DIVERSE PUBLISHERS

A couple of things happened this week that reminded me that I need to share some of the personal philosophy that feeds into the development of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide. From time-to-time I hear from writers who want to know why a particular publisher or listing has been included in the latest edition.

I had an e-mail from a loyal market-guide user that suggested I shouldn’t include publishers that also published New Age or other religious philosophies that were not consistent with evangelical Christianity. I answered her query as I have often answered it in the past. It is my belief that if these publishers are open to material written from a Christian point of view (I don’t include them unless they are)—along with whatever other points of view they include—then we are missing the opportunity to spread the gospel to readers who are looking for answers. I understand that not all Christian writers are called to such a mission field or would be comfortable writing in that venue, but I know from experience that many are and they appreciate these opportunities. I am always on the lookout for opportunities to help writers be salt and light in a world searching for answers.

I also read a review of the market guide this week from a reviewer who claimed the market guide was not Christian because the Resources Section for Writers included references to general resources as well as Christian. My belief is that because the process of being or becoming a writer and honing our skills is the same for those in the Christian or general market—only the message is different—we can benefit from whatever resources are out there.