Monday, September 29, 2008

NEW IRS WEBPAGE FOR SELF-EMPLOYED/SMALL BUSINESSES

IRS.gov now features a Web page specifically developed for small businesses and the self employed at: www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0%2C%2Cid=115045%2C00.html. This is for those who file Schedule C and promises to help educate new or experienced self-employed and small business owners about federal tax responsibilities. Lots of helpful information here.

BAKER PUBLISHING GROUP ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS

Baker Publishing Group announces a number of recent promotions in editorial.

Jennifer Leep, who has been an Acquisitions Editor with Revell for the last eight years, has assumed the position of Editorial Director for Revell. Leep began her editorial career at Baker Publishing Group in 1996. She replaces Lonnie Hull DuPont, who has become Executive Editor, Revell. DuPont recently chose to transition into a role that would allow her to continue in acquisitions, but also work on her own writing. "Since I became director of Revell in 2000, the division has grown tremendously,” DuPont said. “While I’ve enjoyed being a part of that growth, I’m at the point where I want to give more time to my writing than is possible as director. Baker has been very cooperative about this desire of mine, and we’ve been preparing for just this type of transition for a couple years now. So I’m excited to see Jennifer use her gifts to lead Revell into the future.”

Jim Kinney is being promoted to associate publisher, while also continuing as editorial director of Baker Academic. Kinney has worked in the publishing industry for 20 years, since 1996 with Baker Publishing Group. He became editorial director of Baker Academic in 1999, and has led that division to steady annual growth.

Robert Hosack is being promoted to executive editor, Baker Academic and Baker Books. He has been a senior acquisitions editor, serving Baker Academic and Baker Books, since 2001. He began his career at the former Victor Books, where he developed the BridgePoint imprint. After the BridgePoint line was purchased by Baker, he subsequently joined the Baker staff in 1997.

Vicki Crumpton is also being promoted to executive editor, Revell. Crumpton began her publishing career with Broadman & Holman Publishers in 1989. She joined Baker in 2001 as senior acquisitions editor. Her accomplishments include two New York Times bestsellers, along with a number of other CBA bestsellers, and Gold Medallion finalists and winners.

ACFW 2008 BOOKS OF THE YEAR

Barbour Publishing is pleased to announce that several Barbour titles have been chosen as ACFW 2008 Books of the Year. Winners were announced at the annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the Contemporary Novella category, first place went to Deborah Raney for Finally Home, second place went to Carrie Turansky for Moonlight and Mistletoe, and third place honors went to Gloria Clover for The Remaking of Moe McKenna. Awards in the Historical Novella category include first place for Love Notes in Love Letters by Mary Davis, second place for Beyond the Memories by DiAnn Mills, and third place for The Spinster and The Tycoon by Vickie McDonough. In the Short Historical category, first place went to Canteen Dreams by Cara Putman and Golden Days by Mary Connealy. Second place honors in that category went to Vicki McDonough’s A Wealth Beyond Riches, and third place went to Kelly Eileen Hake’s A Time to Keep. In the Short Contemporary category, Kathleen Y’Barbo’s Wedded Bliss won third place. Barbour Publishing appreciates the hard work of its authors and would like to congratulate the winners.

Zondervan Author Wins 2008 Book of the Year

Camy Tang, author of the popular Sushi Series, won the 2008 American Christian Fiction Writers’ award for best book in the debut author category for her novel Sushi for One? (Zondervan 2007). Tang’s accomplishment was honored at the annual ACFW award ceremony on September 20, 2008 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Friday, September 26, 2008

ZONDERVAN EXPANDS YA LINE

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- Zondervan, a world leader in Christian Communications, is adding seven new books to a new Young Adult (YA) fiction line launched in May 2008. Zondervan is expanding its YA fiction offerings in a publishing sector the LA Times recently called "booming," with new releases in October 2008 from two of the top five selling YA Christian authors.

Ripple Effect by Paul McCusker is the first book in a YA Fiction series that is new to Zondervan, entitled The Time Thriller Trilogy. In Ripple Effect, the main character Elizabeth is caught in a bizarre time warp. The series is a gripping, fast-paced mystery taking readers through seconds, minutes, hours, and centuries.

The release comes on the heels of Zondervan's aggressive entry into the booming YA fiction category in May 2008, launching five new book series for readers ages 13 to 16. Zondervan already publishes three of the top five selling Christian YA authors-- Melody Carlson, Bryan Davis and Bill Myers--who all authored books for the May 2008 launch. Carlson and Davis are releasing new books in October 2008.

October features an exciting new release from Bryan Davis, a top five author in the Association for Christian Retail (CBA), who has sold more than 300,000 books. Eternity's Edge is the second book in the fantasy series Echoes from the Edge and follows the release of May's Beyond the Reflection's Edge. Also new for fantasy readers in October 2008 is The Owling by author Robert Elmer. The Owling is book two in the science fiction series The Shadowside Trilogy, which contemplates how biblical truths translate in another world.

Melody Carlson, the #1 CBA YA author, is releasing The Homecoming Queen and Viva Vermont! in October 2008, the third and fourth books in The Carter House Girls series-a "Chick Lit" series that offers a Christian alternative to the escapism novels that have long-defined the YA market. The series communicates issues and conflicts facing teenage girls as their secular literary counterparts, but in a way that develops girls’ faith. The first two books of The Carter House Girls series, Mixed Bags and Stealing Bradford, released in May 2008. The series is celebrating successful sales, placing in the top 50 of all Zondervan products.

Additional Zondervan Chick Lit releases in October 2008 include The Fall of Candy Corn and The Winter of Candy Canes, books two and three in A Sweet Seasons Novel series by author Debbie ViguiƩ. ViguiƩ's novels follow the four seasons of main character Candace's life. The series is best described as God-honoring Chick Lit that digs into friendships, romances, family, school, faith and values.

In 2007, the YA market accumulated nearly $25 billion in general market sales. Zondervan research shows that 40 percent of teens read 2-3 books a month, while nearly a quarter (23 percent) read four or more books per month. Zondervan research also revealed that there are 24 million teens in the U.S. and 75 percent have engaged in at least one psychic or witchcraft-related activity during their teen years. In response to these mainstream trends, Zondervan's YA Christian fiction seeks to publish well-written, entertaining books that meet the spiritual needs of teens.

"Our YA fiction offers a positive alternative for teens with books that speak to teens' spiritual and personal growth through powerful storytelling," said Annette Bourland, Zonderkidz Senior Vice President and Publisher.

Zondervan's campaign also includes a comprehensive marketing plan, including traditional promotional outlets combined with significant technology-driven promotion, citing research that shows 90 percent of teens use the Internet, with half of them accessing it daily. Zondervan launched www.zondervan.com/teen, an innovative website that engages teens with contests, newsletters and freebies about current and emerging YA series.

Zondervan's new YA titles will be available in October 2008 for $9.99 and $12.99 wherever books are sold. Visit www.zondervan.com for more information.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

KIDZWONDER.COM HAS CONTEST

The online magazine at www.kidzwonder.com is hosting a contest which can be seen at the submission section. There is a cash prize.

This publisher also has a site called www.publishspace.com where writers can sell their pdf form books.

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR BOOK COVER AWARD

ECPA Announces Finalists for the
2008 ECPA/Dickinson Press Book Cover Award

Phoenix, Arizona -- The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) announced this week the names of 13 finalists for the 2008 ECPA/Dickinson Press Book Cover Award. These annual awards recognize superior book cover design in the Christian publishing industry in four categories—Bibles, Small-Sized Publisher, Mid-Sized Publisher and Large Publisher. The top three covers in each category (four in the case of a tie) become finalists. A single winner for each category will be announced at ECPA’s Publishing University (PUBu) in Chicago, Illinois, on Sunday, November 2.

Thirteen ECPA member publishers submitted 63 covers for this year’s competition. Entries were evaluated based on how the cover design matched the characteristics of the book’s target audience using guidelines based on research findings of a Research Institute on Social Change (RISC) study of book buyers . Design components such as composition, images, font treatment, color palette, and title were considered.

The 13 finalists for the 2008 ECPA/Dickinson Press Book Cover Award are:

Bibles

The Literary Study Bible, Crossway Books & Bibles, Leland Ryken and Philip Graham Ryken, 9781581348088

Urban Devotional Bible, Crossway Books & Bibles, Dr. Michael Reynolds, Sr. General Editor, 9781433502828

The Voice of Hebrews - The Voice™ translation, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Greg Garrett and David Capes, contributors, 9780529123534

Best Cover from a Small-Sized Publisher (1-100 titles annually)

Francis Schaeffer: An Authentic Life, Crossway Books & Bibles, Colin Duriez, 9781581348576

Preaching as Art, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, Darius L. Salter, 9780834123595

Red Letters, David C. Cook, Tom Davis, 9780781445351

Zora and Nicky, David C. Cook, Claudia Mair Burney, 9780781445504

Best Cover from a Mid-Sized Publisher (101-250 titles annually)

Faith to Faith, Harvest House Publishers, Dan Scott, 9780736923507

O2, Harvest House Publishers, Richard Dahlstrom, 9780736922142

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, Andrew Peterson, 9781400073849

Best Covers from a Large Publisher (251+ titles published annually)

Adam, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Ted Dekker, 9781595540072

The Domino Effect Participant’s Guide, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Wayfarer Ministries: Chad Brooks, Chad Norris and Dave Rhodes, 9781418533410

unChristian
, Baker Publishing Group, David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, 9780801013003

In 2006, a study was commissioned by Dickinson Press and conducted by the RISC to help Christian publishers develop and design more on-target products. Based on the RISC research, ECPA and Dickinson Press developed the ECPA/Dickinson Press Book Cover Award which is presented annually and recognizes the industry's finest book cover design integrity.

“Dickinson Press and ECPA are proud to recognize the most unique and innovative book cover designs in our industry,” says ECPA President Mark Kuyper. “Research proves that book covers powerfully impact consumer purchasing decisions, so this special recognition is well deserved.”

The ECPA/Dickinson Press Book Cover Award encourages, identifies and celebrates "best in class" design for Christian publishing's book covers. For more information about the program or to view finalist covers, visit www.ecpa.org/bookcoveraward.

# # #

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization, comprised of nearly 200 member companies worldwide, representing a combined revenue of nearly $2 billion. Founded in 1974, ECPA is dedicated to serving the Christian publishing industry through equipping its members through cutting-edge technology, meaningful data, dynamic educational opportunity and unprecedented access to markets. For more information about ECPA, contact us at: 480-966-3998 phone, 480-966-1944 fax, 9633 South 48th Street, Suite 140, Phoenix, Arizona 85044, info@ecpa.org www.ecpa.org

NEW SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE

Author,Marilynn Griffith, has developed a new social networking site named for her upcoming book Sistahfaith-- Believing Beyond Boundaries. She offers the site to those who want to "Birth your Book. Manifest Your Ministry. Build Your Business."

The amazing thing is that in a little more than a week the network already has close to 300 members. As she says, "SistahFaith is a network of believers. We believe in God and in each other. We're holding hands and believing beyond boundaries. Join us!"

Take a look: http://sistahfaith.ning.com/

Marilynn is using new media opportunities to create a multi-dimensional project. In addition to her book series, she has a website, is planning her second Sistahfaith conference and now has this social network.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION

December 1, 2008 (postmark) is the deadline for the Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition. Send your best short story in 1,500 words or less. First Place: $3,000; Second Place $1,500; Third Place $500; Fourth through Tenth Places $100; Eleventh through twenty-fifth places: $50 Gift Centificate for Writer's Digest Books. Entry fee is $12 per entry. Send fee by check, money order, or credit card, along with your manuscript to: The Writer's Digest Short Short Story competition, 700 State St., Iola WI 54990.

ANOINTED AUTHORS ON TOUR

Meet Anointed Authors on Tour this weekend as they tour California!

Saturday, September 27

Pens of Praise Writing Workshop and Fellowship

Featuring Anointed Authors on Tour at:
Covenant Worship Center
2622 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley, CA
12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m.
__________________________________
Sunday, September 28
***Sistahs In Conversation
and
Sistahs In Harmony
Christian Book Clubs'
5th Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Presents
Anointed Authors On Tour
at
Brookside Country Club
3603 St. Andrews Drive
Stockton, CA 95219
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Scholarship Luncheon - $45 per person.
Call Donna (209-957-8448) for information

Contact Us: WEB: www.anointedauthorsontour.com

Monday, September 22, 2008

NEW WRITERS GROUP IN NASHVILLE AREA

Nashville Christian Writers Association - Nashville chapter of American Christian Writers, 455 Sam Ridley Blvd. Suite 263, Smyrna, TN. 37167. Serves the Nashville and Greater Middle Tennessee areas. Contact: D. Lynn Jacobs, President, email@dlynnjacobs.com, or Carol Harper, Vice President, crharper@gmail.com . Membership is $20/annually. www.nashvillechristianwriters.com

THE NASHVILLE CHRISTIAN TIMES

The Nashville Christian Times - A project supporting the Nashville Christian Writers Association, www.nashvillechristianwriters.com, 455 Sam Ridley Blvd. Suite 263, Smyrna, TN 37167. An online resource for Nashville's Christian community. Welcomes submissions for The Christian View department. www.nashvillechristiantimes.com Contact: Carol Harper, Executive Editor, editor@nashvillechristiantimes.com.

THEATER REVIEWS WITH CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

Masterwork Productions,Inc. offers reviews of Broadway shows and select off-Broadway theater with an added Christian perspective unavailable anywhere else. Written by Lauren Yarger, the reviews offer a profession evaluation of the production with a separate listing of information Christians might like to know when deciding whether to see the show in New York or when it tours to a local perfoming arts center.
Yarger is a journalist with productions and management credits in both Christian and secular theater. Last summer she was a fellow at the National Cristics Institute. She also writes secular reviews of New York and Connecticut theater for American Theater Web. Read the reviews with a Christian perspective at http://reflectionsinthelight.blogspot.com.

Lauren Yarger, Executive Director/Producer
Masterwork Productions, Inc.
2 Long Lott Road West Granby, CT 06090
860-653-7733
masterworkproductions@yahoo.com
www.masterworkproductions.org

Reaching Out Through the Performing Arts

Saturday, September 20, 2008

2009 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER BOOK AWARDS

Call for Entries
- 13th Annual Awards now accepting entries for 2008 releases
- 65 Categories, 20 Regions, for Indies Only, Great Awards party at BEA

Enter now at: http://www.independentpublisher.com/ipland/IPAwards.php

Launched in 1996, the Independent Publisher Book Awards are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers. Established as the first unaffiliated awards program open exclusively to independents, the "IPPYs" recognize hundreds of the year's best books, bringing them to the attention of booksellers, buyers, librarians, and book lovers. The IPPY Awards contest is among the largest and most recognized book awards events in the world, and all independent, university, small press, and self-publishers who produce books intended for the North American market are eligible to enter titles copyrighted or released in 2008. Final deadline is March 21, 2009. No price increase this year! Enter now for $75 per category.

Guidelines and entry info: http://www.independentpublisher.com/ipland/IPPY2009EarlyApplication1.pdf

Here is the link to the 2008 Awards results article online, with links to event photos, press release, etc: http://www.independentpublisher.com/article.php?page=1231

The IPPY Awards reward those who exhibit the courage, innovation, and creativity to bring about change in the world of publishing. Independent spirit and expertise comes from publishers of all sizes and budgets, and books are judged with that in mind. National entries will be accepted in 65 categories, including one new one this year, Transportation (Automotive/Aviation/Railroad, etc.).

The 4th Annual Regional IPPY Awards go to the Best Fiction and Best Non-Fiction Books in eight U.S. and two Canadian regions. If your book is written or published with a regional focus, don’t miss the opportunity to extend your exposure and increase your chances of winning a regional Independent Publisher Book Award.

Ten Outstanding Books of the Year: For 25 years our mission at Independent Publisher has been to recognize and encourage the work of publishers who exhibit the courage and creativity necessary to take chances, break new ground and bring about change, not only to the world of publishing, but to our society, our environment, and our collective spirit. One book in each of the following categories will receive a special award for Outstanding Book of the Year:

Most Original Concept - Most Likely to Save the Planet – Freedom Fighter of the Year - Most Outstanding Design
Peacemaker of the Year - Story Teller of the Year - Best Book Arts Craftsmanship - Most Inspirational to Youth
Most Life-Changing – Most Progressive Health Book

Enter your award-worthy books today, and get the recognition and exposure they deserve. Cool medals! Shiny stickers! Awesome party!

Questions? Contact Jim Barnes, Awards Director, jimb@bookpublishing.com

Friday, September 19, 2008

"A WORD IN THE WORLD '08"

Hosted by Saint Augustine Bible Institute and College

Fee: $20.00 - Includes Materiels and Lunch

When: October 18, 2008 (08:30 am to 04:00 pm)

Content: Writing for Ministry and Publication. Published authors lead beginner and advanced sessions on researching/ writing for the newspaper, magazine
articles, children?s books, fiction/novels and non fiction. Must pre-register.

Speakers: Jean Dennis, Cheri Cowell, and Dr. Lindsay Terry

Location:
110 Masters Drive
Saint Augustine, FL 32084

Phone: 904-824-5512 or 904-864-5886

Come and join us in Americas Oldest City!

Need accommodations?

Thursday, September 18, 2008

NEW ENGLAND WRITERS' GROUP

Information on the following writers' group arrived too late to be included in the next market guide, so I'm passing it along here:

New England ACW Chapter meets in the Burlington VT area. Contact: Laurel Decher, 1375 North Ave., Burlington VT 05408; 802-660-4080; ldecher@verizon.net; http://mysite.verizon.net/ldecher/vermontwriters.html. Open to new members.

GUIDELINES FOR GOD SIGHTINGS

I would like to announce an exciting new book project called, God Sightings: Stories of His Involvement in Life’s Greatest Moments. You may have been involved in my story projects with A Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, or Love Is a Verb (Love Lessons). This project sets out to give God the glory he deserves through stories of His showing up when we most need him and even when things are going well. He’s promised to not only be present but active in our lives, fulfilling his plans and purposes for our good and his glory.

We know God is ever present, working behind the scenes, but there are a few great moments in life when he works in powerful and seemingly miraculous ways. It might be during an extraordinary occasion or a humdrum circumstance when you’re taken by surprise, but his working transforms it into something special that you will never forget. He manifests himself in many ways: provision, comfort, wonder, forgiveness, etc. He can be clearly seen through answers to prayer, other people, or circumstances that he uses to teach us or get out attention.

These need to be stories in the fullest sense, rather than mere testimonies, or focusing on mere feelings or mental states. The stories should have an introduction, main body with a conflict or challenge, and a resolution. They need to be descriptive, rooted in time and place, with compelling characters. We want to avoid stories related to illness, but if you submit one without too many details and a positive focus we will consider it.

Each story should range from 1,200 to 1,800 words, must be original (not previously published) and should include a crisp and creative title. Scripture quotations aren’t necessary but if you cite a passage it should be in The New Living Translation. After acceptance of the story by the publisher we will issue you a permission contract. We are offering a one-time fee of $50 to be paid upon publication, rather than upon acceptance.

The final due date is November 30, 2008, and we’ll notify everyone of manuscripts that made the final cut in March. So we ask your patience.

We will need your name as you would like it to appear in the book, name on the check, street address, phone number, email address attached to the manuscript, and a bio update of 30 words or less. The contracts and payment will originate from the publisher, Howard Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) and all rights will be held by the publisher until the book is declared out of print. Please attach manuscripts to the e-mail in Word (.doc, not .docx), ascii, or rtf format.

Please direct all inquiries and submissions to my colleague, Jeanette Littleton, at GodSightings@earthlink.net.


Blessings to you and yours,

James Stuart Bell
God Sightings

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

NEW MAGAZINE: IN VIEW

Bob Heyer is launching a new Christian magazine called IN VIEW,focused on living with eternity's values IN VIEW by taking a closer look at what really matters. He is seeking articles for its premier issue, to be published in April 2009. Contributions can be original or reprints, up to 2,000 words. Topics may vary widely as long as the material fits into the theme of "living with eternity's values in view." Topics will range from entertainment to politics, from worldview to education, from Bible teaching to true life experiences. No payment at this time, but future editions will provide compensation. Send submissions by e-mail to: bob@heyervision.com. David Fessenden is managing editor.

CANADIAN CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE CLOSES

We now have confirmed information received earlier this morning that yesterday afternoon the doors to R. G. Mitchell operations in Willowdale were locked and staff were sent home and told ‘it’s all over.’ The firm of Deloitte and Touche has been called in as receiver. The wholesale website is down and phones are currently not being answered. This is the largest Christian Bookstore chain in Canada. Bad news for all Christian authors.

Monday, September 15, 2008

BLUE RIDGE NOVEL RETREAT

Blue Ridge "Autumn in the Mountains" Novel Retreat
Ridgecrest Conference Center
October 5-9, 2008

Working on a novel? There's still room for you to register for the Blue
Ridge "Autumn in the Mountains" Novel Retreat coming up October 5-9, 2008.
This is the perfect setting for a time of improving the craft of novel
writing, fellowship with other novelists, write, discuss, and critique.

Requirements are that you have attended a writers conference or class
³somewhere² and have a novel in progress.

All novelists are welcome to come and learn the craft that applies to all
novel writing. The faculty is Christian and some emphasis will be directed
to the CBA market.

Click here For more information and registration.


Also, check out the Novel Contest sponsored by Gideon Media Arts Festival:
www.gideonfilmfestival.com

KID'S CHOICE BOOK AWARDS

Abunga.com Announces Winners of Kid's Choice Book Awards
Children Choose Favorite Summer Reads through Online Bookstore Poll

Christian Newswire/ -- Abunga.com, the family- friendly online bookstore, is pleased to announce the winning authors and titles of the first Abunga.com Kids' Choice Book Awards. Children pre-kindergarten through 12th grade logged onto the Abunga.com site and nominated their favorite summer reading book through Sept.1.

The winning titles are as follows, by category:
· Pre-kindergarten through first grade - "I'm Invited to a Party" by Mo Willems
· Second through third grade - "Nancy Drew and the Quest of the Missing Map" by Carolyn Keene
· Fourth through fifth grade - "My Life as a Supersized Superhero....with Slobber" by Bill Myers
· Sixth through eighth grade - "Christy Miller Collection" by Robin Jones Gunn
· Ninth through 12th grade - "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris

"Abunga.com was thrilled at the number of children who chose to voice their opinion about the books they read and loved this summer," said Abunga.com Chairman Lee Martin. "We are so thrilled with the variety of winning books and send our congratulations to the winning authors and our thanks to all the children who helped make this possible."

All winning books and authors are listed on the Abunga.com Kids' Choice Book Awards Winners Page and available for purchase on Abunga.com. In addition, the winning authors will be featured on the Abunga.com home page from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 and will be listed on the Abunga.com Kids' Choice Awards Web page for one full year until the 2009 awards.

Children who logged onto the Abunga.com Web site and took the time to nominate a book were entered into a drawing for a $20 Abunga.com gift card. One gift card was awarded per age category and the winners are recognized by first name on the Abunga.com Kids' Choice Awards Web page.

Abunga.com is an online bookstore founded to provide families a protected shopping environment. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Abunga.com offers more than 1.6 million family-friendly books, savings through distributor-direct prices and support to nonprofit organizations by donating 5 percent of each transaction to a customer-selected charity. For more information, visit www.Abunga.com.

Note to Editors: For more information about Abunga.com, please visit www.Abunga.com/media. To arrange an interview with Lee Martin, please contact Kristin Cole at 615.289.6701 or via e-mail at kristin@alarryross.com.

CHRISTIAN INTERNET RADIO SPECTACULAR

Christian Newswire/ -- Holy Revival Radio is one of the premiere Gospel Internet Radio Stations on the net. With the launch of the brand new social networking site www.holyrevivalradio.com, ratings and listenership are continuing to rise. Some set back was noticed initially as Holy Revival Radio began using SWCast as an interface for licensing and paying royalty fees. This switch was necessary for Holy Revival Radio to be one of the very few gospel internet stations that operate legally and complies with the rules and regulations as they stand now. Holy Revival Radio has great pride in being able to offer Christian and Gospel Artists not only a place to be heard, but a place that will also enable them to receive royalties for their music that is played on the station. This is important as not all internet radio stations comply with this.

Holy Revival Radio is now actively reaching out to Christian ministries, Gospel/Christian Artists to come and make a home there. Many great opportunities are available, at no cost, to promote your projects and ministries. Using a platform similar to YouTube and MySpace, Holy Revival Radio has created a social network online targeted towards the small to medium ministry that needs a voice and the independent Gospel/Christian artist. As we go farther into the future, a presence online is necessary and being a part of a growing Christian social network is just what a ministry needs to be able to reach a mass number of people with the click of a mouse.

The members that are at the site already have begun putting up profiles, videos, starting groups, and uploading their music. A big draw to the site is the ability to produce and upload your very own videos for the world to see and hear. Many enjoy also the ability to promote their events and start groups for others to join as well. All this is done while listening to great traditional and contemporary gospel music and ministries on Holy Revival Radio.

There are many social networking sites online that Christians participate in. Holy Revival Radio saw a reason to create its own. The reason was to provide a purely Christian experience of social networking without having to be a part of questionable activity that you see on other social networking sites. One can enjoy gospel music from Main Stream contemporary artists like Kirk Franklin, Deitrick Haddon, and Mary Mary. Also everyone will be able to enjoy many up and coming independent artists like Kiara Miller, Delroy Souden, and many others. Creating a custom profile and making friends and contacts on Holy Revival Radio is quick and easy. Social networking is a powerful force to allow many to get exposure in the Christian community online. If you have a voice that needs to be heard, Holy Revival Radio has the platform for you.

PARACLETE BOOK SALES UP 29%

Paraclete Press announced this morning that, at the conclusion of its fiscal year just ended on August 31, book sales were up by 29 percent. Paraclete is in its 25^th year of publishing and has silver anniversary plans scheduled for Orleans, Massachusetts (where the press is located) and New York City, this coming November. The mid-sized publisher of Christian books, sacred music CDs, choral sheet music, and DVDs popular in education programs at churches and libraries—is celebrating dramatic sales growth in the midst of a difficult publishing climate. /To interview Pamela Jordan, the publisher of Paraclete Press, or to speak with publicist Carol Showalter, please call 508-255-4685, ext. 356. Or email Carol at cshowalter@paracletepress.com.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

SUBMISSIONS NEEDED FOR COMPILATION BOOK

Hello Writer!

I wanted you to know about the latest compilation Jim Bell is producing. It's called "God Sightings" and is about seeing God at work in your every day life. The guidelines are attached, and I hope we'll hear from you! God Sightings will be published by Howard Publishing, one of the leading Christian publishers (purchased a while back by Simon & Schuster).

Thank you for considering using your gifts to minister to others through these compilations. I GREATLY appreciate you, and I know Jim does, too.

And you can feel free to pass this along to your other writing friends.

Thanks--Jeanette

Jeanette Gardner Litleton, Editorial Associate
God Sightings (Howard Publishing, 2009)
A James Stuart Bell project

Note: The guidelines for this project didn't come through, so e-mail Jeanette for a copy at: GodSightings@earthlink.net.

CLASSEMINAR COMING TO ATLANTA

Hurry! There's still time for YOU to register for:

CLASSeminarcoming to the Atlanta area
SEP 29 - OCT 1

The CLASSeminar is perhaps the best investment you can make in your speaking and writing career. In these 3 power-packed days you will:

Learn how to quickly develop an effective spoken/written message
Increase confidence in your communication skills
Discover proven techniques to market your ministry
Develop a professional style
If you are looking for focus and refinement in your communication skills, CLASServices, Inc. is for you!

Our friendly staff and encouraging faculty will help guide and mentor you in your quest to be all God has called you to be. It's time to take the next step...

Call now to register, 800-433-6633.

* Scholarship monies available.
** Alumni Opportunity - Ask about a refresher course at a reduced rate.

Get ready for God to do amazing things!

CLASServices is a full-service training and equipping agency for Christian leaders, authors and speakers. Along with the CLASSeminar we provide other training, resources, and services to help you fulfill your calling and achive your potential.

ABERDEEN SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP

The Aberdeen Screenwriting Workshop
at The B Movie Celebration
September 26th-28th
Franklin, Indiana

Hello--My name is Ron Aberdeen and I am a living breathing British screenwriter whose career in writing feature films. I wanted to reach out to you personally and invite you to a series of workshops I will be presenting at this year's B Movie Celebration in Franklin,
Indiana.

Improve your screenplay knowledge, comprehension, and technique and the art and craft of screenplay writing.

I will be leading course introducing you to the world screenwriting techniques, updating conventional storytelling conventions with a focus on new contemporary tools of the craft.

This course will help writers create, prepare, write, rewrite and approach their screenplay with more control and creativity. I think you will find my analysis and practical approaches to the craft are poignant, simple, fresh and if I have done my job right... inspiring.

This event is ideal for aspiring screenwriters. It is also an excellent refresher course for professional writers who wish to gain a set of screenwriting tools.

The B-Movie Celebrations is a place to meet and mingle with many notable film makers such as Lloyd Kaufman, Jim Wynorski, Tom Holland and many B-Movie celebrities as well as attend various short courses of differing aspects of film making.

I present a 'Writer's Boot Camp' on the Saturday and 'How to Pitch' on the Sunday.

All the instructional events are available at just $40 for all 15 educational session and I hope you and many of your members are able to attend. Theses sessions are sponsored by The Indy Film Co-op and The Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

More information and tickets are available at http://bmoviecelebration.bside.com/2008

Hope to see you at the B Movie Celebration,

Ron

CHRISTIAN NATION.COM LAUNCHES

Christian Newswire/ -- ChristianNation.com has officially launched after five months in beta. ChristianNation is targeted to the teen/young adult demographic and aims to capture the pulse of the emerging Christian counter-culture with relevant content on music, movies, apparel, books, etc.

ChristianNation also interjects Biblical truths and apologetic content throughout the website in an effort to counter the indoctrination of secularism that permeates high schools, colleges and society. Youth pastors and leaders from across the country have teamed up on ChristianNation to tackle the tough issues facing our generation--from abortion and homosexuality to examining false beliefs like Evolution and Mormonism.

Reinforcing America's Christian foundation is a major focus as well. Throughout the site is content and quotes from the founding fathers on our nation's Christian heritage.

"One minute you could be reading the latest CD review, listening to music or chatting with a friend, and the next learning about the negative impact of Evolution on society," said Rob Holden, founder of ChristianNation.com.

Since the beta launch in April, ChristianNation has grown tenfold. The site went from 10,000 hits a month to over 100,000.

Members can create their own page (similar to popular social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook), post their own blogs, upload videos, music, photos and instant message friends. Already over 1,300 photos, 500 songs, 200 blogs and 150 videos have been posted by members.

ChristianNation is a unique fusing of culture, faith, social networking and apologetics.

For more information, contact:
Rob Holden
253-230-2183
rob@christiannation.com
http://www.christiannation.com

CONFERENCE FOR CHILDREN'S WRITERS

Christian Newswire/ -- "Literature for children has changed dramatically in the last decade. Many children's books and programs have graphic materials and images that can frighten or confuse children. On November 7-8, 2008, editors, authors, and writers who write for children will gather for the Write2Ignite Conference in Indian Trail, NC, just outside of Charlotte, NC.

"Writing for children became a passion for me after I had my children. I found a few things that I could use to teach them godly messages but ended up using materials that I developed. I saw a need for a conference that helps those called to create works for children in the Christian arena. I attended a conference where I met Jean Hall and Samantha Bell and things moved from there," says Gail Hayes, Conference Director.

"I love to write for children. I see a need for writers like me to improve our skills so that we get the message of Christ to children through stories and lessons they enjoy. I also see a need for finding creative ways to publish our manuscripts and get them into the hands of those children," says Jean Hall, Conference Logistics Director. Hall, who also blogs about her work, regularly works with children.

This will be the first conference held that targets this specific market. The conference faculty includes author and speaker Pam Zollman, author and writing mentor Lisa Crayton, Focus on the Family editor, Jesse Florea, Karen Whiting, a prolific author of children's materials, and a host of others who create Christian works for children.

"With all the negative influences directed at our children today, I believe God is calling His people to move pro actively on their behalf. For some of us, this includes writing and this conference will help provide writers with the tools we need to share His message with the next generation," says Bell

"We hope to create a forum for those who have a passion for writing and creating Christian works for children. We invite them to come and be a part of this first time event not only to make the connection with others but to also be refreshed in their faith. We want them to come so that they can write to ignite the next generation with God's power. But above all else, we want God to be pleased," says Conference Director Hayes.

Visit the website at http://www.write2ignite.com for more information.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

PUBLICATIONS RAISE RATES

Story Mates, Partners, and Companions have all updated their guidelines and raised their pay rates, according to Etta Martin, the editor at Partners. These are publications put out by Christian Light Publications, Inc., PO Box 1212, Harrisonburg VA 22803-1212. The new guidelines are available by mail or e-mail: partners@clp.org.

HAMILTON WRITERS GUILD SEMINAR

The first "Hamilton Writers Guild Seminar" will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2008 in Hamilton, Ohio. Dr. Dennis E. Hensley will be the keynote speaker and a workshop leader. Area newspaper journalists will be the special luncheon speakers. One price includes day-long seminar, lunch, two coffee breaks with snacks, and handouts. For details and registration, contact Guild President Linda Swink at LDSwink@cinci.rr.com.

Q - GETTING YOUR FOOT IN PUBLISHER'S DOOR

Q - How does one get his or her foot in the door of a publisher if you have never been published? Do you include any sort of resume? I don't have and previous publications so is it all chance when you send your manuscript? Should you always send a query letter before sending a whole manuscript even for small stories or children's stories?

A - I'm not sure if you are referring to books or short pieces for periodicals, so I'll try to answer for both. I would say that for either market the most important thing is to follow the publisher's guidelines exactly. For periodicals, some publishers want a query first--while some only want a complete manuscript. The market guide always tells you which they prefer or require.

For a book publisher, they may want just a query first, or it could be a book proposal, or even a full manuscript. They do want a resume, but rather than everything you've ever done, it should focus on what experience you have that qualifies you to write the article, story, or book you are proposing. For example, if it is that children's story or book, the resume needs to highlight what your recent/current experience is with children. If it's a Bible study they will want to know what your experience is in teaching Bible studies, have you tested the material on an actual class?--that sort of thing.

The bottom line is that following their guidelines will get your foot in the door. Having a stellar manuscript will grab and hold their attention.

CHRISTIAN WRITERS WORKSHOP IN VIENNA VA

Christian Writers Workshop with Upper Room Editor
Set for Oct. 4 at Vienna¹s Church of the Good Shepherd

VIENNA, VA, Aug. 18, 2008 ­ ³Alive in Words,² a Christian writers workshop
featuring a top editor from The Upper Room, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4
at The Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist), 2351 Hunter Mill Road
in Vienna, Virginia. The events are open to the community. Space is limited,
and registration forms are requested by Sept. 24.

The daylong workshop will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and conclude
at 3:30 p.m. The featured guest is Mary Lou Redding, editorial director of
The Upper Room, which publishes a daily devotional guide in 40 languages,
reaching some 3 million people

For registration forms and more information, visit the church¹s web site at
www.GoodShepherdVA.com or call (703)
281-3987.

Friday, September 5, 2008

SIMPLE JOY CHANGES NAME

The women's magazine, Simple Joy, has changed its name to Girlfriend 2 Girlfriend. You can find their guidelines at www.simplejoy.org/guidelines.htm.

LITERARY MARKETPLACE 2009

The 2009 edition of Literary Market Place is now available. This is one of the market guides for the general market. Also available is the International Literary Market Place for foreign markets. Cost for the Literary Market Place is $309, plus $25 shipping & handling. The International edition is $259, plus $21, shipping & handling. Or both for $717, plus $46 shipping & handling. Send order to: Information Today Inc., 143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford NJ 08055-9912.

KEEPING UP WITH AGENTS

Aaron Ames Agency, 7842 Alabama Ave., Canoga Park CA 91304-4905. Page 567.

Alive Communications: Drop Bruce Nuffer from list of agents and add Joel Kneedler. No longer handles children’s books. Page 569.

Big Score Productions: Do not contact by mail, phone, or fax (e-mail only). Drop Sharon Robie. Page 570.

Curtis Brown, Ltd.: Drop West Coast address. Drop Perry Knowlton and Ellen C. Geiger; add Maureen Walters, Laura Blake Peterson, and Ginger Knowlton. Handles novels for all ages, adult nonfiction, and crossover books. Page 571.

Sheree Bykofsky Associates: 74930 Country Club Dr., Suite 540, PMB 52, Palm Desert CA 92260; 760-485-4808; deidreheather@yahoo.com. They are just starting a west coast branch that will be working with Christian and children’s authors. Page 572.

Defiore & Co. Author Services: 47 E. 19th St., Fl. 3, New York NY 10003-1323. Page 573.

Samuel French: publications@samuelfrench.com. Currently open to new clients. Page 574.

The Lescher Agency: 7 Peter Cooper Rd., Apt. 11F, New York NY 10010-6604. Page 577.

MAGAZINES WITH NEW CONTACT INFORMATION

Breakthrough Intercessor: editor@intercessor.org. Page 343.

Ideals Magazine: 2636 Elm Hill Pike, Ste. 120, Nashville TN 37214. Page 381.

Imagine: 730 Armstrong Ave., Kansas City KS 66101-2702. Page 381.

Inland NW Christian News: PO Box 18894, Spokane WA 99228-0894. Page 382.

Keys to Living: www.keystoliving.homestead.com. Page 384.

Poetry Scout: 805 Quail Valley Dr, Apt. 4102, Georgetown TX 78626-8054. Page 401.

Priority!: Fax 845-620-7723. Page 403.

Prism: 484-384-2990; www.esa-online.org/prism. Page 404.

Single Again.com: 916-773-1111; fax 916-773-2999. Page 411.

The Storyteller: www.thestorytellermagazine.com. Page 416.

BREAD for God’s Children: BREAD@breadministries.org. Page 428.

* These publications are out of business or no longer accept freelance:

Nappaland.Com (no freelance). Page 395.

Courage (out of business). Page 428.

Primary Pal (IL/out of business). Page 434.

Christian Radio & Retail Weekly (no freelance). Page 452.

Interpretation (no freelance). Page 459.

NOVEMBER 2008 WRITERS' CONFERENCES

Early November: Minnesota Christian Writers Guild Fall Seminar; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Contact: Delores Topliff, 6901 Ives Ln N., Maple Grove MN 55369; 651-695-0609; sharonknudson@hotmail.com; www.mnchristianwriters.org. No editors or agents in attendance.

November: Heart of American Fall Conference; Kansas City , Missouri. Contact: Mark Littleton, 3706 NE Shady Ln. Dr., Gladstone MO 64119; phone/fax 816-459-8016; HACWN@earthlink.net; www.hacwn.org.

December (1st wk): Oakwood College Christian Writers Seminar; Huntsville, Alabama. Contact: Dr. Cecil Daly, 3903 Nelson Dr. N.W., Huntsville AL 35810; 256-852-8656; fax (256)726-7042; cdaly@oakwood.edu.

Nov 29-Dec. 7: American Christian Writers Caribbean Cruise. Contact: Reg Forder, PO Box 110390, Nashville TN 37222; 1-800-21-WRITE; ACWriters@aol.com; www.ACWriters.com.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

$10,000 FICTION COMPETITION

Zondervan and Mount Hermon Writer's Conference Sponsor Competition for Aspiring Fiction Authors

Winner Receives $10,000 Publishing Contract

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Unpublished Christian fiction writers, get your manuscripts ready. Zondervan, a world leader in Christian communications, today announced All About the Story, a writing competition for first-time novelists. The winner will receive a $10,000 publishing contract with Zondervan, and all finalists will have their works recognized during the Christian Book EXPO in Dallas in March 2009.

Sponsored by Zondervan and Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, All About the Story is open to any unpublished writer who has attended a past Mount Hermon Writer's conference or who is registered for the 2009 conference. In addition to the opportunity for their work to be published by Zondervan, the winning author will also receive valuable feedback from editors and experienced judges, including bestselling Christian fiction authors Karen Kingsbury, Terri Blackstock, Brandilyn Collins and Noel Hynd.

"We know there are many talented Christian fiction writers who just need an opportunity like this to get the break they need to become a published author," said Dudley Delffs, vice president and publisher of Trade Books at Zondervan. "We are pleased to partner with Mount Hermon to uncover top writing talent just waiting to be discovered."

The All About the Story contest will be judged in three stages:

1. Synopsis and the first 5,000 words of work will be judged to determine semi-finalists.
2. Semi-finalists will submit a full manuscript to be judged by Zondervan editors to determine finalists.
3. The winner will be determined by a panel of bestselling authors.

The grand prize winner will receive a publishing contract with Zondervan including a $10,000 advance on royalties. Finalists will be recognized at the Christian Book EXPO in Dallas, Texas, March 20-22, 2009. The winner will be announced at the 2009 Mount Hermon Writer's Conference on Saturday, April 4, 2009.

All first-round entries must be received before November 5th, 2008. For additional information, and contest rules, visit www.zondervan.com/firstnovelcontest or email firstnovelcompetition@Zondervan.com.

About Mount Hermon
Founded in 1906, Mount Hermon was the first Christian camp west of the Mississippi. From its inception, Mount Hermon has been both interdenominational and evangelical. For 102 years Mount Hermon has consistently proclaimed Jesus as Lord and Savior, by teaching the authoritative Word of God and serving churches and other Christian ministries both here and around the world.

About Zondervan
Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, is the world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences by influential authors and emerging voices, and has been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Zondervan is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego, Miami and London. Its resources are sold worldwide and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan online at www.zondervan.com.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

NEW DRAMA MARKET

ENCORE PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING, PO Box 14367, Tallahassee FL 32317. Phone/fax (850)385-2463. E-mail: editor@encoreplay.com. Website: www.encoreplay.com. Eldridge Publishing. Meredith Edwards, mng. dir. Strives to be family-friendly for both the religious and general markets. Hopes to publish 10 religious plays & 1-2 religious musicals/yr. Royalty 10% on copy sales; 50% royalty; $100-1,000 for outright purchases; no advance. Print on demand. Publication within 6 mos. Considers simultaneous submissions. Responds in 2 mos. Prefers accepted mss by e-mail. Guidelines (also by e-mail; catalog.
Plays: Complete ms; fax/e-query OK. “Music and drama for all
ages; actors and audience alike.”
Tips: “Like Eldridge, we are open to all kinds of topics which
can be presented on stage or in the sanctuary."

Monday, September 1, 2008

CHRISTIAN SYNDICATE SEEKS WRITERS

$+CHURCHMOUSE PUBLICATIONS LLC, PO Box 9, Hudson NH 03051.
(603)578-1860. E-mail: submissions@churchmousepublications.com. Website:
www.churchmousepublications.com. Estab. 2008. Clarice G. James & Susan W.
Loud, eds. Web-based Christian publishing syndicate. 80% unsolicited
freelance; 10% assigned. Query by e-mail. Markets to periodicals/newspapers/
churches/faith-based organizations. Payment split 50/50 between syndicate and
author. Articles/devotions/essays 500-600 words wds. Guidelines by e-mail.
Poetry: 35-250 words.
Fillers: Open to cartoons/puzzles/quotes; 2-75 wds.
Columns/Departments: Open to columns; 500-600 wds. Sermon
illustrations 100-700 wds.
Special Needs: Articles, children’s material, interviews,
comic strips, artwork, graphics/or photography, op ed pieces, etc.
Tips: “Our needs are varied and wide-open now. If you are
excellent what you do (whether it’s writing a column, devotional, or how-
to feature, or creating a comic or puzzle) we’re much more interested in
accepting your work than rejecting it.” See guidelines for wide range of
material they accept.

PEN OF THE WRITER LITERARY SYMPOSIUM

Dayton, Ohio - September 1, 2008 -
The Fifth Annual Pen to Paper Literary Symposium, sponsored by Pen of the Writer (www.PenoftheWriter.com), will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at the Dayton Urban League (www.DaytonUrbanLeague.org), 907 West Fifth Street. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m.

Valerie L. Coleman, symposium coordinator says, "The Pen to Paper Literary Symposium, which began as a literary conference, has expanded into the entertainment industry. Our nationally acclaimed presenters provide a wealth of information on the art and business of book, song and film writing. Attendees gain insight from mainstream and independent authors and artists as well as editors, agents and an attorney." According to Coleman, "Attendees have traveled to Dayton from as far as Seattle, Washington to hone their craft."

Dr. Vivi Monroe Congress, best-selling author of two nonfiction books, opens the event by inspiring attendees to fulfill their dream with passion. Publicity coach, Pam Perry (www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com), will share her expertise on powerful marketing techniques. Chicago attorney, Avalon Betts-Gaston, will delve into the legal aspects of arts and entertainment. Essence best-selling author, Kendra Norman-Bellamy (www.KNB-Publications.com), explains the crucial steps of publishing. Local presenters include Dr. Marva L. Mitchell (www.MarvaMitchellMinistries.org) of Revival Center Ministries, International and the award-winning trio, Christopher (www.MySpace.com/SpiritualRealSoul).