Mike, you've missed the most important obstacle of all: many Christian books fail because the author has not heard something new from God. I agree with your editor: so many "Christian" books are full of the same-old-same-old stuff. I just roll my eyes and toss these books aside in frustration.

My first book was a hit because it was groundbreaking in the marketplace. Its premise was so unique it had to have come from God. My second book was not nearly as successful because I was simply repackaging my first book for a female audience.

I'm very excited about the book I've just submitted. Once again, it's something fresh from the Lord. I've read all the Christian books for men, and I've never seen anything like it. I hope my readers feel the same way.

To summarize: there's no substitute for divine revelation.