Beta reader or novel exchange?

[Christianfantasy]

Hi, all. I'm back after an, ahem, long absence. As anyone who remembers me knows, I primarily write Christian Fantasy. However, an agent who really likes my work, but who has reservations about the fantasy market right now, asked if I would submit a mainstream novel. I had one already written, and I'm currently editing it. It's a kind of Christian Romance, but it has murder mystery elements too. However, I'm concerned it may contain two scenes that would disqualify it from the Christian market. In one instance, in order to show-don't-tell how horrible the MC's boss is, I quoted him using some mildly profane language. In another scene, absolutely crucial to the plot, there is a toned down and never explicitly described adult situation.

I would like to either find someone familiar with the mainstream Christian fiction market to beta the story for me, or else I would be willing to exchange it (for comment and critique) with someone who has a fairly polished novel in any genre. Thanks to all who read this post, and MEGA thanks to any who answer.

Blessings to you all!

 

[BleedingHeart]

Why would language somehow make it NOT Christian? I thought whether or not a book was "Christian" was based on themes of redemption, mercy and THAT sort of thing? Actually I really don't understand the "Christian market"...you are referring to.

 

[Christianfantasy]

Every writer has to decide what market and genre, etc., suits them best. For some the secular market is obviously the best, since they don't want restrictions on their content. I am stuck writing for the Christian market because my novels have obvious Christian content. As such, I have to go with the guidelines for that market. I didn't write them and I don't agree with them, but they are what they are and they won't change just because you or I dislike them. If I disliked them sufficiently, I'd have to curtail the Christian content of my fiction and aim for the secular market. I'm not willing to do that, but for others it's the only choice.

 

[mgs_pepe]

The language would depend on whatever publishing house the agent sends it to. As for the "adult situation" it would depend on just how much you describe.

 

[Christianfantasy]

The Christian Booksellers Association is the power behind throne. If you don't care whether the CBA will carry your book or not, you have far more latitude.

 

[mgs_pepe]

Personally, I admit I don't care much either way. I have one Christian novel I'm writing and one secular epic novel I am writing. Both have Christian ideals, just the secular novel has them interwoven subtly instead of bold and in your face.

Is your agent strictly CBA?

 

[Christianfantasy]

Yes; CBA only.

 

[mgs_pepe]

How graphic is this "adult situation?"

 

[Christianfantasy]

I don't think it's explicit in any real sense of the word. It's a situation where a man is trying to get a woman to go to bed with him. At the last minute he fails for a very non-conventional reason. I tried to make it as tasteful as possible. I think it can squeak past, or if not, and the agent likes the rest of the story, he may ask me to revise it. He is a very nice person.

 

[mgs_pepe]

I'll admit, I have had the same problems with my Christian story. When I started writing it as a screenpplay, it only became harder. It's child's play to write just enough so even the most dense person can tell what is going on while at the same time being clean enough for the CBA to let through. Completely different when it is going to be put on screen.

If you don't mind my asking, what's the "non-conventional" reason?

 

[Christianfantasy]

Lol! I don't mind. The MC is a very lonely 29 yo woman desperate to get married, and possessed of a very shaky commitment to chastity. [She becomes a Christian later.] When her good friend's uber-hunky husband puts the moves on her, she makes up her mind to cross the Rubicon. At exactly the wrong minute he asks if it's true she's never had sex. [This is a paraphrase.] The question reminds her of a horrible, awful, detestable conversation she had with his wife, and against her wishes (because she's still intrigued and infatuated with the guy) she shifts totally out of the mood. The encounter ends badly, and later she's very happy that it did.

 

[mgs_pepe]

Wow...non-conventional AND original.

I've found that (or at least it seems, I wouldn't take this as fact), but the CBA seem more open to that if it's a pre-salvation event and salvation comes later in the story.

 

[Christianfantasy]

I wanted to add that it's exciting to hear about your screenplay. I can't imagine the type of talent it takes to write one of those. Whatever it is, I don't have it. Do you have a hook for your screenplay? If so, what is it?

 

[Christianfantasy]

Thanks for your input. Also, since you asked the question, I went to my favorite search engine and discovered that this agent does occasionally sell outside the CBA. This particular story wouldn't be a candidate for it, though, because the conversion is outside the span of secular interest.

Also, I should have said, 'May I ask what your hook is', rather than simply a bald, 'What is it?'.

 

[mgs_pepe]

"Ian Matthews goes through the motions in church, knowing you don't need God to have a great life. On August 29, he finds that belief lacking."

I'll admit, the logline needs some work, and is borderline cliche. Essectally, it's a dramatization of my two-week isolation when my sister was dying in the ICU, and how I discoved just how powerful prayer and God really are.

 

[mgs_pepe]

And don't worry, I'll overlook your faux pas.

 

[Christianfantasy]

Wow--great minds think alike! My MC also goes through the motions of church, but she's only there in hopes of meeting single men. It sounds like a very rough thing you went through, but I can imagine it translating into a powerful film. May I ask if you have a working title?

My title is Willing to Settle for Mr. Okay.

Here's the hook:

[FONT=&quot]To find a husband she’ll take any risk—maybe even one too many.[/FONT]

 

[mgs_pepe]

I'll admit, I only started there becausee my parents took me rit before I turned twelve. By the point the events in the story took place (August 29 - September 10, 2009), I had already walked out of the church once for a year before going back out of bordem if nothing else.

The original short-film working title was "The Darkest Hour" which was overly cliche. I have since gone back to "Fourteen Days" which is also the working title of the book.

 

[Christianfantasy]

I REALLY like the title 'Fourteen Days'! If I saw it on a shelf [or on a marquee] I would be extremely curious, and want to know more about it.

 

[mgs_pepe]

"Willing to Settle for Mr. Okay" is good as well. Seems the world is so busy trying to find Mr. Right or the future Mrs. Right, people would probably pick it up out of curiosity if nothing else.