Protecting Young Writers: Exposing Exploitation in Christian Publishing | Episode 214

What happens when trusted spiritual leaders manipulate young creatives and established authors exploit their talents? Ghostwriter David Solomon takes us on a deeply personal journey, exposing the hidden dangers lurking within Christian publishing circles.
Solomon, whose ghostwriting credits include "Sound of Freedom" and numerous Christian fantasy works, reveals his own traumatic experience from 2009 when a church pastor convinced him to burn all his creative works, claiming ownership over his intellectual property. This heartbreaking moment not only stripped Solomon of his creative identity but serves as a stark example of how spiritual manipulation can devastate young writers.
With raw emotion and unflinching honesty, Solomon pulls back the curtain on disturbing patterns he's observed in Christian publishing – established authors who private message minors, solicit their ideas without giving credit or compensation, and maintain inappropriate relationships under the guise of mentorship. "You labor traffic these kids to write your books. That is a crime," Solomon states firmly, challenging the Christian writing community to confront the predatory behavior happening within its ranks.
Parents will find crucial warnings about the tactics employed to isolate young writers from parental oversight, while aspiring authors will gain insight into recognizing unhealthy power dynamics. Solomon outlines four essential protective measures: ensuring writers are in supportive environments, recognizing when leaders abuse their authority, maintaining dignity in all relationships, and carefully vetting creative collaborators.
As both a survivor and successful ghostwriter, Solomon courageously speaks for countless voiceless victims, driven by the dozens of messages he receives from families experiencing similar exploitation. His passionate advocacy reminds us that creative expression should never come at the cost of safety, dignity, or proper credit. For every parent, writer, and creative – this episode delivers critical awareness that could protect you or someone you love from exploitation disguised as opportunity.

David Solomon, ghostwriter of Christian fantasy and "Sound of Freedom," shares his traumatic experience of being manipulated by church leadership to burn his creative works and exposes exploitative practices in Christian publishing.
• Solomon describes how in 2009, a pastor convinced him to burn all his writing, claiming the church would own his intellectual property
• The trauma of losing his creative identity helps explain why communities like Realm Makers exist for writers who've been spiritually abused
• Solomon warns about established Christian authors who exploit young writers by soliciting their ideas and content without giving credit
• Parents are cautioned about authors who private message minors about inappropriate topics or request creative content without parental knowledge
• The episode addresses how predators use spiritual manipulation to isolate young writers and create inappropriate relationships
• Solomon emphasizes four key points: being in healthy environments, recognizing when leaders abuse power, maintaining dignity, and knowing who you're surrounding yourself with
If you're a parent or young writer, establish clear boundaries about online communication with authors and be vigilant about who has access to creative work. Always speak up if something feels inappropriate.

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