I expect this wherever there’s more supply than demand. Not that it justifies it. This is where I’ve found the notion that only thing that’s up to me is my deliberate choice, which should have Christ as the focus, to be helpful. The people doing what you describe have their success as their aim, not letting go and trusting God to the outcome.
A lot of what Christina has written here is similar to my own experience with publishing articles.
Quite frankly, I wanted to develop a conversation with various theological topics of interests of mine. I take a lot of pride in researching these topics & I read many of the books written by the ‘experts’ on them. I read a lot, so I have a good grasp on the academic prowess of my work compared to others. I kept getting similar road blocks from these well-known publications. And I finally realized the Catholic publishing world is a clique concerned more with the almighty dollar than proclaiming our faith. There are good folks, sure, but it’s there are many many Simons.
I helped form Missio Dei with looking for quality writers who just wanted to write about Jesus--that’s the goal.
There's a quote in business, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." It is a good-ole-boy system, but it's not evil. It's good business to do business with people you know or people who can vouch for you. It's frustrating, but it also motivates us to reach out to people and to establish relationships and that can take a lot of time.
Sure, but you also don’t have to play by that game or those “established” rules. If we’re talking business and a free market then we’re free to create our own “product” & establish our own networking system based on a different set of values.
I’ve literally been smiling about your comment for the past 24 hours. I’m such a pessimist and this really drives home the power of thinking differently about myself and how I think others perceive me. Lies from the devil is what it is. Thank you for saying what you did. It was def a mic drop moment and made me sit down and have a good ponder. ;)
I have been there. Coming from political journalism... maybe a lot doesn't shock me anymore. Politics is really nasty. But, you are right that Missio Dei is supportive and uplifting. If you ever want to know more about self publishing, let me know.
There are writers out there who want to support other writers. Connections that I've made on Twitter were more than willing to put in a good word for me when I submitted my book to a publisher (nod to Tommy Tighe). It was ultimately rejected, but other writers stepped up. When I first self-published I went up to a writer who came to our church and she told me how to build a platform and then gave me the opportunity to write for her publication so I could get my name out there. It's not all cut-throat and toxic. There are bad AND good experiences - as it always is in life. :) I've had good experiences. :)
Christina, you are blessing to Missio Dei, and doing the work that God is asking. I appreciate this article, and you talked about some real life experiences that I am sure many writers can relate with. God bless you.
If money is involved, business is involved along with good and bad business practice. If the topic is in a niche market, they're either going to reject it entirely or pick the best writer (with the most authority or the biggest platform presence) who will appeal to the most people. I don't think they mean to be rude; however, the business world is writhe with cut and dry demeanors and that is the personality it takes to run a business.
Spending time working in a parish office and reporting to a business manager has made this all very apparent. For instance, the church has to pay the salaries of the employees, the office supplies, the liturgical supplies, upkeep of the buildings, evangelization materials, and parish outreach. The same thing is going to apply to a publishing company. They will have the same requirements, all under the name of providing religious instruction for the faithful. Does it mean they have to be rude? Absolutely not. But it does mean they have to be prudent with the resources God gave to them.
The book I self-published is in a niche and was turned down by publishers. It was frustrating, but it did inspire me to write for other publications and attend college to get my degree in theology and English so I could improve upon my writing and my topic. Missio has given me a great outlet to share what I've learned. I agree in that these smaller publications are where it's at. No money involved means being able to share without pressure. I'm so appreciative for this opportunity to be a part of this great group of writers.
Lisa Hendey, founder of Catholicmom.com, worked for seventeen years with her publication before it was acquired by Holy Cross Family Ministries. :) Keep at it, Christina. <3
Being rejected is not the issue, that's a part of being a writer. I take no issue with that at all. I do take issue with editors being disrespectful to writers, which has been my experience, and a bit of what I shared in the article.
The Holy Spirit must speak through the baptized! It’s the business of every Catholic.
I expect this wherever there’s more supply than demand. Not that it justifies it. This is where I’ve found the notion that only thing that’s up to me is my deliberate choice, which should have Christ as the focus, to be helpful. The people doing what you describe have their success as their aim, not letting go and trusting God to the outcome.
100% Agree!
I agree Dave, and you really make a strong point.
A lot of what Christina has written here is similar to my own experience with publishing articles.
Quite frankly, I wanted to develop a conversation with various theological topics of interests of mine. I take a lot of pride in researching these topics & I read many of the books written by the ‘experts’ on them. I read a lot, so I have a good grasp on the academic prowess of my work compared to others. I kept getting similar road blocks from these well-known publications. And I finally realized the Catholic publishing world is a clique concerned more with the almighty dollar than proclaiming our faith. There are good folks, sure, but it’s there are many many Simons.
I helped form Missio Dei with looking for quality writers who just wanted to write about Jesus--that’s the goal.
There's a quote in business, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." It is a good-ole-boy system, but it's not evil. It's good business to do business with people you know or people who can vouch for you. It's frustrating, but it also motivates us to reach out to people and to establish relationships and that can take a lot of time.
Sure, but you also don’t have to play by that game or those “established” rules. If we’re talking business and a free market then we’re free to create our own “product” & establish our own networking system based on a different set of values.
True and that’s why I’m here. But, analogically speaking, there is a reason the Minor Baseball League exists. :)
I’m more of a Xerox not being interested in MAC OS, so I create Apple in response.
I’ve literally been smiling about your comment for the past 24 hours. I’m such a pessimist and this really drives home the power of thinking differently about myself and how I think others perceive me. Lies from the devil is what it is. Thank you for saying what you did. It was def a mic drop moment and made me sit down and have a good ponder. ;)
Anything is possible with God. What does our Lord say? With the faith of a mustard seed anyone of can move mountains.
Buahahahah - I love your confidence. :D Good for you. :D
I have been there. Coming from political journalism... maybe a lot doesn't shock me anymore. Politics is really nasty. But, you are right that Missio Dei is supportive and uplifting. If you ever want to know more about self publishing, let me know.
I have two self-published books, thank you though.
As an aspiring writer this is slightly disheartening. However, I do appreciate your take on this matter. Come Holy Spirit!
Walther,
There are writers out there who want to support other writers. Connections that I've made on Twitter were more than willing to put in a good word for me when I submitted my book to a publisher (nod to Tommy Tighe). It was ultimately rejected, but other writers stepped up. When I first self-published I went up to a writer who came to our church and she told me how to build a platform and then gave me the opportunity to write for her publication so I could get my name out there. It's not all cut-throat and toxic. There are bad AND good experiences - as it always is in life. :) I've had good experiences. :)
Be neither discouraged nor silent. Satan is everywhere trying to silence the truth. You are needed in the battle.
Christina, you are blessing to Missio Dei, and doing the work that God is asking. I appreciate this article, and you talked about some real life experiences that I am sure many writers can relate with. God bless you.
Thank you for the heads up.
May God bless you, and thank you!
If money is involved, business is involved along with good and bad business practice. If the topic is in a niche market, they're either going to reject it entirely or pick the best writer (with the most authority or the biggest platform presence) who will appeal to the most people. I don't think they mean to be rude; however, the business world is writhe with cut and dry demeanors and that is the personality it takes to run a business.
Spending time working in a parish office and reporting to a business manager has made this all very apparent. For instance, the church has to pay the salaries of the employees, the office supplies, the liturgical supplies, upkeep of the buildings, evangelization materials, and parish outreach. The same thing is going to apply to a publishing company. They will have the same requirements, all under the name of providing religious instruction for the faithful. Does it mean they have to be rude? Absolutely not. But it does mean they have to be prudent with the resources God gave to them.
The book I self-published is in a niche and was turned down by publishers. It was frustrating, but it did inspire me to write for other publications and attend college to get my degree in theology and English so I could improve upon my writing and my topic. Missio has given me a great outlet to share what I've learned. I agree in that these smaller publications are where it's at. No money involved means being able to share without pressure. I'm so appreciative for this opportunity to be a part of this great group of writers.
Lisa Hendey, founder of Catholicmom.com, worked for seventeen years with her publication before it was acquired by Holy Cross Family Ministries. :) Keep at it, Christina. <3
Being rejected is not the issue, that's a part of being a writer. I take no issue with that at all. I do take issue with editors being disrespectful to writers, which has been my experience, and a bit of what I shared in the article.