Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Mormon Literature"?

In this resource, Mormon Literature is considered to be writings of a literary nature where Mormonism is featured as subject matter, or literary writings regardless of subject matter composed and published by authors known to be Mormon or to have a close affinity with Mormonism. See our parameters document for more details about what is included and excluded in this resource. Generally, "Mormon Literature" in this resource is not literature primarly concerned with discussing the religious beliefs of Mormonis (theology, apologetics, proselyting, instruction), but is more literature composed in conventional literary genres such as fiction, poetry, drama, and literary criticism, as well as other genres of writing and artistic production which can be appreciated for its artistic or literary qualities: letters, journals and diaries, biography, memoir, film, and some genres specific to Mormon culture.

Why is this non-Mormon author included in the Mormon Literature database?

Many authors have written about Mormonism without having belonged to Mormon culture or to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormonism is a literary phenomenon that goes well beyond the boundaries of membership in the institutional Mormon church or geographical proximity to major Mormon populations. Any literary work that discusses Mormonism is included in the database, even those whose portrayals of Mormons are unflattering or innacurate. Also, some works occur in the database not because their authors or subject matter are Mormon, but because their works have been discussed by a Mormon critic (in which case an appropriate link appears).

Why is this item included in the Mormon Literature database when it has nothing to do with Mormons or Mormonism?

The Mormon Literature database includes the literary works of authors and artists who are known to be Mormon, irrespective of any explicit Mormon content in their work. Also, some works occur in the database not because their authors or subject matter are Mormon, but because their works have been discussed by a Mormon critic (in which case an appropriate link appears).

Why can't I find this well-known Mormon work in the Mormon Literature Database?

The Mormon Literature database does not include all Mormon writings (see our parameters document). Also, this resource is continually being updated with both current publication information and historical entries. See our updates page to review the database progress. If you are eager to see certain works in the database, please write to the MLDB committee at MormonLit@byu.edu and we will try to bring the database current for that author or work.

How can I correct errors or submit information to the Mormon Literature Database?

Send corrections or general information to MormonLit@byu.edu. Authors are encouraged to submit a profile of their life and works using the Author Submission form.

Where can I find information about publishing Mormon literature?

Information about publishers may be found on the profile page of individual publishers (return to the front page, and click "Publishers" under "Browse" for a complete list of publishers included). You might also visit the website of the Association for Mormon Letters, where there is a resources section for aspiring writers including information about publishers to the LDS market.

Where can I purchase Mormon Literature?

See the Association for Mormon Letters listings for bookstores selling Mormon Literature. Many of the titles featured in the Mormon Literature Database are out of print, but can be accessed in libraries such as the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University. Other prominent libraries carrying Mormon literature (principally in Utah) are listed here.

What journals or periodicals publish Mormon Literature?

A listing of journals and periodicals (including defunct ones) can be found on the Periodicals profile page of this resource (which can also be found by returning to the front page, and clicking "Periodicals" under "Browse"). Also, see this list of current periodicals publishing Mormon literature put together by the Association for Mormon Letters.

How do I use the Mormon Literature Database?

Type any search term (title, author, subject, etc.) into the Quicksearch box on the main page. Or, you may wish to browse the various genres in the MLDB. To do this, use the pulldown menu on the top right to view a genre or subgenre. This will provide a description of that genre and give you the option to view all works in the database within that genre, or to search within that genre using keywords. You might also wish to browse the categories on the lower right quadrant of the front page: see a list of authors, publishers, or periodicals, or see what anthologies, films, dissertations, etc. are included in the database. From any search results page you will be able to click on authors, titles, or genres to be taken to pages devoted to a single author, title, genre, publisher, periodical, etc. If that fails, send a letter to the MLDB committee, and we will try to help (MormonLit@byu.edu).