Author and award-winning educator Keila Ochoa Harris shares reflections and learnings from over twenty years in Christian writing, publishing and training. She asks, “If writers could live from their books, would there be more and better writers? How can we bridge the expertise of publishers and editors with the passion of writers and the needs of readers?” Keila exhorts writers to work on the books that matter, and for all involved in creating Christian content to collaborate and publish for lasting impact.
Twenty-four years ago, I attended my first LittWorld in England. It was a life-transforming event that confirmed God’s call to me as a writer. As I reflect on my journey, let me share some thoughts and questions as I analyze what I have learned along the way.
Books still matter
Books are still in circulation. According to the UNESCO, 2.2 million books are published each year.[1] Many people, especially in Latin America, don’t have access to e-book platforms, so they prefer physical books. Unfortunately, many of our customers believe that because writing/publishing is a ministry, books should be free, or it is ok to share them on the Internet regardless of copyright laws. This certainly affects sales and distribution, creating a harmful practice for all parties involved.
On the other hand, we know that books matter so much that God’s Word is still in circulation. However, when it comes to books, it is difficult to pinpoint what makes a bestseller. Good publicity or a known pastor? Some of the books on the shelf look more like self-help or feel-good books, but can we find books to help us lament? What about those texts that challenge us? Readers must grapple with ideas, confront misconceptions, and satisfy their thirst for knowledge.
Books still matter. The question is: are we providing the books that matter?
Writers still need a second job
After twenty-plus years as a Christian writer, I have a day job. Of course, a few authors live from their books, but that’s not my case, and I believe I speak for the majority. I could be more aggressive in building a platform, selling my work, and promoting my books, but I end up giving away my writings. I’m fine with that, but is that one of the reasons why we don’t have so many authors in Latin America?
Writing is my way of doing hesed (a Hebrew term that means showing unconditional love to others). (If writing is a ministry, should writers be economically supported like pastors, worship leaders, or other church staff? Spending time in marketing and providing for my family drains my creative process and pushes me to the limits. We might need to learn to ride the waves, but it leaves one wondering how, when, and why.
Writers still need a second job. If writers could live from their books, would there be more and better writers in the region?
We need editors and publishers
Self-publishing has helped writers to put their work out there. However, not all self-published books offer the quality readers deserve. The most important lesson I have learned is this: I need an editor. I feel privileged because I have worked with more than five publishing houses and can call most of my editors as good friends and mentors. However, some writers might see editors and publishers as the enemy.
My closeness to editors has allowed me to see first-hand their economic struggles and the same wrestling with the word “ministry.” Publishers are professionals who adhere to the Christian ethics exemplified by Jesus Christ. They believe the message is as strong as the means because their faith demands holiness in everything they do, but this creates problems when people don’t read in the region. Editors and publishers are the invisible pieces of the publishing process and deserve honor (and remuneration). How can we help them fulfill their call?
We need editors and publishers. How can we bridge their expertise with the passion of writers and the needs of readers?
Let me finish this text with the Hebrew phrase Chesed shel emes, which means, true loving-kindness. It refers to acts of compassion performed for someone who has passed away. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the countless brave and selfless publishers, editors, and writers who have paved the way for Christian publications in Latin America.
We owe missionaries who came to learn our language and patiently translated, corrected, and published pamphlets and booklets that explained the grace of God. Then came the Latin American theologians, pastors, and teachers who penned their sermons, teachings, and musings for our benefit. I thank the ones who even tried fiction to connect with the general public. Many became editors and publishers while trying to get the message out. Others studied the language and ended up behind the editor’s desk, fearful, but willing to bring books into campuses, pews, and houses.
We can honor them as we continue what they started. So let us write, edit, and publish valuable texts that reach our readers and communicate the endless hope of the Gospel. We can serve the Spanish-speaking world as we become better in what we do.
Let’s collaborate and publish for a lasting impact. What are some ways we might do this?
Keila Ochoa Harris is a prolific Mexican author with over 20 published books. She is deeply passionate about mentoring and inspiring others to write. Beyond her writing, she is a dedicated educator, residing in northern Mexico with her husband and two children. Keila was awarded MAI’s Distinguished Trainer Award in 2024. This story was originally published in a magazine for LittWorld 2024, where Keila also served as a workshop facilitator on the topics Keys to Successful Writer Training and Creative Strategies to Promote Reading.
Related resources
- TeamWrite: how to collaborate to create a successful book project – a webinar with Keila Ochoa Harris
- ¿Cómo escribir y publicar en un mundo de likes? Mantener atención en lo prioritario – a Spanish webinar with Keila Ochoa Harris
- La novela contemporánea: lo que aprendí de Jane Austen – a Spanish webinar with Keila Ochoa Harris
[1] https://es.statista.com/temas/11254/industria-del-libro-en-el-mundo/