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Home » Theology » Page 3

Theology

Rejected Books

By Dan Balowon October 25, 2023
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With all the discussion about marketing platforms, some authors think the only thing standing in the way of being published successfully is the lack of a large-enough, personal promotional machine.

It is important, along with several other items affecting whether a book is published by a traditional publisher; but there is one powerful item that is rarely discussed or mentioned.

Sometimes books are rejected by publishers because an acquiring editor disagrees with your book’s premise and/or application.

Similarly, some books are rejected by agents because they disagree with your book’s premise and/or application.

I hope this isn’t a surprise to you, but every Christian does not see everything the same way as every other Christian. Pick a theological topic out of a hat, and I can guarantee you there are multiple viewpoints from those who consider themselves Christians.

Long ago I had a person ask me if I embraced an Arminian theological point of view or a biblical point of view. I think I changed the subject rather than respond.

Sometimes when you unpack a passage of Scripture in your writing, a reviewing editor or agent might see significant errors in your thinking.

Sometimes when you explain how to live more effectively as a Christian, it might be flagged as an incorrect application of Scripture.

With all the discussion of artificial intelligence in publishing during the last year, it might give the impression humans are no longer involved in the publishing process. But humans still review everything, and sometimes they disagree with the way you handled a certain passage of Scripture or life subject.

There are reasons for this.

Many editors and agents who evaluate and acquire books in the Christian publishing market have substantial theological training. Many have master’s or doctoral degrees in theology. Your Bible study is going toe-to-toe with someone who knows Hebrew and Greek exegesis quite well. Many are former pastors or served in leadership positions in a church.

Editors have differing opinions on church leadership, biblical training, and theology, not to mention the Bible in general, which can itself be polarizing, depending on many factors.

If your book is rejected for publication, it is rejected by people, not a company. Sure, they work for a company; but decisions are made by people, and they might not see things the same way as you.

One of the more difficult issues with theological knowledge is that the Bible is understandable to a person even if they don’t have an MDiv. That person/author can teach it accurately, be an encouragement to fellow believers, and open the eyes of someone who hasn’t understood to this point.

But books are evaluated by editors and readers who have a wide spectrum of experiences and training. In general, they like books from authors with formal education in the field.

Knowing your publishing “cloud of witnesses” can be critical at times–complicating things for the writer–is wise.

I apologize for not offering a solution. But as a person who doesn’t like surprises, knowledge of the process should alleviate some of the anxiety when someone jumps from behind the curtain to criticize your work.

 

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Category: Pitching, Rejection, Theology

Interrupting God

By Dan Balowon October 11, 2023
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I find it humorous when someone brings up a list of questions that they would like to ask God face-to-face when they get a chance. It is funny because the statement assumes that we would have a back-and-forth discussion, as we insert “Yeah, but what about …” between his responses to our questions. If there is a heavenly Q&A opportunity, if indeed we could manage to pick ourselves off the …

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Category: Craft, The Writing Life, Theology

Write from Scars

By Bob Hostetleron September 21, 2023
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I learned recently that my agent—the man, the myth, the legend, Steve Laube—speaking at a writers conference, quoted something I’d said in a recent conference keynote. Yes, you read that right! The Great One actually quoted me! Me! And it wasn’t the usual “Can you believe anyone is that stupid?” sort of allusion. It was in a favorable context, as though I’d said something of value. Well, slap my …

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Category: Pitching, The Writing Life, Theology, Writing Craft

A Prayer Before Writing

By Bob Hostetleron September 7, 2023
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Lord God Adonai, I am about to write. I have nothing to say, nothing to offer. I am a poor writer, and an even poorer Christian. And yet I must try to find words that will bring into being something that has never been before. Help me, Lord. Inspire me. Empower me. Flow through me. Grant that I may write better than I can write, and thus know that all the honor and glory and thanks belong to you, …

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Category: Inspiration, The Writing Life, Theology

The Heavenly Minded Author

By Dan Balowon August 30, 2023
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Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. – Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., was quite a guy. A prominent, influential physician and writer, his friends included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was born in 1809 and died in 1894. His son was Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., who fought in some of the bloodiest battles of the …

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Category: Career, Christian, Theology

Impossible Books

By Dan Balowon August 16, 2023
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There are a lot of hard things in life. Some are downright impossible. Entrepreneur and media guru Patrick Bet-David says the ten hardest things in life are: Getting Married Parenting Becoming an entrepreneur Keeping your health Overcoming addiction The loss of a loved one Leaving people behind Handling success Trusting others Massive failure Many say the most difficult thing to do in all sports …

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Category: Inspiration, The Writing Life, Theology, Trends

The Ephesians 4 Author

By Dan Balowon August 2, 2023
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While many writers set out writing for the sake of writing, without much thought to an endgame, Christian writers have biblical foundations in their lives and work, which affect how they do things. Today I will look at one chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians as a possible roadmap to being the kind of author that reflects Christ in what you do. In the first three chapters of Ephesians, the …

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Category: Career, Christian, Encouragement, Inspiration, The Writing Life, Theology

When God Calls

By Megan Brownon July 20, 2023
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Recently, I was on a work trip to Richmond, VA, to visit the International Mission Board. As a military missionary, the work of vocational mission training is at my very core. My heart is for the nations, and I pray often that revival will sweep through the warrior class today. While touring the building, I came across a wall of honor. These carefully curated memorials cause onlookers to pause and …

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Category: Personal, Theology

Handling Disappointment

By Steve Laubeon June 19, 2023
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I do not like to experience disappointment. I do not like rejection, even when it isn’t my personal project being turned down. I do not like to be the bearer of bad news. And yet I do experience disappointment, rejection, and the telling of bad news–every week. That is the nature of the arts. The arts (meaning music, writing, dance, and painting) are comprised of thousands of hours of …

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Category: Encouragement, Faith, Get Published, Personal, Rejection, Theology, Writing CraftTag: disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, Rejection

20 Books That Molded Me

By Bob Hostetleron June 1, 2023
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I’ve read thousands of books in my lifetime. I’ve written on this blog about why I read and about my annual reading plan. I’ve posted about how to read more. So, yeah, I read a lot. Wanna make something of it? Where was I? Oh yeah. Over the course of my decades of reading, I’ve even kept a record of the books I’ve read. So, not only can I tell you (if not by memory at least by a quick …

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Category: Personal, The Writing Life, Theology
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