Christian Writers: Bethany House Accepting Queries in Various Genres of Fiction and Non-Fiction

But don't forget you can ONLY Fax a querie over to them.

Yes - that is an intimidating point you make, CIndy. The fact that you have to write a query which will stand alone in getting the publisher's attention - NO MANUSCRIPT - is daunting! This is what makes me most nervous, but I plan on getting help before I submit. I am fortunate to have lots of friends and family members who give great advice and are willing to help me in this process.

Amy - You are welcome! Let me know if you decide to submit a query - I'd love to know others in the same boat!

To make this query even more daunting, they also require it to be only ONE page in length, and the "sound bite" that describes your story should only be about 40 words in length - YIKES! Here are their suggestions for a successful query to them:

Handy, Helpful Hints for a Successful One-page Query!

1. Address your query to the appropriate editorial department—Adult Fiction, Adult Nonfiction, Young Adult/Children.

2. Review our guidelines carefully. Does your book idea match our areas of interest? Are you familiar with the kinds of books we publish? If not, take some time to peruse the books listed on the Web site.

3. Read one of our books in the same genre as your own to familiarize yourself with our line.

4. Tell us why you chose Bethany House. Show that you know our needs and are aware of what we publish. For example, you might lead with something like the following: "Because of the success of your highly acclaimed author Janette Oke, I know that historical novels are a core part of your publishing program. I feel my novel, (title), would fit nicely into your historical fiction line."

5. Present your "sound bite" statement about your novel or nonfiction book idea in 40 words or less. "My book is about _______," will identify its most unique, compelling feature. The fiction sound bite should focus on the story, and might include the heroic character, the central issue of the story, the heroic goal, the worthy adversary, action, the ending, a grabber, or a twist. The nonfiction sound bite should include the main focus or topic. One suggestion is to describe the Problem, Solution, and Application.

6. Tell why your book is distinctive. What's fresh, new, or different? Who will read the book (women, men–adult, teen, child)? For Young Adult/Children, specify the age group of your intended audience (7 – 10, 8 – 12, etc.).

7. Include pertinent manuscript details: a) Is the manuscript complete? b) How long is the finished book (approximate word count)? c) Give brief pertinent biographical information, including published works. d) Is this proposal a simultaneous submission?

8. Tell us how to contact you to pursue further information/sample chapters.

How does this sound as a forty word sound bite for the query?

My novel is about the power of faith in God. Unconventional choices made with faith and prayer lead Sara through the aftermath of a rape and pregnancy, showing Sara in the end that God can make blessings out of anything.

Monica,
Thanks for the information.Can I also add this to the tags( I mean additional area one could post items on )..Christian Loving.It looks common and everyone seems to be in the know what type of loving I am suggesting!...Plutonic,agape etc; we can add more .Yes, I am saying there should be more and differing kinds we in gather should let our people know about. MO, This is a great GROUP YOU HAVE...Okeke.

Okeke - you are welcome - and that is a great tag idea. I will add that here too.

This is good to know! I've read most of Beverley Lewis' books, published through them, so I am familliar with this publisher. Thanks for the info

Monica, 40 words or less isn't very many, but I think you did a pretty good job in your one comment there of describing your book. Good luck and God Bless.

Thanks for the information, Monica. I hope and pray you get publish...it's an important message. GOD's grace be upon all your' endeavours.

Leah - let me know if you decide to try to publish with them - I'd be excited to know another person trying there.

Dawn - LOL _I have been wonderinf if MAYBE it was a typo and they really meant 400 words - that would be fine! It is a true test of writing skill to attract in 40 words or less.

Felix - thank you! Yes, spreading God's message is important, and can be done just as interestingly as telling a secular story. I enjoy the challenge of including the added side of not just telling a story, but inspiring and teaching at the same time.

Thanks for the info. Always grateful for anything to cut my market researching time.

Janette is awesome. Should we all have such faith in the power of "LOVE!"