by Jenny Erlingsson
Even though I have been a writer for most of my life (scribbles during toddlerhood count,
right?), I really didn’t have too much knowledge about how the publishing process worked.
Getting involved in the book development process over the past ten years has been such a
fascinating and eye-opening experience for me.
Some of my favorite childhood memories are walking through the rows of books in the library as
a child, grazing the shelves of McKay’s Used Books, or roaming the displays at the school book
fair. But I never really comprehended the level of work that went into the stories that I loved. I
didn’t understand the arduous process that went behind the middle grade fiction books devoured
on lazy summer days or the immersive classics that swept me away time and time again.
Most of us in the ACFW community are aware of the layers upon layers of proposals and
outlines and edits and brainstorms that go into the process of releasing a book into the world. I
think the most beautiful part that has impacted me the most is the layers upon layers of
community that are woven into every manuscript. On the outside, writing is seen as more of a
solitary pursuit, and it is true that that many of our words are typed out in solitude. But similar to
the team of people that surround a mother during the birth of the baby, there’s a beautiful group
that works together to bring our book babies into the world.
I’m grateful for all those who help shape, mold and polish our stories. For the ones who comb
through each line to make sure our grammar is tight, and every word is placed right. I’m in awe
of those who design eye-catching covers and for those who work hard to find creative ways to
get those books placed on the shelves.
Most recently, I have deeply appreciated the support that not only goes into the book production,
but the care that surrounds us in all the other times. I think I underestimated how hard it would
be for me to write my second novel. Between the changes in my family and the diminishing
availability of time, I wrestled with doubt and insecurity. But thank God for the editors that send
cards and messages of encouragement to their authors. For the agents who sense the nudge of the
Holy Spirit and send an email at the right time to pull their clients from the pits of
discouragement. What a blessings to have spouses and family and friends who make sure we do
not grow weary while we are doing good (Galatians 6:9), and who fan into flame the gift that is
within us (2 Timothy 1:7). And of course, how can we do what we do without the ever-present
help of our God who put the urge to write in us in the first place.
What a community effort writing is. Even though my years in publishing aren’t as long and my
circle is not as wide, I am grateful for how multifaceted it really is. What a gift it is to be a part
of even this ACFW community, no matter how little or how much we can be involved. Thank
you God for the people and the love that goes into this writing journey and for the ones that work
together to bring every book into the world.
Jenny Erlingsson writes romantic fiction and creative non-fiction to encourage deep faith in diverse settings. When she’s not ministering with her Icelandic husband or mothering her adorably feisty kids, she can be found writing and reading in the margins, with a side of Icelandic chocolate. Visit her on her website.
Comments 4
Great post, Jenny. Yes, writing is a community effort, especially within ACFW.
Amen. It’s important to remember to appreciate our blessings. So much to be grateful for. Thanks for your post, Jenny.
What a sweet post and so true of the comradeship we enjoy as writers in ACFW.
So true. It’s those around us who share our faith l, and relate support our efforts that make crafting Christian fiction that make our journey so much richer than it would be otherwise.