AADRESS CHANGES, ETC.

Associated Content: 88 Steele St., Ste. 400, Denver CO 80206-5715 (new suite number). Page 340.

The Beacon, P.O. Box 543, Calera AL 35040; 205-410-0656. Page 341.

The Christian Journal: info@thechristianjournal.org. Page 354.

Drama Ministry: P.O. Box 40387, Nashville TN 37204. Page 366.

El Heraldo Cristiano: P.O. Box 16040, Tampa FL 33687. Page 367.

First Call Hospice: 6929 Sunrise Blvd., Ste. 180, Citrus Heights CA 95610-3164. Page 372.

Gospel Today: 115 Scarlett Oak Way, Fairburn GA 30213-3448. Page 376.

Perspectives: 4500 60th St. S.E., Grand Rapids MI 49512-9685. Page 400.

WRITING FOR THE SOUL CONFERENCE

The Christian Writers Guild's WRITING for the SOUL conference at The Broadmoor is the breath of fresh air you've been hoping for. Nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, The Broadmoor provides the perfect environment for personal development and serious study.

For four days, you'll be challenged and encouraged through a variety of speakers and professional workshops designed to develop your writing craft. For 2009, we're offering continuing classes, elective workshops, and our exclusive "Thick-skinned Manuscript Clinic." In addition, literary agents and publishing representatives will be available for appointments.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain fresh inspiration for your writing.

To register now or learn more about our payment plan and early bird special, please call us toll-free at (866) 495-5177 or email at ContactUs@ChristianWritersGuild.com.

If you'd prefer, you can register online at christianwritersguild.com.

NEW CHRISTIAN TEEN MAGAZINE

We have a new Christian teen magazine called G4T Ink which is a 5 ½ x 8 ½ ‘half-size’ magazine about 30 – 40 pages in length. Our ministry is Generations 4 Truth and offers several programs for teens and pre-teens. We kicked off our quarterly magazine Fall 2007. It has grown from a newsletter to a magazine now and we would like to open up opportunities for people to submit articles, devotions, and poems. We accept first time writers and I do the editing. G4T ink is more than a magazine, it is a ministry and is written for and by girls. We also have articles written by adults that address teen issues. We are located in Northern California and distribute approximately 1500 issues quarterly. Please check out our website: www.generations4truth.org

Jennifer Maul

Publications Manager

419 Mason Street Suite 108

Vacaville, CA 95688

(707) 446 4GOD

jennifer@generations4truth.org

QUESTION: BOOK ENDORSEMENTS

Q - I know it's good to have endorsements for your book when approaching a publisher--and that we shouldn't say we have the endorsement of someone famous if we don't. My question is how do we indicate it in the proposal when we do have a big endorsement? I have a written endorsement from presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, but need to know how to incorporate that information into my proposal.

A - In the section of the proposal where you deal with endorsements, just indicate that you have a written endorsement from Huckabee, perhaps what your relationship is to Huckabee (how you happen to have his endorsement), and include a copy of the endorsement itself.

HOPE FOR WOMEN BACK IN BUSINESS

Although I announced that Hope for Women Magazine went out of business last year, they are relaunching the magazine. Their Website is still under construction, but they appear to once again be open to submissions. E-mail: info@hopeforwomenmag.com. Website: www.hopeforwomenmag.com.

REAL SIMPLE WRITING CONTEST

Real Simple, a general women's magazine, is sponsoring a writing contest: What was the most important day of your life? This is their first Life Lessons essay contest with a prize of $3,000 and publication in the magazine. Essays should be 1,500 words maximum. Nothing to buy. Deadline is September 9, 2008. You must be a U.S. citizen and 18 or older at the time of entry. All entries become the property of the magazine and will not be returned. For details and how to submit, go to: www.realsimple.com/lifelessons.

NEW CONTACT INFORMATION

Avon Inspire: AvonInspire@HarperCollins.com; www.AvonInspire.com. Page 144.

By Grace Publications: P.O. Box 83, Monroe AR 72108-0083. Page 151.

Catholic Answers: Drop the PO box and use the street address listed. Page 153.

Christian Family Publications: 312 Point Pleasant Dr., St. Augustine FL 32086-4825. Page 155.

Evergreen Press: 6140 Rangeline Rd., #A, Theodore AL 36582-5201. Page 165.

Knight George Publishing House: 24 Leslie Ln., #307, Waterford MI 48328. Page 181.

Walk Worthy Press: Drop mailing address. Only accepts e-mail submissions. Page 219.

Wesleyan Publishing House: 317-774-7900. Page 219.

Christian Services Network: 1975 Janich Ranch Ct., El Cajon CA 92019-1150. Page 228.

A FEW NEW MARKETS

Arizona Family News, 7070 E. 3rd Ave., Scottsdale AZ 85251; 480-481-2960; Jeff@arizonachristiannews.com; www.arizonachristiannews.com. Jeff Abramson, editor. Open to freelance; prefers queries. Their focus is informing readers from a biblical perspective, raising the standard for family values, and networking within the Phoenix community. Also accepts reviews.

Central Florida Episcopalian, 1017 E. Robinson St., Orlando FL 32801; 407-341-6615; fax 407-386-3236; joethoma@aol.com; www.cfdiocese.org. Joe Thoma, editor. Accepts freelance and prefers queries. Monthly denominational magazine whose purpose is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people of Central Florida, the U.S., and the world.

World Pulse, a missions publication that went out of business, is now publishing again as an online publication, and is called Lausanne World Pulse, PO Box 794, Wheaton IL 60189; 630-752-7158; fax 630-752-7155; info@lausanneworldpulse.com; www.lausanneworldpulse.com. Accepts freelance and prefers queries. Looking for news and information on evangelism and missions from around the world.

BOOK EXPO AMERICA OPPORTUNITY

Want representation at the Book Expo America (the world's largest book industry show)? Contact Ministry Marketing Solutions so your book can be represented at the Chocolate Pages Booth in the African American Pavilion in LA in June. We will get you in front of key industry contacts, book sellers and major media. Email MMS at info@ministrymarketingsolutions.com for details.

NEW MAGAZINE LISTING

The Brink Magazine, 114 Bush Rd., Nashville TN 37217. Toll free 800-877-
7030; 615-361-1221; thebrinkmag@randallhouse.com; www.randalhouse.com.
Randall House. Jacob Riggs, ed. Devotional magazine for young adults; focusing on
Bible studies, life situations, discernment of culture, and relevant feature articles.Quarterly mag.; 60 pgs. Prefers e-query. Feature articles focus on culture from a biblical perspective. Culture includes but is not limited to: music, movies, TV, Internet, other media, holidays, politics, other religions, other events, etc.

NEW BOOK PUBLISHER

Deo Volente Publishing, 1970 Gadsden Todd Levee Rd., Humboldt TN 38343. 731-
824-2919; fax 731-824-2526; books@delvolente.net; www.deovolente.net. Larry
Byars, owner. Books that are consistent with reformed theology and promote and assist the Christian walk. Royalty 8-10% on retail; no advance. Guidelines (also on Website); no catalog. Query first; fax/e-query OK.

STORIES NEEDED ON INTERNET EVANGELISM

I am writing a book on the Internet Evangelism phenomenon for Broadman and Holman Publishers. The book is tentatively titled, "NetCasters: Harnessing the Internet to Make Fishers of Men." I'm looking for testimonies of people who have come to Christ through relationships built online -- or by watching or reading a gospel presentation on the Web.

There are now dozens of ways that people can communicate on the Internet -- whether it be through e-mail, a chat room, a message board, a social network like MySpace or Facebook, or through an affinity Web site. Internet evangelists are using all of these various methods -- and more -- to share the Gospel with seekers online.

Do you know someone who has come to Christ through a relationship built on the Internet? Or perhaps they came to salvation after watching an online video or reading a Gospel presentation online. I'd like to share their story.

If you know of a story like this that I could use in this book, please feel free to e-mail it to me at craig@vonbuseck.com. Or you can send me the contact information and I would be happy to contact the person and conduct an interview.

My deadline for the book is June 15th, so if you have a story that you could send me in the next couple of weeks it would be most appreciated. Please feel free to e-mail with any questions.

Craig von Buseck, D.Min.
Director of Ministries
977 Centerville Turnpike · Virginia Beach, VA 23463
Tel: (757) 226-3557 · Fax: (757) 226-3575
craig.vonbuseck@cbn.org · www.cbn.com

CHRISTIAN SCI-FI & FANTASY BLOG TOUR

The Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour runs May 19-21st. The group is mainly comprised of ACFW members who write and promote speculative fiction.

This month the group is touring 'MindFlights' a speculative webzine that pays its contributors. The website address:

http://mindflights.com/index.html

The CSFF Tour repeats every month. Each month we read one of the following; a published novel, magazine, short story, webzines, etc., then post our reviews and comments on our blog sites. We also leave comments on each other's site. This has proven to be an effective means to promote this exciting genre. And anyone can participate!! Hint! Hint! :)

Even if you don't write speculative fiction, but enjoy reading it you're welcome to come on board. Nor do you have to participate every month.

I encourage you to drop by and read my musings on MindFlights. Next month we will review: Kathryn Mackel's Vanished.

If you'd like more Intel on CSFF you can email Rebecca Miller at: rluellam@earthlink.net

And check out the CSFF Site: http://csffblogtour.com/

FINALISTS FOR GOLDEN SCROLL AWARDS

Finalists for the 2008 Golden Scroll Awards Announced By Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA)

The Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) recently announced the 2008 finalists for the Golden Scroll Awards for Publisher, Editor, and Fiction Editor of the Year. Finalists will be honored at the eighth Annual Golden Scrolls Award Banquet July 13th from 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida. This year's Golden Scroll finalists are:

Publisher of the Year Award — Crossway Books, Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, and New Hope. Editor of the Year — Philis Boultinghouse of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, Judi Perry of Beacon Hill, and Ramona Richards of Thomas Nelson Publishers. Fiction Editor of the Year— Nick Harrison of Harvest House, Sarah Long of Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, and Krista Stroever of Steeple Hill.

NAVPRESS RETURNS TO ROOTS

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 12 -- Everything old is new again at NavPress, the publishing arm of The Navigators. Over its 30-year history NavPress has had its share of ups and downs in the modern world of publishing.

"As with most organizations that have been around for a while, there comes a time when you need to get back to your core and re-discover what it is that makes you unique," says Mike Miller, the new Executive Publisher with NavPress. "Moving forward, there will be significant changes in the way we do publishing."

Miller brings a wealth of experience outside of publishing to his new position at NavPress. The former Baptist minister and LifeWay executive was one of the founders of GodTube, the Christian alternative to the wildly popular Internet site YouTube.

When asked what brought Mike to NavPress, he answers without hesitation. "It's because of the 75-year history and heritage of The Navigators. The Navigators are known for being a people who have been transformed by the Gospel of Jesus and carry in their hearts the passion for life transformation. The NavPress brand is highly regarded and respected throughout the world for publishing the spiritual-formation, life-altering messages of The Navigators," says Miller.

The ministry of The Navigators began in the 1930s through the call of God to a young Californian, Dawson Trotman. Trotman's vision was to teach to others, one-on-one, the biblical principles of discipleship he found beneficial in his own life. He began to teach high school students and local Sunday school classes. In 1933 he and his friends extended their work to reach out to sailors in the U.S. Navy. From there Trotman met and established a partnership with the then up-and-coming preacher/evangelist, Billy Graham.

"The rest is history. The Navigators' influence is everywhere," Miller observes. "Many of the largest and most well-known faith-based organizations throughout the world have been seeded by the ministry of The Navigators. Other publishers are stand-alone and not connected to anything," Miller continues. "At NavPress we are first and foremost Navigators." Miller is the first Executive Publisher at NavPress to sit on The Navigators National Leadership Team.

"We must be intentional about distributing culturally relevant, biblically based materials that engage individuals wherever they are on their journey toward God," Miller concludes.

MARGARET REID POETRY CONTEST

This year marks the fifth contest sponsored
by WinningWriters.com which was selected
as one of "101 Best Websites for Writers"
(Writer's Digest, 2005-2007).

Deadline: Monday June 30,2008

CATEGORY: Poetry, Traditional Verse

FEE: $6 for every 25 lines

PRIZES:
First prize: $2,000.
Second prize: $1,000.
Third prize: $500.
Fourth prize: $250

ADDITIONAL PRIZES:
Five (5) High Distinction Awards - $200 ea. +
Five (5) Most Highly Commended Awards - $100 ea.

WINNERS: Also published at WinningWriters.com
(boasts over one million page views per year).

POEMS SUBMITTED: Must be in traditional verse form
(i.e. sonnets, free verse, etc.)

ACCEPTS: both published and unpublished work.

MAKE ENTRY FEE payable to Winning Writers.

JUDGES: J.H. Reid, D.C. Konrad.

SUBMIT ENTRIES either online or by mail.

CONTACT INFO:
Winning Writers
ATTN: Margaret Reid Poetry Contest
351 Pleasant Street
PMB 222
Northampton MA 01060

Website: http://www.winningwriters.com/margaret

CHRISTIAN CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS

Here is a review resource for Christian children's book authors. It is a blog that exclusively reviews children's picture books with Christian themes. Go to: Christian Children's Book Review ( http://www.CCBReview.blogspot.com ). They work with many of the big names in Christian publishing, and have been honored with several Litty Awards. Kristina Seleshanko is Managing Editor.

CHRISTIAN WRITERS GUILD AT BOOK EXPO IN DALLAS

Christian Writers Guild Participating in ECPA’s Christian Book Expo Dallas 2009

Phoenix, AZ—The Christian Writers Guild has announced that it will host its Christian Communicators Seminar during Christian Book Expo (CBE) Dallas 2009. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is the host for CBE, a first-ever Christian book show in Dallas, Texas, on March 20-22, 2009. The book show is open to everyone interested in Christian books, and groups such as The Christian Writers Guild are making the most of an opportunity to extend their brand to avid readers.

“Book reading and book writing go hand-in-hand. We believe the Christian Book Expo will be a great place for us to connect with writers,” says Jerry B. Jenkins, owner of the Christian Writers Guild.

Jenkins, widely known as the co-author of the popular Left Behind book series, will be leading, with a variety of other Guild professionals, the Christian Writers Guild’s sessions. Currently, some of the topics for the sessions include fiction, non-fiction, creativity, speaking and magazine writing. The Christian Writers Guild will also host a booth on the CBE show floor to market its program to writers.

ECPA is particularly pleased with the Guild’s participation: “The Christian Book Expo will be a magnet for book lovers, some of whom are also aspiring authors. So the Guild’s presence helps us present an expanded view of the publishing process,” says ECPA President Mark Kuyper. “This is one more opportunity for CBE to connect readers with the authors and books they love.”

The Christian Book Expo is the only consumer book show for Christian books. Held March 20-22, 2009, in Dallas, CBE is expected to attract thousands of book lovers and authors.

QUESTION: WHAT ABOUT SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS?

Q - How do Christian editors feel about simultaneous submissions? Their response time is often so long.

A - This varies from publisher to publisher. Again, it is one of the pieces of infrmation included in their market guide listing. Almost always it will indicate whether or not they accept simultaneous submissions. If it says they do, then go ahead and do it. If it doesn't say--or says they don't accept them--then please don't submit to them simultaneously. Those who don't are often adamant about it.

CHURCHES LOSING MEMBERSHIP

Mainline Protestant churches are losing membership, but non-denominational churches are growing, according to a survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. More than one-quarter of American adults have left the faith of their childhood for another religion or no religion at all, the survey found. Factoring in moves from one stream or denomination of Protestantism to another, the number rises to 44 percent. One in four adults ages 18 to 29 claim no affiliation with a religious institution.

POSTAGE HIKE REMINDER

A long-time friend and freelancer (very thrifty) suggested I remind you that although the price of postage has gone up again, many writers seem to have missed the fact that the price for the second and any additional ounces actually went down when the next to last rate hike took effect. The price for the first ounce is now 42 cents, but the cost of each additional ounce is now only 17 cents. If you are putting a 42-cent stamp on for each additional ounce you are wasting money. However, you also need to be aware that if you are sending something in a manila envelope--what the PO calls a "flat"--the postage rate goes up. For example, a 2-ounce flat is now $1. These are first-class postage rates, so you can save more by sending manuscripts by Media Mail.

WORLD OF PUBLISHING CHANGING

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (May 2008) - The online community of communicators is changing and the traditional worlds of journalism and public relations need to catch up, declares a Detroit-based marketing and communications expert.

"If you're not on Google, the world thinks you don't exist," says Pam Perry, chief visionary of Ministry Marketing Solutions who counsels media and marketing operatives to "amp up" their online activity as social media such as blogs and podcasts strengthen their domination of these sectors.

Speaking ahead of Counterpart International's 12th full edition of the Caribbean Media Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx), hosted in San Juan by the Puerto Rio Tourism Company from May 15 to 19, Perry said the shift from "old school" media to the Web 2.0 era is rapid.

"The rules in journalism and public relations have changed because of this 'online community' - complete with metrics to prove it. If you want to be a real player in this game, you must learn 'how and why' people are embracing this digital world of social media and fully embrace it yourself," she said.

Perry, a ministry marketing pioneer and expert in the African American Christian market, will share tactics with CMEx delegates on how to get messages out. Generating on line buzz without using traditional media, how to use blogs, eblasts, PR hubs, podcasts, YouTube, MySpace and other tools to promote products and platforms will be featured by the respected communication maven.

"The history of marketing communications - about 60 years or so - has been about pushing messages to convince prospects to take needed action. (Today)marketing communications, largely because of the overwhelming power and influence of the Web and other electronic communications, is about engaging in conversation with prospects and leading/ persuading them to take action," says author Roy Young, Chief Revenue Officer at MarketingProfs.com.

Pam Perry's public relations and advertising career spans over two decades. She spent the first 10 years working in advertising agencies and secular media. She has dedicated the past 10 to ministry marketing. Her company has a roster of some of the most well known Christian publishers and African American Christian authors in the industry.

At CMEx in San Juan, reporters, editors, young people, and marketing and development specialists will interact over four days with representatives of the hospitality sector, civil society and government to explore the theme "Embracing the Diaspora, Connecting Communities." Key is examining how tourism can improve the health, wealth, environment and culture of destinations.

MARKET GUIDE UPDATE

Just a reminder that if you have gotten a questionnaire to fill out for any section of the 2009 Christian Writers' Market Guide--and have not yet returned it--the deadline was yesterday. However, the good news is you still have time to get it in,if you do it soon. Also, this is your last chance for this edition to let me know if you have a group, conference, editorial service, literary agency, publisher or publication you want listed. Just e-mail me and I'll mail or e-mail you the proper form. (stuartcwmg@aol.com)

QUESTION: BREAKING IN WITHOUT AN AGENT

Q - Many Christian publishers want authors to have an agent, so how do we break into one of these publishers when we don't have a string of book credits to get noticed by an agent?

A- Although many of the major publishers now require that you have an agent,there are some who do not, plus a whole lot of others that do not require an agent. The market guide lists about 450 Christian book publishers, so it's only a small proportion of those that want you to have that agent. If you don't have any book credits, try those that don't have that requirement so you can start building up those book credits.

Another possibility is to attend a conference where there are publishrs and agents in attendance. If you have a good book to offer, then both the publishers and the agents may be open to your project. There's no better way to get the attention of either that to be able to sit down and present your book idea one-on-one.

JERRY JENKINS TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK

Jerry Jenkins has updated his blog, including a link to a short video of him discussing Riven, his novel that releases July 22.

http://jerryjenkins.blogspot.com

www.JerryJenkins.com

www.ChristianWritersGuild.com

www.Jenkins-Entertainment.com

ST.DAVIDS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

The next writers' conference where I will be speaking/teaching is St. Davids at Grove City College in Pennsylvania (near Pittsburg). Conference dates are June 16-20, so it's not too late to sign up. This is a long-standing conference with well-qualifed speakers and teachers. For details or to register, go to their Website at: www.stdavidwriters.com.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET PUBLISHED

This is Paul Broughton, the president of Life Cycle Books, in Toronto. In my off hours I’m involved with the pro-life charity Toronto Right to Life. We’re in the midst of a fund raising auction on e-bay, and one of the items is an opportunity to get published! A book printer I know has offered to print 100 copies of an up to 144 page book, with a full color cover. I’ve donated 5 hours of my time also, to help the author in any way possible. The total value of this item is over $1,500.

Here is a link to the auction on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260232633930

CHRISTIAN SMALL PUBLISHERS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS

These awards are based on the votes of retailers selling Christian products. Here are the award winners in four categories:

Nonfiction General: Blended Families, an Anthology, by Valerie Coleman.

Nonfiction Biography: Addiction: A Personal Story, by Lacy Enderson.

Fiction: Cry of Justice, by Jason Pratt.

Children's: There's a Party in Heaven!, by Gary Bower; Jan Bower illustrator.

SPEAKING AT EPA CONVENTION

I realize I should have mentioned this sooner, but failed to do so. The Annual EPA (Evangelical Press Assn.) Convention is being held in Portland this week. Tomorrow I'm scheduled to teach a class on marketing from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. in the Clark Room at the Red Lion on the River at Janzen Beach. Would love to see any of you there.

CHANGES IN THE INDUSTRY

It is always interesting to attend a large conference where there are a lot of editors and agents in attendance. When you attend such an event, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open to see what you can learn about what is happening in the industry. While attending such a conference recently, I did learn a few things I can pass on.

First, is that the children’s book market—especially picture books—is really flat right now. Even successful picture book authors are finding the doors closed at most publishing houses.

Another thing I learned—or at least was reminded of—is that what we think are hard and fast rules in this industry are actually always changing. For years, I have both heard and taught that when you prepare a book proposal you double-space the sample chapters, but single-space all the rest. However, I overheard one agent say that the whole thing should be double-spaced. When I took an informal poll of the 25 editors and agents in attendance, they all confirmed that they preferred double-spacing throughout. When you’re tired and facing a stack of proposals, it’s much easier on the eyes to read with double-spacing.

In a session where I was presenting brief proposals to editors for their one-the-spot reactions (submitted by professional authors), I noticed that one such proposal included words that were either bold or in italics for emphasis. I have always believed that this was a sign of a new writer—having been taught that the author was supposed to write in such a way as to indicate where the emphasis should be—but when I asked the editors how they felt about it, they all said it didn’t bother them at all. I didn’t get the chance to ask, but would be curious to know whether the same is true in the manuscript itself.

One more thing that I heard over and over at this conference is that more and more of the major publishers—many of which were represented there—are now going to conferences specifically to find new writers. Since their companies are no longer open to freelance submissions except through agents, they are depending on such conference contacts to fill any remaining needs they have for book manuscripts. Any advanced writer who is not attending one of the major conferences each year is going to miss many opportunities to make those invaluable contacts for future projects.

And finally, I would note that I saw far fewer magazines represented at this conference—as well as at many of the others I attend. Article writers are typically frustrated by this fact and often ask me why. I am guessing that the underlying cause is that many magazines are struggling financially so cannot afford to send editors to conferences, or that because periodicals typically have smaller staffs, the editors can’t afford that many days away from the office.

ANNOYING WORDS & ABUSED PHRASES

If you are a word person--and what writer isn't--you'll love this book, Literally, the Best Language Book Ever: Annoying Words and Abused Phrases You Should Never Use Again, by Paul Yeager (Perigee Trade Paperback original, $14). Takes aim at such phrases as "I could care less," or "This doesn't help the problem."

SOUTH CAROLINA WORKSHOP

Sat., Oct. 25, 2008, Upstate S.C. American Christian Writers Workshop. Fiction and Non-Fiction. Speakers include Rene Holt, editor of Mature Living Magazine; award-winning authors Yvonne Lehman, Ann Tatlock, Rosey Dow and others. Location: CHRIST Church, Anderson, S.C. For registration information contact Elva Martin at 104 Oak Knoll Terrace, Anderson, S.C. 29625 or PH: 864/226-7024; Email elvamartinministries@charter.net

NEW CONFERENCE BEING PLANNED

The first Write2Ignite Conference will be held at First Baptist Church Indian Trail, NC (near Charlotte) on November 7-8, 2008. Those interested in presenting or attending please visit our website at http://www.Write2Ignite.com.

MORE ABOUT COPYRIGHT

The last entry concening the proposed change in the CR law brings me to a question I hear often about whether or not it is necessary to register the copyright on original written material before we submit it to publishers.

Generally speaking it is not. According to the copyright law, everything you write has copyright protection from the time it reaches a tangible form (when you get it written down)--whether you register it or not. Actually the only reason you need a registered copyright is if you are going to sue someone for stealing your material--it doesn't prevent people from stealing it. And how many of us are likely to sue someone--even if someone does steal an article or poem or whatever. About the only time there is enough money involved to bring a suit is if someone stole your novel and made it into a movie.

And even if someone does steal your material, and you want to sue, you can register the copyright after the infringement. The difference in registering before or after the infringement is that if not registered until after you can collect damages if you win; if registered before you can collect damages and lawyer's fees.

If you are writing for periodicals, most of them are copyrighted as a whole and your pieces will be covered under the magazine's copyright. When you sell a book, the publisher gets the book copyrighted for you--usually in your name (check the contract).

COPYRIGHT CHANGE

"The Copyright Office, in keeping with its plan to increase online registrations, is proposing to amend the current regulations governing group registrations, which allow the grouping of individual works on one application. Under the proposal, applicants who take advantage of the group registration option would be required to file their claims electronically. Comments are due on or before May 30, 2008."

Just to clarify, writers who feel more comfortable registering their copyright can save money by registering all their published pieces in one group, and all their unpublished works as one group--each year. This proposed change at the copyright office would simply require them to do that registering electronically--rather than by mail. It seems like it would be a hassle to have to transport that bulk of material by e-mail.

77TH ANNUAL WRITER'S DIGEST CONTEST

Submit your manuscript for a chance to win a trip for you and a guest to New York, where you'll spend three days and two nights in the publishing capital of the world. While you're there, a Writer's Digest editor will escort you to share your work with four editors or agents. Plus, you'll receive a free Diamond Publishing Package from Outskirts Press.

Compete to Win in 10 Categories:
Inspirational Writing (Spiritual/Religious)
Memoirs/Personal Essay
Magazine Feature Article
Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.)
Mainstream/Literary Short Story
Rhyming Poetry
Non-rhyming Poetry
Stage Play
Television/Movie Script
Children's/Young Adult Fiction

The deadline to enter is May 15, 2008.

Go register: www.writersdigest.com/annual

JERRY JENKIN'S NEW BLOG

Check out Jerry's new blog: http://jerryjenkins.blogspot.com/

KARITOS THE CHRISTIAN ARTS CONFERENCE

The 14th annual Karitos, the Christian Arts Conference, will be held July 31-August 2 in Bolingbrook, IL. Last year, nearly 500 people attended Karitos, and attended workshops taught by expert instructors in creative disciplines including literary arts, dance, vocal performance, the music business and worship. You can learn more about the conference at www.karitos.com.

This year, we're expanding the offerings in the literary arts/writing track. This is a unique opportunity for writers to focus on the calling, craft, ministry and business of writing – in the context of the conference's rich creative environment. There are literary offerings targeted at those wondering how to break into print, those with a couple of chapters of an unfinished novel stashed in the back of a drawer, and those with a sizeable list of published writing credits.

Karitos Literary Arts instructors:

Ì Patricia Hickman, M.F.A., is a Christian communicator and an award-winning author. Patty earned an M.F.A. in creative writing at Queens University. She is currently at work on her sixteenth book for Random House. Her fiction is branded as “Storytelling Divine!” www.patriciahickman.com

Ì Travis Thrasher is a novelist who has written in many genres including suspense and romance. Having worked in the publishing industry for over thirteen years, Thrasher is now a fulltime writer and speaker. He and his wife, Sharon, have a daughter and live in a suburb of Chicago. www.travisthrasher.com

Ì Betsey Newenhuyse is the Editorial Director at Moody Publishers. She formerly served as managing editor at Moody magazine and was one of the founding editors of Marriage Partnership magazine at Christianity Today International. Betsey is the author of eight books.

Ì Michelle Van Loon is author of 3 non-fiction books as well as plays, articles, curriculum and more, Michelle Van Loon brings her passion for nurturing the writing voices of others, a commitment to skilled craft and a worshiper's heart to her workshop sessions. www.theparablelife.com

Two different workshop tracks are available for writers at the conference:

* Option 1: Select the literary arts workshops that meet your needs
Attend one or more of the workshop sessions listed below. Build the conference experience that fits your needs by mixing and matching these sessions with the other Karitos workshop offerings in drama, dance, visual arts and more.

* Panel Discussion
Learn about the publishing business from these industry professionals. Bring your questions! - Betsey Newenhuyse, Travis Thrasher

* Nurturing the Artistic Soul
Learn about spiritual challenges for writers and artists, explore how to refresh yourself, boost creativity and intuitive powers, and basically learn how to recharge. – Betsey Neuwenhuyse

* The drive and determination to be a writer
The most essential ingredient an author needs on their way toward publication is not talent but perseverance. Being published is about being patient, having thick skin, and working hard. – Travis Thrasher

* Marketing and promo for authors
The best way to market and promote your book is to do it yourself! Here are some tips and tools for helping sell yourself and your book. – Travis Thrasher

* Writing Your Story, Telling His
This workshop offers you a look at how you can share the story of God at work in your life in fresh, creative ways. We'll also explore a variety of print/web venues you can explore in order to share your story with readers. – Michelle Van Loon

* Discovering Your Writer's Voice
What makes you...you? A writer's "voice" - that beautiful brew of personality, language, imagination and craft - is the single ingredient that makes your writing unique. This interactive session will help you identify what "voice" is, and offer a look at how you can learn to cultivate and capture your writer's voice on paper – Michelle Van Loon

l Option 2: Fiction intensive
If you have a novel burning in your soul, you’ll want to avail yourself of this unique opportunity to be mentored by author and teacher Patricia Hickman. This set of workshops is meant to be experienced as an entire package, though you’re free to sample a session or two if you prefer. Choosing the entire Fiction Intensive series of workshops means you’ll be committed to this “conference within a conference” throughout Karitos. You’ll still be able to participate in the main sessions and experience the rich creative environment of the conference, while working with Patricia and others to develop your ideas.
* Session 1: Fiction 101—Getting Started for the Beginning Novelist
Learning to efficiently make decisions regarding your story structure, POV, and setting will help launch your story from raw idea to sellable book. This workshop focuses on the starter tools needed to lay down your first draft.
* Session 2: Creating Characters I—Giving Story People Life
The key to intricate storytelling is developing characters that breathe, cast shadows, climb mountains, and fall headlong into peril—all in a believable manner, of course. If you’ve ever felt stuck, you might be trying to create story from plot rather than allowing story to spring from character. In this workshop, writers learn how to develop believable characters and how to kill your “puppet complex”.
* Session 3: Creating Characters II—Giving Story People Life
Continuing where Creating Characters I left off.
* Session 4: Creating Characters III—Emotional Architecture: How Stories Rise From Average to Art
Describing the character, the setting, interior monologue, what the reader is supposed to hear, see, feel, smell, or taste is typical writer’s ammo. But to move from average to art means leaving behind the conventional listing of observable life to embrace the elements that often go unnoticed.
* Session 5: Creating Characters IV—Sidekicks: Effectively Populating the Fictive World
Peripheral characters can lend more than support to the central character’s world. In this workshop writers will learn the secrets used by professional writers to deepen the human layers of their story.
* Session 6: Creating Characters V--Creating The Story Environment—Social Codes and Eroding Landscapes
The story’s setting is the emotional womb from which the central character emerges. Here are the secrets writers can learn to develop setting as more than pasted on description.
* Session 7: Creating Characters VI--Writing Successful Dialogue
. . . is not a simple task. Successful dialogue should reveal character without telling too much. In this workshop, writers will not only learn how to write dialogue but will be given the opportunity in class to show off your newly acquired skills.
* Session 8: Writing True--Beliefs and Faith in Today’s Fiction
This final session will top off the weekend’s immersion in character building by showing the writer how to approach faith and beliefs in fiction using compelling and convincing methods. Gone are the days of staid telling, preachy messages tucked like a device into the folds of a novel. Learn how faith can be powerfully portrayed in the quiet whisper of a story.

HARVEST HOUSE GREAT PLACE TO WORK

Harvest House Publishers has been named within the top three 2008 Best Christian Places to Work in the United States in the Publishing category by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) at the CMA Dallas Conference on April 24.

“This is our second year of participation in the survey because it serves as an excellent tool to gather valuable input from our employees,” says Bob Hawkins, Jr., Harvest House president. “We are once again humbled and grateful to be acknowledged in this award. Our placement in the top three is confirmation that we are reaching our goal to affirm and value each person employed at Harvest House.”

The BCWI survey involved more than 7,834 employees in 67 organizations across the U.S. to identify great workplaces with a Christian mission and/or values. For a complete list, go to http://www.bcwinstitute.com/2008US.aspx.

A BOOK PROPOSAL QUESTION

Q - Should the "Author Information" section of a book proposal read like a resume or simply state the facts?

A - Don't make it as formal as a resume, but write it as if you were talking about someone else. For example: "John Jones gradulated from _______University with a B.A. in Journalism. He is the author of 3 books, etc."

CBA INDUSTRY BLOG

CBA has launched the CBA Industry Blog at http://www.cbaonline.org/blog. Updated with posts from CBA staff as well as other professionals in the industry, the blog contains important information relating to the Christian Retail Channel. The CBA Industry Blog provides a forum and acts as a resource for the industry to come together for fresh ideas, trends, solutions, take-aways, and more. May be a good way to keep up with what is happening in Christian bookstores.

NEW PUBLICIST LISTING

Kathy Carlton Willis Communications, 1324 S. 10th Street, Raymondville, TX, 78580. 956-642-6319. E-mail: WillisWay@aol.com. Website: http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com. Writes marketing plans for book proposals, phone consults, full publicity campaigns before or after your book launches, booking speaker events, author branding, blog tours, and more. Contact: Kathy Carlton Willis.

MEET WITH CHRISTIAN HOLLYWOOD AT ICRS

You can meet with Christian Hollywood at ICRS!

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) invites all Christian authors and Hollywood professionals to attend a symposium to discuss how Christian authors can get their novels or story ideas made into movies. We'll cover how to introduce your work to the film industry plus we'll discuss screen writing do's and don'ts. We'll also talk about the television market as well as Broadway plays.

PLUS, Michael Trent of the Kairos Prizes, a screenwriting Competition sponsored by Movie Guide and the Templeton Foundation, will give us the scoop on how and what to enter this prize-ladened competition.

ALSO you will be able to make contacts as a reception and meet and greet will follow.

Our panel will be made up of movie producers, directors, actors, screenwriters, creators of popular cartoons, and novelists with pictures and Broadway plays made from their works.

Our guest list (so far) includes Susan Wales, Ken Wales, Michael Trent, Jeff Holder, Nancy Stafford, Carol Whang Schutter, Deb Raney, Kathi Macias AND other big Hollywood names yet to be announced.
Go to: www.ApproachHollywood.com to see bios which will continue to be updated.

When & Where: Rosen Conference Centre
Orlando, Florida
July 13, 2008; 4:00 - 7:00 pm
(With 5:30 pm break for people attending The Christian Book Awards)

Event includes reception with refreshments and mingle time.

Please register at: www.ApproachHollywood.com

SAVED MAGAZINE

Saved (P.O. Box 22-2302, Hollywood FL 33022-3100; 954-921-4700; fax 954-921-4724; info@savedmagazine.com; www.savedmagazine.com) is a glossy, bimonthly Christian magazine that crosses economic and ethnic lines. Teri Tavernier is publisher (teri@savedmagazine.com). Their editorial schedule is listed on the Website.

IGNITE YOUR FAITH

The teen publication, Ignite Your Faith, is open to the following types of material: personal experience stories; Christian lifestyle/faith & values; doctrine, theology & apologetics; seasonal material; profiles; critical issues; media/entertainment; general interest & photo features; and humor. You may make as many submissions at one time as you like. Their issues are planned at an annual spring planning retreat, so you need to get your submissions in to them no later than the first Friday in February if you want them considered at this retreat. Page 474.

SMALL GROUP DYNAMICS

Small Group Dynamics, an online magazine, is looking for articles, ideas, and insights to fit their theme, cartoons, brief testimonies about how God has moved in your group, humor in groups, ice-breaker ideas, and other topics of interest to small-group leaders. They also accept material relating to specific types of groups (such as a recovery group). Most open to practical, how-to articles, 500-1,500 words (a few longer or shorter). For guidelines, go to: http://smallgroups.com/pages/Content_Submission. Page 468.

JULY WRITERS' CONFERENCES

July 11-12: American Christian Writers Orlando Conference; Orlando,FL. Contact: Reg Forder, P.O. Box 110390, Nashville TN 37222; 1-800-21-WRITE; ACWriters@aol.com; www.ACWwriters.com.

July 11-12: Dayton Christian Writers Guild Conference; Dayton, Ohio. Contact: Tina V. Toles, PO Box 251, Englewood OH 45322-2227; 937-836-6600; Cell: 937-371-6083; Daytonwriters@ureach.com; www.dougtoles.com.

July 13-17: International Christian Retail Show; Orlando, Florida. Contact: Scott Graham,P.O. Box 62000, Colorado Springs CO 80962-2000; 719-265-9895; fax 719-272-3510; sgraham@cbaonline.org; www.christianretailshow.com.

July 20-25: Montrose Christian Writers Conference; Montrose, Pennsylvania. Contact: Patti Souder, c/o Montrose Bible Conference, 5 Locust St., Montrose PA 18801-1112; 570-278-1001; fax (570)278-3061; mbc@montrosebible.org; www.montrosebible.org. Includes an advanced track. Editors in attendance.

July 25-27: Midwest Writers Conference; Muncie, Indiana. Contact: Midwest Writers, Dept. of Journalism, Ball State University, Muncie IN 47306-0484; 765-282-1055; fax 765-285-7997; midwestwriters@yahoo.com; www.midwestwriters.org. Editors and agents usually in attendance.

July 27-August 3: The Glen Workshop; St. John’s College/Santa Fe, New Mexico. Contact: Gregory Wolfe/Image Magazine, 3307 Third Ave. W., Seattle WA 98119; 206-281-2988; glenworkshop@imagejournal.org; www.imagejournal.org/glen. No editors or agents in attendance.

July 28-31: Oregon Christian Writers Conference; Canby, Oregon (near Portland). Contact: Pat Rushford, 17510 SE 32nd St., Vancouver WA 98683; 360-449-0456; prushford@comcast.net; www.oregonchristianwriters.org. Offers an Advanced Track. Editors and agents in attendance. Sally will be teaching at this one.

WRITING FOR COLUMNS/DEPARTMENTS

One of the overlooked groups of markets is the columns and departments of periodicals. Editors at many of these publications tell me that those are the most difficult sections of their periodical to fill. They simply don’t receive enough good material that meets the topic or length requirements. Each column has at least a general focus, and they tend to be shorter than the other articles they might use on the same topics in their magazine.
Writing for columns has two distinct benefits. Often editors tell me that this is where they find new writers. If a writer can write short pieces well on topics of interest, they are more willing to let them try their hand at the longer articles. Also, if you are trying to establish your reputation in relationship to a certain topic, writing regularly for related columns will help strengthen that reputation. Also look for those publications open to book, music, video, and Website reviews.
Just to clarify, there are two types of columns—those that are written by the same person each issue—and those that are open to freelance submissions. It’s the latter that I'm talking about. I always recommend that writers search the market guide for columns dealing with their areas of interest and highlight those to come back to regularly. In the market guide, look for those periodical listings that have a section designated "Columns/Department." In that section you will find the name of the column, its focus, length, payment, and if you have to query or send a complete manuscript.