The Newbie Corner - Gaining Access - Part 2 - Non-Fiction I started out as a non-fiction writer. Articles and devotionals found acceptance into Christian publications. However, when I approached an editor at a conference about my idea for a devotional book, I was in for a wake-up call. 1. Many publishers get these items from packagers. They put together the books and sell them to the publisher. 2. A non-fiction book requires a huge platform to guarantee sales. Think about radio and TV programs, giant ministries, well-known speakers, and celebrities. 3. Even if you have many writing credits on your resume, it doesn't hold a lot of weight when it comes to getting a non-fiction book published. This is why many authors decide to go the Indie (self-publishing) route. We're blessed that digital publishing has made this easier and much less expensive. Many ministries self-publish their books, thus avoiding the long and often arduous traditional journey. Whether you decide to give traditional publishing a shot or not, learning the craft and producing an interesting, informative book is paramount. While a subject may be fascinating to you, engaging the reader and meeting a perceived need requires writing techniques that will achieve your goals. Writers: What have you learned about the publishing journey for non-fiction? Readers: What kind of non-fiction books do you enjoy? Devotional? Memoir? Biography? Other? Please share.

I started out as a non-fiction writer. Articles and devotionals found acceptance into Christian publications. However, when I approached an editor at a conference about my idea for a devotional book, I was in for a wake-up call.

1.  Many publishers get these items from packagers. They put together the books and sell them to the publisher.

2.  A non-fiction book requires a huge platform to guarantee sales. Think about radio and TV programs, giant ministries, well-known speakers, and celebrities.

3.  Even if you have many writing credits on your resume, it doesn't hold a lot of weight when it comes to getting a non-fiction book published.

This is why many authors decide to go the Indie (self-publishing) route. We're blessed that digital publishing has made this easier and much less expensive. Many ministries self-publish their books, thus avoiding the long and often arduous traditional journey.

Whether you decide to give traditional publishing a shot or not, learning the craft and producing an interesting, informative book is paramount. While a subject may be fascinating to you, engaging the reader and meeting a perceived need requires writing techniques that will achieve your goals.

Writers:  What have you learned about the publishing journey for non-fiction?

Readers:  What kind of non-fiction books do you enjoy? Devotional? Memoir? Biography? Other? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Klaus Post