Moments from my publishing life when I clearly saw God working
Two questions come to mind when thinking back to our move from Connecticut to Southern California in 1982:
What does a couple leave behind when forced to make a major move?
What unexpected consequences can imperil a successful transition?
When you are leaving a publisher for another one, what kind of farewell should you expect? I was obviously not going to a competitor of Moody Press, since the Christian Herald Association was known for its magazine and its book clubs, not its book publishing program. Despite that it came as quite a surprise when I was invited to have lunch with Dr. George Sweeting, president of Moody Bible Institute. Even though I had been acquiring editor for several of his books, I wondered what was on his agenda.
Where is God when your well-ordered life takes a dramatic, negative turn? When your urgent prayers provide no answer?
How long does it take for an acquisitions editor to become truly effective?
When I got to Moody Press in 1970 I thought God had given me remarkable preparation for my new role as acquisitions editor.
What happens when an innovative evangelistic product offends the sensibilities of influential people? In the late 1960s the editorial team at Moody Press became an active proponent of a creative evangelistic and discipling tool, a magazine they called Emit, Time spelled backwards. It purported to have been published during the last year or so of Jesus’ life, including news reports on Jesus trial, crucifixion and resurrection.
When God brought me to Moody Press in 1970 the editorial department had been without an acquisitions editor/team leader for two years. Peter Gunther had worked hard to keep the ship afloat, and a reasonably strong backlist had kept sales going. The copy editing and proof reading team led by Gloria Most worked hard to maintain quality control. My assignment was to breathe new life into the acquisitions process.