Blogger: Mary Keeley
Lately I’ve been thinking about special challenges nonfiction authors face. Since so many novelists are away at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference (ACFW), today is a good time to focus on nonfiction. But stick with me, all you novelists who couldn’t make it to ACFW. In recent conversations with editors I gleaned information that will interest you too.
For Nonfiction Writers
I remember when Donald Miller’s book Blue Like Jazz released in 2003. The word-of-mouth buzz spread like a hyperactive virus. Why? It was a surprising different approach to the topic of Christian spirituality, unique in its presentation and voice in a way that perfectly matched his message. He tackled the subject not by means of a theological discussion, but by taking the reader along on his very personal search for God.
Surely the controversy this book stirred was a big contributor to the buzz, but that alone isn’t what eventually raised this book to New York Times best-seller status. Imagine if he’d written his message didactically. No, it was a combination of timing—there was a growing disillusionment with institutional religion—and writing about it from his personal experience—his story—told in his fresh voice that made his book distinctive.
This is what I’m hearing editors are looking for from newer authors: personal experience told with a unique voice about a timely issue. For years we’ve been hearing that nonfiction authors must have a huge platform to get a nod from publishers. This is frustrating for many fine new writers because it’s a circular argument: a published book helps build your platform. No doubt about it, you have to work hard to build your platform, but employing some tips from the Donald Miller example may help to bridge the gap to getting noticed.
For Fiction Writers
Speaking of story, I have interesting feedback for novelists too. A few editors I’ve heard from say it’s all about the story. Nothing really new there, and they are continuing to invest in their established genre authors because of the secure rate of return. BUT they also are looking for new novels that are outside of genre. One editor referred to them as “outlier (as in non-conformist) books” that tell an exceptional, captivating story.
Here is an opportunity for unpublished novelists. Bring that unusual story you wrote long ago out of electronic mothballs. Stop suppressing the unique story idea rolling around in your mind, the one that doesn’t fit into a current genre. Or come up with a brand new idea. Let your creativity soar unrestricted and come up with a concept.
I want to insert a word of caution here. If you have an agent, talk this over with him or her before moving forward on the writing or rewriting. Knowing you as a person and your strengths as a writer, she may want you to stay on track with your current WIP. Your agent’s job is to guide your career and advise you from a long-range perspective. If you don’t have an agent, enlist the help of your critique partners or an editor. “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success” (Proverbs 15:22).
What takeaways did you get from this editor feedback? How do they challenge you?
Sarah Thomas
You know, I think that approach to fiction really makes sense. Kind of like dividing your finances between some “safe” investments and some riskier stuff that has the potential to really pay off (or not!). I’m heartened to hear that editors are open to novels that fall outside the obvious trends. Those will surely be the trends of tomorrow!
Mary Keeley
Yes, Sarah. These editors are looking for the exceptional story, not to fill a particular genre. It’s freeing and optimistic for those who don’t write in a current in-demand genre.
Heather Day Gilbert
I definitely love hearing that CBA writers are looking for “out-of-the-box” writing, whether genre, time period, etc. This will definitely reflect the CBA readership better–people who have interests in many things and often have to go to the ABA to find books they enjoy.
Mary Keeley
Right, Heather. It opens doors.
Becky Doughty
Heather!
Reading this made my heart go all a-flutter for ya! YES! YES!
Jennifer Major
Mine too!
Evangeline Denmark
Now I’m curious about what Heather is writing. I’m one of those readers who often goes to ABA to find what I want to read. I think there are more of us than the marketing folks know about.
Heather Day Gilbert
Hi Evangeline! I write about the Viking era, basing my novels on the Icelandic sagas. Come on over and visit my blog sometime: http://www.heatherdaygilbert.blogspot.com. I’m personally quite fond of CBA fiction that can crossover and have a message for both believers and non-believers. AND I have some cool writing peeps that believe in my writing, too (you know who you are!). I checked out your blog and it looks lovely. Will follow and find out more about ya!
Morgan Tarpley
I’d give this comment an “Amen” too, Heather! I am crossing genres in my current MS and it is something done on a small scale in CBA, but in a larger scale in ABA. Encouraging for us to know all of this, Mary!
David Todd
Thank you for the interesting perspective.
Mary Keeley
You’re welcome, David.
Deb Wuethrich
It’s a booster for me to hear something positive (besides or in addition to platform) for a non-fiction writer. I have a WIP that I often wonder if anyone will ever see, but your reference to Miller’s Blue Like Jazz is just what I needed to inspire me to get back to work on it. Thank you.
Mary Keeley
Deb, I’m glad you are inspired. Of course you still have to work hard on your platform: well-developed social media network, speaking, website. Those are more a factor now than back in 2003. But along with that, a well-written book about your personal experience on a timely topic, told in a unique voice may help to tip the scale for you.
Jenni Brummett
Reviving a previously popular genre is what I’m trying to do in my WIP. I thinks its a genre that could translate well in CBA, but I haven’t seen much written in this regard yet. This makes me nervous and excited all at once.
Mary Keeley
Best wishes to you, Jenni.
Jennifer Major
I would have to say that inter-racial relationships are still rather non-conformist, although I can see that to be changing. Cross cultural, inter-racial and ‘falling in love over 40’ pretty much stands on the rim of the box.
And in other news… thanks for the ‘mothballs’ reminder! I need to buy some to sprinkle in our culvert to get rid of the skunks. It’s amazing how many people won’t visit if they have to run a gauntlet of skunks.
Becky Doughty
Jennifer,
Like Heather, when I read this, I thought of you! Oy! Yes!
P
Jennifer Major
Mwah and oy backatcha!!
Mary Keeley
Ah, I can see the wheels are turning already, Jennifer. Good suggestions. A client of mine, as well as others have written non-fiction books on inter-cultural and inter-racial relationships, but the field is wide open in Christian fiction. Many of the general-market novels on the subject are far from a healthy portrayal.
And thanks for your tip on another use for mothballs.
Jennifer Major
Thank you Mary, I’m glad the field is wide open, because I don’t want to get stuck in a box. And the wheels are done churning, now they’re running a spell check.
If the mothballs don’t work, try dried chilies. I know, right? If I’m not schilling recipes, I’m giving skunk advice. That’s what we well rounded Proverbs 32 women do.
Meghan Carver
Mary, what about fiction writers writing about issues? I love the idea of non-conformist books. I would fit my first novel into that category, but it was rejected by three different agents. One agent specifically told me that Christian fiction readers don’t want to read about “issues.” (On a side note, I don’t think I was preaching, and my beta readers confirmed that.) Thanks, again, for some great tips!
Mary Keeley
Meghan, I think that generally is true. Christian fiction readers don’t want an author trying to tell them something–talking at them. This was reaffirmed to me recently. What I’m hearing is that editors are looking for a close connection between authors and their readers. It goes a long way toward building a loyal audience.
Becky Doughty
Mary,
I’m so glad the industry is considering “outside the box” novels – I’ve been reading inspy fiction for a hundred years (not quite, but sometimes it feels like it!) and I LOVE it when I stumble across something that’s well-written and NOT formulaic. I don’t even mind if the main character dies in the end if he or she becomes real to me throughout the book because life is like that. I’m very excited by this news and hope the spark turns into an inferno.
Yay!!!!
Mary Keeley
Becky, yes, it may be a spark now, but like you, I’m hopeful for an inferno.
Cheryl Malandrinos
Interesting and exciting information. It gives me hope for what I was talking about earlier in the week–blending passion and trends.
Thanks for ending my week on an inspiring note.
Mary Keeley
HI Cheryl. I’m glad the news inspired you.
Meadow Rue Merrill
Thank you, Mary, for your encouragement and for remembering non-fiction writers! The push to build a platform IS frustrating, and it is nice to know that editors are still looking for a strong story told in an original voice. Blessings to you!
Mary Keeley
A salute to non-fiction writers. I’m glad the news encouraged you.
Larry
It is well and good that they say that, but it is nothing that hasn’t been said before, and I have a feeling that many are the writers who will still get a nice “when you write something more mainstream please think of us” letter…..meaning, of course, that what editors are looking for is not innovative, original fiction, but the same plots, the same formulas, the same tropes and cliches but with slightly different adjectives and additives; still vanilla ice cream, but this time with SPRINKLES.
(I don’t mean to sound so jaded, but after plenty of coversations with those who ask for original ideas, characters, etc., and then….complain about getting what they asked for, this particular subject irks me a little).
Evangeline Denmark
Larry, I feel your pain! I’ve had the same experiences and thoughts as you seem to have had. And it’s so hard–so, so, so hard–to battle discouragement. And you’re right, it seems as if the editors say, “I want something different.” You hand them your manuscript and they say, “Not THAT different.”
It seems to me, and this is just my opinion, that the editors really DO want to see unique and orginal stuff, but often their hands are tied due to circumstances way beyond their control, like our stinky economy. The editors I’ve met are highly-intelligent, forward-thinking and creative people but not miracle workers. It takes time for these trends to change, but I think the change is coming. I certainly hope so since I don’t seem to be able to write normal stuff!
I just wanted you to know I sympathize.
Mary Keeley
Well said, Evangeline.
Heather Day Gilbert
Evangeline and Larry, as someone writing outside the popular time period for the CBA, I sympathize (and I’ve gotten some of those rejections).
I think it’s totally in the hands of the agents who will believe in good writing, no matter WHAT the time period/genre (so thankful for my agent!), and the editors who determine they’re willing to listen to the readers who WANT something different. I think often of the agent who finally agreed to rep THE HELP after like 60 rejections or the one who picked up TWILIGHT even though it was “too long.”
Nice to “meet” the both of you! And all the best with your writing.
Mary Keeley
I understand, Larry. But if what you’re saying were 100 percent accurate, Donald Miller’s book would never have been published.
Sally Bradley
I’m a fiction writer, Mary, and hearing this makes me think that I might have made a good move after all, writing this book that is out there just a bit. It helps me stay true to my goal for the story rather than try to wrestle it into something it isn’t.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Mary Keeley
Sally, if you have an exceptional story and you are passionate about writing it, you need to stay true to it. But have your critique partners or an editor review it thoroughly to make sure the writing is the best it can be before submitting.
Lisa
I have a questions about platform. I know everyone is different and it’s hard to put a time frame on things. But, is there an average amount of time it takes a writer to build a strong enough platform to interest agents and editors?
I write non-fiction and fiction. I am encouraged by your post. But, again, I find myself discouraged with the platform building. I began my journey just this past March, but I feel as though I am moving exceedingly slow.
I’d love to her anyone’s thoughts. Thank you!
Mary Keeley
The length of time it takes is an individual thing, Lisa. I’ve heard authors say they worked on their platform for 10 years before they got noticed by an editor.
These days social media helps to accelerate progress if you use it to it full potential.
Lisa
Thank you Mary.
Maybe, I need to be a little more patient… easier said then done :).
Evangeline Denmark
Mary, thank you for this post. It really is encouraging to know that editors are interested in seeing things outside the genre norms.
At a recent ABA-focused conference I kept hearing the term “genre mash up.” It seemed that no one could really define the term but they all agreed it was the next big thing. The only qualifying books I can come up with are titles like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and all the monster mash up classics, but I don’t think they were referring to just those books.
Have you heard that term? Have you been seeing a lot of projects that combine genres? I’m just curious to know if the predictions at that conference had any merit.
Lisa
That’s an interesting term. I’m interested to know more about it too.
Jennifer Major
“mash up”?
50 Shades of Gray Amish Dresses?
Lisa
That would be the mother of all mash-ups!
Evangeline Denmark
Oh my gosh! I happen to be in the basement with my mom and her assistant. I read your comment aloud and we all laughed till we cried. Good one, Jennifer!
Jennifer Major
Thank you. I’m here all week. 😉
Mary Keeley
Evangeline, that term may have originated with films. Think “Cowboys and Aliens” or a movie about a historical character in a contemporary setting. It’s interesting that the ABA market anticipates a similar “mashup” in publishing.
I’m not saying CBA editors are taking this kind of leap. Simply stated, the editors I’ve heard from are not seeking to fill a certain genre. They are open to considering an exceptional story whatever the genre.
Susi Robinson Rutz
Mary, this news is so encouraging. Your post gives me a sense of urgency to find more time to complete my book. The church is currently experiencing tremendous upheaval, but people are still seeking spirituality more than ever before. I’ve been working on my book for a few years, but I’ve become convinced that its time has come. Its time is NOW! I must get back to work. Thank you.
Mary Keeley
Susi, timing is of the essence if you are writing on that topic. A trade book published by a traditional publisher can take two years from contract to release.
Mary Keeley
I have the sense I need to insert a word of caution here. Don’t leap too far ahead. At the present time, editors are beginning to be open to an exceptional (repetitive use of that word, but it’s a perfect fit for our discussion)story, rather than seeking to acquire in the current in-demand genre.
Judith Rolfs
Mary, did you look at the query for Love Always, Mom I sent you several weeks ago which is exactly along these lines?
Heather Marsten
I think one has to consider who the audience is. I’m working on a memoir that probably many Christians would be uncomfortable reading for it gives details of abuse and some information about the occult. In a class I took, when I read a few pages of meeting a pastor who helped me to find a real relationship with God the Father and Jesus, the non-Christians in this class said, “This is eye candy for Christians.” It is what a Christian would want to see. This let me know that I didn’t show enough of the angst that I went through before I made the decision for salvation.
I also showed the manuscript to my Pastor’s wife, asking her if I told or showed too much detail. She told me that what I wrote was necessary to show those who had been hurt by abuse and involved in the new age that I was knowledgeable. Then she added, she grew up in a pastor’s household and had no knowledge of what I was writing about. For her, the book is fascinating for it helps her to know more how to minister to people who come from my situation. Instead of fewer details, she wanted me to show more.
Then there are those who would not want to see such graphic details, for it is true that once one sees something you can’t “unsee” it. And they don’t want to see this kind of negativity.
Perhaps there needs to be some rating system for books. Donald Miller touched in areas that make some uncomfortable and at the same time others find freeing. I’m not sure there is an easy answer to the question you pose.
Have a blessed day.
Mary Keeley
So true, Heather. You need to determine your target audience and speak to them.