Daniel Darling's Blog, page 36

Some Thoughts on Writers and Platform

There is a lot of conversation these days (mostly on digital platforms) about writers, publishing, and platform. The conversation has been stimulating and thought-provoking in some ways and unhelpful, I think, in other ways. Mostly, it seems, that some are frustrated about the difficulty of getting published and the demands publishers make and the reality that writers who have bigger audiences are often favored over those with smaller audiences.

How should Christian writers think about these things? I have a few observations. These are not “thus saith the Lord”, but more “here is Dan’s opinion”, which, if you add $5 will allow you to purchase a small caffeinated beverage:

1) Let’s admit it is ironic to publish complaints about platforms and celebrity evangelicals. Most of the discussion about evangelicals and platform happens . . . on platforms. I’ve always wondered: someone who tweets these complaints, does he or she hope they are read, are retweeted, or are shared? And if so, would that make such a person a celebrity? What are the hopes for a podcast or blog lamenting the “evangelical celebrity complex”? Do you hope that some people read it but not too many, for that might make you a celebrity? I’m being sarcastic here, but we do have to acknowledge that the very act of pressing “send” on a tweet or Facebook post or blog post is an act of publishing. And inherent in an act of publishing is the idea that you have an idea you think is worth sharing with a wider audience than yourself. There is also an acknowledgment of privilege, however small, of the audience who will read it and the resources to do the publishing in the first place. That doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be critiques of the way Christian publishers make choices (see below), but let’s acknowledge our own desires to be published and be heard and . . . yes . . . have platforms.

2) Let’s acknowledge that to publish and be published is a gift and not an entitlement. I have not always lived this out perfectly, but in my own career I have tried to have an attitude of gratitude toward publications and publishers. We writers, because we believe we have a message worth sharing (good) can often come to believe that we are entitled to be published (not good) and that any rejection or editing is because of some bias or conspiracy or incompetence on the part of the publisher. Those systemic issues can exist, but it doesn’t mean we are owed a byline. For a publisher to lend their name behind my work and give me a platform is a gift. Nobody owes me that.

3) Let’s acknowledge that sometimes publishers make decisions based on less than noble reasons. I get books in my office every single day from publishers. Some of what comes across my desk is amazing and helpful and creative content that really benefits the body of Christ. I have been personally discipled by good books and I’ve used good books to personally disciple others. I thank God for the embarrassment of riches that is Christian publishing. However, some of what comes across my desk is ridiculous content packaged to make money off of someone’s fame. Books that have no business being published. Publishers have a difficult a task (see below) in deciding what to publish. There are times when it seems those decisions are made less on the quality of a writers work and more on the size of an author/celebrity platform. But to be fair, publishers have to walk a tightrope (more on that below) of profitability and mission. Sometimes they get it right. Sometimes they get it wrong.

4) Let’s acknowledge that sometimes would-be authors don’t get published for good reasons. It’s still pretty difficult to get a publishing contract. You have to have an agent. You have to have some kind of discernable audience. You have to be a good writer. You have to have an idea that is just creative enough to fit into a publisher’s publishing schedule and yet not too outside-the-box that it violates a publisher’s mission and alienates their core audience of buyers. Unless you self-publish, there are a lot of obstacles to getting a book contract. I think this is good. The hurdles to publishing have made me a much better writer. I’ve had to go back and get better, to learn the craft, to keep writing in smaller venues, and to be willing to hear substantive critique of my work. Today, it seems, there is less patience with this and less trust of gatekeepers, partly, I think, because it has become so easy to publish on our own: blogs are easy to start up, Facebook and Twitter have us publishing regularly, and there are way more online outlets. You can even quickly self-publish via Amazon. But I am old-school enough to be grateful for the hurdles: for the years I spent writing for an organization without seeing my work good enough to be published in leading magazines, for the rejection letters (back when you had to send query letters and self-addressed stamped envelopes to periodicals), for the seasoning of life that produced a deeper well from which to write, and the maturity (still working on that) to temper my opinions.

5) Let’s acknowledge the difficult decisions publishers have to make. A publisher who commits to a book commits quite a bit of money to get a book on the shelf: lots of resources, lots of staff time, reputations, etc. They don’t always get their investment back. Every book is a risk. If and when a publisher decides to take a risk on me, I need to be grateful. And if they don’t, I need to be humble enough to understand why and not presume bad motives or malice. Also, Christian publishers are in the business for the mission of Christian publishing, but they are also in the business to make a profit. Some capitalism is greedy. Not all capitalism is greedy. Even as you hope your book does well and helps you financially, remember that publishers also want to be in the black at the end of their fiscal year. The editors and marketing people and staff like to get paid and have health insurance for their family as much as you do and as much as I do. So while profitability shouldn’t be the only criteria for publishing decisions, it is one important criteria and that’s ok.

6) Let’s attempt to discern between a platform building that is sinful and a godly ambition that is good. There is a kind of platform-building and an encouragement of platform-building that is sinful and antithetical to the gospel. A kind of soul-less self-promotion and a desire to be “something” and find validation in the affirmation of the crowds. This is a temptation that affects all of us in this digital age. In a sense, everyone with a social media profile is a celebrity of sorts, even within their own tribe. I think this temptation is more acute for those of us called to more public gifts and ministries. We need to fight this every day by dying to ourselves and living for Jesus. We also need people in our lives who remind us that we are actually not a big deal. Much of this can be done by involvement in a good local church and small group with people who don’t really care that Matt Chandler retweeted you because they don’t know who Matt Chandler even is. If you have kids, you will experience several opportunities, every day, to be thoroughly humbled and embarrassed! We should fight the desire to be something. We should remember that we will one day die, the work of the kingdom will go on, and most people will not remember our names.

However, there is an ambition that is not sinful. We should not confuse the above fame-seeking with a genuine desire to serve the body of Christ with our gifts. A willingness to serve–via our writing or speaking or preaching–is a good thing (1 Timothy 3;1). We should strive, in whatever vocation we are called, to do things with excellence to glorify God (Colossians 3:23). For some, these gifts will result in a wide audience. If God allows this to faithful servants, this should not be seen as bad, but good. We should not be jealous of someone else’s platform or ascribe motives to them we are not sure exist (1 Corinthians 13:7). We should also not fault publishers for asking the question of authors: “You have a good message, but is there an existing audience who has heard this message and received it?”

So how do we combat the corrosive, sinful platform-seeking above and earnestly steward our gifts in a way that honors God? I don’t have any concrete answers except to say this:

always be wary of our temptation toward narcissism and be willing to repent of it as it appears
hold our opportunities and platforms loosely and let the Lord guide our steps
be quick to promote and commend others’ work
say thank-you, repeatedly, to those who give us the opportunity to apply our gifts
be always learning, growing, changing
spend time offline, in community, and with the Lord in silence and meditation
don’t be afraid of seasons of obscure, but faithful, gospel work

 

The Way Home: Sally Lloyd-Jones and The Jesus Storybook Bible

What was the inspiration behind the writing of the The Jesus Storybook Bible[image error]? Ten years after its publication, author Sally Lloyd-Jones joins the podcast to talk about the unexpected success of this children’s classic and what she has learned about teaching the Bible to children. The Jesus Storybook Bible is, in my view, one of the most important resources for parents to own and read to their children. It has had a profound impact on our children.

Show Notes

Twitter: @sallylloydjones
Book:  The Jesus Storybook Bible [image error]
Website: sallylloyd-jones.com

The Way Home featuring Steve Adams

How do churches help disciple kids and equip parents in this changing culture? Steve Adams, children’s pastor at Saddleback Church, joins us to discuss these questions and more. His new book, Children’s Ministry on Purpose[image error] offers churches a guide for shaping their ministry to parents and children.

Show Notes

Book: Children’s Ministry on Purpose: A Purpose Driven Approach to Lead Kids toward Spiritual Health[image error]
Website: kids.healthychurch.com/authors/steve-adams and morethanpuppets.com

Editor Series: Carol Pipes

Carol Pipes has been helping tell the stories of God’s work around the world. As the editor of Facts & Trends, she has helped Southern Baptist churches apply the unchanging gospel to changing times. Previously, she served with the North American Mission Board as editor of On Mission, which tells the story about the good work of Southern Baptist churches in North America. She serves on the board of the Evangelical Press Association and has received numerous awards for her work.

Dan Darling: Let’s talk about your calling. Has writing and editing been a lifetime pursuit or something you picked up late in life? And if so, what first interested in you in words? 

Carol Pipes: I’ve been a fan of good storytelling for as long as I can remember. I was one of those kids who would rather be reading a book than riding bikes or playing in the yard. Books allowed me to travel to other times and places. The characters and plot twists provided grand adventures outside the Middle Tennessee town where I grew up. The love of story has stayed with me throughout my life and career.

I didn’t start writing until I was in college. Editing came several years later. Early in my career, I realized I loved writing for and about the Church. It’s been my privilege to work on two magazines, now, whose purposes are to assist the Church in its mission of making disciples.

DD: We live in an age when anyone can be published instantly via social media, personal blogs, book reviews, etc. Explain the value of a good editor. 

CP: I had an editor who always reminded me, “a good editor can make even a mediocre writer’s words sing.” Editors do more than correct grammar. They sift through the clutter and help writers get to the point. I’ve always loved the meticulous work of editing a piece for publication—finding a more descriptive verb, changing passive voice to active, cutting needless words. Editors help writers say what they’re trying to say, sharpen their ideas, and offer a perspective they might have missed. That’s the value of a good editor.

Everyone needs an editor, even me (or is it I? See what I mean?). I need someone to take a red pen and bleed all over my work and show me how to make my work better. That’s how writers grow and learn. Feedback is a gift. If you don’t have an editor, ask a friend or coworker you trust to review your work.

DD: Is there a distinctly “Christian” way you do your work? In other words, does your personal theology affect the practice of writing and editing? 

CP: My hope is every word, every sentence I publish would honor God, stand for truth, and help build Christ’s church. I’ve been given a great privilege to steward a magazine for Christian leaders. I don’t take that lightly.

DD: When you are making decisions about content to publish, how are you evaluating the writer, the piece, and the publication?

CP: As an editor, I have a responsibility to serve the magazine’s audience. Our readers are giving us their time and their trust, and I want to honor that. When considering content for Facts & Trends, our editorial team asks several questions. Does this article fit the mission of the magazine? Does the article provide new information or does the author provide insight in a new, creative way? Does the author communicate effectively and persuasively? Does this article provide substantial take-away for the reader?

Facts & Trends strives to be a source of information and knowledge, as well as a helpful resource for church leaders. We see the Church as God’s missionary agent—called to make disciples of all nations. It is because of this call that we want to be a resource to church leaders as they make and grow disciples who make disciples. Our content decisions are constantly being driven by the needs of our readers and how we can best help them with their ministry.

DD: Who are some of the formative writing influences that have shaped the way you go about your work? 

CP: I’d have to say my writing is most influenced by my former and current coworkers. When I first entered the publishing field, I knew very little about the industry. Fortunately, I had a wonderful editor, Carolyn Curtis, who mentored me. She can slice and dice an article with the best of them. Not only did she help me become a better writer, she taught me how to produce a magazine from concept to finished product. It’s a gift to have someone pour themselves and their knowledge into you like that. Through the years, I’ve worked with other talented editors and writers who have all left an imprint on my work. Of course, the team of writers and editors at Facts & Trends—Aaron Earls, Lisa Green, and Bob Smietana—are always inspiring me to bring my best every day.

Rick Bragg is one of my favorite authors. His writing style is one I wish I could mimic. I’d love to write humorous stories about growing up in small-town Tennessee. Unfortunately, I’m not that funny.

There’s a wealth of writing mentorship in print. One of my favorite books on writing is Stephen King’s On Writing. And anything by Roy Peter Clark is worth a read. I also keep a dog-eared copy of Strunk and White’s Elements of Style within eyesight of my desk as a simple reminder that the fundamentals of good writing are always relevant. Sure, language changes and styles shift, but good writing and strong storytelling never go out of style.

DD: What is one piece of advice you would like to give aspiring writers as they seek to get published? 

CP: Before you ever make your first pitch to a publication, read several issues. As you’re reading, take note of the voice and style of the publication. Research everything you can about that particular publication. Ask for writers’ guidelines. Once you’ve done your research, pitch an article you know will fit the magazine’s editorial needs. I can always tell by the query if a writer has read our magazine or not.

The Way Home featuring Jim Hamilton

How do everyday Christians connect their Sunday worship to their Monday lives? Can work be a form of worship? Dr. Jim Hamilton, professor of Biblical Theology at Southern Seminary, helps us think biblically about our daily work lives. He’s the author of a helpful new book, Work and Our Labor in the Lord. 

Show Notes

Twitter: @drjimhamilton
Book: Work and Our Labor in the Lord [image error]
Websites: jimhamilton.info

Editor Series: Erin Straza on her love for words

Erin Straza is gifted with words. She is currently the managing editor of Christ and Pop Culture and Christ and Pop Culture Magazine. She is the host of the popular Persuasion podcast. She has worked with Spread Truth Ministries, Christianity Today and other publications. She also has a great new book out: Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits that Bind You[image error]. 

Dan Darling: Let’s talk about your calling. Has writing and editing been a lifetime pursuit or something you picked up late in life? And if so, what first interested in you in words?

Erin Straza: My love for words goes back to childhood—periodically I would read sections of the dictionary, and reading and writing were my favorite subjects. In my undergraduate and graduate studies, I focused on marketing communications, which combines writing and creative arts to communicate a clear, concise message for a specific aim or result. I applied these skills in corporate communications for a bit, then transitioned to university teaching. That’s where my interest in editing grew—grading student papers led me to the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Style Guide for reinforcements! I devoured both of these, which unearthed my knack for editing and helping others improve their writing and messaging. Freelance work as a communications consultant, editor, and writer followed my teaching stint, which is what I have done—in one form or another—for the past 12 years or so.

My specific calling as a writer is a rather recent development—one I’m still coming to grips with, actually. It has grown over the past decade, starting with writing at my blog, expanding to articles for various outlets, and recently led to a book contract with InterVarsity Press.

DD: We live in an age when anyone can be published instantly via social media, personal blogs, book reviews, etc. Explain, then the value, of a good editor?

ES: It’s true: Anyone can cast some words out into the world! Writers who want those words to have lasting influence and maximum impact, however, will need to consider the medium as well as the presentation of the message. A good editor will help you craft your ideas to be well received and steer you away from potential blunders that will detract from the intent of the message. In addition, regularly submitting to the wisdom of an editor improves your writing skills overall. Although it’s not likely many of us will ask an editor to review our social media content before posting, regular feedback from an editor on your writing style, voice, and tone will help you communicate more clearly no matter the outlet.

DD: Is there a distinctly “Christian” way you do your work? In other words, does your personal theology affect the practice of writing and editing?

ES: The way I approach writing and editing is definitely affected by my theology. What I think about God and redemption and the Kingdom shapes my mind and heart, which is where my ideas and opinions originate. However, being a good editor or a good writer is a skill—it’s not something reserved for the Christian. I see it as my craft, a gift I am to develop and learn and tend. My faith defines my motivation for doing so: with my words and my sphere of influence, I want to proclaim the redemption of Jesus and the Kingdom of God to the best of my ability. This vision keeps me disciplined when the work is tough and presses me to be a better communicator.

DD: When you are making decisions about content to publish, how are you evaluating the writer, the piece, and the publication?

ES: As managing editor for Christ and Pop Culture, I review article pitches related to cultural analysis from the Christian perspective. I don’t have a rubric to assist in selection—it’s more of a gut call. Beautiful prose, quirky insights, unexpected arguments, nuanced persuasion—a pitch containing these elements is a win. I take chances on younger or inexperienced writers if the pitch is impressive because we need to hear from voices from outside the echo chamber. Another thing that weighs on me is upholding the mission of Christ and Pop Culture; we receive plenty of great submissions that are too devotional or instructive for our needs. The content we choose for Christ and Pop Culture must be distinct from what can be found at any other Christian publication or outlet.

DD: Who are some of the formative writing influences that have shaped the way you go about your work?

ES: Much of my writing and editing has been rooted and influenced by the team at Christ and Pop Culture. These people have changed me, either directly through editing my own work or indirectly as I’ve read and edited the work of others. The quality of writing and thought among this community inspires me (and often intimidates me).

Specifically, Richard Clark and Alan Noble have been instrumental in my writing, editing, and ability to wrestle with cultural happenings. The deep thinking of Hannah Anderson, my Persuasion podcast co-host, sharpens me. Jerry McCorkle, from Spread Truth, has grounded my heart in the all-consuming beauty of the Gospel.

Reading great writing has probably had the largest influence upon me, whether that’s theology, creative non-fiction, or a good novel. Madeleine L’Engle and Lucy Shaw, A. W. Tozer and C. S. Lewis, Philip Yancey and Brennen Manning, Kathleen Norris and Timothy Keller, Donna Tartt and Jane Austen—these are just a few of the thinkers whose works have had a lasting impact upon me as a writer. The more I read, the more I write and the better that writing is.

DD: What is one piece of advice you would like to give aspiring writers as they seek to get published?

ES: Be faithful to write what’s true. Meaning, write what you are passionate about, what you are learning about, what is challenging you. That is the message you have been entrusted to cultivate, and there are countless way to go about investing it. You are to share it faithfully in whatever sphere you operate in, whether that’s your small group, your blog readers, or your church. Be faithful to cultivate your message and invest in the people before you. Think of being published as just another avenue of investing, rather than it being the pinnacle.

The Way Home featuring Rich Stearns

What motivates the CEO of a luxury goods company to leave it all behind to work on behalf of the most vulnerable around the world? How can Christians both proclaim the gospel and live it out by serving the neediest around the world? Today my guest is Rich Stearns, President and CEO of World Vision, one of the largest nonprofit humanitarian organizations in the world.

Stearns has travelled to 40 of the 100 countries where World Vision has a presence and is the author of several books, including The Hole in Our Gospel[image error].

Show Notes

Twitter: @RichStearns
Book: The Hole in Our Gospel [image error]
Websites: richstearns.org and worldvision.org

The Way Home featuring Esther Fleece

Does the church provide enough space for lament? Why are modern Christians so reluctant to admit their struggles? My good friend, Esther Fleece, knows all about this. As a Christian leader, writer, and speaker, she has often been tempted to hide her difficulties. But God has allowed her to see the value of lament in her life. Esther is the author of No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending. She is also founder and CEO of L&L Consulting, Inc. “She helps new and established Christian ministries develop innovative strategies for non-profit sustainability, new business development, next generation outreach, marketing and communications and relationship brokering.” Esther joins me today to share from her deeply personal and tragic story and how she helps other Christians lament well.

Show Notes

Twitter: @estherfleece
Book: No More Faking Fine: Ending the Pretending [image error]
Websites: estherfleece.com

The Way Home featuring Trevin Wax

Should Christians be nostalgic about days gone by or be excited about living out their faith in the 21s century? Your answer is a good indicator of how you see yourself and your mission in the world.

To help us with this, I’ve invited my long time friend Trevin Wax to join us. Trevin is the Bible and Reference publisher at B&H Publishing Group. He is also the managing editor of the popular Gospel Project curriculum. Trevin is a thoughtful voice and the author of several books, including his latest one, which we will discuss This Is Our Time: Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel[image error]. He also blogs regularly at the Gospel Coalition.

Trevin and I will discuss Christians and our politics, how different generations of the church see the world, and why he is hopeful about living out the gospel in today’s complex culture.

Show Notes

Twitter: @TrevinWax 
Book:  This Is Our Time: Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel [image error]
Websites: Gospel Project and B&H Publishing Group

The Way Home featuring Johnny Hunt

How can and should the church address the manhood crisis in their communities? How is leadership changing in this digital age? What is the secret to pastoral faithfulness? These are the questions I posed to my friend Johnny Hunt, the longtime pastor at First Baptist Church of Woodstock. Johnny is a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention. For more than 25 years he has hosted the Johnny Hunt Men’s Conferences and Timothy-Barnabas pastors retreats. He’s the author of several books, including his latest: Demolishing Strongholds. 

Show Notes

Twitter: @johnnymhunt
Website: johnnyhunt.com
Book:  Demolishing Strongholds: Finding Victory Over the Struggles That Hold You Back [image error]