Interview with Michael Garrett, Part One

LET’S PUT OUR HEADS TOGETHER AND SELL SOME BOOKS!

The biggest challenge to today’s Christian fiction authors is not getting published,

but is selling published books.

Here with us today is Michael Garrett, who holds the distinction of having been Stephen King’s first editor and publisher. Michael is also an internationally published author who hopes to bring Christian authors together to promote each other.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN PUBLISHING EXPERIENCES.

I have two traditionally published novels with another on the way. I’ve also independently published three books, so I’m well acquainted with both traditional publishing as well as self-publication.

WHY DO YOU FEEL THAT AUTHORS SHOULD PROMOTE EACH OTHER?

Because we’re not competitors. Anyone who encourages readers to buy books is an ally, not a competitor. As creatives, we should admire and inspire each other, as in the music industry. The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the two biggest bands of all time, could often be heard in each other’s songs. We should be fans of our peers.

DO YOU CARE TO ELABORATE?

Sure. Readers are always on the lookout for new authors. Likewise, no reader settles on just one author to the exclusion of all others. Readers limit themselves to certain genres, not authors. If a reader in your genre doesn’t select your book today, perhaps he/she will tomorrow.

TELL US ABOUT THE WEBSITE YOU’VE CREATED TO HELP AUTHORS CONNECT.

I originally started christiansuspensenovels.com to promote my own books, but quickly realized that my novels could receive more attention if promoted as part of a group. Being surrounded by other similar books lends more credibility to them all.

IS THE SITE LIMITED TO CHRISTIAN SUSPENSE NOVELS ALONE?

Yes, the site is, but its Twitter account, @SuspenseWriters, is open to all Christian genres. It’s where I hope authors will exchange ideas and connect with each other.

IS THERE A CHARGE FOR A SUSPENSE NOVEL TO BE FEATURED ON THE SITE?

Absolutely not. There’s limited space available, but if a suspense novel has received decent reviews, I will seriously consider adding it.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?

As my Twitter profile states, the biggest challenge to today’s Christian fiction authors is not getting published, but is selling published books. This is true whether you’re traditionally published or independently published. Making your reading audience aware that your novel exists is extremely challenging. They can’t buy it if they don’t know it’s there. Perhaps if we put our heads together, we can find ways to help our readers find us.

WHY DO YOU FEEL CHRISTIAN AUTHORS SHOULD SUPPORT EACH OTHER?

Well, first of all, the mission of Christian authors is to spread the Word through wholesome entertainment. We should be willing to help each other accomplish this as a service to our Savior, who gave us these skills in the first place. And second, we can learn from each other. Every writer shouldn’t be forced to re-invent the wheel when it comes to marketing. Through positive dialogue, we can learn from each other what works and what doesn’t when it comes to selling books. It’s all about sharing.

SEE PART TWO TOMORROW

MICHAEL GARRETT is a devout Christian and life-long resident of Alabama. His world revolves around God, his wife Sharon, two adult children, and five grandchildren. He has published two successful traditional novels with a third to be released soon. He has also worked in an editorial capacity with best-selling authors, has served over 2600 international clients as an independent editor, and holds the distinction of having been Stephen King’s first editor and publisher. He has also taught highly acclaimed writing workshops at colleges and universities across the nation and was an Editorial Associate of the Writer’s Digest School. His editorial services are available at https://manuscriptcritique.com and his new website to promote Christian suspense novels is https://christiansuspensenovels.com