Often, strangers ask me what a literary agent does. Once I tell them, they’ll want to share with me that they are writing a children’s picture book. Or an aunt, cousin, or friend, is writing one. I think a lot of parents write read-aloud books because they are part of the bedtime ritual with their own children and perceive that the volume of books published means the market is vast. Unfortunately, it is not, as I discovered when I wrote three of my own, never-to-be-published children’s picture books. But I digress.

When I said that I present books to editors, an auto mechanic asked, “So you are teaching the editors how to read?”

Most people understand what I mean when I say I’ve written Bible trivia books, but conversations can get more lively when I tell them I’m the author of Christian romance novels. One recent reaction was laughter. And more laughter. I think he may have even pointed at me.

Another response: “Like, in the ads where you see ‘Meet Christian Singles’?”

To my surprise, a churchgoing relative asked, “What are those? Christians having a romance?”

I’m always amazed by how many Christians are not even aware of Christian books. That’s something we as publishing professionals need to change.

Your turn:

Would you like to share any interesting or unusual responses when you say you are in Christian publishing or a Christian writer?

How would you define Christian romance novels?

What do you think we can do to bring more potential readers to our book shelves?