MORE Let’s Chat with Two Christian Publishers
Today on InspiredPrompt.com you will find “Let’s Chat with two Christian Publishers.” I wanted to share more about each publisher and publishing house than I could in that blog, so, I decided to post the entire interview answers for both publishers. It’s long, but you’ll learn alot!
I’m excited for you to listen as I chat with Jan Haley of Focus Publishing and Jim Holmes of Shepherd Press.
[IP and IP] – indicates the portions in the “and” space are on InspiredPrompt.com
At the end of questions that were not included on InspiredPrompt.com, you will find: (not on IP)
CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING
What advantages are there in publishing through a traditional smaller Christian publisher?
Jan: [IP If you find a publisher that has an established market in your writing target, you will be more likely to reach a successful audience. IP] Further, a traditional Christian publisher has established connections with large and small distributors so that when you do promote your book on social media, people will find avenues to purchase it. [IP A successful, smaller Christian publisher has refined their niche market and there you will find your customers. IP]
Jim: The publishing paradigm is changing each week, and these are exciting days both for established publishers and aspiring authors. Someone who goes the route of self-publishing has significant options, but often lacks the means to do so professionally and with style—and also misses out on some of the established marketing and distribution channels that an established, well-known and well-respected publisher can bring. Working with a smaller Christian publisher does facilitate a higher level of intimacy with the staff there and yet also bring the benefits of professional editing, production, and things like marketing and distribution portals.
[IP Working with a smaller Christian publisher does facilitate a higher level of intimacy with the staff there and yet also brings the benefits of professional editing, production, and things like marketing and distribution portals. IP]
Trends in Christian publishing are ever changing. Are there any of which our readers need to know?
Jim: [IP I guess there is the good and the not-so-good! On the positive side, book production is getting better and better. We have access to great software that enables better graphic production, nicer book layout and design, and some efficiencies that facilitate much better outcomes. Not so positively, some publishers are less discerning on what they will bring into print, and there is always the temptation to print and promote a book because of commercial rather than ministry priorities. I always like to encourage authors, whether established or would-be ones, that the publisher that will do best for them is the one that is informed by biblical standards and is committed to a God-glorifying approach in the whole process. IP]
Jan: [IP I like to keep a pulse on current social problems and publish biblical resources to help hurting and confused people and to offer hope. For us, that means providing biblical answers not found in psychology. It is a priority that our books be 100% biblical. Christian publishers also need to help keep the church of Jesus Christ accountable for their response to the “trends” in our culture today. IP]
If someone has a “really great” idea for a book, is there a process you recommend for developing that idea?
Jan: [IP You must develop and write that “great” book before you send it to a publisher. I would suggest starting with an outline, research what you want to say, and then begin to “flesh it out.” After you have written a chapter, set it aside for a week or more and then re-visit it, editing and making changes as they become obvious. For me, Scripture quotations must be absolutely accurate, for example. If you quote something, footnote the source. Pay attention to detail. IP]
Jim: [IP Test it out with a small focus group and measure the response! IP]
What are some common mistakes authors make when working with a publisher and submitting a manuscript? AND/OR What would you have them do differently?
Jan: [IP An author really needs to seek the help of an editor who can help them determine whether they are staying on message or drifting off on “rabbit trails.” Do that before you send the manuscript to a publisher. IP] I often tell authors to “get in, say it, and get out.” Keep the reader engaged or you lose them. This is especially true for a new, unknown author. The publisher will cut you loose and you won’t get another chance. Also, when I look at an unedited manuscript I have to determine if it can do well in our market. Even if I think it will, but it needs a lot of editing, I will most likely pass on it.
Jim: [IP For anyone proposing a manuscript, the key thing to keep in mind is to state VERY succinctly what the book is all about. IP] It should be possible to do this in just one sentence. Consider it as a mission statement for the book, and something that could easily be written out in medium-sized writing on a 3×5 card. The other side of the card (to continue the analogy) might be key bullet-point phrases that include (a) prospective kinds of readers, and (b) features and benefits of the book.
Additionally, publishers like to know something about the author himself or herself, the personal promotional platform, and what distinguishes the present proposed book from other books already in print.
What does your publishing house look for in a manuscript?
Jim: [IP We’re interested in writing projects that will glorify God in meeting needs and three criteria, as Tedd Tripp so well states, the text should be (a) gospel-driven—the grace of the gospel is not just for sinners; it is for saints, too. (b) The work should be heart focused. Lasting growth takes place as the heart is changed by grace. And, (c), the submission should be writing that will have a life-changing effect on readers. IP]
Jan: [IP Because we are a small publishing house, we look to fill a counseling void, or at least a void in our catalog. We have found that shorter “booklets” are very popular. This is not surprising in our “McDonalds” culture. We want our food fast and our answers fast. We believe our large collection of booklets supply that desire. IP]
How does an author submit a book proposal or manuscript to your publishing house? (not on IP)
Jan: The best way, and the most economical, is to send an inquiry by email to info@focuspublishing.com. We will send out our standard guidelines. It would save time if the inquiry provided an overview of the book, the target market, and information about the author. We may request an electronic copy to review. Sometimes an author is concerned about the security of his or her work. They may rest assured that we would never publish their material without a signed contract.
Jim: You can get submission guidelines at: https://www.shepherdpress.com/submissions/
What do you like best about your interactions with your authors?
Jim: [IP It’s important, in my mind, to help authors express themselves in their own words, and yet in a medium that requires editorial development and very specific care. And I love teasing out how visual metaphors (as in cover designs and book typography) can help express these in practical ways, that are meaningful to the end users of the book once it is in print. IP]
Jan: [IP I know the depth of Bible study these men and women have completed to be in (mostly) counseling and pastoral situations, pointing people to God’s Word for hope and help with their struggles in life. I am more than honored and humbled to be part of their ministries, as they are part of ours. IP]
How can our readers pray for you personally and your publishing house?
Jan: [IP Pray that we can stay so close to the Lord that we may feel the “pulse” of what Christians need to help them grow spiritually. Pray that God will continue to bless our efforts here so that more people in this generation will realize there is only one true source of hope and help in this world today. IP]
Jim: [IP Please pray for us in the ministry of Shepherd Press that we would be guided by the Lord in all matters and that we would stay faithful to Him in each detail of His calling to us. These are challenging days, and it is vital that we be sensitive to the needs and challenges of ministry the times in which He has called us to serve. IP]
ABOUT YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSES
What else do you want our readers to know about your publishing house? (not on IP)
Jim: We’re glad to know that people are talking about us. If we are always spoken about as a publisher committed to a biblically defined model of gospel presentation and the faithful and practical application of truths in life-transforming sanctification, we will feel that we are making some progress!
The Shepherd Press blog is a great way of getting a regular info feed. My friend Jay Younts is heavily involved in this, and Jay has a wonderful way of directing truth to the hearts of his readers. Find out more at: https://www.shepherdpress.com/blog/
Jan: Focus is a small family business. My husband Stan and I founded the company in 1992 and now our son Chris comes in early before his job at the local university to do shipping, and our daughter-in-law Sherry takes the orders, creates invoices and handles all the detail work around the office. She does a lot of proof-reading as well.
Who are some of the authors who write for your publishing house? (not on IP)
Jan: Most of our authors (men and women) are certified biblical counselors with ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors) because the counseling market is our target. We publish some Bible study series as well to round out our goal of providing Hope and Help and Spiritual Growth. Therefore, our author names have great recognition in biblical counseling: Martha Peace, Dr. Stuart Scott, Mark E. Shaw, Susan Heck, Chris Moles, Pam Gannon, Beverly Moore, and a pioneer of biblical counseling, Dr. Wayne Mack.
Jim: There is a growing range of authors, men and women, most of whom are in ministry in one way or another and who are themselves personally familiar with the topics on which they write. We believe it is important for authors to be in the trenches of ministry, so to speak, if they are to help their readers.
Tell us about some of the books and series your publishing house has published?
Jim: The book that everyone knows about is the book that launched Shepherd Press—Tedd Tripp’s Shepherding a Child’s Heart. It’s a book that nobody else, at the time, wanted to publish. So, more than one million copies later, it is still in print and going strong. It’s attracted some other books to go with it, like the book Tedd and Margy Tripp coauthored, Instructing a Child’s Heart. Then there is a relatively new series, and it’s growing in popularity and use, the LifeLine Mini-books series, which now has thirty excellent little books, each of 10,000 words, on topics where people need help. You will find them at: https://www.shepherdpress.com/store/lifeline/.
And there’s also a new category imprint we are working on, Counsel for the Heart—books that we define as being Resources for Word-based transformation and practical discipleship.
I love to say that Shepherd Press is a small publisher with a big heart. The key point to make is that Shepherd Press is committed to producing books that are life changing, but with changes being driven from the heart, that is, a heartfelt response to the truths that are written in each book. – Jim Holmes
Jan: It has been amazing for me to look back and see how God has sent resources that would grow what I consider to be His Company and our ministry. One book has led to another, and that to another and so on. For example, we first published Mark Shaw’s book, The Heart of Addiction, and that led to a study and leader’s guide, and a follow-up book titled Relapse. To teach parents to be pro-active about various addictions, he wrote Addiction-Proof Parenting. Mark has authored many of our Hope and Help booklets as well. Find these at: https://www.focuspublishing.com/product/the-heart-of-addiction-2/
I have to say that Martha Peace’s book, The Excellent Wife has been our “Flagship” book. After 25 years, this book is still going strong. The men needed a guide as well, so Stuart Scott wrote The Exemplary Husband, and both books are used in Bible studies, pre-marital counseling and wedding gifts. We have other excellent resources by Martha and Stuart. Find it at: https://www.focuspublishing.com/product/the-excellent-wife-2/
One of our popular series is the With the Master Bible Studies by Susan Heck. There are 6 studies available so far and we plan to continue. Her expository studies are for those who desire to dig deeper into the Word of God, exploring Scriptural passages verse by verse. Find this series at: https://www.focuspublishing.com/product/with-the-master-on-the-mount/
It is a priority that our books be 100% biblical. Christian publishers also need to help keep the church of Jesus Christ accountable for their response to the “trends” in our culture today. – Jan Haley
TELL US …
What books do you read in your “copious” spare time (as if either of you have any)? (not on IP)
Jan: When I am not reading and editing manuscripts, I love to feed on the writings of the Puritans. I am challenged by the depth of their humility before God and the fact that they really “got it.”
Jim: Funnily enough (or maybe not funnily), I like to engage with books about practical business development and strategic / outside-the-rectangle thinking. I am naturally a challenger of assumptions, and people who work with me have to learn to live with this!
I love including fun things in interviews. I asked each publisher to complete this sentence: I am most like (name an animal) and why. (not on IP)
Jim: I’d never thought of myself as being an animal, but if I did, perhaps I would be most like a camel—I just keep plodding along, notwithstanding adversity and difficult conditions, and despite the absence of refreshing streams for long stretches along the way!
Jan: I am most like a puppy: Opal, our German Shorthair because …. I am highly distractible (CAT!!!), full of energy in the beginning, but hitting the wall by late afternoon.
What is your role at your publishing house?
Jan Haley – Focus Publishing says, “It has been amazing for me to look back and see how God has sent resources that would grow what I consider to be His Company and our ministry. One book has led to another, and that to another and so on.”
Jan is the founder and owner. She pretty much makes all the major decisions about the company and which resources to publish, editing as she reads.
Jan says, “I am both humbled and excited about the quality of books we publish, knowing that as we depend on God through His Holy Spirit, He has brought the authors and resources to our door. What a joy it is to be useful to the Kingdom.”
Visit: Focus Publishing
Follow Focus Publishing:
Twitter: @focusresources1
Facebook: Focus Publishing
Tell us what else you want us to know about you.
I am a grandmother of three fine young men, the wife of the man (Stan the Man) who funded Focus Publishing in the beginning through our commercial printing company, and the doting “mama’ of Opal, our German Shorthair puppy. I love to garden in the few nice weather months we have in northern Minnesota, and I love to make family scrapbooks when I find the time.
Anything else you want to tell us?
After our 2 children started school, I taught kindergarten for 20 years before founding Focus Publishing with my husband Stan. This has been the joy of my life. Since we owned a printing company and a publishing company, we published two children’s books I wrote: J.Rooker, Manatee, a fictionalized story about a manatee rescue I witnessed in Florida, and The Gift, a Christmas story about the imagined son of a Wise Man.
Jim Holmes – Shepherd Press says, “I love to say that Shepherd Press is a small publisher with a big heart. The key point to make is that Shepherd Press is committed to producing books that are life changing, but with changes being driven from the heart, that is, a heartfelt response to the truths that are written in each book.”
Jim’s role is a fairly broad-spectrum one. He has some oversight when it comes to submissions and is also involved in several of the editing and production aspects, as well as new-idea development and strategic thinking.
Jim says, “It is stimulating work being involved with talented authors, and I love the interface with our cover designers and typesetters.”
Visit: Shepherd Press and Shepherd Press blog
Follow Shepherd Press:
Twitter:@shepherdpress
Facebook:Shepherd Press
Tell us what else you want us to know about you.
I guess that I am an ordinary sinner saved by grace and that I face, like every other believer, ongoing sanctification issues and the challenges of living in a fallen world. I do blog occasionally, and readers could meet me on my personal website, www.blogspot52.com.
Anything else you want to tell us about yourself?
I am a publishing consultant with www.greatwriting.org who serves Shepherd Press on a part-time basis. He is involved in numerous publishing projects and website informational and promotional portals including the inception of a series of daily devotional books by Roger Ellsworth titled My Coffee-Cup Meditations (www.mycoffeecupmeditations.com). You can find out more about him on his personal website, www.blogspot52.com and connect with him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jim.holmes.7921 or Twitter at https://twitter.com/jameswholmes1
Start the discussion