Developing a post like this had been on my mind for a while, then Ann Mulchan, author liaison and contracts specialist for Charisma House, asked me to read over some tips she had pulled together for another project she was working. I thought she did a wonderful job communicating ways to begin writing a book for the Christian market, so I thought I would post them here. She said I could. :) If you are writing for a Christian audience, please take note and listen to Ann. The woman knows what she's talking about.
Ann says...
A good book is measured by the response it evokes from the reader. It captures the heart of the reader. The goal is to help the reader understand, and stay connected by the consistency of the content (concept) of the book. Always think about the end result, and how is this book going to help the reader to grow, change, or see the Christian life from a different perspective. Ask yourself, “Is the reader being enlightened? What’s the take away value? What’s the WOW factor?” Become part of the audience as you write. Would this book interest you, and, if so, will you learn something new? Will you grow in your walk and relationship with the Lord?
Another very important thing to consider: is what you’re writing about something that has already been said, and, if it is, what makes yours unique and different? What is the unique selling point? Are there other books similar to yours, and how does yours compare in terms of being different? Yet, even though similar content may be out there, the skill is to put a fresh spin or a new twist on the same topic, to make it relevant for today’s reading audience, especially with the demographic of the readership changing.
Find creative and compelling ways to add your or others’ experiences to the content. This is the life of the book. Readers want something to connect with, and anecdotal stories help. These don’t have to be in detail, just enough to keep the reader engaged. Weave these throughout the book. Anecdotal stories, or humor, must be in good taste. A splash of humor adds a bit of spice or flavor. Again, this must be in good taste. Note that anecdotal material and biblical references should support the principle you are teaching about. In other words, the principle you are teaching about should be the main character in the chapter, and anecdotal and biblical references should be the supporting cast. The topic (theme) of your book should run through each chapter. Each chapter should have that theme as a thread that connects each chapter. Consistency is very important. Each paragraph should have one topic as the focal point. And then, the wrap up at the end of the book should drive home the topic (theme) of the book—how it all ties together.
While facts are good and needed, try not to have too much where the reader loses interest. The whole idea is to keep the reader engaged until the end of the book. The average reader has to be able to understand and grasp what’s being written about. When writing, try including yourself as part of the audience. Again, ask yourself, “Does it help the reader tap divine resources? Do they sense the presence of God?”What helps is to envision the reader in front of you as you write. Make the content clear, concise, and interesting. Write the way you talk but better.
Books that encourage the reader, books that help that person discover all God means to them, and books about how to overcome the problems of life are always good topics to deliver. They also allow you to easily develop and meet your author promise, which is what you promise the reader will gain by the time they reach at the end of the book.
The average reader does not understand “christianese,” so avoid using Christian slogans, terminology, or Christian “buzz” words that the average reader would not understand. Every reader is at the different level of spiritual growth or maturity, so gear writing toward the everyday reader. For the most part, they are the ones who make up the readership. In the same way, avoid verbose words, or words that one would have to look up the meaning to—unless it’s a book being written for scholars.
Define the market (the audience) for your book. In other words, whom do you specifically see reading this book (become part of the audience as you write)? Make the material applicable to today’s readers. The culture today is very different from yesteryear, so it is important to know or describe the readership for your material. Keep in mind the reading audience is also very different. The publishing landscape has changed tremendously from what it was even five years ago, so books have to be relevant, fresh, and captivating.
A side note: it’s been said and is good advice to write the book (article, poem, song etc), leave it alone for a few days, then go back and rewrite it. Usually what happens, is that you see things that you did not see before. Go back and rearrange sections, paragraphs, and so on, so that your words and message flow better. It takes a lot of patience to write something that will change lives and impact the world around you.
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Do you have any questions about how to come up with the right idea for your audience?