Traditional Publishing for Christian Poets & Writers

If you're drawn to writing poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or books, stories, and poems for children, you'll eventually want your work to be published, but how do you go about this? Here are some tips with Christian poets and writers especially in mind:


• Notice the names of traditional publishers whose work you enjoy reading.

• Do these publishers have a website? If so, study the titles in their book lines and the poems or magazine articles in their archives.

• List publishers whose books or publications seem similar yours.

• Study and follow the writers' guidelines on each company's website.

• Send a book proposal, article or batch of 3-5 poems to 1 editor at a time.

• Keep track of where and when you sent your work.

• If you have no response in 2 to 3 months, follow-up.

• While you wait to hear about one manuscript, begin another.

• If an editor returns your work, read the manuscript or poems aloud.

• Listen for rough spots. Revise as needed, then submit your revision to the next publisher on your list.

In addition to those tips, check the website for your denomination.

Study the Mission Statement of your church.

Study church-produced publications such as Bible studies, church curriculum, devotional guides, and children’s take-home papers.

Write the appropriate editor to express your interest in writing those materials.


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(c) 2010, Mary Sayler, all rights reserved.

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