Recently, I’ve been trying to figure out what steps to take next with my second book since I haven’t had success connecting with a literary agent or publisher. In this season of waiting, I’ve reached out to several authors to ask for their advice. I’m grateful for each piece of advice I’ve received from them, but there’s one specific piece of advice that really stood out to me—and I want to share it with you.
Me vs. You
This is what one of my new author friends told me: “Share others’ writing, and champion them as you seek publication. I know this is hard because we feel as if we’re in competition—but we aren’t! It’s not like we need a ‘piece of the pie’—God makes more pie! If this [publication] is where God is leading, He’ll provide the path and the way. See fellow writers as people whom you can help.”
I’m not super competitive, but I’m still competitive. As a writer, I’m particularly competitive.
But honestly, the Christian book market is, too. It’s a very crowded (and thus very competitive) market. Christian writers are vying not only for book deals but also for other opportunities—like publication in magazines, guest appearances on podcasts, and speaking gigs at conferences. I believe 99% of writers—including Christian writers—are competing against each other.
Unfortunately, this is true for other areas of our lives as well. We compete for job opportunities, ministry roles, attention and admiration from others, and even relationships. Rather than sacrificing ourselves for others—as Jesus did for us and commanded us to do in turn—we sacrifice everything else to “beat the competition.” And we smile smugly when we do.
Cheering You On
…he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 17:5 NASB1995)
If I’m being honest, this verse describes my typical reaction when (1) I avoid calamity and/or (2) others face calamity. My sin nature—which is still present and active, even though I belong to Christ—taints my thoughts, words, and actions with pride. I can’t even count how many times I’ve thought, said, or done something smug in response to a believer’s (or nonbeliever’s) loss or setback.
But that’s not what my response should be. My response should be filled with humility, encouragement, and support. After all, that’s exactly the kind of response I’d like to get after experiencing a loss or setback.
So I want you to see this post—and this blog as a whole—as a source of support. In everything you do for the glory of God—whether it’s writing or something else—I want you to know I champion you. I champion your efforts to do the right thing when it’s hard. To shine the light of Christ in a dark world. To be who God made you to be.
Keep it up, friends. We’re in this together.
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