What If No One Wants to Read My Book? 3 Biblical Ways to Meet Your Reader’s Expectations Without Compromising Your Faith
Hey there, writer friend. Let me ask you something:
Have you ever poured your heart into a book… finally put yourself out there… and then thought, “What if no one reads my book?”
Whew. I’ve been there.
And if you’re feeling like the odd girl out because your stories are clean, faith-filled, and free from all the things mainstream fiction seems to celebrate — this episode is for you.
Today, we’re diving into 3 biblical ways to meet your reader’s expectations without compromising your faith — because yes, you can write powerful, page-turning stories that reflect your values… and yes, there are readers who are craving exactly what you have to say. They will read your book!
Nothing stinks more than writing a book and putting yourself out into the world with the fear that no one will read it.
I get it. I’ve been there.
You pour your heart and soul into a book. You finally step out in obedience, maybe even nervously join a few online writing groups, only to realize: you don’t write like them.
They lead with gore. Open-door scenes. Cuss words sprinkled like confetti. And you’re left wondering: Is there even a place for me in this publishing world?
I remember joining one of those groups and thinking, “Am I the only one not writing edgy, gritty fiction?” I felt like the odd girl out. Like maybe what I had to say wouldn’t be taken seriously because it didn’t shock or sizzle.
Let me say this clearly: Yes, there is a place for you. And yes, clean fiction can be compelling, layered, and full of depth.
So today, I want to talk about how to meet your reader’s expectations without compromising your faith.
Here are 3 biblical, practical ways to do that:
1. Meet reader expectations by researching your genre and learning the “rules.”
You want to reach readers who love your kind of story? You have to know what they expect.
This doesn’t mean compromising your standards. It means honoring your reader by understanding your genre.
Let’s take cozy mystery as an example:
- Readers expect a cozy setting: think small towns, bookshops, craft fairs.
- They want an amateur sleuth — not a professional detective.
- They love quirky characters, light humor, and puzzle-like plots.
- And just as importantly: no gore, no open-door scenes, no graphic violence.
See? Clean fiction fits beautifully inside those reader expectations.
You can write a cozy mystery that feels like sitting under a warm quilt with a cup of tea and still explore themes of justice, redemption, and truth. You just have to do a little research. Study bestsellers in your genre. Pay attention to what readers are saying in reviews. Ask: “What do they love? What do they expect?”
Then layer in your faith, your values, and your voice.
2. Don’t buy into the lie that you have to write to market in a way that compromises your convictions.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) says:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
You don’t have to conform.
You don’t have to add open-door scenes. You don’t have to let evil win. You don’t have to add violence or profanity.
Because here’s the truth: everyone is not your reader.
Your writing group friends? They might not be your readers. Your social media followers who are also authors? Probably not your readers either.
Let me give you a real example: I have a free novella called Dead Quiet at the Library — and you can grab it today if you haven’t already — but here’s what happens sometimes: other authors or readers who aren’t looking for clean, Christian fiction grab it. And then, a few days or weeks later, they unsubscribe from my email list because they don’t want my biblical encouragement or my Scripture-filled emails.
And that used to bother me. I’d think, “Maybe I need to tone it down… maybe I should make it more mainstream…”
But God reminded me: I didn’t call you to reach everyone. I called you to be faithful.
So I kept writing. And showing up. And being authentically me.
And guess what? The right readers do find me. The ones who say, “Thank you for writing stories like this. I didn’t think they existed anymore.”
So write what God has called you to write. Don’t compromise. Don’t chase fads. Don’t try to mimic the world so that people who aren’t your readers will buy your book.
Be you. Authentically you.
3. Find supportive, encouraging Christian writers.
Let me say this: if you feel out of place in your current writing community, you’re not alone. That’s part of why this podcast exists.
Find other Christian authors who get it. Who are walking the same road.
Follow their accounts. Like their posts. Leave encouraging comments. Build relationships with people who share your values.
Because when you start showing up in the right spaces, your readers will find you.
God is faithful. He brings the people. But He also asks us to show up. To do the work. To be present in the spaces He leads us to.
I almost quit recording this podcast. I thought maybe no one was listening. Maybe it wasn’t making a difference. But then God whispered: “Show up for the one. Encourage the one. Speak to the one who feels alone in this journey.”
So here I am. Showing up for you.
If you’re listening to this right now and wondering if your story matters — it does. If you’re wondering if it’s too late — it isn’t. If you’re wondering if anyone wants what you have to offer — they do.
I want to leave you with one of my favorite verses for writers:
Habakkuk 2:2-4 (Living Bible) “And the Lord said to me, ‘Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others.’”
Write it big. Write it bold. Write what God put on your heart.
Even if you feel like the odd girl out. Even if your friends’ books take off and yours feels like it’s standing still. Even if no one in your writing group gets what you’re doing.
You are a writer. Your voice matters. And God will use your obedience to reach the people who need what only you can say.
P.S. Struggling with self-doubt? Grab my free Author Mindset Checklist below!
Struggling with self-doubt as a writer? You’re not alone.
Every writer faces that little voice whispering, “Who am I to write this?” But here’s the truth—mindset is the biggest difference between writers who finish their books and those who don’t. 🚫 You don’t need more time.
🚫 You don’t need permission. ✅ You need the right mindset.
You don’t have to compromise your faith to write stories that matter. You just have to keep showing up.
I’m cheering you on, Kathleen
Other resources:
3 Prewriting Steps Every Christian Writer Should Take Before Starting Their Novel
3 Tips To Help When You Want To Give Up (The Messy Middle) When Writing A Book
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