Taken from my book proposal.
     Browsing the lists of crime and suspense/mystery categories at the web sites of various bookstores or distributors, as well as viewing the shelves at physical bookstores, it becomes evident these genres have a large fan base. Refining the search further to eliminate those without Christian or religious themes provides a large list of titles from which to choose. At the Barnes & Noble site, the search for “detective fiction” results in a list of 26,790 titles. Of these, 835 titles fall into the subcategory of “Christian detective fiction”. Adding the keyword “religion” to the previous list, a customer is left with 699 choices.
     The evidence seems to be stacked against the need to add yet another novel to the shelves and internet lists. However, the use of the term “Christian fiction” can be misleading. Some books fall into the category only because they were written by Christians. Still others are labeled as Christian because the story doesn’t contain graphic violence or gratuitous sex, making them more acceptable to the portion of the Christian audience who are avoiding such material.
     By collecting clues from the smaller percentage of Christian books in these categories, as well as in other genres, it can be seen that Christians are attracted to books which address the issues facing them today (Last Mango in Texas), particular Christian beliefs (Left Behind), and show how people balance their careers with their beliefs (Stainless Steel Hearts). Examining the “Also bought” lists, there’s undeniable proof that, although enjoying a particular genre, readers will buy other genres which appeal to them because of the secondary themes presented by the author.
     Detective Jake is primarily a crime novel. Incorporating more of the man’s life outside of work, the novel also offers romance, current political issues, and Christian doctrine. The target audience will be Christians who enjoy the suspense and mystery of a crime novel. The secondary audience includes readers who buy books based on the underlying themes, not because it fits neatly into a specific genre.