When it comes to writers of spiritual and Christian works, one of the primary challenges they may face is finding a publisher that shares their beliefs and values. Many publishers in the industry are secular or have a different religious perspective, which can make it difficult for Christian writers to find a good fit.
Additionally, some publishers may have strict guidelines and requirements for the content they publish, which could limit the creative freedom of spiritual and Christian writers.
Another challenge that spiritual and Christian writers face is standing out in a crowded market. With so many books on spirituality and Christianity available, it can be tough to capture the attention of readers and distinguish oneself from the competition. Additionally, some writers may feel pressured to conform to certain trends or topics that are popular in the industry, even if those topics do not align with their personal beliefs or message.
Finally, marketing and promotion can be a challenge for spiritual and Christian writers, especially those who are not well-known or established. Many publishers expect authors to play an active role in promoting their work through social media, book signings, and other events. However, some Christian writers may feel uncomfortable with self-promotion or may not have the time or resources to dedicate to marketing efforts.
Despite these challenges, there are publishers in the industry who are dedicated to supporting spiritual and Christian writers and helping them share their message with the world. One such publisher is Waterbrook and Multnomah. In this review, we will take a look at who they are, what they do and if they should be top of mind for writers of such works when seeking publication.
Who are Waterbrook and Multnomah?
Waterbrook and Multnomah are two Christian publishing imprints that have become well-known for their diverse range of titles and commitment to uplifting Christian voices. The history of these imprints dates back to the 1980s when Multnomah Books was founded by husband and wife team, Don and Davea Johnson. The couple had a passion for sharing the Gospel message through literature and started publishing titles that focused on Christian living, devotional, and spiritual growth.
In 1996, Waterbrook Press was founded by a group of publishing professionals with a similar passion for Christian literature. These two imprints later merged in 2006 to form Waterbrook Multnomah.
Today, Waterbrook and Multnomah continue their mission of publishing uplifting Christian literature. With a catalogue of over 1,000 titles, they publish books that span a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, Bible studies, and devotionals. Their goal is to provide readers with resources that help them grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
Waterbrook and Multnomah also have a focus on publishing diverse voices, ensuring that their books represent a variety of perspectives and experiences within the Christian community.
Additionally, they have a strong commitment to developing new talent and helping emerging authors get their start in the industry. Through their publications and partnerships with Christian organizations and churches, Waterbrook and Multnomah continue to be a trusted and respected name in Christian publishing.
What books do Waterbrook and Multnomah Publish?
A selection of the most notable titles Waterbrook and Multnomah has published can be viewed below.
1. The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren
2. “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge
3. “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp
4. “Love Does” by Bob Goff
5. “The Shack” by William P. Young
6. “The Jesus Storybook Bible” by Sally Lloyd-Jones
7. “The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson
8. “Anxious for Nothing” by Max Lucado
9. “Fervent” by Priscilla Shirer
10. “Uninvited” by Lysa TerKeurst.
These books have influenced readers worldwide and are widely recognized as some of the most impactful Christian books published in recent years.
Who Would Benefit From Publishing with Waterbrook and Multnomah?
The type of writer who would benefit from making a submission to Waterbrook and Multnomah would be one who is passionate about Christian literature and has a unique and compelling message to share.
Waterbrook and Multnomah publish a wide range of genres, including non-fiction, fiction, memoirs, and devotionals. Therefore, writers who are passionate about any of these genres and have a fresh and unique perspective that aligns with the publisher's values could benefit from making a submission.
As Waterbrook and Multnomah have a strong commitment to publishing diverse voices, writers from all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to submit their work. Whether they are seasoned authors or emerging writers, Waterbrook and Multnomah are committed to developing talent and helping writers share their message with a broader audience.
Writers who have a passion for Christian living, spiritual growth, and inspiring others with their message could benefit significantly from making a submission to Waterbrook and Multnomah. They are looking for writers who are not afraid to be vulnerable and authentic with their message, as this is what connects with readers and inspires them to grow in their faith.
Overall, if you writers who are passionate about Christian literature, have a unique and inspiring message to share, and are committed to uplifting and inspiring others, making a submission to Waterbrook and Multnomah could be a great opportunity to get their work out into the world.
What are the Alternatives to Publishing with Waterbrook and Multnomah?
While Waterbrook and Multnomah are respected names in the Christian publishing industry, there are some downsides to making a submission to these publishers that may not suit every writer. Firstly, Waterbrook and Multnomah receive a vast number of submissions, and competition is fierce. This means that even if a writer has a compelling message and well-written manuscript, they may not get accepted due to the high volume of submissions received.
Additionally, while Waterbrook and Multnomah are committed to publishing diverse voices, there may be some writers who do not align with the publisher's values or have a message that does not resonate with their audience. In such cases, it may not be beneficial for the writer to pursue a submission to these publishers.
For writers who may not fit the mould of what Waterbrook and Multnomah are looking for, self-publishing could be a good option. Self-publishing allows writers to have complete control over their work, including the content, cover design, and marketing strategy. This is especially beneficial for writers who have a unique and niche message that may not fit into the mainstream Christian publishing industry.
Self-publishing also allows writers to get their work out into the world faster than traditional publishing. With the increasing popularity of online platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, self-published books have become more accessible than ever to readers worldwide.
Waterbrook and Multnomah Review – Final Thoughts
To summarise, Waterbrook and Multnomah serve an important role in the publishing community. By offering a pathway for Christian writers, they can be at ease knowing that if a submission is accepted they will be working with a team who both shares their beliefs and will be able to navigate the nuances of such sensitive topics professionally.
But many writers will likely find themselves not writing about such topics, having to look elsewhere, which is of course not a reflection of them as a company, merely a circumstantial element that is out of their hands.
But the advent of self publishing as a viable option means that writers regardless of their work, will always have a route forwards to hopefully achieve their goals.
3.5 Stars
