Do Christian authors have a harder time promoting their books?

[Shawn Lamb]

This is just a question for thought as most of us try to cross markets in ABA & CBA. Still, there are decidedly Christian topics.

 

Writing YA fantasy, I don't down play my basic moral message, but sometimes putting 'allegorical' or using reviews that liken ALLON to Narnia or Lord of The Rings, can be a turn off.

 

I've had strong, die-hard Atheists and those of divergent beliefs read and enjoy my books, the problem is generating sustained interest in marketing while keeping my integrity before God.

 

Any other thoughts?

[Anna Aquino]

Hmmm good question.  In a few of my fiction books I kind of feel the same way.  Though those are unpublished and I'm not marketing them yet. . .I think mistakes can be made on both sides of this coin.  I think that sometimes when we label our work Christian we have this weird urge to make everything thing cheesy and hunkey-doorey.  When really people don't want that.  They want real three demensional charachters who serve a real God. . .on the flip side sometimes Christian writers are writing to the market versis writing Godly.  There putting in all sorts of ungodly things in their books just to get sold and that's uncool.  What is a person to do?  Be real.  Write the story the way you see it, then figure out later how to market it.  Continue to pray that God will open the doors that no man can open and close the doors He wants closed.  Dekker, and Peretti even being as Christian as they are have a cross market audience.  Look at the Left Behind series.  Many read those books who aren't typically Christian.  Write a story that God would be proud of!  That's my two cents on the matter.  :-)

[Shawn Lamb]

I agree. But there is a preconceived notion among the general audience that Christian writers only provide sweet romance or corny stories.  Now mention Dekker and Peretii and they are curious, but they write spiritual thrillers, as the is the Left Behind series.

 

Fantasy invokes a different image all together. To many Christians I must explain my stories are like Lewis and Tolkien and classic fantasy, not Harry Potter, witches or vampires. To non-Christians, lack of witches and vampires are a turn off, as well as being clean or sex and language. Even YA fantasies are becoming overloaded with inappropriate topics for kids.

 

Thus, as you have said and I wholeheartedly agree, I want God to approve of my books. After all, He gave me the talent and it should be used for His glory, not my own.

[Anna Aquino]

Valid point.  I would tell the story like you see it, and don't worry about how it's viewed.  I think there are a lot of non Christians that enjoy Narnia.  It's not a turn off, and while we all know the symbolism many don't follow it unless explained.  Absolutley YA fantasies are becoming overloaded with inappropriate topics for kids. . .all the more reason why you need to tell your story and let God be glorified. :-)

 

Shawn Lamb said:

I agree. But there is a preconceived notion among the general audience that Christian writers only provide sweet romance or corny stories.  Now mention Dekker and Peretii and they are curious, but they write spiritual thrillers, as the is the Left Behind series.

 

Fantasy invokes a different image all together. To many Christians I must explain my stories are like Lewis and Tolkien and classic fantasy, not Harry Potter, witches or vampires. To non-Christians, lack of witches and vampires are a turn off, as well as being clean or sex and language. Even YA fantasies are becoming overloaded with inappropriate topics for kids.

 

Thus, as you have said and I wholeheartedly agree, I want God to approve of my books. After all, He gave me the talent and it should be used for His glory, not my own.

[Tracy Krauss]

This is a tough question. Recently at an author reading event I was asked the question whether I would prefer my books in the regular stacks at the library or in the 'inspirational' section. My answer was the regular stacks, BUT there are issues with this on either side of the coin. I don't want my work to be segregated to a small section where the majority of people may not go. However, there is a strong Christian message in my work so some 'regulars' might find this too much, while some Christians may not find it in the regular section since they won't go anywhere but the small Christian section... Its a conundrum.

[Shawn Lamb]

Indeed, Tracy. We all want our books to cross markets for the most effect reach of our audience. Personally, I'm finding those most receptive to be at festivals, fairs and convention as the venue provides a place where there is no division, just face-to-face contact.

[Tracy Krauss]

This is interesting. I haven't attended any of those yet.

[Shawn Lamb]

It can be exhausting manning a booth for 2-3 days non-stop, but we've come to enjoy them very much.  In fact, we expanded from 2 last year to 4 this year and possible 5 next. Last September I was featured among "Emerging Authors" at the Decatur Book Festival, Decatur, GA just outside Atlanta. Over 80,000 people attended. I got to speak and have a signing. All prep to see if it was worth the cost of a booth this year. YES! It is one of the biggest book festivals in the country. 

 

I would encourage you to try something local first. I did my first event at a home school convention here in Nashville. I was only 1 of 2 authors there and it was great to interact with the kids. (I write YA fantasy - allegorical like Tolkien and Lewis) My daughter dressed up as the main female heroine of the series in a costume she designed. I think I have picture of her in costume on my page under photos.

[Smitty]

Very well said.

Anna Aquino said:

Hmmm good question.  In a few of my fiction books I kind of feel the same way.  Though those are unpublished and I'm not marketing them yet. . .I think mistakes can be made on both sides of this coin.  I think that sometimes when we label our work Christian we have this weird urge to make everything thing cheesy and hunkey-doorey.  When really people don't want that.  They want real three demensional charachters who serve a real God. . .on the flip side sometimes Christian writers are writing to the market versis writing Godly.  There putting in all sorts of ungodly things in their books just to get sold and that's uncool.  What is a person to do?  Be real.  Write the story the way you see it, then figure out later how to market it.  Continue to pray that God will open the doors that no man can open and close the doors He wants closed.  Dekker, and Peretti even being as Christian as they are have a cross market audience.  Look at the Left Behind series.  Many read those books who aren't typically Christian.  Write a story that God would be proud of!  That's my two cents on the matter.  :-)