Before I share my thoughts it's important to me that those of you who are authors understand I am not attacking your books. Your cover is not your book. It's not your story and in most cases it's not your creation. I am writing this post because I believe your publishers are selling your stories and your market potential short. I believe you could be reaching a wider audience. I am also writing this because in recent discussion about the whitewashing of covers Christian publishers have slipped under the radar and that needs to change. I also think that there are probably some of you out there who are unpublished because you've written a story that doesn't quite fit in the parameters of Christian fiction, but is so faith driven that general market publishers are a little scared to touch it. I'm writing this post because Christians are more than conservative middle aged white women and because books should be the place where ideas are expressed and minds are allowed to be challenged and grow.
I used to really love the covers of Christian fiction books. For the most part, they were stunning and beautiful. But I've noticed recently that the covers are starting to take a turn for the worse. In fact, I'm starting to actively dislike many of the covers I find in Christian fiction. Tonight when my friend Deborah of Books, Movies, and Chinese Food sent me the link to the forthcoming books from Thomas Nelson, I almost felt sick to my stomach as I looked at the covers. Not only were so many of them unappealing, they had redesigned some of my favorite covers and made them unappealing!
If you go look through the catalog, you'll notice a very disturbing trend.
1) Modern looking white women on the covers of historicals with a goofy smile pasted on their face.
2) Books by men, however, have no cover model.
3) The one multicultural book by a woman doesn't have a cover model! In fact, it's not quite possible to tell the race of the characters.
This is unacceptable. Let me further make my point by example.
This is the original cover of In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons:
This is the new repackaged cover
Here's the synopsis of the book:
Madeleine's shared history with the king holds the key to her family's life...or death.
Seventeenth century France is an unsafe time to be a Huguenot. By order of King Louis XIV, all French Protestants must immediately convert or face imprisonment--or death. The king's dragoons ferret out the nonconformists, pillaging villages and destroying homesteads.
When the king's soldiers descend on the Clavell estate, the family's fate hangs in the balance. Quickly, quietly, they send their two sons into hiding, trusting that the young age of their daughter will guarantee her protection. But the dragoons will not be dissuaded; they hold the manor hostage looking for clues of their guilt or innocence. However, Madeleine Clavell, the lady of the manor, holds a secret--one possible chance to save the family. She and the king share a past.
Once a beautiful young lady in the French court whom Louis loved, Madeleine travels to Versailles to plead for mercy from the fickle king, hoping to regain his favor and save her family. It's a gamble, but she is left with no other choice. Madeleine soon faces an agonizing decision--one that changes her family forever.
Hmm. Does the heroine on the cover of the second book look remotely like she's facing death and the death of her family and an AGONIZING decision?
The cover is lying.
I have a distaste for covers with faces as it is. But this recent upswing in putting white women with goofy smiles on their faces on the covers of Christian fiction books is unacceptable to me. It's not just a few covers either, it's a strong trend.
Deborah pointed out that Christians don't like to see other Christians unhappy. I'm afraid she's right...this points to a larger problem of superficiality in the Christian subculture. But books...books of all places should be where we are free to express our deepest and truest selves. And that's where my next concern comes into play.
For a long time I've championed Christian fiction. I still hold that the best fiction I read is strongly motivated by faith. But most of what gets labeled and published as Christian fiction is escapist fiction. It is already well known that for the most part Christian fiction is owned by evangelical Christians. Some books have strong messages about an evangelical way of being a Christian. But as such, it should not be called Christian fiction, it should be called Evangelical Christian fiction. There are some exceptions. The Betsy Bliss books by Beth Patillo come to mind. But for the most part there is a box that a lot of Christian fiction resides in.
It's not that I think publishers want to stay in this box. I bet there are quite a few that would enjoy breaking out of it. But they believe their market is the middle-aged conservative white evangelical Christian woman. And they believe she only wants to read a certain kind of book. But it's self-defeating because as they continue to only publish this kind of book, they continue to limit their audience to her. THE AUDIENCE IS NOT GOING TO GROW IF YOU DON'T PUBLISH BOOKS FOR THEM.
This is why I felt sick to my stomach. Christian fiction as it stands today excludes so many Christians. There is not enough theological diversity. There are not enough characters of color. There's no place for the GLBT Christian and there's very little for the person who wishes to be challenged in their faith as they read.
Furthermore, I think we need to take a hard look at the popularity of Amish fiction. While I agree that the emphasis on community and the simpler life are big reasons these books are popular, it might also be the fascination with the Other. But if so, why does this same fascination not extend to other groups of people who are different? As much as it grieves me to say this, is it possibly because of the completely white Amish communities?
This rant of mine, if you will, is not because I dislike Christian fiction. Once again, I must state that there are many Christian fiction books that have meant so much to me. I'd like to highlight two.
I think Cook deserves major kudos for publishing Wounded: A Love Story by Claudia Mair Burney. This book shows the potential of Christian fiction to me. It's about stigmata which is largely a Catholic phenomenon and something I knew nothing about before reading the book. It challenged me and encouraged me and made me think about my faith. It was the first time I saw some expression of ideas I've had before in print. And it proudly shows an African American woman on the cover. Publishers take note: it can be done.
The Passion of Mary Margaret by Lisa Samson is another example. This book leaped outside the box for me. Mary Margaret's interactions with Jesus and her the way she gave her life for Him and represented the incarnation made me crave deeper intimacy with God.
I want more books like these, please.
Look, I get that publishing is a business. So I'll make a deal with you publishers. If you take a chance and buy some books that think outside of the box, if you cast your nets a little wider and embrace a larger portion of our Christian brothers and sisters, if you publish books that don't wrap up neatly and tidily, if you stop showing white women with goofy smiles on the covers, and if you do more to promote your authors of color, I'll do my best to promote those books. So let's talk. Tell me what you've got coming up that you think matches these descriptions. For the love of God, prove me wrong.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Christian Fiction: What is Going On?
Logging you in...
If there was more diverse Christian fiction I'd be tempted to try it at least, but despite your best efforst here whenever I see Christian fiction around my mind immediately goes to the uninclusive side of the religion. If you find any great GLBT Christian fiction be sure to shout about it, I'd love to take a look!
I just saw an article the other day that I can't find now about how Amish fiction idealises a rather extreme version of Christianity and suggests troubling things about what the publishers are pushing to the reading public.
I just saw an article the other day that I can't find now about how Amish fiction idealises a rather extreme version of Christianity and suggests troubling things about what the publishers are pushing to the reading public.
I agree with everything this post says. I couldn't have said it better myself. As an Asian female Christian reader, it appalls me that so much emphasis is placed on only showing white women faces in Christian fiction. Is it because the face MUST be shown in order to connect with the typical CF reader who is middle age white woman?
Interesting about the exclusive white Amish fiction theory. Although to be honest, most of the time I read Amish fiction for the food. I kid you not. They have awesome food. But anywho, I digress.
Interesting about the exclusive white Amish fiction theory. Although to be honest, most of the time I read Amish fiction for the food. I kid you not. They have awesome food. But anywho, I digress.
That cover is just horrid. She looks like a Stepford wife! I would pass right by that at the bookstore but the description is actually intriguing. I'd be embarrassed to be seen with it though. I think that proves your "growing audience" comment.
It very weird to me that Christians don't want to see unhappy Christians. Isn't there a history of suffering in Christianity? What about all those martyrs?
I can see how it would appeal to a certain group. It shouts: "This is a safe book. Nothing offensive here. See how happy she is?"
I hope they're listening to you Amy.
It very weird to me that Christians don't want to see unhappy Christians. Isn't there a history of suffering in Christianity? What about all those martyrs?
I can see how it would appeal to a certain group. It shouts: "This is a safe book. Nothing offensive here. See how happy she is?"
I hope they're listening to you Amy.
I don't read Christian fiction, but agree with you - that cover is terrible! I would have been tempted to pick up that first book (which looks like a typical historical fiction) but wouldn't go anywhere near that smiling woman - it looks really cheesy and I wouldn't trust the authenticity of the content. She does not look as though she has serious problems.I hope this terrible trend in cover design does not continue.
" I also think that there are probably some of you out there who are unpublished because you've written a story that doesn't quite fit in the parameters of Christian fiction, but is so faith driven that general market publishers are a little scared to touch it."
I would love to think this is the reason I eventually self published...
Also, there is a woman on my cover, but you can't see her face. I wanted the emphasis on facing the future and not on my heroine’s appearance. The beauty of self publishing – you design your own cover.
If you were a publishing company I would send my book to you!
Jennifer, author of Trusting for Tomorrow
I would love to think this is the reason I eventually self published...
Also, there is a woman on my cover, but you can't see her face. I wanted the emphasis on facing the future and not on my heroine’s appearance. The beauty of self publishing – you design your own cover.
If you were a publishing company I would send my book to you!
Jennifer, author of Trusting for Tomorrow
Oh one more thing: I'm a Latina and I don't see it as a white thing. There is black Christian fiction (http://www.blackchristianfiction.com/).
Amy, did you read Chip MacGregor site about trends in Christian fiction?
Some examples are: increase in growth in romance historical fiction, decrease in thrillers, huge increase in Amish fiction also called Bonnet novels, CBA is pulling away from edgy to a safer tried and true story. His post was dated 2-18-10. It was interesting.
Publishers do look most importantly at their market, another words who is buying their product. It is a business and they want to make a profit.
I agree to a point that some of the Christian fiction book covers are sappy, but some are not. In the stack sitting next to me all newly published-- Ginger Garrett has a great cover on her new book Chosen about Esther - the woman looks more middle eastern in hair and coloring. Kathy Herman newest book The Right Call has a young man with glasses on the front cover. An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick has a field of wheat with a woman photographer with her back to us, she has her hair pinned up but dark headed.
I have noticed that over the past year I've seen more African-American Christian fiction at Lifeway and Walmart. I am in hopes this will increase. I'm hoping that the market for these books will increase!
You are unhappy with book covers, I'm tired of what I call bubble gum novels---those Christian fiction books that are bubble gum...light reading...everything is roses and sunshine....not reality. Not all are like this and authors are emerging to branch out in to the reality of hard circumstances in life and I'm glad of this.
Yet, there are those people that that is all they will read, those light bubble gum novels. As long as there is a market, they will continue to be published.
Thanks.
Some examples are: increase in growth in romance historical fiction, decrease in thrillers, huge increase in Amish fiction also called Bonnet novels, CBA is pulling away from edgy to a safer tried and true story. His post was dated 2-18-10. It was interesting.
Publishers do look most importantly at their market, another words who is buying their product. It is a business and they want to make a profit.
I agree to a point that some of the Christian fiction book covers are sappy, but some are not. In the stack sitting next to me all newly published-- Ginger Garrett has a great cover on her new book Chosen about Esther - the woman looks more middle eastern in hair and coloring. Kathy Herman newest book The Right Call has a young man with glasses on the front cover. An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick has a field of wheat with a woman photographer with her back to us, she has her hair pinned up but dark headed.
I have noticed that over the past year I've seen more African-American Christian fiction at Lifeway and Walmart. I am in hopes this will increase. I'm hoping that the market for these books will increase!
You are unhappy with book covers, I'm tired of what I call bubble gum novels---those Christian fiction books that are bubble gum...light reading...everything is roses and sunshine....not reality. Not all are like this and authors are emerging to branch out in to the reality of hard circumstances in life and I'm glad of this.
Yet, there are those people that that is all they will read, those light bubble gum novels. As long as there is a market, they will continue to be published.
Thanks.
Amy, I never knew there was a whole genre of Christian fiction until I started reading your blog(s); however, each time I go to pick up one of these books and dip my toe into those waters, I am compleltely turned off by the hokey covers!
No, we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but when we don't know what we're looking for, it sure helps! Publishers know that they have 3.3 seconds to grab a reader's attention with a cover...and these covers make me want to turn and run.
Great post. I will read Christian fiction...I just won't pay attention to the cover.
No, we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but when we don't know what we're looking for, it sure helps! Publishers know that they have 3.3 seconds to grab a reader's attention with a cover...and these covers make me want to turn and run.
Great post. I will read Christian fiction...I just won't pay attention to the cover.
I totally agree about the covers. I don't read Christian fiction mostly because I just don't want to (Maybe because the market is so dominated by Evangelicals that even the book descriptions scream turn-off to me), but I've noticed how awful the covers of Christian books coming into my library are. They're just so... boring.
I have a few patrons who exclusively read Christian fiction, which is fine, but I just want to shove other books in their bags and say, "Try thinking outside the box a little!" Simply judging by the descriptions on the books, I know they're likely getting the same story over and over again, just in different settings.
The prevalence of Amish fiction is really starting to bother me, too. Maybe it's because the Amish are pretty whitebread when it comes to lacking diversity, or maybe it's just because there are just too many books that fall into that category. But, they sell, and I have patrons who clamor for anything with an Amish person on the cover the second it comes through my door.
I have a few patrons who exclusively read Christian fiction, which is fine, but I just want to shove other books in their bags and say, "Try thinking outside the box a little!" Simply judging by the descriptions on the books, I know they're likely getting the same story over and over again, just in different settings.
The prevalence of Amish fiction is really starting to bother me, too. Maybe it's because the Amish are pretty whitebread when it comes to lacking diversity, or maybe it's just because there are just too many books that fall into that category. But, they sell, and I have patrons who clamor for anything with an Amish person on the cover the second it comes through my door.
Great post. I just want to show my support of what you are saying. Hopefully, some of the publishers will take note:)
Ugh. The new cover you've featured here is definitely sappy looking. I dislike sappy covers (and sappy stories), and you're right--a lot of those TN upcoming releases go in that direction.
I just started reading Christian fiction again after probably 6 or more years of not reading it (and not reading much of anything really). I tend to gravitate toward historicals, but I usually stay far away from Amish novels. The last Amish novel I read wasn't CF at all, but I was drawn to what I thought was a unique story (Jodi Picoult, Plain Truth). I've read some good books, I've read a few stinkers, but I admit they usually don't leave me with any deep philosophical or theological questions to think about. For the most part they do tend to be just feel-good stories. I think there is always room for CF that makes you think, but it runs the risk of chasing off readers if it is too controversial or doesn't toe the evangelical line. Not that I think it's right, but I think it's something publishers take into account.
Great post! Very thought-provoking!
I just started reading Christian fiction again after probably 6 or more years of not reading it (and not reading much of anything really). I tend to gravitate toward historicals, but I usually stay far away from Amish novels. The last Amish novel I read wasn't CF at all, but I was drawn to what I thought was a unique story (Jodi Picoult, Plain Truth). I've read some good books, I've read a few stinkers, but I admit they usually don't leave me with any deep philosophical or theological questions to think about. For the most part they do tend to be just feel-good stories. I think there is always room for CF that makes you think, but it runs the risk of chasing off readers if it is too controversial or doesn't toe the evangelical line. Not that I think it's right, but I think it's something publishers take into account.
Great post! Very thought-provoking!
Well it looks like “Becky” is in the process of harming another Christian industry. Christian music is just beginning to recover from “Becky”.
By the way, I loved the cover for Wounded.
Becky = white Evangelical Christian middle class married soccer mother of two children
By the way, I loved the cover for Wounded.
Becky = white Evangelical Christian middle class married soccer mother of two children
Safe, safe, safe. Like Chrisbookarama, CF publishers are keeping it safe. Writing about the Amish is safe. We agree with their morality and what we don't agree with can be smoothed over by, its just their culture. Wasn't there another group that once got turned on its head for playing it safe and only wanting to include like-minded folks in their circles - could it be the Pharisee's of M,M, L & J? Personally, I've shied away from Christian fiction for many years now because it seems every one I pick up is either a formula or just poor writing. But that's a whole other issue...
Boy, that cover is pretty bad. (Interestingly, I was at a writers group lunch yesterday, and one of our members is a published author. We had a very lively conversation about cover art -- she HATES some of hers! Another writer is questioning what the cover of her book will look like (it's on abuse, which is a sensitive topic, to say the least.)
I don't necessarily seek out "Christian literature," per se, but do enjoy books with a Christian theme or viewpoint. I go for the story, fictonwise! And I also like books with a faith point of view, such as Fear to Freedom by Rosemary Trible. It's non-fiction and involves how God helped her after she was raped, and how she is now trying to help others. I love the origin of the book -- she answered the question raised at a church service -- "What if you didn't have to be so afraid, and what if you could help someone else not be so afraid?" Isn't that wonderful? There are a lot of personal stories from others in the book, too.
I don't necessarily seek out "Christian literature," per se, but do enjoy books with a Christian theme or viewpoint. I go for the story, fictonwise! And I also like books with a faith point of view, such as Fear to Freedom by Rosemary Trible. It's non-fiction and involves how God helped her after she was raped, and how she is now trying to help others. I love the origin of the book -- she answered the question raised at a church service -- "What if you didn't have to be so afraid, and what if you could help someone else not be so afraid?" Isn't that wonderful? There are a lot of personal stories from others in the book, too.
I'm kind of the only dissenting opinion. Have to agree "some" of the covers are sappy - particularly the last few with the too too happy females on the front. Overuse of those types of cover will mislead what the book is about. The rest I like. I generally don't shop books by their covers - I shop by their contents. When I go to the bookstore it is with list in hand to look for something particular. Yes, some covers will grab my attention and others I may look at and say "meh". Remember the adage don't judge a book by its cover? There are books in every genre that people will feel the same way as you do with the Christian Genre. Some things we can do about and others we can't. It will be a disservice to the authors if you choose not the read their books basedl solely on their covers. It is their book, it is their name on the cover.
As you note, "Christian fiction" seems generally synonymous with "Evangelical Christian fiction," which is one big reason I don't go near it. I'm actually quite interested in reading books - both fiction and nonfiction - where religion and faith are themes, but I want there to be discussion and challenge and a variety of viewpoints, not an agenda.
I'll stop there, but I think you're opening a fascinating discussion, Amy.
I'll stop there, but I think you're opening a fascinating discussion, Amy.
The "new" cover made me laugh because it was so bad. I would never even touch a book with a cover like that. Never. Normally I've learned to avoid Christian fiction because often the writing isn't always the best. I am a Christian; I do appreciate a novel where a character's faith sustains them. Recently I read Oke's Love Comes Softly and actually liked it... but the second book in the series, not so much.
Well stated Amy. I agree completely and yes, I am indeed a Christian. I want some diversity. I tend to avoid Christian Fiction because it is *so* predictable or worse, it preaches at me, relentlessly. As for the remade cover, it is hideous! Hopefully publishers and writers with both take note of your blog post.
First, you used a good example with Golden's IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING. I adored the original cover and wondered why they used a different format for the sequels. On the bright side, I'm glad they're doing a reprint of the book--it's fabulous! And a sweeter woman than Golden you'll never meet.
As a reviewer, I also look at CBA covers and often roll my eyes. And occasionally thrust one at my husband and say, "Seriously?? THIS is a cover? Mine is so much better!" LOL. Then I check my pride . . . and continue to sing the praises of my publisher's designer in a way that gives him the kudos instead of me. ;-)
As a writer, and someone who talks to writers all day, I can tell you that many of us don't WANT to be bound by the trends you noted, Amy--but it's what the publishers will buy. We, too, would love to break out of the box . . . and a lot of very talented writers are breaking in with "acceptable" books and then branching out to the "riskier" ones once they're trusted enough to pull it off.
There are definitely authors out there who are tackling reality from a Christian viewpoint, and if more readers told their friends about THEM, then the publishers would buy more of it. That's why I've made it my goal to rally around the authors that I feel really speak to today's un-boxed Christian reader and do all I can to boost their sales. New cover or not, Golden's stories are full of intrigue and controversy, so I'll keep shouting about them.
As a reviewer, I also look at CBA covers and often roll my eyes. And occasionally thrust one at my husband and say, "Seriously?? THIS is a cover? Mine is so much better!" LOL. Then I check my pride . . . and continue to sing the praises of my publisher's designer in a way that gives him the kudos instead of me. ;-)
As a writer, and someone who talks to writers all day, I can tell you that many of us don't WANT to be bound by the trends you noted, Amy--but it's what the publishers will buy. We, too, would love to break out of the box . . . and a lot of very talented writers are breaking in with "acceptable" books and then branching out to the "riskier" ones once they're trusted enough to pull it off.
There are definitely authors out there who are tackling reality from a Christian viewpoint, and if more readers told their friends about THEM, then the publishers would buy more of it. That's why I've made it my goal to rally around the authors that I feel really speak to today's un-boxed Christian reader and do all I can to boost their sales. New cover or not, Golden's stories are full of intrigue and controversy, so I'll keep shouting about them.
Hi all, I'm a Christian author with 7 published books and I couldn't agree more with your assessment. In fact, I'll go a step deeper than the actual covers and say that I've been told I need to tone down my edgy writing and my rakish rogues and write safer more calming stories. If any of you know my work, you know I started out writing about pirates, then shifted to sea-faring adventures, the British navy etc. All very romantic, strongly spiritual, and REAL. Real characters with flaws who make mistakes. Apparently that's not what sells in the Christian market. It's very sad.
I have to say I largely disagree with nearly everything you've said in this post. But first the points I agree with you on and #1 is the new cover of In The Shadow of the Sun King.
I own the first cover. I devoured it in three days. I count Golden as a dear friend. It is *not* your typical historical fiction. (and it is *not* a romance) It is an incredible book, beautifully written with larger than life characters. I felt like I was in Versailles with Madeleine. I don't like the new cover, but I also know that it's more in line with the cover for books 2, which is out, and book 3 which will be out shortly. Continuity in the covers is important. Readers who pick this book up because the cover is something they're familiar with will be completely blown away by a type of almost gritty realism that many CF readers have never encountered before. And that's a good thing!
The covers of TN novels may be blasse and way too typical, but the content inside those covers, for the most part, is definitely edgy and not something most readers have read a lot of. And that's a good thing! They're exposing their current market to new things that they wouldn't necessarily buy. That's good! It's going to take that to open the market up to the truly edgy stuff.
I'm not a fan of Amish stuff either and I am so over it...
The rest of your post though, I have problems with. CBA fiction may be largely evangelical and leave out more "heavy" doctrinal and theological issues, but by doing so they are reaching the largest audience. I too have some problems with some of the lack of theological depth, but the more I learn about the business side of writing and polish my craft the more I understand why they do it. Doesn't mean I like it, but I understand. And it doesn't stop me from writing about characters who are Catholic or Russian Orthodox.
There is no such thing as GLBT-friendly Christian fiction because Christianity in its essence is not GLBT-friendly. Homosexuality is repeatedly condemned in the Bible as an abomination in both the Old and New Testaments, and it's not just the KJV that uses that word. Christian fiction should not be upholding that lifestyle. It needs to portray the truth in a world that is afraid of the truth, and that truth is that the lifestyle is incompatible with living for God and it is dangerous and destructive. Why should Christian fiction reflect something that is not Biblical? Paul has some pretty strong thoughts on homosexuality and as a Christian it is my job to make sure that my fiction and my characters line up with God's Word.
Cover art still has a long way to go in the CBA, but it is improving. As is the content inside. Some of the best writers currently writing in the WORLD are CBA authors. The level of craft required to get published is constantly going up. That's a good thing. It takes true skill to create a gripping story without the use of unnecessary violence, swearing and sex that so many secular books rely on.
I read Christian fiction almost exclusively and have no plans to change that. It's also what I write and why I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. As is Golden Keyes Parsons and most of the authors listed in the TN catalog that you linked to.
I own the first cover. I devoured it in three days. I count Golden as a dear friend. It is *not* your typical historical fiction. (and it is *not* a romance) It is an incredible book, beautifully written with larger than life characters. I felt like I was in Versailles with Madeleine. I don't like the new cover, but I also know that it's more in line with the cover for books 2, which is out, and book 3 which will be out shortly. Continuity in the covers is important. Readers who pick this book up because the cover is something they're familiar with will be completely blown away by a type of almost gritty realism that many CF readers have never encountered before. And that's a good thing!
The covers of TN novels may be blasse and way too typical, but the content inside those covers, for the most part, is definitely edgy and not something most readers have read a lot of. And that's a good thing! They're exposing their current market to new things that they wouldn't necessarily buy. That's good! It's going to take that to open the market up to the truly edgy stuff.
I'm not a fan of Amish stuff either and I am so over it...
The rest of your post though, I have problems with. CBA fiction may be largely evangelical and leave out more "heavy" doctrinal and theological issues, but by doing so they are reaching the largest audience. I too have some problems with some of the lack of theological depth, but the more I learn about the business side of writing and polish my craft the more I understand why they do it. Doesn't mean I like it, but I understand. And it doesn't stop me from writing about characters who are Catholic or Russian Orthodox.
There is no such thing as GLBT-friendly Christian fiction because Christianity in its essence is not GLBT-friendly. Homosexuality is repeatedly condemned in the Bible as an abomination in both the Old and New Testaments, and it's not just the KJV that uses that word. Christian fiction should not be upholding that lifestyle. It needs to portray the truth in a world that is afraid of the truth, and that truth is that the lifestyle is incompatible with living for God and it is dangerous and destructive. Why should Christian fiction reflect something that is not Biblical? Paul has some pretty strong thoughts on homosexuality and as a Christian it is my job to make sure that my fiction and my characters line up with God's Word.
Cover art still has a long way to go in the CBA, but it is improving. As is the content inside. Some of the best writers currently writing in the WORLD are CBA authors. The level of craft required to get published is constantly going up. That's a good thing. It takes true skill to create a gripping story without the use of unnecessary violence, swearing and sex that so many secular books rely on.
I read Christian fiction almost exclusively and have no plans to change that. It's also what I write and why I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. As is Golden Keyes Parsons and most of the authors listed in the TN catalog that you linked to.
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