I enjoy historical novels; and so I often see the greeting, “Your servant, Madame.” This charming salute makes me think of my life. How can I be a servant to you? Here are some thoughts:
1. Overarching Purpose: I chose to enter Christian publishing because I hope to serve the Lord. Christian publishing provides a key service to our community by offering readers faith-affirming, uplifting fiction and serious, grace-filled nonfiction that helps and edifies readers. I believe in this mission, and I’m privileged to be here.
2. Readers: I do my best to choose book projects readers will be pleased to see published.
3. Authors: I love walking beside authors, offering advice, encouragement, input, and friendship. Rather than dictating to authors what they must do, I partner with them.
4. Editors: I submit worthy projects they can seriously consider.
5. Publishing team: I’m awed by the amount of work needed to bring a book from manuscript to publication. Titling, cover art, marketing, working with endorsers, launch teams, salespeople, wow! Here, I can offer any support needed.
6. Other agents: I’ll always remember a comment an editor made at a conference years ago. She marveled that Christian agents are friendly with one another at gatherings, unlike many of our general-market counterparts. I’m glad we agents can be congenial with one another. After all, we all want Christian authors to be successful!
7. Everyone else: I do my best to respect others, knowing everything is never all about me. Rather, I am your servant.
Let me know how I can serve you.
Rookie Conference Mistakes: How to Avoid Missed Opportunities
There’s so little I can do
in these painful straitened days,
but waste is something I eschew,
and I have to find the ways
to build up hope in those who read
words like this, rhymes of my heart,
hope that somehow fills a need
when all seems to fall apart,
and that is at end the only reason
that I’m here, and will return
for (if God wills) another season
’cause I have still so much to learn
about my life, about my place
as a channel of His grace.
Wow
Beautifully written
When I was having my website built, I was asked what kind of tagline I wanted. Writing, Editing, of course, but like most of us, I like a group of threes. So, I thought about what else I wanted my website to reflect. I had decided on a blog about being the parent of a special needs daughter and how much I struggle with feeling the blessings so many other parents say they have from their own special needs children. I wanted to find hope and offer hope.
In editing, I wanted to help and encourage, like I had received over the years. So, I offer a second look for free after an author makes revisions.
With my writing, I also wanted to help and encourage while sharing about my own writing.
Jonathan (who was building my site) suggested “serving”. It was perfect! My tagline at the top of the home page has my name, and under that is Writing * Editing * Serving
So, your post today has blessed and encouraged me, Tamela! To know someone we all see as “above” us … and I know that’s not the case, but sometimes we writers feel like agents are above, ya know? haha! Someone we see as “above” us wants to serve. Thank you! Praise the Lord!
Tamela, you serve us all the time through your postings. We appreciate you and your servant heart!
I’m Evangelist Gideon Ochom from Kampala Uganda. I’m at early stages of manuscript development. I have a zeal of developing a Christian book on evangelicalism.I want to correct the wrong doctrine which is being spread all over my Country. Prosperity gospel is a core, not the elements of ; the cross, Salvation by grace, Judgement to come, etc.
I appreciate your words: partner, consider, support, respect, service, edifies, grace, advice. Thank you for this post.
Although I’ve never worked with you, Tamela, I’ve always had the feeling these were you strongpoints. Your clients are fortunate to have you in their corner.
I too love historical novels (historical romance with suspense). It’s a great escape to another time. 🙂
A concise and humble post.
Your authors are blessed to have you.
Thank you all for your lovely comments. Much appreciated.
Wow, I had no idea that Christian agents support each other more than general market ones do. I guess I’ve been so blown away by how supportive the Christian writing community is that I didn’t realise it.
We seem to support each other so much — we’re always excited about each other’s books! It’s amazing to think about really. I loved reading this post, thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Thank you for your words, Tamela. I so appreciate your heart of service and humility. Serving others is my prayer for my writing, too. I see it as a ministry for the Lord. May He always be glorified in us and our work!
Beautiful, inspiring and humbling post and comments
Thank You
🙂
I have a book for babies and also for preschoolers. Where can I get it published?
Keep searching our site, as Steve Laube has posted many resources to help you find people to help. All the best and have a Happy Fourth of July!