Posts Tagged ‘Christian publishing’

Aug
13
2010

Friday Five Interview – Tamela Hancock Murray

Tamela Hancock Murray is a great friend and . . . she happens to be my literary agent a really good one at that. She works with Hartline Literary Agency. She is very professional, loves Christ passionately, and really knows the industry. Most of all, she really understands her clients and helps to further them in their calling.

What’s makes Tamela a great agent is that she’s a writer as well. She’s written several novels and has a background in a wide variety of writing, publishing, and public policy endeavors. A bit more of her background:

She has been a writer for many years. As a college student, she interned on Capitol Hill and at the U.S. Department of State before graduating with honors in Journalism from Lynchburg College in Virginia. Today, Tamela has more than 20 fiction and nonfiction books to her credit, plus magazines and newspaper articles. Her published titles include Love Finds You In Maiden, North Carolina. Tamela lives in Virginia with her husband and their two daughters.

She took time to answer five questions for The Friday Five:

1) If someone is new to the Christian Publishing world, they might not understand what a literary agent does and why someone would need one. Can you explain?


Sure, I’m happy to explain. Literary agents sell books to editors to be published. We help both writers and editors.  First, we choose excellent works that we feel are ready to be published, and help writers polish their proposals to put their work in the best light. We also make sure the work itself is at its best to present to editors. Competition is great, and writing must shine. Agents also decide where to send proposals, matching the right editors with the right proposals.

Agents talk to editors often, so they have a pulse on what editors need at any given time. Editors appreciate agents because they know submissions from us are presented with care. I am privileged to work with talented writers and I’m thrilled when I bring a gifted writer to an editor’s attention and gain a positive response.

2) Agents seem to be the new gatekeepers in that they have the slush piles and more-than-enough queries for representation. How can a writer get ready for an agent so that his work is something an agent would like to represent?

The main thing a writer can do is to visit the agency’s web site and study it. Look for what the agency asks to be submitted. Follow these instructions. Also look for agents who represent the type of books you write. Another strategy is to get to know the agent through events such as conferences. Meeting the agent face-to-face will allow you to see how both of you click. Another great option is to ask a current client to recommend you to the agent. Agents will give strong consideration to writers their authors recommend. For the record, Hartline Literary Agency does accept unsolicited queries and proposals.

Let us know how you found us, and please select only one of us to query at a time. Our web site is: www.hartlineliterary.com

3) A lot of people are talking about the future of the publishing industry, some even predicting that we’ll never have books and everything will be digital. What is your take?

I think there will always be room for both. People enjoy beautiful books for their personal libraries to read and display. The leather-bound, illustrated family Bible will always be a treasured possession.

On the other hand, electronic books offer a way to read many books for less money, and those books don’t consume physical space so this is ideal for people with little shelf space and those who travel often.

When I read a library book I especially like I might purchase my own copy, and I believe people will purchase hard copies of their favorite electronic books. I am thrilled by the new formats, because I believe more people will have better access to a greater number of books. Electronic books are a special blessing to those who don’t have access to a large library system, and to people who enjoy reading rare and out-of-print books since they are becoming available in e-book form.

4) Tell a bit of your story. How did you get involved in the Christian publishing industry and what drives you to keep writing and representing authors?

I am a full-time literary agent and write very little for publication at present. My college degree and professional writing background help me understand writers and what it’s like to sit in front of a blank computer screen, knowing it must be filled with words — astounding, excellent words — by a certain date. I possess the technical knowledge and skill to help budding writers apply that extra polish, and I am thankful for my years as a writer for that reason.

One of the most interesting assignments I had was during my U.S. State Department internship, when I prepared news briefs for the Secretary of State each morning. Later, when I was a young wife and mother staying home with an infant daughter, I wrote a few articles and was offered a job as a newspaper stringer, meaning I would write on their demand.

This option wasn’t practical for me at the time, but the offer encouraged me. I wrote for small Christian magazines, newspapers, and also novels. When I received an advertisement in the mail for Heartsong Presents, I felt led to submit to them.

They accepted my third novel, and I will always be grateful to them for giving me my first big break. My first job not involving my grandparents’ farm was in retail. I’ve always enjoyed the art of salesmanship, which encouraged me to make the transition from writer to literary agent. I love being a Christian literary agent because my work helps others realize their dreams, to God’s glory. Whether writers are helping others live better by walking with

God or writing to entertain my brothers and sisters in Christ, I am honored to be a part of their ministries. Joyce Hart will always occupy a special place in my heart because she was willing to give me a chance to be a literary agent.

5) What piece of advice would you give someone who feels they have writing talent and hears a call of God to communicate the message?

If you write 1,000 words a day, you will have a rough draft for a trade book novel in 90 days. Then you need to polish it until you feel it’s ready to be seen by people whose only interest is in reading a good book. If you are too afraid to let strangers read your work, you’re not ready for publication. After you submit, be prepared to accept and use constructive criticism. Work with a couple of other writers and learn from each other. Once you gain the courage to submit your work to agents, pay attention to any advice they offer. Be grateful for anything more than a form letter. That means they took time to give you special advice and they are nurturing you.

Thank you, Dan, for these wonderful questions and for the chance to spend time with your readers. May you all have a blessed day, and enjoy each moment that you write for Him.

Jul
30
2010

Friday Five Interview – Margaret McSweeney

In 2005-2006, I had the privilege of volunteering to help a congressional candidate, Dave McSweeney, run for Congress here in Illinois’ 8th district. What emerged from that race was more than a campaign. I became great friends with both Dave and his wife, Margaret. And today I have the privilege of interviewing Margaret McSweeney. Margaret has a heart of compassion and a gift for connecting people. In fact, she was the one who encouraged me to send my first manuscript to her friend, Andrea Mullins, from New Hope Publishers.

Margaret is an accomplished author and speaker. She has written A Mother’s Heart Knows , Go Back and Be Happy, and is the editor of The Pearl Girls Book She writes for a variety of newspapers and publications and has interviewed notables such as Wolfgang Puck and Thomas Kinkade.

Margaret is the founder and director of  an organization called Pearl Girls. Pearl Girls is a remarkable effort that brings together well-known woman from across the country to share their stories and raise money for charities. Margaret serves with several charitable organizations and sits on the board of WINGS, which provides hope to victims of domestic violence.

Margaret is also the host of an Internet Radio Show called Kitchen Chat, where she interviews well-known authors, writers, and celebrities. Margaret and her husband Dave live in the Chicago area with their two daughters.

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Jul
23
2010

Friday Five Interview – Sara Horn

I can’t think of a more important and yet over-looked ministry field than to encourage and mentor the wives of American service men and women. Long deployments, the risk of the battlefield, and the constant moving from city to city. Most Americans are aware of the need to honor and care for our brave soldiers, but few think of the toll their service takes on the families they often have to leave behind.

That’s why I’m glad my good friend, Sara Horn, has stopped by the blog today.  Sara has a wonderful ministry to military wives, Wives of Faith. She is a prolific writer, who has teamed with Oliver North to share the stories of faith among the soldiers of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has personally interviewed soldiers on the front lines and her work has been featured in a variety of evangelical publications. Most importantly, she is a military wife herself.

I’ve known Sara through Christian publishing circles and have admired her unique desire to encourage, mentor, and evangelize the woman who willingly sacrifice their men for the good of our country. Her latest project is God Strong, The Military Wife’s Spiritual Survival Guide.

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Jul
16
2010

Friday Five Interview – Chip MacGregor

It is my privilege to interview one of the top literary agents in the country. Chip MacGregor is more than just a literary agent, he’s a consummate ”book guy” enjoying a successful career in all phases of publishing, from writing, editing, collaborating, publishing, and representing. Chip has discovered, collaborated with, and coached some of the most well-known authors, including Kay Arthur, Dr. David Jeremiah, Joe Stowell, Andy Andrews, and many others. Chip’s authors have spent numerous weeks on The New York Times best-seller lists, perhaps his most famous was Let’s Roll, the moving memoir by Todd Beamer’s widow, Lisa. Chip has also authored twelve books, including two bestsellers.

Chip is a favorite at writer’s conferences all over the country. He is a legend in the Christian publishing industry, known for his candor, knowledge of the industry, and passion for good writing. Personally, I have heard Chip speak on numerous occasions and have known him personally. He’s always a good and honest source of advice and is fiercely loyal to his clients. He’s also got one of the wicked senses of humor around. His blog, chipmacgregor.com is a rich source of information about the publishing industry, one that every serious writer should immediately bookmark.

1) Chip, a lot of people are talking about the future of books versus the digital technology (iPad, Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader). What is your perspective on where this is going?


History has taught us that as new technologies are developed, the culture adapts to them. We used to walk across the room to change TV channels. We used to stop and find a pay phone to call home. We used to re-type each page of a manuscript that had error. But we’ve adapted our lives to adjust to remote controls, cel phones, and PC’s. (And, of course, the advent of TV’s, telephones, and typewriters were cutting-edge technologies in their own days — each requiring adaptation from radios, telegraphs, and handwritten notes, respectively.) Right now we’re moving from printed materials to digital materials, and that’s creating a lot of change for people. My son will read a book on his cel phone — that’s about all anyone needs to know regarding the future of digital technology. All those extant great books and words? They’re all out there, ready to be interpreted through a new medium.

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Jun
11
2010

Friday Five Interview – Andrea Mullins

In 2005, I had this crazy idea for a devotional book for teens, based on the lives of teens in the Bible. I was an unknown writer, with only a very short list of published articles. At the time, I was volunteering to help my good friend Margaret McSweeney and her husband David, with their congressional campaign. Margaret is a writer herself. And while we were standing in line at a parade, she asked me if I had sent a proposal to Andrea Mullins of New Hope Publishers. I didn’t know Andrea and I didn’t know New Hope. Well, six months later, I had a voice message on my cell from Andrea. She was interested in  my book. After I picked myself up off the floor, I called her and since that time, New Hope has been my publisher. I’ll be forever grateful for her taking a chance on me and helping to develop my writing talent.

I have found Andrea to be a wonderful friend, someone who is deeply passionate about sharing the gospel around the world. Andrea is the publisher/director of New Hope Publishers and the President of Worldcrafts. She is the author of several books herself and has a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Transformational Leadership from Bakke University. Andrea is a sought after speaker for women’s ministry events.

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May
28
2010

Friday Five Interview: Kathi Macias


Kathi Macias is a great friend and a fellow New Hope author. She is a prolific author, having written nearly 30 books and ghost-written numerous others. She has taught and coached writers at conferences around the country is an in-demand public speaker at women’s conferences.

My wife is actually reading How to Keep a Tight Ship When You’re Surrounded by Loose Cannons, which she says has already provided her with a lot of laughs and much inspiration for raising our three children.

1) You’ve been writing and speaking for a long time–what first stirred in your heart the passion to put words on paper?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to write. I was reading before I started kindergarten and just seemed to have an ongoing love affair with words. When my husband, Al, (then boyfriend) and I were walking home from school one day in junior high I announced to him that I was going to be a writer some day. He often comments that I’m probably the only person he knows who knew what I wanted to be when I grew up—and did it!

2) You’ve helped New Hope Publishers launch their first fiction line. You guys are doing something a bit different with it. What exactly is “missional fiction?”

“Missional fiction,” or “fiction with a mission,” is just that: fictional stories based on true stories of those whose lives are dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission and going into all the world to preach the gospel and make disciples. The stories are based not only on foreign missionaries but also on nationals, all of whom are challenged at some point in their faith—possibly even to the point of laying down their lives. Ultimately, though, we hope to challenge readers to move into that same level of faith. Of course, not all the series that will be included in this “fiction with a mission” line will be about missionaries, but all will have a greater mission of educating and challenging readers to a deeper level of faith and a more vibrant love-relationship with the Father.

3) No Greater Love weaves a story of romance into the epic story of Nelson Mandela, apartheid, and South Africa. What drew you to this story?

This story was originally birthed in my heart more than twenty years ago, as I watched the violence and upheaval in South Africa, preceding the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and the downfall of Apartheid. I couldn’t help but wonder how it was affecting believers in that country and how it might eventually affect us in other countries as well. The nugget of an idea—an interracial, forbidden romance—sparked the story, though it sat on the back burner for many years before I sensed God releasing me to move forward with it. By that time my vision for the story had grown to include believers in other countries around the world—hence, the Extreme Devotion series of four books, rather than a stand-alone book as I had originally anticipated. (God’s plans and timing are always so much better than our own!)

4) More Than Conquerors is set in the violence of Mexico’s drug wars. This is an especially relevant given the increasing attention given to what is happening there. What surprised you the most about what is going on there?

Not only does More than Conquerors delve into the violence of the Mexican drug wars, but it encompasses the superstition of the Mayan culture in the Southern portions of Mexico as well—San Juan Chamula in Chiapas State in particular. We hear so much about the illegal immigration problem in our country, about the violence of the drug wars spilling over across the border, and also the human trafficking that is interwoven with so much of these problems. But we seldom hear of the extreme devotion of those in Mexico who love and serve God under some very harsh and dangerous conditions, and who treasure family second only to their relationship to Christ. That’s the part of Mexico I wanted to bring to life in More than Conquerors.

5) If you could give one piece of advice to young, emerging, writers, what would that be?

Spend time with God, discovering and developing your own calling and passion for ministry, and then let that focus birth the words and stories you write. It’s too easy to jump on someone else’s bandwagon, only to discover it’s already full and straining at the seams. You don’t need to adopt someone else’s vision; God has one tailor-made just for you. Seek Him first—and He will be faithful to reveal it to you. And then be patient until He moves you forward in the fullness of His time.