This is the heart of Alonili Press. Without the Council, we would be like any other publishing company.
Maybe we would start out with the best of intentions, but as any submissions-based company gets larger, it becomes impossible to treat each author with the dignity and the intentionality that they deserve. Sooner or later, we would fall into the same impersonal, algorithmic traps that characterizes the publishing industry as a whole.
This is why we offer a completely different model.
Alonili Council is a community of readers and writers who share the same ultimate heart for art, for community, and for faith. Our authors meet regularly to read and discuss one another’s stories and build one another up as people and as artists. Each council member brings something else to the table; maybe that is knowledge of medieval fashion, of weaponry, of animal biology, of cryptozoology, or of grammar. Together, our writers are able to use their individual strong suits to help in areas where someone else might be weaker. More importantly, our authors are able to spur one another to keep writing when they feel like giving up. Writing is traditionally a lonely and discouraging process.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The Council Model:
- Any author interested in publishing through Alonili Press should contact the company to request an application to join one of our writers’ councils.
- Each council consists of 5-10 authors who regularly meet and critique one another’s work.
- When a book is finished and has been edited thoroughly, the council may present the book to Alonili Press with a request for publishing.
- Through this model, the press is able to sustainably facilitate the creation of quality, non-cliche art, build a reputation with its readership, and enrich the greater artistic community – all while treating authors right.
Alonili Council is a community of Christian artists who see the act of creation as worship. Like Tolkien, we believe that God is the ultimate creator, and that we are mini sub-creators made in his image.
Because we see the creation of art as something holy and beautiful, we have no interest in publishing fluffy, stereotypical Christian fiction with whitewashed stories and obligatory Bible verses. We strive to publish quality literature that can be enjoyed by people of any philosophical background.
As to doctrine, Alonili Council is not affiliated with any one denomination, but we adhere to the Christian faith as outlined in The Apostles’ Creed.
Worst case scenario – you belong to two writers groups and have the opportunity for greater connection in the artistic community.
That said, reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss whether your existing community would be a good fit to join our Alonili family.
Excellent question. First things first, Alonili Press is not trying to become the next mega-publisher or single-handedly fix the publishing industry. It is trying to start a movement toward nontraditional, community-based publishing where storytellers and art are celebrated rather than turned into commodities. This means other wild dreamers should take up this call with companies of their own. If you might be one of these wild dreamers, contact us and we are happy to talk you through this process.
Not feeling entrepreneurial? No problem. There are writers’ communities all over both online and in person with writers like you who are trying to grow their work and beat the publishing game. But whatever you do, keep writing. Whoever you are, there is someone who wants to read your story.
Finally, feel free to follow us on social media. From time to time we will have community events to encourage artists from all walks, and we would love to see you there.
Interested in applying to join Alonili Council? Use our contact form to send an email with the subject line “Application Form Request.”