Christian Fiction Devourers discussion
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Natasha wrote: "I get 20% for paperback and 40% for the e-book. I will bookmark you!!"Chrys and Natasha . . .
If your books are Christian, or CLEAN, you ought to check with Celebrate Lit. I've never heard of a fairer deal for authors. I know on the e'books it's 75% and on paperback, 60%!!! NO ONE offers such GREAT royaties, but the CelebrateLit is all about supporting Christian authors (no language, steamy intimacies, or gross violence) Check it out! BLESSINGS!
(copied to be sure you see this :)
Natasha wrote: "Aside from the publisher listing my book on Amazon and B&N and doing any edits and putting together the covers (I supplied the art), I'm pretty much in charge of marketing myself. I will check out ..."ALL authors are expected and must market, market, market. Simon and Schuster assigned me a publicist and I thought I'd surely arrived, but the marketing was left to me. The thing about being Indy (or hybrid as I am now) is that you have FULL control. You give your story away (and so much $$$) so such a little work that you can easily do. I'm 67 and didn't have a clue 3 years ago, now I consider myself a pro and have released 20 new books in 3 years, making more $$ than in the first 30 years of writing and getting 10 titles published traditionally (small and top-five publishers!) I'm HIGH on Indy! :)
I'm looking for beta-readers for a novel of just under 90,000 words.The outline is as follows:-
A series of archaeological digs find documents and eventually skeletons that could be read to imply a different understanding of the Ascension. But without being conclusive. This provokes some discussion about the nature of Christian belief and Doctrine, but this is not the core to the novel.
The real action is how politicians and others use the furore to promote their own agendas. How much is truth, how much is spin, and how much is fraud?
All the main players are apparently honourable, honest people, each doing what he/she thinks is the right thing. (Yes, the 'she' means that there are a few strong females in this story!) What will happen as they bring their different perspectives and agendas to the turmoil? To what extent is each of them worthy of approval? On what basis does the reader decide these questions?
Is anyone interested?
So, I have a question I've been wrestling with for one of my current works-in-progress. Any feedback--particularly reader feedback--would be appreciated!The story I'm working on is biblical fiction, and my question has to do with all the Scripture references scattered throughout the narrative. By that, I don't mean the main biblical setting of the story; I'm thinking more of when the characters quote a psalm or a proverb or a line from a prophecy, or when they make some reference to an earlier event in biblical history.
Obviously, I can't just insert a reference like a work of non-fiction would--e.g. stick (Psalm 9:9-10) in the middle of the text--and I can't explain every reference in detail if I want the dialogue to be realistic. But I'd like to provide some kind of resource so that if a reader doesn't understand a reference or wants to look up a verse that's quoted, they'll be able to find it.
Footnotes are the first idea that comes to mind, but that seems odd and distracting for a fiction book. A list of allusions/quotations at the end with the corresponding references seems a bit clunky. The only biblical fiction that I have on hand doesn't seem to have addressed the issue at all.
Has anyone seen this type of thing done by other biblical fiction writers? How did they do it? Did it work for you? Any other ideas?
Thank you all for your help!
Hi, Angie,I had a similar problem in 'Rome in the East', an alternative history of Rome that included an account of an 'alternative Jesus'. In places I could use context (e.g., 'He unrolled the scroll of the Fifth Book...') or say 'he recalled the words of Isaiah', or a hearer would identify the reference/allusion.
Or if you prefer, provide a list of references as an appendix. This will mean a lot of work for you, and will probably have to be adjusted after the galley proof stage to suit the different pagination from the manuscript layout.
But mostly I just indicated by formatting to make it obvious that the words were a quote and left the reader to look it up if so minded. There are plenty of sites like 'Bible Gateway' that make it easy to search for a phrase in the Scriptures, specially if you know which translation to search. You can place a note that 'all quotes are from...' and then give you preferred version, or even a couple of them if you find no one translation is suitable in every case.
If you want, that 'Rome in the East' book is available for free download through my Goodreads author page (Tito Kithes Athano) and you can browse through to see how well my approach suits your purposes.
All the best!
I decided to add a footnote to mine anyway. I just use an asterisk instead of a number*.
Lila wrote: "I decided to add a footnote to mine anyway. I just use an asterisk instead of a number*."In one of my books (non-fiction transcriptions of historical documents), I also used an asterisk to indicate references. An asterisk isn't as distracting as numbers. You could probably still put the references in an appendix, sorted by chapter and page number. That way those readers who are interested can turn to the back and easily find the chapter and page to look up the reference without the cumbersomeness of numbered endnotes. For instance:
Chapter Four
p67: Isaiah 58:11, Psalm 121:1
p71: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Chapter Five
p85: Proverbs 3:5-6
etc.
I think having the references at the end instead of as footnotes would be less distracting. But I think you have a great idea to use asterisks instead of numbers! People can figure it out from there.
G'day all!I'm looking for some feedback, perhaps even a beta-read, for a novel just under 100,000 words. This is not an explicitly Christian book, but it should be a respectful conversation-starter. Think Dan Brown, but with some credibility.
The basis is a series of archaeological digs culminating in what might (or might not) be Jesus' bones. The evidence can be read in several different ways, which is the whole point of the book. It is about how everyone looks at 'the facts' through his or her own pre-conceptions. It is a plea for people to assess ALL the evidence available, not just the bits that they want to hear.
Perhaps uniquely, this book has no 'evil adversary'. Each person on every side, even those that the reader might find personally unsavoury, is motivated by a desire to promote a Good greater than their own person benefit. Even the mainstream Anglican (Episcopalian) and the celebrity tele-evangelist, although opposed in their interpretations, respect each other's integrity.
Anyone interested?
I am interested in reading the book and commenting. You can check out my book review blog at http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com. You could send a file to my book reviewing email: jnienhuis328@gmail.com. I'd prefer a mobi file but could read pdf or epub.
Hello, authors! When you're ready for proofreading, I'd love to read your first five pages (1,250 words). As a full member of ACES (American Copy Editors Society), I specialize in proofreading Christian fiction and I'm very meticulous. Simply attach your document (preferably Word) in an email to info@christianproofreaders.com and write “Free Sample Proofreading” in the subject line. I’ll return the tracked changes to you within a few days.
G'day all!Can anyone give me a wise word about Wipf and Stock, the publishers?
by email if you don't want to go public.
bspringett@iprimus.com.au
I am an editor, also, Kali. If you would like me to read the first chapter (or 5 pages, whichever is more), I will give you a little feedback. I specialize in line-editing and proofing, though. I will give as much developmental advice as I can, but that's not my area of expertise. If you will go to my website, you can fill out the form at https:www.liladiller.com/editingservices.
I know guys you are probably use to this question. I have the idea, outline and now I am ready to write, and nothing. I can't do it!! So all your writers out there how do you start and how do you keep going. How long should I write each day? Yes I have a lot of questions because I really do have a wonderful idea for a Christian Fiction novel and really want it done my the end of next year, so any help or advice I would gladly appreciate!!
Mod
As for starting, the best thing is to just do it. Sit down and write.
As for keeping going, same thing. Sit down and write. It doesn't happen without you. :)
There's no trick to writing. No shortcuts. The only way it happens is to put pen to paper (or type it up on a computer or other device).
You can do this!
Andrea wrote: "Christine, my advice is to find chunks of time at least four days a week and stick to it. Mark it in your datebook or calendar if you need to, especially until you get used to the routine of sittin..." I have wanted to do this for a year and its a perfect time because I can't work because I am waiting for two surgeries. I just need to do it. I am full of stories and I just need to start. I appreciate your advice and I just have to do it!! I will keep you posted for how its all going!! Thanks again!!
Mod
Christine, one thing I've realized this year is that stress makes it hard for me to write. So I try not to push myself too hard. I find that 500 words a day is a good number because it's not very hard, and you usually find yourself writing a little more. The lack of stress of thinking, "I only have to write 500 words today" makes a big difference in your output.
I sympathise, T.K.!I have reviewed a few books in my time. I tell it honestly, good or bad, but I send a draft to the author before I publish it. If the author doesn't like it, I listen to the objections, If I don't accept the objections, the author has the final right to say "Don't publish anything!" In that case, I keep quiet.
To me, that is a common courtesy.
Mod
Considering this is a group of mostly readers, venting about the way some of us review books is probably not a good idea.
Just so you know, the Federal Trade Commission requires readers to give an honest review for any book they receive for free from a publishing company, blog tour, or author, etc. It is illegal for authors, publishers, launch team hosts, or blog tour hosts to require a positive review. It is also illegal for them to ask a reader to change their opinion or review of a book solely because they were offended or feel the reader didn't give the book a fair shake. The content of the review is the reader's honest opinion, and they have the right and responsibility to post it when they have received a complimentary copy of a book.
Even if the reader did not receive a complimentary copy of the book, they have every right to express their honest opinion, whether positive or negative, in a review.
Griping about how a reviewer rates or reviews an author's book is one of the quickest ways to alienate said readers and even potential readers. I know many readers who have stopped supporting authors they formerly adored, simply because said authors publicly complained about a negative review (even if it wasn't the reader's own review). I would be very careful about airing these sorts of grievances, especially on a public forum that any reader can easily see.
Andrea wrote: "Reviews are actually NOT for authors, believe it or not. They are to help other readers make informed decisions on which books they'd like to read next. The number of reviews is what counts for aut..."Sorry, you're right. My bad. I deleted the post in question.
Hello folks.I'm a seasoned beta reader, blurb writer and comprehensive editor with 7+ years of experience. Although most of the books I've edited in the past were secular in nature, I'm attempting to move into the more edifying genre of Christian lit. I still accept secular books every blue moon, but desire to specialize in books written by brethren. My rates are low, and my quality of work is high. Please feel free to contact me through Goodreads or via email (found below) for more information and my CV.
I'm also a published author, so I consider keeping an author's voice integral. Christian voices need to be heard now more than ever.
Thank you for taking the time to read this missive, and may God bless and guide you in your decisions.
S. Daisy
daisyediting[AT]mail[DOT]com
Mod
andreareneecox.com/write-in-faith-camp
I just read an article from Publishers Weekly which an industry insider sent to me (March 24, 2023). It's a discussion on trends in Christian fiction and a move toward distinguishing between overtly Christian stories vs what they're calling "Clean Fiction" which may have Christian undertones.Found it very interesting. When I wrote my first novel, I wanted it to be accessible to speak to people still on their journey to finding God. I've struggled a bit on how to tag it since it's a bit genre crossing and this emerging category seems to be helpful.
Thoughts?
I found it immensely helpful to identify my target reader. If your book is evangelistic and your target is unbelievers, you're probably better off categorizing it as clean fiction. A "seeker" would be looking for something labeled Christian, as would a believer. I am loud and proud for the believing audience and label my work as such. I get the conundrum of genre-crossing, but think it weakens your brand to be all things to all people. Pick your reader.
Alexandra wrote: "I found it immensely helpful to identify my target reader. If your book is evangelistic and your target is unbelievers, you're probably better off categorizing it as clean fiction. A "seeker" would..."For sure...writing for the target reader is definitely great advice.
In this case, I also had an "own story" to tell and it was around a theme that impacts people in all walks of life so I stayed true to God's work in my life while telling the story in an accessible way (or so I hope). :-)
Mod
https://andreareneecox.com/2023/10/16...
Mod
These two were helpful for editing after the first draft was written.
For me, writing is a calling, something God's pressed into my soul. I was sixteen when I first started taking writing seriously and believing I could do it for a living. Not exactly to the "for a living" part yet, but I'm working on it.
My main advice for publishing is to invest in good editing and high-quality cover art, particularly if self-publishing. If those two things aren't strong, books are dead on the shelves (physical or digital). Secondary advice: always be a student of your craft, so learn everything you can with each project you undertake.
Morgan wrote: "Hi everyone! I was wondering if there are any self-published authors here who would be willing to answer a few questions for me, please? Thank you guys!"What kinds of questions do you have, Morgan? I'm not sure I can answer all of them, but I'm willing to help where I can!
Morgan wrote: "Hi, Angie! Thank you for your reply; any advice you have to give will be greatly appreciated! My main questions have to do with distribution and cost effectiveness. Which distributors have you used..."I personally use Draft2Digital for the majority of my ebook distribution, and I go direct to KDP and Google Play. D2D can also distribute to Amazon, but it cuts out more of the royalties, which is why I still go direct with them. D2D distributes just about everywhere else, including some platforms that you can't individually upload to. Their formatting process is easy, and their support is great! One thing you should know is that if you distribute to any platform other than KDP, you lose some opportunities on the Amazon platform--things like being able to be in their KDP Select subscription program, or being able to set your book on sale to free for certain days. I don't like exclusively, so it's worth it to me to give those up, but your milage may vary.
Paperback editions can absolutely be done later!
I'm probably not the best person to advise you on editors. I don't have one, for a combination of reasons, but I know all the self-publishing gurus would be horrified. So yes, it is possible to get on without one. Whether it's the wisest idea for any individual writer, I won't try to say.
I hope that helps at least a little!
Mod
Editing is crucial to making sure your project shines as brightly as possible. Self-publishing still carries a stigma of being poorly edited, so investing in at least one round of editing (when you're able to do so) can help your books rise above the rest and turn around that stigma.
Now, which round of edits a person needs really depends upon their specific weaknesses. For instance, since I copyedit for a living, I wouldn't hire out that part (I would do it myself, since I can view my own writing objectively; if I did not have that discretion, I would hire out that round). But I would likely hire a developmental editor prior to the copyediting phase, to make sure I didn't miss any large plot holes or other things that are not in my editing specialty.
If a person's weakness was typos but they were strong in developmental and copyedits, they would likely hire a proofreader right before publication.
Betas and workshops are definitely helpful! They can cut down on how many rounds of edits are needed, for sure.
Through the whole process, keep paying attention to how your writing progresses from project to project. It is possible to come to a point where you don't need the same phase of edits or the same number of editors (if you began with more than one).
I wish you the best in your writing journey!
Hey! So, not a writing question but I am testing out cover art for a book that's still under development. The book is called "Running from the Storm". The short synopsis is "In the arid desert of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Chandra teaches English to the children of a small, impoverished village, seeking solace after her parents' tragic death. Andrew, grappling with grief and guilt from a construction accident that took the life of his young wife, oversees construction projects for the village church. When an accident injures Chandra, who resembles his late wife, Andrew's past trauma resurfaces. He flees into the desert on his motorcycle, but a crash leaves him stranded and injured. As Chandra prays for him and the villagers mount search parties in a desperate attempt to find him, a sudden monsoon unleashes its fury upon the parched land, further complicating Andrew's perilous predicament. In the face of certain death, will Andrew's cry for redemption be answered by the God he has long rejected? And will Chandra's unwavering love and faith be enough to guide Andrew back from the brink of despair and into the arms of safety?" Here's the link to the cover I'm thinking of using: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF-sCNL.... Can I get some feedback on this? As a consumer of Christian Romance, does the cover reflect the genre? Does it convey the emotion and theme of the story? If you saw that cover in the Amazon Kindle store, would you be tempted to click on it to learn more? I would appreciate your critical opinions and advice. Thank you!
Hey, my name is Lisa and I have written two book. I am not a marketer and I struggle with it. Does anyone have any companies that they would suggest for marketing books?
Mod
Have you considered printing some bookmarks to hand out in-person? People generally love getting these and hearing what your book is about. It gives you a chance to connect with people on a one-on-one basis too, which I think helps a lot. Having a solid tagline to share when they ask about your book is helpful as well.
I love handing out bookmarks while I'm doing my weekly shopping or as I'm browsing at a bookstore. I also include them in my Christmas cards when I send those out (if I've sized them down enough to fit in the envelopes; my current ones are too long for this).
Leaving a bookmark or two with tips at restaurants or handing to cashiers at stores after they hand you your receipt can be fun ways to spread the word about your books.
Hope some of this helps!
Christian Fiction Devourers
Books mentioned in this topic
A Novel Idea: Best Advice on Writing Inspirational Fiction (other topics)Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself Into Print (other topics)
The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide To Staying Out of the Rejection Pile (other topics)
The received wisdom is that you need to have at least seven books, so readers will go on to..."
Chrys and Natasha . . .
If your books are Christian, or CLEAN, you ought to check with Celebrate Lit. I've never heard of a fairer deal for authors. I know on the e'books it's 75% and on paperback, 60%!!! NO ONE offers such GREAT royaties, but the CelebrateLit is all about supporting Christian authors (no language, steamy intimacies, or gross violence) Check it out! BLESSINGS!