As a freelance writer I have always wanted to share my gift of writing with the world by means of evangelization. God has called each and every one of us to use our talents to help build up the Body of Christ and share the love of Christ through the message of the Gospels.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
As an aspiring writer this is slightly disheartening. However, I do appreciate your take on this matter. Come Holy Spirit!
Be neither discouraged nor silent. Satan is everywhere trying to silence the truth. You are needed in the battle.
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