Donald K. McKim
Grace in the Writing Life
I have always lived a writing life. Not exclusively. I’ve never had to depend on writing alone to make a living. I have always written; but written in the context of other activities: being a pastor, seminary dean and Professor of Theology in Presbyterian seminaries, and as an executive editor for theology for Westminster John Knox Press and editor for church curriculum. My writings have been for academic and for general audiences. They have been in the area of religion—particularly, Christian theology and Christian faith. I have written/edited over 60+ books within the confines of “religious publishing.”
My experiences have helped me see and participate in writing from the perspectives of a writer/author and of working for a publishing company where I sought authors for books that were appropriate for the publisher’s mission and audiences. These dimensions have enriched my overall perspectives on writing and publishing. They have led to some insights which may be helpful for those embarking on their own publishing lives.
Begin with a Proposal. Publishers deal with book proposals. Most publisher’s websites have Book Proposal Forms which indicate what publishers want to see in order to evaluate ideas for books. Become familiar with the kinds of questions typically asked and develop responses that are appropriate for your proposal. The advantage of dealing with proposals is that they give publishers an overview of a project in short compass. If there is interest, the publisher may ask for more materials—beyond the “sample chapter” that publishers usually require. For the author, the advantage of the proposal is that one is forced to think through the main elements of the book, its market, and other details. If there is interest, publishers may suggest revisions—in a number of ways. It is much easier to accommodate these before the manuscript is written, rather than with a completed manuscript. So, work hard on a good proposal.
Congruence is Key. I always say “the trick in publishing is congruence.” Congruence is the convergence between what the author wants to write and what the publisher thinks it can sell. All publishers have “audiences” or “markets” toward which their books are oriented. These are the groups publishers trust (hope!) will buy their books. In choosing a publisher to whom to submit a proposal—research the types of books they publish and get a sense of their targeted audiences. This will save months of waiting to hear the fate of your proposal, only to be told the proposal “does not fit our publishing program.” I tell budding authors that “With apologies to the Evangelist, ‘In the beginning was the market’” (see John 1:1; New Testament).
Keep Writing. It would sound like advice from The Reader’s Digest to say that persistence at writing is really important. But it’s true! Writing is hard work. As Dorothy Parker, famously said: “I hate writing. I love having written.” Others have shared that sentiment. Different types of writing take different methods or forms to produce. A poet may not have to do the same kind of research required for technical, academic writing. But whatever methods you employ, there is no substitute for persistently turning to writing, day by day—and working at it. Sometimes we’ll say about writing: “I will strike when the iron is hot—when I am inspired to write.” A better maxim is: “Strike until the iron is hot—keep writing and writing.” Persistence alone is no guarantee of “success”—whatever that may be! But without the persistence, the chances of “success” are drastically diminished. My teacher, Jack Rogers, used to say: “Scholarship is like digging a ditch. It’s one shovelful at a time.” You don’t have to be brilliant to write a book. You just have to have a “strong back”—and keep at it
Keep Encouraged! Discouragement is part of the writing life. Turn-down on book proposals or projects, criticisms of one’s writings, long weeks of just waiting for a publisher’s response. These are all ingredients for discouragement. But believe in yourself. Believe in your interests and the importance of what you are doing. When you write from your passions—whatever they are; you can keep the flame of encouragement alight. Annie Dillard advised: “Publication is not a gauge of excellence. This is harder to learn than anything about publishing, and very important.” Publication is a writer’s goal. But on the way to that goal, don’t give up! Keep trying to find a publisher. I always note that it only takes “one match” to have a project published. I have found that when a project is turned down by one publisher, it can lead to submitting to other publishers and—in the end—if a “match” emerges you may well find, as I have, that the latter publisher was actually a better “result” than earlier ones would have been! This relates to the “congruence” mentioned above. Another way to put it is: “Rejection means Redirection.” The “redirection” may turn out to be the “best direction” after all…! So keep encouraged.
As a Christian theologian in the Presbyterian tradition, I take a “providential” view of publishing. I entrust all my writing to God’s gracious purposes. When I write a published piece, I entrust its “effects” to God’s work—in bringing people to read the piece—and in their reactions to it. I have written what I have written. What happens with the piece after it is published—is not my work; its “effects” belong to others. And, I would say, they belong to God. I write because of my “vocation,” my sense of “calling,” to write theology and provide theological resources. I am not brilliant. I usually try to make resources available in new ways. My most satisfying cover endorsement was from a scholar who said of my books: “Why did no one think of writing it before.” It was the idea, the concept which made the book.
My writing life is all of God’s grace!
Donald K. McKim
