wannabepriest

I have finally arrived. No longer am I simply a publishing professional, happy to take the words and thinking of others and turn them into something smart. I have switched sides (albeit briefly) and I am now a published author. I even have a free author’s copy to prove it!

Okay, so it’s only one page of the Ridley Hall Lent Book 2007 His journey, our journey and yes, my page doesn’t mention my name or any of the other ordinands and staff who contributed to the book (we’re lumped in a bit at the back). In fact, the eagle eyed among visitors to this blog will be able to spot my page quickly because I did previously publish my draft reflection here on this website some time ago.

For several years, Ridley has published a Lent Book and they graduated to the big leagues of UK Lent Book publishing a year or two ago when they signed a publishing deal with SCM-Canterbury Press. Last year’s title sold 10,000 copies which, believe me, is A LOT for UK book publishing.

This year’s book focuses on the gospel of Luke and follows Jesus’ journey from when he starts out towards Jerusalem and climaxes with the events of his death and resurrection. You might expect me to say this as a Ridley student, but as a publishing industry man I genuinely think that the Ridley Books have been a really exciting new development in the increasingly crowded UK Lent Book market in the last couple of years and it is definitely well worth a look.

I think the biggest reason that it is so interesting as a project is that the authors are us ordinands along with members of staff, so each day you get a fresh voice, from the ordinands you get voices you won’t have heard before rather than the same old authors, and each day you get a new perspective and even the odd bit of theological depth from a group of people who represent the future of the ordained ministry in the Church of England (or at least a slice of it)!

Added to which not only is it a Lent Book, but because it’s also focused on Luke’s gospel, it’s a kind of commentary as well! Bargain.

Sold it to you? Well, how’s about this then – the first five people to comment on this post will get a free copy of the Lent Book courtesy of yours truly! I only ask in return that you commit to using it and that you review it either on your own blog or by sending a wee letter or email by return which I can pass on to Ridley for our corporate encouragement and edification (or otherwise). I will even pay the postage to anywhere in the world! Just make sure you leave your email address in the relevant field of your comment so I can get in touch with you to arrange it.

This offer is not open to my fellow Ridley students – cheapskates… get your own!