Before my discovery of
internet, in attempting to deal with Christian publishers, I came to realize what preachers have known for a long time. Many publishers use 'Christian' name for a fast buck. Like others, they want to know who you know and everything else possible that might prove your book will sell on merit of your name, only; without regard to what is actually inside cover. They, also, expect you to work so hard at your presentation that book is ready for publication before submitting. Though, most of time, it goes into a pile of manuscripts; to barely be skimmed, unless you have already developed a name.
In addition, publishers either want your writing to fit within their specific doctrinal guidelines or they want writing to be so non-controversial that all religions will accept it. All this is without consideration as to if Spirit is actually speaking through writing.
Poetry critiquers don't like me very well, either. Oh, wait! Maybe it's other way around.
First, you write, in hope of meeting someone else's acceptance and approval. Talk about messing with your self-esteem, that will do it. You may have to spend money for them to even look at your writing. But when you do, you are almost assured they will tell you what you had hoped to hear ~ that your writing is absolutely wonderful!
You can pretty much guarantee that those who offer self-publishing will really love your writing, too. However, price for encouragement, on that level, is considerably higher.
Then, there are contests wherein expense is required, either to enter or to claim your prize. In other circles, we call it gambling.
Though, if you are otherwise accepted, you may be required to pay for honor of having your writing listed among them. However, unless you tell all your friends, no one that knows you will ever see it. And, all rest won't even remember your name.
Such as these take unfair advantage; manipulating heart strings of those whose dream in life is to, one day, be a writer. In fact, most such cons stay within legalized limits; but steal from your wallet, none-the-less.
I am not a writer wanna be. In fact, I'm not even a writer. I do not seek to become a writer. But, I could keep going with this skeptism as, when I do write it is with motivation and purpose. Maybe I just have a lot of issues. :)
What got me going, this time, was a shared link to a web site implying they were interested in original Christian writing submissions. However, in addition to all else, they suggested that if you wait for Spirit's moving, you may never write. So, at that point, I was no longer annoyed but a bit ticked. If Spirit isn't in it, it shouldn't be written. Shame on them!
When God inspires one to write, it does not need criticized. There are times when a different arrangement of words would read more smoothly. And, definitely, proofing helps reader to be able to better absorb content. However, intent in which God gave it should never be changed. God doesn't do anything inferior. Only, some take it upon themselves to think they know more than God.
But, also, as is really obvious when only accepted poetry submission is 'non-rhyming poetry', regardless of content, those have pre-determined what is good poetry while they look down upon rest. That might be a good deal, to at least know what is expected. Only, no two critics agree on what good poetry is.
