How To Love God Update
I just posted a new (very short) section from the book. I wanted to have the book proposal finished by today, but I ran into a few hurdles I'd like to get some feedback on.
The first two chapters that were originally posted here have expanded just a little, and now chapter two is chapter three, and I need to shoehorn a second in between them.
But here's the main thing: It takes about three short chapters to really get the book going, but I can't help but think that, for sales' sake, I need to really show what makes this book different, which means that I think I should add at least two later chapters: one on evolution that has what I think is an entirely original take on why evangelicals distrust evolution and what can be done about it (it's obviously not a question of education, no matter what Skeptic Magazine says); and I'm almost positive I need a chapter called "How To Be an Atheist Without Being a Jerk" to show, first, that this isn't just another bash-the-religious-folks polemic, and second, to show that I actually have some ideas for atheists to improve their P.R. as well.
Finally, it struck me that I'm good in person, I could lecture on this easily, and that if I have even a brief history of lecturing on the topic, it would go some way toward helping me sell the book. (And video of me lecturing would be a pretty good viral marketing tool.) The only problem is, normally people lecture because they've either got a degree or they've got a book already. I've got neither. Anyone know how to get started with lectures? I'm completely new to this and I understand if I'm jumping the gun.
Oh, one more thing: I'd love to send sections of the book out to magazines, but I'm damned if I can think of any that would buy them. It feels too religious for the skeptical magazines, and far too skeptical for the religious magazines. (If you're writing for Shambhala Sun, I don't think you're allowed to make jokes like the one I do in the book: "Every time I see the Dalai Lama he seems so nice that I think, someone should buy the poor guy a toupee.") Any ideas there?
Damn, I want to get this thing out there.
The first two chapters that were originally posted here have expanded just a little, and now chapter two is chapter three, and I need to shoehorn a second in between them.
But here's the main thing: It takes about three short chapters to really get the book going, but I can't help but think that, for sales' sake, I need to really show what makes this book different, which means that I think I should add at least two later chapters: one on evolution that has what I think is an entirely original take on why evangelicals distrust evolution and what can be done about it (it's obviously not a question of education, no matter what Skeptic Magazine says); and I'm almost positive I need a chapter called "How To Be an Atheist Without Being a Jerk" to show, first, that this isn't just another bash-the-religious-folks polemic, and second, to show that I actually have some ideas for atheists to improve their P.R. as well.
Finally, it struck me that I'm good in person, I could lecture on this easily, and that if I have even a brief history of lecturing on the topic, it would go some way toward helping me sell the book. (And video of me lecturing would be a pretty good viral marketing tool.) The only problem is, normally people lecture because they've either got a degree or they've got a book already. I've got neither. Anyone know how to get started with lectures? I'm completely new to this and I understand if I'm jumping the gun.
Oh, one more thing: I'd love to send sections of the book out to magazines, but I'm damned if I can think of any that would buy them. It feels too religious for the skeptical magazines, and far too skeptical for the religious magazines. (If you're writing for Shambhala Sun, I don't think you're allowed to make jokes like the one I do in the book: "Every time I see the Dalai Lama he seems so nice that I think, someone should buy the poor guy a toupee.") Any ideas there?
Damn, I want to get this thing out there.
Labels: Dave Update, religion
posted by Cowboy Dave Dickerson | 7:46 AM
5 Comments:
Try "The Sun" magazine.
I have no idea how to promote a book that is, as of yet, unwritten.
But, I can't wait to get a copy. I am sure I will be horribly offended, completely turned off and maybe even enlightened and amused a bit.
Hey, do you name anyone by name, besides your brother?
Hey, there. Been lurking for a while. I'm a former evangelical now Episcopal priest. I might have a couple of tips for you on where to publish or lecture.
Take a look at Off the Map (www.offthemap.com). I think their sensibilities would match yours very well. They have an annual conference at which I think you would be a terrific speaker. And I bet they have some ideas about publications.
I actually think Leadership magazine, of the Christianity Today family, might be interested in what you have to say. But that's just a guess.
I could maybe get you a gig at Princeton.
Thanks for all the great advice! I've skimmed Off the Map but never gave it the hard look it no doubt deserves. And the Sun! Of course! Hooray!
Sebastienne, I invite you to email me or contact me via Facebook. I've been meaning to thank you bunt you're unreachable via Blogger, so the ball's in your court now. But thanks so much, everyone!
Post a Comment
<< Home