COPYRIGHT OFFICE IMPROVES RESPONSE TIME

A recent Washington Post article focused on the lengthy processing times the Copyright Office is experiencing in wake of its transition from a paper-based to an electronic processing environment. The Copyright Office is working diligently to improve processing times and service to the public in general. To clarify, current processing times by filing method are as follows:

E-Service with Electronic Deposit: 5 months for 90% to be completed; 33% completed in 2.5 months
E-Service with Physical Deposit: 6.5 months for 90% to be completed; 33% completed in 3 months
Paper Claims: 18 months for 90% to be completed; 33% completed in 12 months
You can save money and time and help us improve our services by filing claims online via eCO. Please visit www.copyright.gov for more information.

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NEW FEES FOR COPYRIGHT OFFICE

Effective August 1, 2009, some fees charged by the Copyright Office will change. Fees requiring Congressional approval will go into effect August 1, 2009, if Congress does not take action to disapprove them. Other fees that are set by regulation to be issued by the Copyright Office will change on the same day. Among the fees affected are those having to do with registration and Licensing Division services For detailed information, including the complete new fee schedule, go to the Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov.

NEW LISTING: CHRISTIAN VOICE MAGAZINE

Christian Voice Magazine is a print and digital news magazine. John Lanier, executive editor; PO Box 147, Kennedy AL 35574; (205)662-4826; editor@christianvoicemagazine.com, or news@christianvoicemagazine.com; www.christianvoicemagazine.com.

Writers' Guidelines:
* The Christian Voice Magazine reserves the right to determine what items will be published.
(Items submitted may require verification.)

* Please submit all news items written clearly and grammatically correct.

* All items submitted should be copy ready. We do, however, reserve the right to edit for content, grammar and punctuation.

* All items must include a valid e-mail address, name of person submitting article, and phone number for verification

* Concert announcements and other advertisements will not be accepted as news items. Please contact our sales department for advertising rates and information.

* Please do not send document attachments (i.e. Word Documents or PDF files). All news items must be sent in the body of the e-mail or they will not be accepted.

* Photos accompanying news items may be sent as attachments with the e-mail if applicable.

JUNE WRITERS CONFERENCES

A little late, but here is a list of writers' conferences coming up in June:

June: Southern Christian Writers Conference; Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Contact: Joanne Sloan, P.O. Box 1106, Northport AL 35473; 205-333-8603; fax 205-339-4528; SCWCworkshop@bellsouth.net.

June: Dayton Christian Writers Guild Conference; Englewood, Ohio. Contact: Tina V. Toles, P.O. Box 251, Englewood OH 45322-2227; 937-836-6600; cell: 937-371-6083; Daytonwriters@ureach.com; www.daytonchristianwriters.com.

June 3-6: Write-to-Publish Conference; Wheaton, Illinois (Chicago area). Contact: Lin Johnson, 9118 W. Elmwood Dr. #1G, Niles IL 60714-5820; 847-296-3964;fax 847-296-0754; lin@writetopublish.com; www.WriteToPublish.com. Offers a Freelance Career Track. Editors and agents in attendance.

June 5-6: East Texas Christian Writers Conference; Marshall, Texas. Contact: Dr. Jerry Hopkins, East Texas Baptist University, 1209 N. Grove St., Marshall TX 75670; 903-923-2283; fax 903-923-2077; jhopkins@ETBU.edu; www.ETBU.edu/news/CWC/default.htm.

June 6: American Christian Writers Conference; Indianapolis, Indiana. Contact: Reg Forder, P.O. Box 110390, Nashville TN 37222; 1-800-21-WRITE; ACWriters@aol.com; www.ACWriters.com.

June 10-13: Cedar Falls Christian Writers’ Workshop; Riverview Conference Center, Cedar Falls, Iowa. Contact: Jean Vaux, 1703 Sunnyside Dr., Cedar Falls IA 50613; 319-231-7444; fax 319-277-1721; Vauxcom@cfu.net; Speakers include: Dennis Hensley, Traci Groot, and Shelly Beach. Attendance limited to 35.

June 12-13: American Christian Writers Conference; Columbus, Ohio. Contact: Reg Forder, P.O. Box 110390, Nashville TN 37222; 1-800-21-WRITE; ACWriters@aol.com; www.ACWriters.com.

June 14-19: Wesleyan Writers Conference; Middletown, Connecticut. Contact: Anne Greene, 294 High St., Rm. 207, Middletown CT 06459; 860-685-3604; fax 860-685-2441; agreene@wesleyan.edu; www.wesleyan.edu/writers. Includes an advanced track. Editors and agents in attendance.

June 15-21: Christians in Theatre Arts Annual Networking Conference; Orlando, Florida. Contact: Bryanne Barker, P.O. Box 26471, Greenville SC 29616; 864-679-1898; fax 864-679-1899; admin@cita.org; www.cita.org.

June 18-20: Write! Canada Writers Conference; Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Contact: Jane Twohey, 698A Highpoint Ave., Waterloo ON N2V 1G9, Canada; 519-886-4196; info@thewordguild.com; www.thewordguild.com. Editors/agents in attendance. Offers scholarships.

June 19-20: Kentucky Christian Writers Conference; Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Speaker: Terry Whalin. Info on Website: www.kychristianwriters.com.

June 22-27: St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference; Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania. Contact: Audrey Stallsmith, 87 Pines Rd. E., Hadley PA 16130-1019; 724-253-2738; registrar@stdavidswriters.com; www.stdavidswriters.com.

June 26-27: American Christian Writers Conference; Grand Rapids, Michigan. Contact: Reg Forder, P.O. Box 110390, Nashville TN 37222; 1-800-21-WRITE; ACWriters@aol.com; www.ACWriters.com.

June 26-28: She Speaks Conference, Concord, North Carolina. Contact: LeAnn Rice, Proverbs 31 Ministry, 616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Rd., Matthews NC 28105; 704-849-2270; fax 704-849-7267; office@Proverbs31.org; www.SheSpeaksConference.com. Offers a track for teens. Editors and agents in attendance.

* July 10-August 8: Act One: Writing for Hollywood; Hollywood, California. Contact: Chris Riley, 2690 N. Beachwood Dr., Hollywood CA 90068; 323-464-0815; fax 323-468-0315; info@actoneprogram.com; www.ActOneprogram.com. Limited to 30; application required. No editors or agents in attendance. Because of the length of this program, I am announcing it early.

SOME NEW WRITERS' GROUPS

***New in Pennsylvania: Lehigh Valley Christian Writers Fellowship; Allentown.
Contact:Beth Morgan, 1541 Cherry Ln., Macungie PA 18062. (610)391-1090. E-mail:
bethmorgan@rcn.com. Sponsors a seminar in March. Membership open.

*** A new group has started up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. For information, contact Becky Lafferty, Pens of Praise, 9225 Carstens Lake Rd., Manitowoc WI 54220; mclafferty@mpsd.k12.wi.us.

*** An update for a group in Pennsylvania: Christian Writers Fellowship of Lehigh Valley; Beth Morgan, P.O. Box 847, Trexlertown PA 18087-0847; 610-391-1090; beth@thethemessengerstablet.com. Meets in Allentown, PA. This group also sponsors an annual conference on the last Saturday in March.

ZONDERVAN CEO EARNS HONOR

Zondervan President/CEO Maureen “Moe” Girkins, was recently named one of “50 Top Women in Book Publishing” by Book Business magazine.

WATCHING THE GIANTS TUMBLE

Hearing all the reports of periodicals being discontinued or taking no freelance is discouraging at best. In today's economic climate I have expected some of the smaller publications to fall, but at this point it seems to be the largest and best that are taking the tumble. Today's Christian Woman, Ignite Your Faith, Marriage Partnership, Discipleship Journal, and Pray! were among the best publications out there. Not sure where it is all going to end. I'm doing my best to keep you up to date on these changes, but am depending on you to let me know when you hear of any changes I may not be aware of. You can e-mail me at: stuartcwmg@aol.com.

NO FREELANCE FOR CONQUEROR & INSIDEOUT

Dear Freelance Authors,

Thank you for your desire to contribute to our publications.
Due to upcoming format changes and recent budget constraints
we will be only publishing articles produced by our staff writers and
will no longer accept freelance articles.

If we are holding articles that you have written and you wish them
returned or deleted from our files please let my secretary
Tamra Schultz know. You can reach her at tschultz@upci.org. If you
need a hard copy article or electronic article returned please send her
the approximate date the article was submitted, your name, and the article
title. In the likelihood that we do need to reach into our archive files
any articles used would be compensated accordingly.

We appreciate your contributions in past Conqueror/INSIDEOUT issues
and pray God's blessings on your continued writing ministry.

Thank you,
Daryle F. Williams
General Youth Secretary
United Pentecostal Church International
8855 Dunn Road
Hazelwood, MO 63042
314.837.7300

EDITORIAL CHANGE AT WORLD MAGAZINE

Lynn Vincent, who for 10 years has served as a senior writer and features editor for WORLD Magazine, will take a leave of absence from WORLD Magazine to pursue her book publishing career. WORLD is a national biweekly that reports world and national news from a Christian worldview.

Marvin Olasky, WORLD's editor-in-chief, said, "We are, of course, sad to see Lynn go, because not only do we know her as a world-class reporter and writer, we are also privileged to call her 'friend.' However, our sadness at her departure is balanced by our enormous pride in her book publishing success, and by the knowledge that our relationship is not ending, just changing."

Vincent will continue to be listed on WORLD's masthead as a "senior writer" and will contribute stories as her book writing schedule allows, Olasky said.

CTI DROPS 4 PUBLICATIONS

Christianity Today International (CTI) today announced the closing of four publications and the laying-off of 30 employees. To be shut down over the coming months are Today's Christian Woman magazine, the Campus Life College Guide, the Christian history bulletin insert Glimpses, and the Church Office Today bimonthly newsletter.

"Needless to say, we are profoundly saddened by these necessary decisions," said Harold Smith, President and Publisher. "The impact on employees who are truly gifted--and the impact on the church as a whole--is a sobering reality for me and the entire CTI team that remains."

These latest cutbacks follow similar moves made in January, when a total of three periodicals--Ignite Your Faith (formerly Campus Life), Marriage Partnership, and Today's Christian magazines either ceased publication or, in the case of TC, was sold.

"We find ourselves--as does our industry--in the midst of a perfect publishing storm," says Smith. "Nevertheless, we're grateful to God for the continuing strength of our core periodicals--namely, Christianity Today and Leadership journal. These iconic brands," continued Smith, "along with the myriad web properties tied to them, will once again point the way for this ministry in the days, months, and years to come."

Christianity Today magazine and ministry were founded in 1956 by evangelist Billy Graham.

"Dr Graham envisioned," said Smith, "a ministry that could engage, encourage, and equip pastors, church leaders, thought leaders, academicians, and culture makers through the creation of quality content that is journalistically excellent. Accurately reported, creatively presented, fair minded, intellectually sound, theologically orthodox, irenic, clear, accessible.

"Today," Smith continued, "that call remains the missional bedrock of this ministry. And we will, under God's continuing direction, build upon this solid foundation for the strengthening of Christ's church and to the glory of God alone."

Christianity Today International publishes 9 print magazines and newsletters and operates an award- winning website reaching more than 2.5-million unique visitors monthly.

BLUE RIDGE CHRISTIAN WRITERS' CONFERENCE

Up at 3:30 this morning to catch a 6:00 a.m. slight to Ashville NC for the Blue Ridge conference. Hope to see some of you there. My schedule will finally slow down after I return on Thursday night, so hope to have lots more time to catch you up on the current market news.

ANOTHER AGENT FOR YOUR LIST

THE QUADRIVIUM GROUP, 7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Ste. 50-229, Orlando FL 32819; 407-516-1857; www.TheQuadriviumGroup.com. Agents: Steve
Blount (SteveBlount@TheQuadriviumGroup.com); Susan Blount
(SusanBlount@TheQuadriviumGroup.com). Established in 2006. Recognized in the Industry. Represents 20-30 clients. Open to a limited number of unpublished authors (with credentials, platform, compelling story/idea), and to new clients (mostly by referral). General agent. Handles Christian and general nonfiction and fiction for all ages, gift books, crossover books. Other services offered: consulting on book sales and distribution.

PERIODICAL UPDATES

Catholic Digest: 860-437-3012; toll-free fax 800-572-0788.

Come to the Fire (formerly called Women Alive!) ceased publication with the November/December 2008 edition. Their current focus is on promoting the Come to the Fire conferences, and they will keep in touch with e-mail and an occasional newsletter.

Christianity Today International has sold Today's Christian magazine to Significant Living. The last issue of Today's Christian was November/December 2008; it’s now called Significant Living's Today's Christian. Launched in January. Significant Living's Today 's Christian, a faith-based magazine focused on those in midlife and beyond, will feature Christian celebrities, sports figures, well-known public personalities and those prominent in Christian ministries, plus “everyday heroes"--outstanding examples of ordinary people living significant, extraordinary lives. The Today's Christian Website, www.todays-christian.com, and its e-newsletter, will continue as part of ChristianityToday.com.

BOOK PUBLISHER UPDATES

Gollehon Books is starting a new imprint for Christian/inspirational books and is currently very open to review manuscripts: either inspirational or scholarly books, but probably not fiction. Above all, they would like to see an element of controversy in the manuscript--in hopes that would give them a leg up with publicity. Publisher, John Gollehon (john@gollehonbooks.com), is looking for both agented/nonagented books. He wants to see only a proposal, a sample page or two, along with the author's bio listing all credentials. If interested, they will request to see the full manuscript.

Harrison House Publishers has elected to file a voluntary Chapter 11 petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, in order to implement a restructuring and permanently improve its capital structure. A Chapter 11 reorganization provides the company with the opportunity to protect its assets during this time with a structured focus on building for the future. Normal business operations will continue during the reorganization process.

TEACH KIDS! CLOSING

I just got word that Teach Kids! Essentials and Teach Kids! Curriculum Club are being discontinued for economic reasons. Also they are not currently accepting freelance submissions for Bible lessons or other products.

MORE NEW PUBLISHERS

These publishers may be listed in the guide, but not with full information--since their forms arrived too late for full listings.

FAITHFUL LIFE PUBLISHERS, 3335 Galaxy Way, North Fort Myers FL 33903;
239-292-7834; editor@flpublishers.com; www.FLPublishers.com. James A. Wendorf, editor.

MARCHER LORD PRESS, 8345 Pepperidge Dr., Colorado Springs CO 80920; jeffgerke@earthlink.net; www.marcherlordpress.com. Jeff Gerke, editor/publisher. Specializes in speculative fiction.

BOOKSTAND PUBLISHING, 7790 Eigleberry St., Ste. B, Gilroy CA 95020;
408-852-1832; support@bookstandpublishing.com; www.bookstandpublishing.com. Fast Press Publishing, Inc. Kari Baldwin, editor. A POD publisher helping authors get published. Publishes 20+ titles/year. Receives 20+ submissions annually. 80% of books from first-time authors. Accepts manuscripts through agents. 100% print on demand. Reprints books. Royalty10-30% of retail; no advance. Average first printing 48. Publication within 2 months. Considers simultaneous submissions. Responds immediately. Guidelines (also by e-mail/Website); free catalog.
Nonfiction: Complete ms. Christian topics.
Fiction: Complete ms. For all ages. All genres.
Special Needs: Niche books, memoirs, Bible studies.
Photos: Accepts freelance photos for book covers.

WRECKED FOR THE ORDINARY, 2421 Ellington Cir., Nashville TN 37211; 615-512-5488; editor@wreckedfortheordinary.com; www.wreckedfortheordinary.com. Jeff Goins, editor. Seeks to awake and challenge a generation of young adults to follow an unsafe Christ in a world numbed by pop Christianity. No Payment. Articles 600-800 words; longer pieces divided into 2-part series.

RENEWED & READY: Adventist Living for Today, 16617 Kendle Rd.,
Williamsport MD 21795; 301-223-6738; Editor@RenewedandReady.com; www.RenewedandReady.com. Seventh-day Adventist. Ginger Church, editor.

NEW PUBLISHERS

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.

IN VIEW , a new publication open to submissions, is focused on “living with eternity’s values in view.” Its premier issue will be published in April. Open to original material or reprints up to 2,000 words. Topics may vary widely, as long as the material lives up to the above theme. If you have something to say that will help Christians keep their focus on what really matters, please contribute to the first issue. Topics will range from entertainment to politics, from worldview to education, from Bible teaching to true life experiences. No payment possible at this time, but plans to pay in the future. David Fessenden is managing editor and Robert Heyer is publisher. Send submission to: bob@heyervision.com.

$+ENCORE PERFORMANCE PUBLISHING, P.O. Box 14367, Tallahassee FL 32317. Phone/fax 850-385-2463; editor@encoreplay.com; www.encoreplay.com. Eldridge Publishing. Meredith Edwards, managing director. Strives to be family-friendly for both the religious and general markets. Hopes to publish 10 religious plays and 1-2 religious musicals/year. 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 manuscripts 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.

EDITORIAL CHANGES

Jennifer Leep, who has been acquisitions editor with Revell for the last 8 years, is now editorial director. She replaces Lonnie Huill Dupont who is now executive editor for Revell. Jim Kinney was promoted to associate publisher, while continuing as editorial director of Baker Academic. Robert Hosack promoted to executive editor, Baker Academic and Baker Books. Vicki Crumpton promoted to executive editor, Revell.

Pacific Press Publishing Assn.: Submit to Tim Lale, acquisitions editor; 208-465-2500.

St. Anthony Messenger Press: Cynthia Cavner is new acquisitions editor.

Current editor at West Wind Review is Alex Buford.

10TH ANNUAL CHRISTY AWARDS

The 10th annual Christy Awards will be presented at a dessert reception, Saturday, July 11, 2009, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Denver Marriott City Center in Denver, Colorado. Best-selling author and speaker Richard Foster will keynote the event, presenting an address entitled “The Spiritual Formation of the Writer.” The Christy Awards, honoring excellence in Christian fiction, are presented yearly prior to the opening of the International Christian Retail Show and are open to the public. Reservations are now available for $30 per person and can be made by contacting Donna Kehoe at donna.kehoe@christyawards.com or by visiting The Christy Awards online at www.christyawards.com. Follow The Christy Awards on Twitter: twitter.com/ChristyAwards Visit The Christy Awards on Facebook: www.tinyurl.com/CAonFB

CECIL MURPHEY HONORED

The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) has honored bestselling author Cecil Murphey by giving him the 2009 Extraordinary Service Award, one of their most prestigious awards. This award reflects the great respect the ASJA membership holds for Murphey and his extraordinary service to other writers.

More than 30 years ago when Cecil Murphey sensed God wanted him to write, he made a double commitment to never stop learning and to help other writers in any way he could. Every day since then Cecil has prayed that double commitment because he wants it to remain a significant part of his daily living. Through his mentoring, teaching, and philanthropy, he has helped countless writers around the world.

Murphey is the author or co-author of 112 published books and has enjoyed great success in recent years. "90 Minutes in Heaven," the book he wrote with Don Piper, has been on the New York Times bestseller list since October 2006 and has sold more than four million copies. "Gifted Hands" (with Dr. Ben Carson) premiered as a Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation® movie on TNT in February, starring Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr. Originally published by Zondervan in 1990, the book continues to sell thousands of copies each year.

Murphey's most recent book is "When Someone You Love Has Cancer: Comfort and Encouragement for Caregivers and Loved Ones" (Harvest House). His 113th book, "When God Turned Off the Lights" (Regal), will release at ICRS in July. "Christmas Miracles" will follow in early fall. His fourth book with Don Piper and a book written with Bishop Eddie Long will release in the near future.

When he's not writing or teaching, Murphey enjoys preaching in churches and speaking for Celebrate Recovery and a variety of other groups.

Prior to launching his career as a full-time writer and speaker, Cecil served as pastor of Riverdale Presbyterian Church in Metro Atlanta, as a volunteer hospital chaplain for ten years, and was a missionary in Kenya for six.

To schedule Cecil for an interview or to speak for an event, contact Twila Belk at twilabelk@mchsi.com or 563-332-1622.

For more information about Cecil Murphey--The Man Behind the Words, visit www.themanbehindthewords.com.

HARRISON HOUSE REORGANIZES

Harrison House, LLC has emerged from its recent reorganization and has joined operations with Press Group, a Tulsa-based company which primarily serves the print media needs of Christian Ministries specifically in the areas of booking printing, fulfillment, and direct marketing. Keith Provance will continue to preside over the editorial, marketing, production, and administrative staff. Harrison House, founded by Doyle “Buddy” Harrison in the mid-1970s, published books for Fred Price, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, and other bestselling authors and devotional books, blazing a trail for many of the “Word of Faith” ministers. According to Mr. Provance, “we are excited about our future and we remain committed to the original Harrison House Vision ‘to proclaim the truth and the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the printed page, challenging Christians to know God intimately, grow spiritually and live victoriously.’ The financial stability that we have gained, coupled with our vision and experience in Christian publishing, will be a very strong partnership.”

I'M BACK!

Sorry for the lapse during the last week. I've been away at the Oregon coast for a few days of badly needed rest. I'm back and will have lots to share from the new guide, so be watching for the next few days as I manage to catch up. Am currently wading through almost 400 e-mails. Sally

BLUE RIDGE CHRISTIAN WRITERS' CONFERENCE

Hey, it's not too late to sign up for the Blue Ridge Christian Writers' Conference, May 17-21. I'll be teaching there for the first time this year and am really looking forward to it. I'm teaching a continuing class for beginners, as well as one for "Finding Publishers in the Christian Marketplace." Also one workshop on "Understanding the Markets" and then some private consultations. For more information and how to register, visit their Website at: www.brmcwc.com.