In the course of several decades, I have made most of the mistakes a publisher can reasonably manage. I have published dozens of unsuccessful books; I have become entangled in a court case; I have launched a magazine which failed dismally; I have allowed my imagination to override my judgement; I have been an enthusiast; I have been a servant of celebrity; I have accepted praise without foundation; I have rejected glittering opportunities; I have overlooked bestsellers; I have given advice I had no business to offer; I have offered unwise encouragement; I have panted along well behind the times.I have twice been made redundant. Three times I have had the grim task of making others redundant. Publishing is not a stable profession.I have reprinted books too often.I offer this in mitigation: I have always loved books, and the crafting of books, and, with one or two exceptions, I have appreciated the company of those who write them.My chosen field of enterprise is Christian publishing.

The wider world of books generally ignores this little universe, which operates to its own set of rules, but it is surprisingly vibrant - remarkably so, given the genteelly moribund nature of much of the Western Church - and its sales can be jaw-dropping. It is far from unknown for Christian books to sell in millions.Publishing, like bookselling, like teaching, like Christian ministry, attracts people whose abilities could earn them far greater material reward elsewhere. I have had the privilege of working with women and men of intelligence, integrity, wit, and shining humanity.I have encountered just a few scoundrels, whose faith cloaked a persistent self-interest, but apart from the author, they will probably not appear in this record.