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Writer-Talk Tuesday: Changes in B&H Publishing’s Fiction Strategy—and what that means for me and my books.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Following is an excerpt from a press release regarding a change in strategy in fiction publishing at my current publisher, B&H:

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      bh-logoB&H Resets Fiction Strategy to Align with Broader Strategies

      NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 3, 2013) –B&H Publishing Group president Selma Wilson has announced a new strategy for the company’s fiction program.

      Uniquely positioned for developing strategic partnerships, B&H will intentionally focus on publishing only those novels that are tied to broader strategic endeavors, including initiatives with ministries, external film partners, LifeWay Films, and the B&H Kids line. Past releases using this model have included such best sellers as The Love Dare, The Vow, The Resolution for Men, as well as titles such as October Baby and Unconditional. New and upcoming releases include the Experiencing God at Home line, The Lost Medallion by Bill Muir and Alex Kendrick and The Truth Seekers Series by Bill Myers.

      “B&H is focusing on projects that align with our core strengths,” said Wilson. “We are uniquely gifted in working alongside partners and utilizing all of the tools that LifeWay Christian Resources is blessed to have. We are a team of people who want to spread the gospel around the world, and we believe we accomplish that best when we deploy our gifts to broader movements alongside strategic relationships.” . . .

You can read the entire press release here.

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So what does this really mean? Well it means that the separate, stand-alone fiction program, of which I am a part, will go away. Instead, they will focus on fiction that ties in with their nonfiction projects as well as film novelizations, which do very well for them. Right now, the fiction they had scheduled through next spring (March/April 2014) will still be published—which means that An Honest Heart will still release this fall as planned.
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However, The Heart That Waits will not be published by B&H. This means that what was originally a trilogy will now only be a duet, as I do not plan to complete this book in the foreseeable future. If that changes, my dear blog readers will be the first to know.
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It also means I now have a greater opportunity to look at this list of possible books to write next and really have some fun with what project I choose to dive into.
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What questions do you have about this—this particular situation, my book(s), or the publishing industry in general?

I can’t promise I’ll be able to answer (I may not know the answer), but I’ll give it a shot. These kinds of announcements always raise more questions than they answer, and I want this to be the place where you feel like you can ask.

8 Comments leave one →
  1. Debra E Marvin permalink
    Tuesday, May 7, 2013 7:11 am

    I’m still learning about all the authors affected by this decision. I like your attitude here. Thankfully we will have two of the three and you’ll make sure we don’t lose the third book!
    I had just recently considered targeting B&H myself. Most of all I’m praying for those affected by this — that other doors open up and they find blessings ahead in what is now painful.

    I’ll be back later to look over your list!

    Like

  2. Tuesday, May 7, 2013 3:00 pm

    I was wondering if the third one would actually be published by them. Couldn’t remember the release date when I saw the news yesterday.

    I will always vote for Dylan’s brothers first!

    Like

  3. Tuesday, May 7, 2013 3:15 pm

    Very happy to read that the series will not be incomplete. Thank you, Kaye! 🙂 You have an amazing attitude.

    Like

  4. Tuesday, May 7, 2013 3:40 pm

    I also wondered what it would mean for your series when I saw the news. Cancelling a series part-way through breaks the trust of the reader, and that will have a long-term impact on their business, and their other authors.

    Like

  5. Tuesday, May 7, 2013 10:32 pm

    I feel so bad that your 3rd in the series won’t be published by B&H. I wish they would honor that. I’m sure your own strategy will make sure readers will get to read it. Blessings to you Kaye! ♥

    Like

  6. Amber permalink
    Wednesday, May 8, 2013 12:56 am

    Thank you for finishing the series! I’d love it if you wrote another Brides of Bonneterre or Matchmakers book.

    Like

  7. Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:04 am

    Kaye, Are you going to find another publisher for your other books you are thinking about writing?

    Like

  8. dingo4mum permalink
    Saturday, May 11, 2013 6:31 pm

    Hi Kaye, sorry to hear about how B&H’s decisions affect you. I heard the news and thought of you first.

    All the best as you write for His glory, Lucy

    Like

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