It can be rather confusing for attendees of Christian writers conferences or writers groups when publishing experts offer advice on craft, platform development, dealing with agents and publishers, or just about anything else. The reason for this confusion lies in the writer’s priorities and needs, rather than in actual conflicting information.

An author needs to determine their objectives first. Then they filter out information that doesn’t apply, so the problem of conflicting information has been solved!

Among Christian writers, there are three different categories: vocational, avocational, and personal. The difference is the extent to which they prioritize and incorporate writing into their lives.

The vocational writer/communicator pursues relentlessly, remaining open to all opportunities to work and succeed. No Plan B. The avocational writer might be quite skilled, but fits writing into the gaps in their life. It is a lesser priority. The personal approach is far more casual, keeping a skill active enough to contribute now and then. No competing, no rejection.

Depending on your situation, view advice this way:

Personal Writers

“I just want to get my book published.”

• Craft – Pick up a couple of tips to improve.
• Industry information – Pick and choose what fits you. Ignore the rest.
• Platform development – Take it or leave it.
• Agents – Do you need an agent? No. At conferences, talk to them as consultants, not for representation, since they are looking for vocational writers.
• Publishers – Focus on author-paid options.
• People – Make as many connections as possible with others like you.

Avocational Writers

“I have a couple of ideas that might be interesting.”

• Craft – Focus on the fine points to improve. Push yourself with more mid-level or advanced tracks.
• Industry information – Same as above, but pick and choose what fits your work. Ignore what isn’t applicable.
• Platform development – Focus on one or two activities and do them well, rather than spreading yourself too thin.
• Agents – Do you need an agent? Maybe. Talk to them as consultants and for suggestions to improve your chances in the market, but prepare for rejection, as you might “not be ready yet.”
• Publishers – OK to meet with traditional publishing editors, but be prepared for rejection. Remember, you are competing for attention with vocational writers. Be aware of author-paid options. Be flexible.
• People – Make connections with people like you and those with more experience with a little more intentionality.

Vocational Communicators

“I want to focus my life on life-giving words.”

• Craft – Push yourself with advanced tracks or teach them yourself. Create self-imposed deadlines as a framework for writing. Make yourself uncomfortable. Be open to being proven wrong and adjust.
• Industry information – Same as above. The more challenging the better.
• Platform development – Since this is a significant part of your overall work-life, study it and work at it. Challenge yourself. Continually learn new approaches. Learning about uncomfortable information works here as well.
• Agents – Talk to them as consultants to gather information, maybe for representation, but also for honest suggestions to improve your chances in the market.
• Publishers – Be more intentional with those you meet. Do your homework. Not every publisher publishes every kind of book. Be aware of good author-paid options if you want to add a “both/and” hybrid approach to your career.
• People –Stretch yourself and be strategic. After all, it is who you know. Focus on those who can help you.

Determine which path you are on and filter out the information that doesn’t pertain to you. It will eliminate the mixed messages, and everything will begin to make more sense.