Bethany J.
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Post by Bethany J. on May 7, 2013 22:49:19 GMT -5
Hello everyone, With my manuscript in the "queue" somewhere at MLP, it was suggested to me that I could submit elsewhere while I'm waiting...and waiting...and waiting. I assume that because I was not asked for exclusivity by MLP, this would be all right. If I'm wrong, someone please correct me! I'm wondering if anyone can suggest more Christian publishers or agents I could submit to (the book is soft science-fiction, BTW, which is my primary genre, but I do write some fantasy and urban fantasy). Aside from MLP I'm not sure I will be interested in other small presses, but I am thankful for any suggestions you have for me! I only know a handful of names, and googling "Christian publishing companies" brings up mostly vanity presses... -- Bethany
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Post by Ranger Varon on May 8, 2013 8:53:58 GMT -5
As far as publishers for Christian sci-fi, MLP is pretty much it, except perhaps Port Yonder Press, but they're not accepting submissions right now.
Agents are the only other ones I can think of, and I don't know any of them.
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Post by metalikhan on May 8, 2013 11:14:49 GMT -5
The choices are slim for specifically Christian SFF, and some of them have stopped accepting that kind of work (either temporarily or permanently) and moved to crossover or mainstream works. For an author seeking a publisher, that translates as much tougher competition by sheer volume for very few open publication slots. Remember, most indie presses only publish one or two titles per year. And several, like PYP, have found it necessary to strictly limit submission periods because of overwhelming volume, especially of inappropriate submissions. I think authors forget that the small presses don't have a large publisher's budget, and whatever staff there may be is volunteer -- folks who work other jobs to pay bills and buy groceries. Manuscript decisions (look at more or pass on it) are frequently made within the first dozen sentences of a submission. IMO, it's one reason for so many of them moving to a form submission process -- streamlined, at-a-glance fields of the info really needed to make an initial quick decision.
For a number of writers, the questions arise: How blatantly Christian is my work? Can it qualify as crossover? Can it withstand mainstream competition? Would I be willing to revise heavily to tone down Christianese wording or doctrinal dissertation, even if such is core to the story?
Not much help, I guess. When you search, try looking for members of small/ independent publishing groups or associations. Depending on the group requirements, presses usually have to provide some kind of track record to show they aren't vanity/subsidy presses in order to become members.
Best of luck in your seach, Bethany!
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Bethany J.
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Visit me at my blog (simmeringmind.com) or my Facebook page (Bethany A. Jennings)!
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Post by Bethany J. on May 9, 2013 13:16:59 GMT -5
I'm also interested in names of agents. I know that's the only way to get your work to most publishers.
I would consider toning down the "Christianese" in my work but I feel as though it would impact the characters and a lot of their decisions wouldn't make sense without knowing their convictions. I don't know.
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Post by fluke on May 10, 2013 10:53:04 GMT -5
I would consider toning down the "Christianese" in my work but I feel as though it would impact the characters and a lot of their decisions wouldn't make sense without knowing their convictions. I don't know. Use exactly the amount of Christianese and doctrine needed to tell the story well. No less. No more.
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Post by metalikhan on May 10, 2013 12:02:35 GMT -5
The only agents I can think of offhand are the Terry Burns agency and the Steve Laube agency. A google search might give you a listing, but you'd have to do some digging to check out what kind of works they actually represent.
A caveat: I submitted a proposal to the Steve Laube agency a long time ago. Preparing a proposal according to an agency's requirements isn't for the faint of heart! And you do have to follow the requirements to the letter, no less than when you submit directly to a publisher. The Steve Laube agency didn't accept my work, but whoever handled the proposal was very kind and helpful in letting me know how I needed to improve both my work (there was a 3 chapter sample included) and packaging a proposal. Even with the rejection, it was a pleasant and informative experience.
But another option may be the self-publishing one if all other avenues seem to go nowhere. If your work draws enough attention (in sales, reviews), you may then be able to approach a larger publisher or an agent with more than just a proposal. There are a few out there who track that kind of thing.
And you might consider Christian writers organizations such as ACFW to see what recommendations they might have for agents and publishers who handle Christian fiction.
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Bethany J.
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Post by Bethany J. on May 10, 2013 12:47:26 GMT -5
I'll have to look up the Terry Burns agency; I hadn't heard of them. I've been researching the Steve Laube agency and actually putting together a proposal based off their guidelines (mostly for practice, not necessarily because I am going to submit yet). I find myself confused by some of the guidelines...for example, when they say, "include a promo sentence and a sales handle"...do I just put those out there on the page, labeled as such, or do I have to organize them into some kind of well-crafted essay that includes all the other things they're asking for too? I've never put together a proposal before. Queries and a synopsis, yes, but not a full-blown proposal.
I know self-publishing is fantastic for some authors but to me personally, it would feel like giving up. Maybe I'm just stubborn that way. I don't have enough faith in the value of my own work to say, "No matter what publishers/agents say, this is a good book and it should go on the market." I'd lack the confidence to put it out there all on my own. But that's just me.
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lexkx
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How nice to know that if you go down the hole, Dad will fish you out.
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Post by lexkx on May 13, 2013 9:53:26 GMT -5
Bethany, Each agent/agency tends to have a slightly different format for their proposals, so getting used to writing marketing and having a couple different arrangements of materials is a good idea. Titles for each page (like CV or Similar Works or Taglines) breaks things up, makes it easy for the agent/editor to assess if you deliver what you say, and can be quickly cut and pasted if an alternative format is asked for. I fell into my agent's lap (total God thing) when he wasn't taking on new clients, and he was gracious and patient about helping me put together proposals that work for him. (Of course, he doesn't do YA or SFF, so I'm on my own for those genres, but his wisdom, experience, and professional approach to the business of writing are very encouraging to me.) We're becoming a tech-dependent age, but you should look into Sally Stuart's Writer's Guide to the Christian Market. A lot of good, valuable research goes into that every year. (I borrow the library's copy rather than shell out $$$ every year for an updated one.) If you are subtle about your faith, some secular SFF publishers will listen to your pitch. Especially if the story is strong. You can cross-reference for publishing houses and agents who are interested in SFF, and then start researching for writer feedback. Who do they publish? How do they work with their clients? Most publishers will not endorse particular agents, even when they have a good relationship, and writers are often discouraged from pushing other writers on their agent. Another book to look into is Terry Whalin's Book Proposals That Sell. He's been at both ends of Christian publishing, and his advice is straightforward and useful with agents and editors. Randy Ingermanson's Advanced Fiction Writing website/e-zine is another good source for wise tips and practical advice. You might be at a point where attending a conference is a good idea. I'm now a member of ACFW, but when I started dipping my toes into "the publishing industry," there was a local writers' conference that a friend dragged me to. I would start with one of these. Less time-consuming, less expensive, and good agents and editors will attend with the intent of fostering new talent. If you can find a smaller Christian writers' conference in your area, attend. I can't think of any agents other than Steve Laube, but he's *not* God. Much as he's likeable and interested in SFF. Every year, there are agents and publishers who decide to branch into SFF and others who decide not to take on new authors in that area. What you most want to pursue is a relationship with your agent that is professional, productive, cooperative, and encouraging. If the agent you want is kind but withdrawn, and doesn't follow up with you, consider an agent who is a little more passionate about the possibilities of your work. Chip MacGregor is sometimes interested in SFF, but I really don't know what he's doing these days. Stepping out from writing to publishing is exciting and scary, and I don't think I'm the only one praying for your continued growth and fruit.
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Bethany J.
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Post by Bethany J. on May 13, 2013 14:27:17 GMT -5
Thanks, lexkx! That's a lot of great advice! Those books seem like good ones to look into, and I'd love to go to a conference sometime. After some thinking I've determined that I'm not ready to wade this deep into the market yet, just because of the season of life I'm in (I have a 2-year-old and an infant at home and we're moving into our first house next month...I'm pretty busy!). Unless MLP accepts my book, which would be fantastic, I think I'll go back to just writing and dreaming for awhile, and doing lots of research so I can submit to other places in the future, when my "normal life" has slowed down a bit. Oh, and thank you for your prayers! I really appreciate that.
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Post by morganlbusse on May 14, 2013 12:11:07 GMT -5
Hi Bethany, It's been a while since I was here, so I missed your original post. Here are some indie companies that specialize in Christian speculative fiction (that I know of): Marcher Lord Press Splashdown Books Port Yonder Alt Wit Press (this one is a new press a couple friends of mine started, seems to be doing really well) Written World Communications I think Digital Dragon also does some books Agents: Steve Laube Amanda Luedeke Rachel Kent I think you are wise to slowly shop around with little ones at home. I remember how much I wanted to publish a book, but had a feeling I could not balance everything with little kids (I had 4 at home). Now that I am published, it was so worth the wait! Especially now that my kids are in school. If there is anything else we can help you with, just let us know Morgan
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Bethany J.
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Visit me at my blog (simmeringmind.com) or my Facebook page (Bethany A. Jennings)!
Posts: 176
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Post by Bethany J. on May 15, 2013 9:35:50 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions, Morgan! Yeah, I've been wanting to publish since I was 12 or 13 - I once had dreams of being a teen author like Christopher Paolini...hahaha. Now that I'm past my teens and I'm just a "boring grown up" writer, I don't mind waiting longer. It'll give me more time to hone my craft.
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Post by beckyminor on May 25, 2013 21:03:37 GMT -5
Sorry for dredging up an ancient thread, but you might also put Nicole Resciniti on your list of agents. She's interested in spec fic, and I think she even takes unsolicited submissions.
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Bethany J.
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Post by Bethany J. on May 26, 2013 22:25:41 GMT -5
Thanks, Becky!
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Post by Christian Soldier on May 29, 2013 3:36:17 GMT -5
Bethany, if it's short fiction, you might also consider publication through TC2. submissions at crossandcosmos.com
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Bethany J.
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Visit me at my blog (simmeringmind.com) or my Facebook page (Bethany A. Jennings)!
Posts: 176
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Post by Bethany J. on May 29, 2013 14:47:17 GMT -5
No, it's a fairly long soft science fiction novel, and I rarely write short fiction. Thanks for the suggestion, though!
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