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| Author Joan M. Hochstetler/ J.M. Hochstetler |
What can you
share about your journey to getting published?
It was a looong
one! I began writing in the late 1970s. I worked hard to learn the craft for
several years before beginning to submit proposals to publishers. It took until
2002 before I found the right agent, Joyce Hart, who negotiated my first
contract with a major publisher for Daughter
of Liberty and Native Son, the
first two books of my American Patriot Series, along with a very nice advance. I
thought I was on my way.
Within a month
of my accepting the contract, however, my editor left and a new editor came in
who wasn’t interested in me or historicals in general. Although my books
published in 2004 and 2005, they received little support and consequently sold
poorly. The editor informed me that they weren’t interested in contracting any
more of my books. What had started out with such joy turned into a deeply
painful disappointment.
After that
there was no interest in any of my proposals. I became so discouraged and
frustrated that one day when I was alone I burst out, “I just ought to start my
own publishing house!” I was startled when a very distinct voice responded,
“Well…why don’t you?” I knew right away who was challenging me. And I knew that
if I hesitated, I’d lose an opportunity that might never come again. So I
quickly answered, “If your hand is in it, Lord, I’ll do it. Just show me the
way.”
The result was
Sheaf House Publishers, an independent small press founded in 2006 whose main
focus is fiction. The doors miraculously kept opening—from financial resources
to a distributor that took me under their wing to several terrific authors and an
amazing production team. We’ve gone through some rocky times but by God’s grace
have kept on weathering the storm.
I started out
by publishing my contemporary novel, One
Holy Night, which was awarded the 2009 Christian Small Publisher Book of
the Year. I also published books by other wonderful authors, including a
delightful memoir by Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys, From My Perspective, that I’m very proud of. And as soon as I got
the publishing rights back to my American Patriot Series, I began releasing it
in the new Heritage Edition, adding 3 more volumes, with 2 more forthcoming to
complete this series—the only comprehensive, accurate historical fiction series
on the American Revolution. Valley of the
Shadow, Book 5, released September 1. I’m currently working on book 2 of my
Northkill Amish Series, The Return,
coauthored with well-known author Bob Hostetler, which releases in Fall 2016.
I’m reminded of one
particular praise song whenever I think about how the Lord used this painful
experience to give me the great privilege, not only to write for Him, but also
to publish the works of fellow Christian writers struggling to find an
audience, and how He continues to lead me today. “It Is Well” says it all.
Buy links (hot links): to Valley of the Shadow
iTunes
Giveaway: Answer the question - Do you ever wonder about authors' journeys to publication? Winner receives an ebook copy of any one of Joan's books (void where prohibited by law.)
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