- Joined
- Jul 16, 2006
- Messages
- 14,627
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brainstorm77 said:Do writers need to submit through an agent to Bethany House?
brainstorm77 said:What things about a manuscript are likely to grab your attention when it comes across your desk? Also what are the current trends you have noticed in Christian fiction?
cpatt said:I look very closely at the first paragraph, even the first line. Did it hook me? Then the first chapter – is anything interesting happening? Can I picture the characters and setting? Do I want to keep reading?
I love original, clever ideas. Good writing and storytelling, of course, impress me because, I’ll be honest with you, most of what I read in proposals is subpar. I’m looking for a manuscript that makes me want to stay past five to finish reading. I like a strong narrative voice.
An interesting trend right now is a surge of popularity in certain genres. For the most part, these genres are new or recent to CBA. Those genres are
suspense
humorous romance (both historical and contemporary)
chick lit and mom lit
literary fiction
JennaGlatzer said:My WIP is a novel about a black pastor in 1960's MS with themes of intercession, spiritual warfare and racial reconciliation. According to your guidelines this would not be accepted because the time period is after 1950. Is that Bethany's standard or industry wide definition?
David
Bk_30 said:My question has more to do with your youth market though. In your guildlines it says that you do not accept unsolicited proposals for full-color picture books. This lead me to believe that you do not accept any quiries for picture books, was I wrong? What is the comming trend for christian childrens picture books and early/easy reader books for the christian market?
Good Word said:I've been wondering about promotion and PR. What is expected of the author in terms of promotion? What does a publishing company the size of Bethany House sees as its role? Do you have PR staff?
Something else: When someone like you reads as part of your job, do you ever get to read for fun? What was the last book you purchased in a book store or online?
Birol said:Thank you for joining us, Charlene. I was wondering about the publication process post-acceptance. (Yes. I know. Ego. ) What are the so-called normal steps and timeline?
Roger J Carlson said:My question: do you see any market for Christian Science Fiction (as opposed to Fantasy)?
veinglory said:Hi there! I have a general sort of question. A lot of writers seem to think the author should be doing masses of promotion. However the only publishers who really push this idea seem to be the ones whose sales are terrible (making me think it is largely a blame shifting tactic). I would be interested in knowing what you think is an appropriate amount of promotional activity for a new author with their first book coming out--and what sorts of author-initiated promotional activity are actually effective (or ill-advised).
Stef said:Hi, Charlene! Thank you for answering our questions. Does Bethany House have a statement of faith for their authors to sign?
Blogs are everywhere these days. Do you recommend that your authors use them as a promotional tool? Have you ever really discovered an author through a blog?
Is it more difficult for BH to have first novels reviewed?
Do you put awards clauses (like the Christy) in contracts? For example, "If this book is nominated for or wins an award, royalties will increase by X%".
maestrowork said:Hi Charlene, thanks for being here. I have a question about distribution -- how does Bethany House work with their distributors to get the books out there, or do you have your own sales force? And do all your authors' books get on the shelves, and if not, how are they made available to the buying public?
Thanks,
Ray
cpatt said:One thing some first-time authors don’t do that I absolutely need them to do is finish the manuscript. What I care about first and foremost is if you can write a good story - and keep it going for 350 pages. I also like to see authors get several critiques by trustworthy people on the manuscript so they are giving me their best possible product.