As commercial director of one of the oldest and largest Christian publishing houses in the world, Rowan Miller advises, “The most important thing is having great people on your team who have vision and energy to make new ideas happen. Once in place, the best thing I can do is resource them to be the best they can be—and then get out of their way!” This story is part of the Journeys in Christian Publishing: Stories from 利特世界 series.
How did the Lord lead you into Christian publishing?
I had graduated from university and gone straight into a graduate training program with one of the UK’s leading retail chains. Before long I found myself visiting Holy Trinity Brompton (home of the Alpha Course) in central London. While there, I visited their bookshop and immediately felt the pull to be in the thick of it. I noticed they were recruiting for an assistant manager—the rest is history.
In what ways have books played a part in your faith journey?
I was given a list of a few “must-read” books by a youth pastor which I didn’t appreciate would be so significant—beyond some daily reading notes, that would be my first real engagement with going into a Christian bookshop and reading faith-based books. Little did I know how key those books were and still are, the most well-known being The Fight by John White.
Please share some things the Lord has shown you in your publishing journey so far.
- As a leader in publishing, the most important thing is having great people on your team who have vision and energy to make new ideas happen. Once in place, the best thing I can do is resource them to be the best they can be and then get out of their way!
- Not every project or every book idea needs a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No.’ Sometimes ‘Not Yet’ is the right answer.
- Stay curious. There are always new opportunities out there. Think globally.
- I don’t have all the answers. Growth is often obtained by my partnering with people or organizations who are experts in their field.
Please share your top tips for Christian publishers just starting out.
- You need a whole range of skills in publishing.
- Be a sponge. Listen and learn as much as you can from people who have gone before you whom you respect and trust. You don’t have to agree with them, but let it shape your vision and what you want to either replicate or do differently.
- Try to get a range of publishing experience.
- Build your networks.
- Don’t burn bridges when projects or roles don’t go your way.
- Dream big!
If money and time were no object, what would you seek to publish? (And why?)
Good question! If I knew the answer to that I would probably have done it. You’ve got me thinking though…
How might we pray for you and your ministry?
Pray for continued opportunities for SPCK to take the message of Life and Hope around the world.