Episode 97: Publishing Advice from Editor Will Parker Anderson (Part 1)

Written By Amy Simon

Do you want to write and publish a book but you’d like to hear from an editor what’s involved? Listen in to the first half of my conversation with Will Parker Anderson, Senior Editor at Waterbrook and Multnomah.

In this episode we talk about:

  • Common mistakes writers make in their book proposals

  • Why short cuts to publishing don’t exist

  • The role of social media in getting a traditional book deal

  • The difference between concept-driven books and platform-driven books

  • The importance of writing for others to read and getting feedback on your writing

  • How to view platform-building and ways to build it

  • Practical ways to prepare yourself to be published

Will Parker Anderson is a senior editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah, an imprint of Penguin Random House, where he acquires and edits Christian living, Bible teaching, spiritual formation, and faith-based inspirational nonfiction titles. Will has collaborated with authors like Rich Villodas, Josh Butler, Jon Tyson, Doug Wekenman, and YouTuber Ruslan KD, helping them shape compelling books that resonate with readers.

Beyond publishing, Will’s background includes fifteen years in pastoral ministry and nonprofit work, giving him a deep understanding of the spiritual and practical challenges writers face. His writing and editorial expertise extends to a range of media outlets, including The Chosen, The Gospel Coalition, Dwell Bible App, Preaching Today, and Relevant magazine.

Will holds a BA in journalism from Biola University and an MA in New Testament from Talbot School of Theology. A passionate teacher, he has taught biblical studies and theology at both the high school and college levels. Based in Southern California, Will spends his free time exploring the outdoors with his wife, Emily, and their three young children, which means he’s often running on caffeine and grace.

You can find him and subscriber to his newsletter, The Writers’ Circle, at https://www.writerscircle.co/

He’s also on Instagram

The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you’ll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I’d love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com

Disclaimer: I believe in and approach life (and writing) from a distinctly evangelical Christian perspective, but some of my guests may not. When I interview a guest on a specifically spiritual topic, I do my best to know in advance that I can support their theological stances on the topics that relate to our interview. When the topic is not particularly spiritual, our theological views may differ. My interviewing of guests and providing links to their work does not necessarily indicate a complete theological endorsement of all their written work.

Amy Simon
Next

Episode 95: Writing in Liminal Time with Katie Sampias