When I review a proposal for a nonfiction book, I first look at the author, then the book concept and marketing platform, and then everything else. Often, I am left with more questions than answers if the author buries information about themselves on page eight or is vague about their background.
Who are you?
What do you do?
How long have you been writing?
What do you believe? (because this is Christian publishing)
Where do you live?
And just so you know, yes, it is my business to know this information to represent you well. And if you consider your faith confidential information, there’s a personal spiritual issue about being a clandestine Christian that needs attention. (because this is Christian publishing).
No mystery authors. No mystery Christians.
While simply identifying yourself as a Christian works in most areas of life, in the Christian publishing world, we need to know what kind of Christian you are. The term Christian has been used so broadly that it actually isn’t a description of your theological perspective.
Likewise, “Christian publishing” is not only one thing and is not easy to define.
So, we need more information about your belief structure and will ask specific questions about your church, its teachings, and approach.
Several times over the years, in a client’s proposal to publishers, I’ve placed the author’s information on page one, so a reviewer knows that what follows is someone they will want to work with.
Of course, to the public, you need to be more veiled. It really is none of their concern where you live, what information about your family you share, or which church you attend, unless you want them to know. In fact, as an author grows in reputation, you will likely want less information widely available, as you will be known by your books.
But when working with an agent and a publisher, you need to be more transparent.
Traditional book publishing shares some characteristics with academia. Among them are requirements that authors have the credentials and authority to write. Publishers want books on economics from economists, on sociological issues from sociologists, on music from musicians, and on theology from theologians.
I know that great truths about God can be understood by everyone; but, again, even in traditional Christian book publishing, credentials are required.
When reviewing a proposal, those in publishing ask the question, “Of all the people in the world who could write this book, why this author? Why now?”
Some practical items:
- Have a website that is easy to find. Include your picture and an About tab that clearly states who you are, with as much info as you want to share.
- In a proposal to an agent, start with information about you and even address the issue head-on: “Of all the people in the world who could write this book, why me? Why now?”
- Don’t self-endorse. Leave effusive statements about your work to your endorsers.
- In the author bio, make your information clear and unmistakable. Save the creative prose for the book text. There will be a time and place for glowing language about you, but it will be written by a publisher’s marketing staff.
Don’t be a mystery author. Be a real person with ideas who communicates well.
It works every time.
