You’ve decided to embark on the thrilling, yet challenging, journey of writing and publishing a book. Congratulations! You’re about to dive into a world of creativity; perseverance; and, let’s be honest, a fair share of self-discovery. As a Christian communicator and agent, I often find myself surrounded by aspiring authors eager to master the intricacies of the publishing process. However, what’s often missing in the conversation is an exploration of the driving force behind the desire to publish.
Writing a book isn’t only about crafting words on paper; it’s a commitment to patience, endurance, and a journey of self-reflection. The process of developing a concept into a well-thought-out book idea, curating a book proposal, and crafting a polished manuscript to pitch requires a tenacity that goes beyond mere technical skills.
In the vast sea of how-to resources, workshops, and online courses that focus on mastering the nuts and bolts of publishing, there’s a significant void when it comes to resources that encourage writers, especially Christian writers, to examine their motives.
Why does this matter? Your motive shapes your writing journey, from the first word you put on paper to the moment you pitch your proposal.
I once had a conversation with a woman who, on the surface, seemed to be doing everything right. She generated abundant social-media content about her journey, attended numerous writers conferences, and meticulously produced a compelling book proposal. However, during our meeting, it became evident that her motive for pursuing publishing was rooted in a deep-seated need for validation and approval.
Her pitch centered predominantly on her belief that her story was transformational and that she needed to tell it. (And I respect that desire!) She painstakingly shared the tremendous amount of effort she had spent on curating multiple types of content on multiple platforms into the wee hours of the morning. And yet she was discouraged and about to quit. I’m not questioning her heart or questioning whether she should write a book. What I am trying to point out is that your motive in writing will permeate your thoughts, actions, behaviors, and decisions throughout your journey. Your motive will be communicated in your content, your proposal, and your pitch.
Whether you are consciously aware of your underlying motive or not, it will be apparent to the people you pitch to and the audience you hope to reach. So, I’m advocating for you to take a moment and reflect upon your motive for pursuing publishing. Here’s the hard, but honest, fact: As Christ-followers, we acknowledge that, even on our best day, our motives are mixed. Yes, we work toward the noble goal of communicating Christ and Him crucified, but there’s often an additional desire for the stage, the book title on the spine, or other personal aspirations.
Do the work of examining your motives.
Your motives are clear when you write, speak, teach, or pitch. They shape the narrative you present to the world. Now, you might be wondering, why is it crucial to scrutinize your motives? The answer lies in the authenticity and impact of your message.
Are you writing solely to share the transformative power of the gospel, or are there other desires like money, fame, or validation intertwined with your pursuit of publishing? Acknowledging and understanding these motives is your first step toward taking the work of publishing seriously– committing to the tough work of self-examination and authentic communication.
Here are a few practical tips to help you develop some introspection.
Pause and reflect. Take a moment to pause amidst the frenzy of writing and publishing. Reflect on why you’re pursuing this path to publishing. What are your true motives? Be honest with yourself.
Ask for feedback. Sometimes, others can see aspects of our motives that we might overlook. Seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or fellow writers. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights.
Get really honest with yourself. Evaluate whether your motives align with your core values as a Christian communicator. Are your intentions rooted in a genuine desire to share the message of Christ, or are they veering off course?
The decision to write and publish a book is not only a commitment to a process; it’s a commitment to understanding and aligning with your motives. By examining your motives, you pave the way for an authentic and impactful writing journey that resonates with your audience and, most importantly, reflects the message of Christ you aim to communicate. So, as you embark on this exciting adventure, remember to not only master the technicalities but also to introspect and ensure your motives are in line with your higher calling.
For Authors With an LLC
As I go to light a votive
at Mother Mary’s quiet shrine
I reflect on what the motive
is, to make the sonnet mine,
and I guess what it comes down to
is that an ordered verse
is something that can push through
the cacophony that’s curse
in our troubled modern days
in which evil’s applauded,
and those who try to sing God’s praise
are pilloried, not lauded,
and thus I chose to go old-school
with rhyme to make ministry cool.
This is a timely blog for me. I’ve been wrestling with this very question and concluded my motivations are mixed. My original intent was to write clean, entertaining, high concept novels that would plant faith seeds. The temptation for money and fame elbowed in and clouded my focus. I know God is more interested in my heart than human adulation. All I can say is it’s given me ample reason to repent and soul search.
Megan, I have worked in publishing for years, but this is one of the first posts I’ve seen from a literary agent that asks this crucial question. Thank you! As a longtime former book publicist, it was never my place to question authors’ motives for publishing, but I was often concerned that for some the need for personal significance was driving their publishing goals. And as someone whose first traditionally published book did not release until my late 60s, I had to ask myself the same questions. Thank you for putting this out there.
After reading this, Megan, I can truly say, “I don’t know.” Twenty years ago God very firmly closed the door to pastoral ministry for me. Since then I have tried to keep the words of John the Baptist in my mind from John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Then God gave me the desire to write my novel. Perhaps this novel was only for me, I truly don’t know.
I do know that I will spend a lot of time wrestling with this . . . thanks a heap 🙂
The other side of motivation is effect, and I have an example.
I’m currently reading Francis Gary Powers’ memoir, Operation Overflight (y’all know, the U2 pilot who was shot down in 1960), and when he was a prisoner of the KGB he was given mysteries to read, by Agatha Christie, Rex Stout, and Ellery Queen. He read, and re-read them.
Powers writes that they saved his sanity while in solitary confinement, with absolutely no indication of his fate.
That would be one heck of a legacy for any writer, to be that help to one man.
And may I recommend Tom Hanks’ movie, Bridge Of Spies, which chronicles Powers’ release?
I took up writing fiction in preparation for a second career after retiring from software development, so in that sense, telling stories via writing is a job. A job that is curiously similar in many respects to creating software of high quality and usefulness.
Although I write from a Christian worldview, I don’t ascribe any higher purpose or message to my writing. At best, I hope a reader might be challenged in their faith (or lack of) to look deeper into the creator of the universe.
But even if they are not, I hope the story is entertaining/meaningful at some level, and the reader feels like they got their money’s worth.
What a lovely post that gives one food for thought. Especially: approval or validation. Hmmm! Thank you, Megan. God bless you.
As a christian writer, I write with a target audience in mind, hoping that by the power of the Holy Spirit, my intended message will meet the targeted readers. Of course, I feel no guilt to also hope my writing will bring financial blessings to me as well. A writer who has mentors and beta readers is truly blessed.
Blessings.
Excellent perspective! Thank you for speaking to the heart of what writer’s really need to hear. This is piece is so pointed and gets at the root of what could really be holding a writer back from publishing something in the fear of God versus the fear of man. Personally, I needed this reminder, as well as this revised direction for motivation.
Megan, I so look forward to your posts. It’s obvious that the Holy Spirit moves through you, especially in this message. After three books, and a half dozen book shows, I’ve come to understand that my motives are quite different from most of the other authors I’ve met. Most authors are open about their desire to make money and become “best sellers.” Sometimes I feel out of place when a potential customer comes to my table…and I simply hand them a book. My motive, from the first word I published, was to help people learn to be reflective…to consider the unintended consequences of their decisions, and to commit to living virtuous lives. Writing is an expensive hobby/avocation, but if we can save even one soul, we are well compensated. Thanks again for a beautiful message. I hope your message will take up residence in many hearts.
Well said. Thanks Megan!