Into the Fire

In keeping with the niche novel discussion, is it absurd to suggest there are too many CBA novels on the shelves? Not only CBA novels but general market (secular) novels?

When a reader can’t find his/her kind of novel on CBA sites or recommended by people/authors/pros they respect, the answer to the “too many” question might be either yes or no. Too many of one kind, not enough of other kinds.

We’ve all read and heard that the glut of CBA novels remains in romance and women’s fiction: these are the foundational bestsellers in the Christian novel spectrum. Those who read, relish, and reproduce romance novels sit pretty in the top tier of the industry. There is no shortage of general market romance readers for sure and might even measure up as a larger group proportionately. This points to women buying the bulk of fiction in either market.

The huge number of novels on shelves of any bookstores makes a yet-to-be published author queasy. The most ambitious and optimistic of the bunch imagine seeing their novels on those shelves one day. Realistic? Who’s to say?

It seems the publishing industry is in flux. Economic issues, e-books, POD, Lulu, the steep ladder to gaining access to agents and editors, and so many variables seem to have put the biz a little back on its heels. The echoes of “most books not earning out their advances” strains the credibility of the professionals’ choices for publishing contracts. Some claim the emphases on platforms rather than on actual writing talent have been responsible for some less than scintillating novels. And just yesterday Dee Stewart over at The Master’s Artist brought out the dirty little secret of evidentiary racism in the CBA publishing ranks.

The glut of novels is just the tiny tip of the proverbial iceberg. The slush piles, queries, proposals—all have agents and editors spending hours and hours trying to diminish the stacks of writers seeking publication. The odds of being selected have never been any greater than they are right now. The focus of marketing somehow shifted to place the majority of responsibility upon the authors, although some publishing houses are more accommodating than others. It’s been suggested to writers to hire publicists with their advances, being warned they’re the best persons to sell their books. (I would argue most authors are the best people to discuss their novels but not necessarily to sell them.)

The weird position of today’s publishing industry suggests the status quo is changing. Past successes might not prevail. How the industry morphs into something new or different or stretches to find what will ultimately create a new kind of growth remains to be seen. But it does suggest that feeding the niche market can’t hurt if there’s a way to make it profitable.

God, Lord of all Creation, you see all things. You ordain the steps of your people. You know hearts. You make streams in the deserts. Thank you, Jesus. Am desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.