My son, the Christian?!

How this book came to be written and the problems in getting it to print.

The full background is mentioned in the narrative of the book for you to find, but here's the short explanation. We held a 'messianic barmitzvah' for our eldest kid and were amazed at the reactions of some of our guests. Jewish Protocol dictated that, if invited, you had to be there - it's Family (or FAMILY in bold letters) and weddings, engagements and barmitzvahs are compulsory, unless you wanted to feed the wagging tongues. But the Protocol had no power over what you did when you got there. So when it was time for the 'sermon', minds were switched off and ears occupied by chit-chat. I watched and I was appalled, then intrigued, then sorrowed. Why were these comfortable intelligent Jewish people so scared at hearing the Gospel? I had to write about it and I did.

Writing the book was easy - just a few weeks work. Getting it published became an epic struggle that provided enough controversy, thrills and disappointments to become a book in its own right.

I sent it to a couple of the top UK Christian book publishers. Although rejected, comments were positive (my mood: encouraged). Publisher A said ' a hard decision to make ... but regretfully'. Publisher B said 'I found it both enjoyable and informative ... I enjoyed your writing style'.

Suitably motivated I sent it to a couple of other publishers. Reactions were similar. The problem was a marketing one. They didn't think they could sell enough copies of a 'Jewish' book to make it worthwhile for them (my mood: slightly peeved).

I then set about sending copies out to prominent UK personalities and got back some very positive reviews. I even got Helen Shapiro, probably the most well known messianic Jew in the UK, to write a foreword. How could I fail now? (my mood: naively expectant). Sent it out to a couple more publishers, including one in the USA. This one, Publisher C, managed to lose the manuscript and didn't tell me for 6 months. Publishers D and E in the UK just ignored it. (my mood: shattered expectations, growing cynicism).

Talking to people in the know I was told that, the Christian book trade being in a decline, publishers were loathe to 'take a chance' and were only publishing bestseller reprints and books by preachers/teachers/Christian 'celebrities' (my mood: despair and full-blown cynicism).

Then a breakthrough. A publisher, Publisher F, became interested. In fact, the chief editor, David, loved the book and had a real feeling for the Jewish side of things. He talked money, he talked USA deals, he talked bucketloads of sales (my mood: restored enthusiasm).

Then disaster. The 'Reading Committee' had to rubber stamp the book. Fireworks. They hated it. With venom! David was almost sacked for sponsoring my cause. There were even doubts whether I was a 'real Christian'. Rejection with a CAPITAL R, in the form of a poison-tipped arrow to the heart. My mother volunteered to parachute in and garrot the lot of them! (my mood: indescribable)

There followed a 'dark two months of the soul'. Then I got a top Christian agent, Bill, interested and he found a publisher, Publisher G. At the same time, through my own devices, I found Publisher H. Two at the same time! Deep joy! (my mood: self-belief bordering on arrogance).

Then, guess what? First, Publisher G. The agent and I met them. They loved the book except for one thing and could I make changes? Sure. What changes? Well, (he said), I'm descended from Crusaders and I don't like what you've written about them. Uhh oh! Surely they weren't that bad .....?

Meanwhile, Publisher H. Lovely chap. Loved the Jews, enthusiastic about the book. Wanted to publish 'as is'. He met my mum, she liked him (after a lengthy interrogation).

So, easy decision to make. Dump Publisher G (and lose the agent) and go with Publisher H, as he seemed to be the one.

That was nearly 2 years ago. The book still lives as electronic bleeps on my hard drive. It has yet to savour the texture and delight of dark ink on virgin white paper ... (my mood: restored cynicism - good to see you back, old friend)

TO BE CONTINUED .... (hopefully)