News About My Book

So close, yet so far.

I got news from my agent Chip MacGregor yesterday that the publishers he has been pitching my book to are not playing catch.  As of last night, he confirmed something I have been bracing myself for the past 10 days or so for: I am an unpublished author of a high quality book.  What does it mean to be an unpublished author?  Even though I was bracing myself for the news, it was still hard to hear the truth last night.

The two closest people in my life, Sheila and Jennifer O. have known my growing perception in recent days: "Today is another day I haven't heard any news from Chip" would be my summation or the recent shorthand version, "my book" and they both I knew I didn't need to say more.  I couldn't ask for greater support from Sheila and Jen.  On a daily basis, they have so encouraged me and prayed for me and with me.  Its quite fitting and brings a smile to my face as I write this that I received such deep support and strength from Sheila and Jennifer about the impending ominous news about my book given the fact the book argues for the blessedness of two sacred unions, two sacred intimacies--marriage and transmaritial cross-gender friendship without posing any threat to the primacy of marriage--but actually strengthening marriage as any communal love and friendship should do.   Two different but nevertheless real unions reflecting the communion of the greatest Love: the Trinity.

I know a couple of things about this book.  Its not just me who believes God is in this--he's working in this whole book deal.  It's bigger than just me.  Second, without trying to sound arrogant, I know from the reaction of others and the endorsements I have received from scholars that this book is a high quality, scholarly book that is important.  Not everyone will agree with it--it is quite provocative.  Its only the voice of one person, a white male at that.  Its where I am in my journey.

So far, its not God's timing yet.  I experienced a flood of emotions last night when the email came in.  An unpublished author?  How many books have I read in recent months that don't even come close to the depth, to the breadth of research I have poured into that book for months and months???????  I was quite doubtful as most will tell you, about this thing getting published when this first started to write.  But I began to sense that I was putting together something that was good--a good quality work.  I then had close friends and Sheila--people who are intelligent and who know good writing say that this was good stuff.  Then I had scholars, authors come in with their endorsements--none of them were run-of-the-mill endorsements.  Then, one of the top literary agents in the world saw good in it and wanted to pitch it.  So, I am not deluded about the book imagining it to be something that it is not. 

As I have already mentioned before, the Lord has had some good surprises for me while I have been waiting for this book.  A new chapter of life, love, intimacy, and trust is being written in my friendship with Jennifer O.  So it is ironic that in real life my "book" on deep cross-gender friendship union is flourishing even more so than ever.  The Lord has wonderfully opened the door for new friends and some deep ministry in relationships the past month.  Both Sheila and Jennifer have been pointing out that there would be no way I could be doing what the Lord has called me to do in recent weeks if I had to be editing and reworking some stuff in the book.  I've had great freedom to pour myself into my marriage, friendships and ministry the past two months. 

So, I feel incredibly, the pleasure and deep blessing of God today cherishing my sacred unions and my community--and totally bummed I am unpublished author this morning at this point in the journey.

Comments

[Bill Baugher]

Dan,

Sorry to hear that things "may not" work out with this particular publishing company. If they do not it is my hope and prayer for you that you either find another publishing company or that you find other outlets to get the message out. In the meantime I hope you are able to be at peace in knowing that you have put you're heart into what you believe and have already made a difference in your own life and many people who have been at you're side in this part of your journey...

[Beth Hoover]

wow...so disappointing.

I have been waiting with anticipation in the wings for this book. I appreciate your heart and transparency at the hard news.

It really is hard to understand when I have to put down more books then I finish because they are poorly written or have little to say.

But, it ain't over til it's over and God get the last word!

[Dan Brennan]

Bill, thank you so much for your kind encouragement. My agent is trying other smaller publishers and who knows what networking will do? I appreciate your kind words.

Beth, thank you so much. God is indeed in this and I haven't given up hope. I am a very blessed man.

[djchuang]

What do you think of self-publishing a portion of your book, like THE SHACK did? Maybe just getting the message out will be a very valuable first step towards good things happening.

[Giovanni]

It's a tough market out there for unpublished authors as well as future pastors. I just keep on telling myself that God is preparing both me and my future place of employment; we're not ready at this point. My prayer for you and for Sheila is the same that I pray for myself: that God will show what he is doing for the occasional burst of encouragement. Sometimes I want God's presence in the form of the Promised Land when I have to "settle" for a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.

So I hear your frustration! Praise God that we can cry out to him for our disappointments. However, I would praise him for his past and present provision than patiently wait for his future.

[Dan]

Hey djchuang, Thanks so much for your encouragement. I am looking at all options presently.

Thanks Giovanni for your kind words and prayers.