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| Julie Klassen |
~ Dawn
My
Journey to Publication
My road to publication was greatly impacted by the fact that
I worked for Bethany House Publishers.
I began in their advertising department (that’s what my
degree is in). But when I was expecting my second child, and contemplating
staying home, Bethany House offered me a job in editorial (which I could do
primarily from home). They had recognized my editorial “eye” because I had
volunteered to do everything from reviewing manuscripts on my own time to
abridging audio books. (If you’re ever asked to do something above and beyond
your normal responsibilities, don’t say “that’s not my job.” You never know
what doors it may open for you!”)
As an editor, I had the blessing and privilege of working
with several talented authors over the years, like Michael Phillips, Deeanne
Gist, Davis Bunn, Lisa Wingate, and Beverly Lewis. I loved getting to know the
authors personally, and doing whatever I could to help them strengthen their
manuscripts. Of course, the experience taught me a great deal about writing and
crafting novels. (Though there is always more to learn.)
I had always wanted to be an author, but for most of the
years I worked at Bethany House, I kept that dream a secret. I was a “closet
writer.”
Over a year or two, in fits and starts, I wrote the majority
of an historical novel, but didn’t quite finish it. Then, when my husband was
laid off for nearly two years, I decided This
just might be a good time to finally finish it!
I did, but then found myself in a bit of a quandary. Bethany
House was my hoped-for publisher. But since I worked with the people who would
be reviewing my novel, I wasn’t sure whether submitting it there would be a
good idea. I confided privately to my boss who wisely advised me to submit it under
a pseudonym so that if it was accepted, it would be done so objectively. And I
was thinking, Yeah, and if they think
it’s ridiculous, which they probably will, then I can still show my face at
work the next day! Thankfully, they liked it and wanted to publish it (Lady of Milkweed Manor, Dec. 2007).
After that, the cat was out of the bag and I’ve been edited just as much as I
ever edited anyone else. It was an eye-opening experience to be on the
receiving end of the red pen!
Becoming published was a lifelong dream come true. I
continued to edit part-time for several years while writing a book a year.
As of June 2011, with several more novels published, I hung
up my red pen to become a full-time writer. I am so thankful to be doing what
I’ve always believed God wired me to do, and for His glory. But I will always
be grateful for my years at Bethany House that paved the way.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do
good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~ Ephesians 2:10
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JULIE KLASSEN
love all things Jane—Jane Eyre and
Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in
Christian publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her
books have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She also won the
Midwest Book Award for Genre Fiction and been a finalist in Romance Writers of
America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two
sons and live in near St. Paul, Minnesota.
For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com.
