A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown. Luke 8:5-8, NLT.
I pitched a book proposal to a Christian publisher for my second manuscript. And though they liked the idea I presented, they graciously said it was not a manuscript that would currently meet their publishing needs.
Jesus’ illustration of the parable of the sower is a reminder that not all of the seeds we sow for publication will be accepted. Some seed will fall on hard ground, where a publisher won’t even consider our manuscript; some seed will fall among rocky ground, where a publisher likes our manuscript, but still reject it because it doesn’t appeal enough to a mass audience; and some seed will fall on good ground, where a publisher likes our manuscript and accepts it for publication.
How can you ensure the seeds you sow for your manuscript idea fall on good ground? By doing your research. Research publishers and make sure your manuscript is exactly what they are looking for. Then follow their guidelines for submitting your manuscript to them for review. And even though it will require patience on your part as you wait for an answer regarding whether your manuscript will be accepted for publication, you can be confident in knowing you sowed your “seed” on good ground.
Sharing the journey,
Jeaninne
Writer’s prayer: Father, help me to take the time to research publshiers so I can ensure my “seed” is falling on good ground.