hope and anticipation to see what He is going to do next.<br /><br />Good night, y'all, and be blessed!Leslie Sherrodhttp://www.LeslieJSherrod.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-29841080811582465822011-06-11T20:10:21.430-05:002011-06-11T20:10:21.430-05:00LaShaunda
I can't thank you enough for this wo...LaShaunda<br />I can't thank you enough for this wonderful platform you have provided for me today. I thank you for all you do for authors and readers alike. Thank you for thinking of me to be a part of this online book fair. It was amazing to be among such talent today. Wish you all much success.Joylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-33004906887262622632011-06-11T20:07:42.274-05:002011-06-11T20:07:42.274-05:00LaShaunda,
Thanks again for all you do to support...LaShaunda,<br /><br />Thanks again for all you do to support authors. I'm glad to hear you're at the editing stage. I so look forward to holding your book in my hand or reading it on my Kindle. :)rhonda mcknighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02018229725796276222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-10390710130717761542011-06-11T20:07:07.178-05:002011-06-11T20:07:07.178-05:00Thank you, Rhonda. An editor is only as good as th...Thank you, Rhonda. An editor is only as good as their author's last book. Thank God that you are an awesome and talented writer. The fact that I'm spending Saturday night with Samaria and not my wonderful husband proves as much. And for anyone who doesn't know who Samaria is, please check out Rhonda's books.Joylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-5094375877712267412011-06-11T20:06:19.292-05:002011-06-11T20:06:19.292-05:00I'd like to piggyback on one of Joylynn's ...I'd like to piggyback on one of Joylynn's comments about content. I do some free-lance editing and most of my clients are writing what they consider to be Christian fiction. When I tell them they cannot include explicit language and sex scenes they always tell me they want their story to be real. I ask them if they've read my books and they say yes. I tell them I don't have any sex or cussing. I have a bunch of angry people and folks wanting sex but I manage to tell those stories without it. Keeping your content Holy involves a committment to offer God your best and I can't think of anything more real than using my gift to edify HIM. <br /><br />So, with that said, if you want to break into the Christian market, know what that market is. Commit in your heart to stick to the guidelines and rules even if you're an indie author. The word "Christian" should always be about Christ.rhonda mcknighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02018229725796276222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-44779028283513605092011-06-11T19:54:03.205-05:002011-06-11T19:54:03.205-05:00Shelia and Joy,
ACFW is a great conference. Well...Shelia and Joy, <br /><br />ACFW is a great conference. Well worth the travel. Good workshops and really a first class setup. And yes, I met my edgy sistah MICHELLE SUTTON there. She's been a blessings in more ways than I can list.rhonda mcknighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02018229725796276222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-43321097051840541792011-06-11T19:49:41.691-05:002011-06-11T19:49:41.691-05:00I forgot to add that I have a fantastic editor. Jo...I forgot to add that I have a fantastic editor. Joylynn Jossel has a sharp eye and I know she prays about every book in our line. I so appreciate knowing that the person editing my work is reading it with a heart for God.rhonda mcknighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02018229725796276222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-5030337480025986452011-06-11T19:49:03.770-05:002011-06-11T19:49:03.770-05:00Lyn,
The Faith and Fiction Retreat is a literary ...Lyn,<br /><br />The Faith and Fiction Retreat is a literary event for authors and readers of faith fiction that is hosted annually by author, Tiffany L. Warren. This is the 5th year. The website is http://www.faithandfictionretreat.comrhonda mcknighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02018229725796276222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-62033631365134955772011-06-11T19:46:59.536-05:002011-06-11T19:46:59.536-05:00LaShaunda and Joy,
Thanks so much. Like I said, I...LaShaunda and Joy,<br /><br />Thanks so much. Like I said, I had some great author friends like Sherri Lewis and Tia McCollors who I sat on the front row and watched do it first. I can't say enough about building relationships.rhonda mcknighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02018229725796276222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-60846948231630653952011-06-11T19:44:03.183-05:002011-06-11T19:44:03.183-05:00Leslie, I agree, it is a good idea for an author t...Leslie, I agree, it is a good idea for an author to get an agent, even if it's after the fact that they've received a book deal. I have so many unagented authors come to me for my opinion regarding contractual issues. What these authors have to realize is that I have the company’s best interest at heart, their agent would have theirs. Even if authors just hired a contract attorney to go over their contracts with them and answer their questions, that would be beneficial as well. But Leslie is right; you don't want to feel alone. Having representation is a great way to have someone in your corner solely with your best interest at heart.Joylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-6057975515205634442011-06-11T19:38:54.237-05:002011-06-11T19:38:54.237-05:00I have to agree with Michelle about buying books o...I have to agree with Michelle about buying books on writing and honing in on the craft. And for goodness sakes; please study. How does a writer study? By reading other authors' books. I'm always amazed at manuscripts that get turned in to me for publication consideration by authors who don't even know that more than one character should not be speaking dialogue in a single paragraph. Or manuscripts that don't have indentions, etc... Just basic stuff one would pick up on just by reading a book.Joylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-3637268995948880132011-06-11T19:33:15.356-05:002011-06-11T19:33:15.356-05:00Thank you for the kind words, Beverly. You have b...Thank you for the kind words, Beverly. You have been a wonderful supporter throughout my transition in the writing business. I appreciate you and all you do.Joylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-81907767274197107022011-06-11T19:30:20.552-05:002011-06-11T19:30:20.552-05:00Most readers say that when they open a book they w...Most readers say that when they open a book they want an escape. They don't want to read about the life they live. Does this mean Christian readers don't want to read about other Christians walking the walk?<br /><br />Hmmm. Just a thought, because I'm REALLY trying to figure this thing out. <br /><br />Not too long ago I was involved in a discussion on Facebook that said Christian fiction books were boring because they didn't "keep it real" by choosing to omit cursing, sexing, etc... There were actual Christians saying that they needed this type of thing in order for the read to be believable.<br /><br />All I can say is that I'm glad I'm further along in my walk as to where I don't need cursing and explicit sex for something to be real in my life. And as a character in one of my books would say, "Instead of folks worrying about keeping it real in the real world, they should be more concerned about the Kingdom."Joylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-12920596241375489612011-06-11T19:21:42.382-05:002011-06-11T19:21:42.382-05:00Shelia
I plan on attending the ACFW conference nex...Shelia<br />I plan on attending the ACFW conference next year as well. Perhaps we can be roomies:-)<br /><br />Although I've been guilty of it in the past, I don't attend conferences simply to obtain readership. I go to grow. I go to learn. I go to network. I go to stay on top of the industry. <br /><br />This just piggybacks what others have said about how important it is to attend conferences. It is amazing what you can learn from other authors. <br /><br />I have several authors who I find to be very successful, so in order to learn how they do what they do, I attend conferences in which they are the keynote speaker or on the panel...then I take lots of notes.<br /><br />I have a saying: "Find someone who you want to be just like...then be better than them."Joylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-18795950258968989062011-06-11T19:14:58.457-05:002011-06-11T19:14:58.457-05:00Hi, Rhonda
And LaShaunda is right; you are the po...Hi, Rhonda<br /><br />And LaShaunda is right; you are the poster child for how to be a good debut author.Joylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-81799747836814600362011-06-11T19:12:29.129-05:002011-06-11T19:12:29.129-05:00Hi, LaShaunda
A lot of times AA authors attend eve...Hi, LaShaunda<br />A lot of times AA authors attend events in which their demographic of readers are represented, so I believe that is why the attendance for those conferences are low when it comes to AA authors. With so many conferences out there, authors have to choose wisely on where they want to spend their dollars. So an AA author will believe their money is best spent to a conference in which is marketed to their readers.Joylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-33631765631847916472011-06-11T19:06:34.577-05:002011-06-11T19:06:34.577-05:00Hi, Lyn
I'd love to send you a copy of Urban ...Hi, Lyn<br /><br />I'd love to send you a copy of Urban Christian's submissions. You can email at joylynnjossel@aol.comJoylynn Josselhttp://www.enjoywrites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-627113677848731172011-06-11T16:19:03.325-05:002011-06-11T16:19:03.325-05:00Leslie,
Your point about Christians not understand...Leslie,<br />Your point about Christians not understanding the power of fiction to move hearts is sadly so true.<br /><br />I have found that when I speak to people I remind them of 2 Samuel 12 where Nathan the prophet confronts David about his adultery with Bathsheba through the parable of the beloved ewe lamb.<br /><br />Remember David's reaction?<br /><br />"And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:<br /><br />And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."<br /><br />Fiction reaches into the heart in a way a self-help book NEVER could!Lyn Cotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11366375647118584580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15713569.post-88738049919876953392011-06-11T15:37:34.258-05:002011-06-11T15:37:34.258-05:00Hi Everyone! I am glad to be joining the conversat...Hi Everyone! I am glad to be joining the conversation. Thanks again LaShaunda for the invitation and for all you do to help promote our books!<br /><br />Regarding the questions, here are my thoughts/experiences.<br /><br />Thus far, I've had two books published somehow without an agent. Both novels have had very different roads; the common denominator has been divine intervention. <br /><br />The publication of my first novel was strongly boosted by attending a conference. It was a one-time offering that opened the door for my first novel being accepted by the very first publisher I ever queried - and it was a major publisher. My second novel was accepted by Urban Christian just before, I think, agented submissions were required - thanks Joylynn :-). <br /><br />So, can you get published without an agent? Yes. Should you have one? I definitely think it would be helpful so as not feel alone on this writing journey. Nowadays, having an agent pretty much seems to be the rule if you are going to approach a major publishing house. For whatever reason, that has not been my story. Ironically, I have been approached by agents right after I've signed contracts - in one case a week after I'd already signed. I do not always get God's timing with these things, but I've learned to trust Him with it.<br /><br />I think one of the biggest surprises I've found writing for the Christian community is, well, that some in the Christian community do not understand the power of fiction. I've been at book signings and had people tell me they "only read biblical non-fiction or self-help books" because they speak directly to issues and concerns in their lives. However, when I think about how Jesus taught, He often used parables. He could move a multitude with a short story - characters, plot, and all. There is something inherently powerful about "story" and when it is anointed with God's word and Spirit it can truly accomplish much.<br /><br />Another surprise I've encountered, particularly with my first novel, is that it is much easier to get book signings at secular stores than Christian bookstores. God has allowed me to have signings at several Barnes and Noble and Waldenbooks/Borders locations, for example; and yet I could not get a local Christian retailer to even look at my novel or take my bookmarks although they had my novel for sale on their website. It's been interesting, and I'll leave it at that... <br /><br />I'll check in a little later with more answers to the questions.Leslie Sherrodnoreply@blogger.com