(Updated 1/9/2025)
The longer I am around Christian publishing, the more I see history repeat itself. Steve Laube and I will often comment to each other about how many of the bestselling authors in the Christian book world are the same today as they were a generation ago. So, this work has a substantial element of “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”
What am I looking for in book proposals from Christian authors in 2025?
I like all types of nonfiction and some books for children.
I do not represent authors of fiction. Other agents are far better equipped than I am in that area.
If you aren’t familiar with publishing terminology, two terms used to describe the mix of sales for a publisher or book category are “frontlist” and “backlist.”
Frontlist means new titles, and backlist means titles still selling a year or more after publication.
Adult nonfiction can be an equal mix of new and backlist titles for publishers, but some publishers will skew more toward one or the other. A publisher with 90% of their sales coming from new titles is much more aggressive in acquiring new books. Those where backlist books comprise the lion’s share of sales have a different approach to acquiring new titles.
Overall, sales of books for children are heavily backlist driven, so the opportunity for new authors to break into that category is limited and competitive.
In 2025, publishers will acquire books to release in 2026, 2027, and beyond.
As a reminder, books contain big messages that can sell for a long time—or at least that’s the hope. Topics about something urgent and short-term should probably not be in books but in other media.
Since I want to be successful in selling proposals to publishers, I look for things they are looking for, reflecting their desires as much as possible when considering a proposal from a new client.
So, in a sense, it doesn’t matter what I like!
Other than compelling writing, here are characteristics I am looking for in authors:
- Effort: There is a writing track record. Books don’t just happen. They are the result of a lengthy process of work.
- Credibility: Theology books by respected theologians, apologetics books by respected apologists, history books by historians, etc. Even if you are an excellent writer, you must have the credentials accompanying your writing.
- Focus: Only a handful (as in less than a dozen) of authors successfully navigate various categories and usually succeed in one before trying another. You need to start somewhere. Pick a lane for a good long while before diversifying.
- Marketing:You won’t get far without a good start on personal marketing. The lack of an author platform will be a problem down the line, so get started now if you haven’t already.
I desire to have an author published well. This can take time, so prepare yourself for the journey.
