Writing communities and conferences can feel predatory when they overpromise. Many writers (with more disposable income than I have) go to one or two or three writing conferences a year and enjoy networking and learning. But when you start spending all that money and attending those conferences because you've been led to believe it's the only way to publish a book, that's when it gets shady!
I'm a new Christian (two years in), and one of the things I love about the Christian walk is when it's not about money, and capitalising on people's dreams. It's really taught me to reassess my dreams/desires and think about when it's in alignment with God's will or not. This business model sounds like something I encountered all the time as a new ager, where the shiny promises don't always match up to the reality. There are many paths to writing a book, and if God wills it there will be a way, preferably without a hefty price tag attached!
Kate, I was thinking today about how this ministry modeled their business after how a secular company would. In this circumstance, there should be a different way we try to do business with our fellow sisters in Christ. Namely, by not exploiting them.
I’m a Christian writer with one published book to my name; a self-published Kindle book of some of my blog entries. I’ve been working at a novel for a very long time. When I read your article, I thought, if you want to get spicy, Mel, get spicy! I don’t like how others - particularly Christians - play on your desires with pressure to “buy this now because it will help you!”
I’m back to reread this one because I got a survey in my email this morning. I suspect they sent the email survey hoping I’ll use the $150 coupon for doing it to come to their in-person conference (because after attending online for two years, I decided NOT to take the bait. I noticed they’re not doing publisher appointments; that’s reserved for their writing club. Now it’s coaching). Instead, I told them how their conference made me feel, and I put a link to this post. 😂 It’s important that someone call this out, so thank you.
Ooooof this is good. Makes you wonder at what point did they stop praying and aiming to serve the Kingdom by helping Christian writers and instead let the sin of greed enter the business. Thank you for sharing!
I've spent over 20 years in the Christian celebrity industry and it's a machine. What started out as good and solid, is now sadly nothng but a money grab.
Everything you’ve said here it’s 100% right. It literally preying on the vulnerable even though they don’t seem vulnerable. The worst part of it, is that many times the ministry’ tends to get away with it while God seems to get blamed for the lack of fulfillment of their dreams.
Whatever the case, they will probably keep profiting (God didn’t exaggerate when He said He is slow to anger) but I hope at some point that those of us who have seen the truth do the triple act of - speaking on it - praying for eyes to be open - And if God leads you, create less predatory means of helping others.
Yes, we need more mentorship in creative writing. Many people who have written books can mentor others and help them through the process. Why does the information need to be proprietary?
Just hit subscribe 🙏🏼thanks for bringing this openly and into the light. As someone navigating all of the business of writing today, it gives much to meditate on. If you wrote a book on this, I’d buy it in a heart beat 😀
I totally agree with you. I went to a big conference like the one you’re talking about and was SHOCKED that after paying for the all-access pass, to fly across the country and stay in a hotel…the final key note was a pitch to help the ministry build a new building! The one good thing about it was that I did get a meeting with a Zondervan editor. Even though I didn’t get a book deal, it was a very solid opportunity. So: if they can offer agent/editor meetings, then that can be worth the investment.
Writing communities and conferences can feel predatory when they overpromise. Many writers (with more disposable income than I have) go to one or two or three writing conferences a year and enjoy networking and learning. But when you start spending all that money and attending those conferences because you've been led to believe it's the only way to publish a book, that's when it gets shady!
Yes, it's so shady. My main issue is that I do not like how they market it at all.
I'm a new Christian (two years in), and one of the things I love about the Christian walk is when it's not about money, and capitalising on people's dreams. It's really taught me to reassess my dreams/desires and think about when it's in alignment with God's will or not. This business model sounds like something I encountered all the time as a new ager, where the shiny promises don't always match up to the reality. There are many paths to writing a book, and if God wills it there will be a way, preferably without a hefty price tag attached!
Kate, I was thinking today about how this ministry modeled their business after how a secular company would. In this circumstance, there should be a different way we try to do business with our fellow sisters in Christ. Namely, by not exploiting them.
I’m a Christian writer with one published book to my name; a self-published Kindle book of some of my blog entries. I’ve been working at a novel for a very long time. When I read your article, I thought, if you want to get spicy, Mel, get spicy! I don’t like how others - particularly Christians - play on your desires with pressure to “buy this now because it will help you!”
Thanks Tina!
I’m back to reread this one because I got a survey in my email this morning. I suspect they sent the email survey hoping I’ll use the $150 coupon for doing it to come to their in-person conference (because after attending online for two years, I decided NOT to take the bait. I noticed they’re not doing publisher appointments; that’s reserved for their writing club. Now it’s coaching). Instead, I told them how their conference made me feel, and I put a link to this post. 😂 It’s important that someone call this out, so thank you.
Amanda, I’m just now reading this. Wow. Yes, thank you for passing it on 🧡. Way to go in standing up for yourself and for others. You are awesome.
Thank you for this.
I, too, needed to unsubscribe from those emails! My inbox is a happier place for having done so
Yes!
Yes!! I’ve noticed the same thing. I’m glad you spoke up about it.
yes, it's such a weird thing Christians are doing to each other.
I'm a little late to the party but this hits hard. Heartbreaking really, that Christians would exploit each other's dreams.
You are right on time; I love to keep this conversation going. It does hit. It's a reality. Christians taking advantage of Christians.
Ooooof this is good. Makes you wonder at what point did they stop praying and aiming to serve the Kingdom by helping Christian writers and instead let the sin of greed enter the business. Thank you for sharing!
Yes it does make one wonder…
I've spent over 20 years in the Christian celebrity industry and it's a machine. What started out as good and solid, is now sadly nothng but a money grab.
True for many things in the Christian realm
So true!
Yep. It's predatory behavior masking itself as benevolence.
EXACTLY yes.
Everything you’ve said here it’s 100% right. It literally preying on the vulnerable even though they don’t seem vulnerable. The worst part of it, is that many times the ministry’ tends to get away with it while God seems to get blamed for the lack of fulfillment of their dreams.
Whatever the case, they will probably keep profiting (God didn’t exaggerate when He said He is slow to anger) but I hope at some point that those of us who have seen the truth do the triple act of - speaking on it - praying for eyes to be open - And if God leads you, create less predatory means of helping others.
Yes, we need more mentorship in creative writing. Many people who have written books can mentor others and help them through the process. Why does the information need to be proprietary?
I think I got this same email today 🤪😂🙃
Haha, you probably did. I left a clue to the organization within my post ;-)
Just hit subscribe 🙏🏼thanks for bringing this openly and into the light. As someone navigating all of the business of writing today, it gives much to meditate on. If you wrote a book on this, I’d buy it in a heart beat 😀
Thank you. I think I have one book in me; I just don't know which one it is ;-).
Love this, Mel. Thanks for writing on it.
Thank you, Timothy. I appreciate you reading it.
I totally agree with you. I went to a big conference like the one you’re talking about and was SHOCKED that after paying for the all-access pass, to fly across the country and stay in a hotel…the final key note was a pitch to help the ministry build a new building! The one good thing about it was that I did get a meeting with a Zondervan editor. Even though I didn’t get a book deal, it was a very solid opportunity. So: if they can offer agent/editor meetings, then that can be worth the investment.