Christian Publisher vs. Secular?

[C. L. Richardson]

Hey guys, got a question for you. You can probably guess what it is from the thread title. I've been here before and asked a similar question.. Please be patient with me.. I got a lot of good answers from that thread but this one is slightly different and I'd like to collect more thoughts & opinions.

I'm writing a novel-length story that I'm not quite sure what to do with. The only thing I know for sure is that I would like it to be published in standard paperback format. Whether I should try for a Christian publisher or a secular one, or try to publish it myself, is the question bothering me now. The story is aimed at teens and young adults. The characters are African animals, mainly lions. I suppose it would fall into the fantasy genre although it does not contain magic or elves or any other creatures commonly associated with fantasy. The purpose of the story is to introduce the gospel to young people as they follow the main character who struggles to achieve his purpose in Christ. However, God is not referred to as God but "Adonai". Christ is not referred to as Christ but as "Yeshua, the White Lion". Christianity is not referred to as Christianity but "Yeshuism". And Yeshua the White Lion was not crucified. He was killed in a different manner more suitable for lions to carry out. (Etc, etc.) In other words the Christian theme is thinly cloaked to give it a new feel yet keep the message the same. So here comes the question.. If I want this book to be sold in standard paperback size, and most Christian publishers print paperbacks much larger than standard size (I'm talking page size in inches), would I be better off trying to go with a secular publisher? Would any secular publisher even touch a book with such a strong "Yeshuin" theme?

[Pat~]

There are secular publishers with Christian or religious 'imprints' who might be interested. Some 'crossover' type of books do well with them.

You might have a problem attracting the Christian publishers, too, in that you are up against some stiff competition with C.S. Lewis and his Narnia series, which has similar themes.

[Inspiewriter]

I agree with Pat.

[Jeremiah]

Hi C. L.

My daughter would love this story, she is in the age range you mention and she loves lions.

I have been looking out for Christian Publisers etc and the best suggestions I have found so far are to look on your own bookshelf to see who the publishers are and also have a look round Christian Bookshops.

Here is a link to a site I found in the UK which has some useful links.

http://www.christianwriters.org.uk/

God Bless

Jerry

[Judg]

I don't have enough experience to answer your question, but I would like to point out that the term "standard paperback format" is misleading. There are two standards: trade paperback and mass market paperback. The first is larger and is printed on better quality paper and usually has a better quality cover. The second is the size sold in drugstore revolving racks. Most books come out originally in either hardcover or trade paperback and mass market paperback rights are sold later if it does well. It is happening more and more that books are issued first in mass market format, but the problem with that is that they have virtually no chance of getting reviews.

I would rethink this insistence on a particular format. There is nothing in the world preventing your book coming out in more than one format, but the mass market size is rarely the first. A secular agent would probably try just as hard to talk you out of it as a Christian one. You could indicate your preference but insisting on it could be a pretty effective way of shooting yourself in the foot no matter which way you go.

Judging from your description of the book, I very much doubt that a secular publisher would want to take it on in any event.

Disclaimer: I'm not an industry insider, or even a published author, so maintain a healthy skepticism. I have spent a lot of time reading about how all this works though.

[C. L. Richardson]

Thanks for your replies, everyone!

Judg- Sorry, I wasn't sure what else to call it. "The size sold in drugstore revolving racks" <-- that's the size I was referring to. But you make a good point. Thanks.

[III]

If you have the time and energy, I'd say query any Christian or Secular publisher that look like they might be a good match for your genre. Even if they say no, it's still good practice and hopefully you'll get some good feedback along the way, and who knows, God might open a door that you weren't expecting. You're still young, so do it while you still have time and energy! :D

[windyrdg]

I would rethink the revovling rack thing. Those are called Mass Market paperbacks because they are printed in huge runs and disappear in a few weeks. Having merchandised books, I can tell you it's very disheartening to wheel away grocery carts of "pocketbooks" and pitch them into a dumpster.

If you want soft cover, consider the trade paperback, which is the format used by most Christian publishers. The books have a longer shelf life (pun intended) and, if they don't sell, are returned to the distributor to be restocked and sent out again.

Re: your thumbnail synopsis. I don't think that the Christian theme is very well hidden. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing. It sounds like what you're writing is an allegory.

As for querying. Very few publishers, even Christian publishers, still accept queries from authors. You'll need to find an agent. Their job is to decide the best palcement for your book.

Good Luck

[C. L. Richardson]

Thanks. :)