Into the Fire

Not many writers will experience their work reaching this platitude. I’m sure there are certain authors who disdain such a distinguishing label because of many books which have made the bestseller lists of various publications. Nevertheless when a novel makes the New York Times Bestseller List, there is no denying that multiple readers have decided this is one book they want to read and want others to read as well.

Let’s face it: the NYTBL is no guarantee of prestigious writing, but it does seem to guarantee, depending upon how long the novel stays on this list, the book tells a story which excites the interests of diverse consumers. From The Da Vinci Code to The Shack to multiple Karen Kingsbury’s novels, there is a definite leaning toward interests in spiritual topics written into story form. Whether atheist or Christian or with myriad other religious overtones, books that somehow confront, dispute, enhance, or simply exemplify spiritual stories have gained an audience.

Most publishers aim high for the books they turn into print. At least they should. I know. We sometimes wonder what they had in mind when they publish some of what we’ve read. Is it crazy to expect them to always be on the hunt for that unique novel which will have wide appeal beyond the niche-type books we discussed in previous posts? Perhaps they’re more realistic than shooting for the moon. Maybe they just want most of their novels to make a few bucks, earn back their advances, and keep them in the black column. Maybe they want the fans of certain favorite authors to remain with those authors funding the way for newbies in the game. Maybe they want each new author they contract to be “the next big thing”, but most, I imagine, expect the new author to sell that puppy hard and make sure that advance wasn’t wasted.

This isn’t a soft jab against publishers at all. They have budgets, payrolls—the concerns of any businesses. The bottom line is the bottom line. And it depends on selling books. Bestsellers? Always welcome but difficult for most.

What do you expect?

Lord, you pave the way for your people to fulfill the purpose you have for them. So often we miss it. We crash down the doors or break through the windows. Help us to do what you have for each of us to do. For your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.