Christian fiction is really a sad genre. I think there are some talented writers out there but if you deviate from little house on the prairie, you are Edgy. How can christians redeem the craft of novel writing when no one can take them seriously ? I have quickly put away the idea of getting into a christian publishing house and am looking seriously at self publication. Even Amazon is offering a platform for self publishing.
I know, the scams and the vanity stuff. Thats not what Im talking about. Unless you become a best seller, you will basically get a 500 dollar check and about 10-15 percent royalties. The biggest thing I have heard from writers is that the publishing house will not truly promote your book for you. If you are new, you are obligated to publish. You may not get a straight pipeline into christian bookstores but heck, I dont even shop there anymore. I get my stuff online.
I cant believe that publishing houses havent tapped the market of Male readers for fiction. Why ? because most males wont read little house on the prairie and are bright enough to know when they are being preached at. Men want gritty, nail biting stories. Action. If christianity is played out in real life amidst sinners then why shouldnt our fiction reflect that. If I create a character who is a sinner, drunkard, drug addict, etc that is going to speak more to reality than a sinless hard working farm man republican. I like hearing from other christian writers but the reality, imo, if you want to write, write what you want and market and sell it yourself. If your product is good, you wont be ignored for long.
My novel is about War. Now how in the heck am I going to present a realistic War novel even though it centers around christian beliefs and conflict over mans inhumanity to man and fall into the guidelines of the CBA ? It aint happening and Im not changing.