Into the Fire

Niche novels. “Literary” novels supposedly don’t sell well in CBA. I think it depends upon your definition of “literary”. And, believe me, it always depends on who you ask. The general consensus claims a literary novel uses lovely language to tell a story. Sometimes that story revels in quirky characters or circumstances but certainly not always. Some editors search for these niche novels and hope their houses will take a chance on their success much like those editors who seek out and push for speculative fiction.

Literary novels don’t often translate well to “commercial” novels. There are multiple opinions as to why this might be, but we do have some notable writers in CBA fiction who could be labeled as literary authors. Here is a sampling of my selections: Tom Morrisey, Chris Fabry, Athol Dickson, Tosca Lee, Susan Meissner, and—based on one book of hers—Lisa Samson. A few years ago Bethany House published the very quirky and short little novel Danny Gospel written by David Athey (reviewed here). My review says it all. I dare say if I had written the book, it would be lying in stasis with the rest of my novels, but with David’s credentials and intellectual appeal, the novel made it into print, most likely due to Dave Long’s hard sell, but I’m not entirely sure about that, more of a guess really.

Regardless of your feelings or preferences concerning literary novels, they deserve a place in CBA publishing just as any other niche novels do. The problem for any niche book is selling it. If it’s produced in the same vein as, say, a Karen Kingsbury novel—which of course wouldn’t happen—then it will fail. The practicality of printing larger amounts of books as opposed to smaller means the publisher traditionally pays less to print more. However, if the printer would work with the publisher in printing smaller numbers for niche novels by establishing some kind of discounts for its loyal customers, wouldn’t it be possible to produce these niche books for those readers who enjoy them? This working arrangement could also help new authors who have yet to gain recognition. Producing smaller quantities gives opportunities for both publisher and author to “earn out”. No? Someone please enlighten me if I’m wrong here because all I’ve ever been told is: “It doesn’t work like this.” Or “It isn’t done that way.” Why not? If not before, why not now when publishing is being threatened by e-books and POD?

I’d really like to know.

Lord, lead me on to the place you have for me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.