From the Pockets editor:
Thank you so much for your interest in the Pockets 2009 Fiction Contest.
Because we are conducting a major redesign of the magazine, we are not having the contest this year. Check our website (www.pockets.org) at the end of 2009 for information about the 2010 Fiction Contest.
Please see our updated Writers Guidelines and our 2010 Themes list for information about submitting your freelance material to Pockets!.
Friday, July 31, 2009
NEW COPYRIGHT FEES IN EFFECT AUGUST 1
Many Copyright Office fees changed on August 1, 2009. The fee for online registration of a basic claim through the electronic Copyright Office remains the same at $35. Registration of a basic claim on Form CO is now $50, while registration of a basic claim on paper forms is $65. For a complete fee schedule and further information, go to the Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov.
CECIL MURPHEY HONORED AGAIN
"90 Minutes in Heaven," the New York Times bestseller written by Cecil Murphey for Don Piper, recently received the 2009 Retailers Choice Award for backlist books. This was Murphey's second Retailers Choice Award. "Touchdown Alexander," the book he wrote with Seattle Seahawk's MVP Shaun Alexander, won in 2007 for the autobiography category.
According to a press release from Christian Retailing, the competition's sponsor, "Nominated products were judged on the impact they have had on staff and customers, including their ability to speak to hearts and evoke emotion, open minds to new ways of thinking, and encourage and affirm Christ-like living."
Awards keep piling up for this well-decorated author, who is seen by many writers as a patriarch in the publishing industry. Earlier this year Murphey received the prestigious Extraordinary Service Award, given by the American Society of Journalists and Authors. The award showed the great respect the ASJA membership has for Murphey and his help for other writers.
Although he enjoys working with others and telling their stories, he's penning more of his own titles now. "When Someone You Love Has Cancer: Comfort and Encouragement for Caregivers and Loved Ones" (Harvest House) came out in January. "When God Turned Off the Lights" (Regal) debuted at ICRS in mid- July and will begin shipping to bookstores in August. "Christmas Miracles" (St. Martin's Press) is scheduled for an October release.
For more information about Cecil Murphey--The Man Behind the Words, visit www.themanbehindthewords.com.
According to a press release from Christian Retailing, the competition's sponsor, "Nominated products were judged on the impact they have had on staff and customers, including their ability to speak to hearts and evoke emotion, open minds to new ways of thinking, and encourage and affirm Christ-like living."
Awards keep piling up for this well-decorated author, who is seen by many writers as a patriarch in the publishing industry. Earlier this year Murphey received the prestigious Extraordinary Service Award, given by the American Society of Journalists and Authors. The award showed the great respect the ASJA membership has for Murphey and his help for other writers.
Although he enjoys working with others and telling their stories, he's penning more of his own titles now. "When Someone You Love Has Cancer: Comfort and Encouragement for Caregivers and Loved Ones" (Harvest House) came out in January. "When God Turned Off the Lights" (Regal) debuted at ICRS in mid- July and will begin shipping to bookstores in August. "Christmas Miracles" (St. Martin's Press) is scheduled for an October release.
For more information about Cecil Murphey--The Man Behind the Words, visit www.themanbehindthewords.com.
Friday, July 24, 2009
CORRECTION ON HOWARD BOOKS ADDRESS
Sorry, the address I gave earlier apparently is not the correct one--although it came from the USPS. Below is the correct one:
Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster
216 Centerview Dr., Ste. 303
Nashville, TN 37027
615-873-2080 – main number
Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster
216 Centerview Dr., Ste. 303
Nashville, TN 37027
615-873-2080 – main number
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
BUY ONE--GET ONE FREE
HOT WEATHER SPECIAL: If you order a copy of the Christian Writers' Market Guide at the regular price, I'll send you a free copy of Sally Stuart's guide to Getting Published" ($17.95 retail). You can order the guide on my Website with a credit card through PayPal, or if you'd rather pay by check, just send a check for $39.50. If ordering by PayPal, just put "Blog Special" in the message section. If ordering by mail also indicate it's a blog special. Website: www.stuartmarket.com. Address: 1647 SW Pheasant Dr., Aloha OR 97006.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
HOW TO BE A TV SHOW GUEST
Would you like to be a guest on a top national TV show
like Oprah, Good Morning America, Today Show or Fox
News Channel?
Of course you would because there are few faster ways
to instantly reach millions of people and boost your
sales than getting big-time TV publicity.
In the publishing world, it's no secret the right
national TV appearance can catapult a book to the
top of the Bestseller List.
Curious to know how YOU might get on national TV?
Find out on a free 90-minute telephone seminar on
Thursday, July 23rd on which you'll hear a former
Oprah guest booker and others interviewed by my pal
Steve Harrison on ....
"The Three Big Secrets for
Getting Booked as a Guest
on Top National TV Shows"
Together they'll teach you things unknown to 95% of all
publicity-seekers.
To register for this call -- which is free except for
your normal long distance charges -- go here now:
http://www.GetOnTVCall.com/?11291
like Oprah, Good Morning America, Today Show or Fox
News Channel?
Of course you would because there are few faster ways
to instantly reach millions of people and boost your
sales than getting big-time TV publicity.
In the publishing world, it's no secret the right
national TV appearance can catapult a book to the
top of the Bestseller List.
Curious to know how YOU might get on national TV?
Find out on a free 90-minute telephone seminar on
Thursday, July 23rd on which you'll hear a former
Oprah guest booker and others interviewed by my pal
Steve Harrison on ....
"The Three Big Secrets for
Getting Booked as a Guest
on Top National TV Shows"
Together they'll teach you things unknown to 95% of all
publicity-seekers.
To register for this call -- which is free except for
your normal long distance charges -- go here now:
http://www.GetOnTVCall.com/?11291
Monday, July 20, 2009
NEW HOPE - PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR
New Hope Publishers was awarded Publisher of the Year by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) at their Golden Scrolls Banquet held Sunday on the eve of the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS).
This is the first AWSA win for the Birmingham-based publisher. New Hope had been nominated for the award in years past and was a finalist last year.
“The New Hope Publishers staff is elated to have this honor bestowed by our authors,” says Andrea Mullins, publisher of New Hope. “We treasure the partnership we share with this impressive organization. We will continue to develop our relationship with our authors by seeking to bring Jesus Christ to the world through their ministry as writers.”
About New Hope Publishers
For more information about New Hope visit www.newhopepublishers.com or call 1-800-968-7301.
This is the first AWSA win for the Birmingham-based publisher. New Hope had been nominated for the award in years past and was a finalist last year.
“The New Hope Publishers staff is elated to have this honor bestowed by our authors,” says Andrea Mullins, publisher of New Hope. “We treasure the partnership we share with this impressive organization. We will continue to develop our relationship with our authors by seeking to bring Jesus Christ to the world through their ministry as writers.”
About New Hope Publishers
For more information about New Hope visit www.newhopepublishers.com or call 1-800-968-7301.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
GUIDEPOSTS INCREDIBLE PRAYER SERIES
We are now in phase two of the Incredible Power of Prayer series and I welcome you to join us. Guideposts is launching a series of 12 books on various aspects of prayer and how people from every walk of life have been transformed through God’s response to their prayers. These books will be available by mail only, sent monthly as part of a book series promotion.
You may have contributed to the first three titles in this series (Praying from the Heart, The Healing Touch, and Expecting Miracles) or perhaps to my Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, or Love Is a Verb brands. Or perhaps I’m contacting you for the first time. Whatever the case, I eagerly seek your participation in this next phase of prayer volumes.
Book four, From Tragedy to Triumph, deals with the pervasive issues related to our trials, hardships, and suffering in life, whether physical, emotional, relational, financial, etc. The focus should not be so much on the trials or the stress they cause, but on how the power of prayer eliminated or helped you deal with these trials. What lessons did prayer teach you through these ordeals and how did God use them for good for your life or others?
Book five, Refreshed by the Spirit, focuses on prayers we send to God when we are spiritually dry; when situations might be okay but we don’t feel His presence; or during a dark night of the soul when life is difficult. The fault may be our own because we’re not walking with the Lord, or He may seem distant because of struggles in our lives. As we continually pray for His presence, suddenly things change and we are refreshed and filled with his reassurance, peace, and joy. How did God visit you in a new way that caused praise and thanksgiving and may have even changed your life?
Book six, Love and Forgiveness, deals with relationships that have been strained or broken due to offenses against us, or our own faults. When we pray for love for those who mistreat us and pray for the willingness to seek restitution and restoration we regain our families and friends and change the hearts of our enemies. How was prayer the determining factor in a renewed love, forgiveness, and eventual restoration of relationships?
We would be pleased to consider as many stories for these three volumes as you wish to submit. We’ll look at stories of up to 2,000 words and prefer that they be at least 1,000 words. The stories should have a creative title, an attention-grabbing introduction, main body with a conflict or challenge, and a clear, satisfying resolution. They need to be descriptive, rooted in time and place, compelling personal experience stories with a realistic portrayal of the people involved. They need to be stories rather than testimonies, Christian living articles, and shouldn’t focus on mere feelings or mental states.
Most important, they need to revolve around prayer itself and not the circumstances of the story. These are themed books but the purpose is to convince the reader of the power of prayer in these situations.
We prefer original stories but you may also submit previously published stories that you have full rights for and are not currently in print with a major publisher. We pay $25 fo stories under 1200 words, and $50 for stories over 1200 words. You may retain the right to publish the stories in magazines and in books with less than national distribution and not carried in nationwide bookstores.
We are accepting manuscripts for all three volumes until December 15, but the sooner you submit the better your chance of acceptance. We will notify you by February and send you a permission form if your story is a finalist for any of these volumes.
Please send your manuscript attached to the e-mail rather than pasting text in the email
Window. Feel free to send your manuscript in normal manuscript formatting, with your full contact information—name, address, phone number, email address—and whether you’re offering First Rights or Reprint Rights at the top of each manuscript. Please include a biography of 30 words or less at the end of each manuscript.
Please direct all inquiries and manuscript submissions to my colleague, Jeanette Littleton, at incredibleprayers@earthlink.net. If this email has been forwarded to you and you can’t submit to this call, but would like to hear about other editorial needs as they arise, please send us your email address and we’ll add you to our notification list. Also please pass this along to any writing or praying friends who might be interested.
Blessing to you and yours,
Jim
James Stuart Bell
Compiler, Guideposts Incredible Prayer series
Incredible Prayers
A Guideposts Series
with James Stuart Bell
You may have contributed to the first three titles in this series (Praying from the Heart, The Healing Touch, and Expecting Miracles) or perhaps to my Cup of Comfort, Life Savors, or Love Is a Verb brands. Or perhaps I’m contacting you for the first time. Whatever the case, I eagerly seek your participation in this next phase of prayer volumes.
Book four, From Tragedy to Triumph, deals with the pervasive issues related to our trials, hardships, and suffering in life, whether physical, emotional, relational, financial, etc. The focus should not be so much on the trials or the stress they cause, but on how the power of prayer eliminated or helped you deal with these trials. What lessons did prayer teach you through these ordeals and how did God use them for good for your life or others?
Book five, Refreshed by the Spirit, focuses on prayers we send to God when we are spiritually dry; when situations might be okay but we don’t feel His presence; or during a dark night of the soul when life is difficult. The fault may be our own because we’re not walking with the Lord, or He may seem distant because of struggles in our lives. As we continually pray for His presence, suddenly things change and we are refreshed and filled with his reassurance, peace, and joy. How did God visit you in a new way that caused praise and thanksgiving and may have even changed your life?
Book six, Love and Forgiveness, deals with relationships that have been strained or broken due to offenses against us, or our own faults. When we pray for love for those who mistreat us and pray for the willingness to seek restitution and restoration we regain our families and friends and change the hearts of our enemies. How was prayer the determining factor in a renewed love, forgiveness, and eventual restoration of relationships?
We would be pleased to consider as many stories for these three volumes as you wish to submit. We’ll look at stories of up to 2,000 words and prefer that they be at least 1,000 words. The stories should have a creative title, an attention-grabbing introduction, main body with a conflict or challenge, and a clear, satisfying resolution. They need to be descriptive, rooted in time and place, compelling personal experience stories with a realistic portrayal of the people involved. They need to be stories rather than testimonies, Christian living articles, and shouldn’t focus on mere feelings or mental states.
Most important, they need to revolve around prayer itself and not the circumstances of the story. These are themed books but the purpose is to convince the reader of the power of prayer in these situations.
We prefer original stories but you may also submit previously published stories that you have full rights for and are not currently in print with a major publisher. We pay $25 fo stories under 1200 words, and $50 for stories over 1200 words. You may retain the right to publish the stories in magazines and in books with less than national distribution and not carried in nationwide bookstores.
We are accepting manuscripts for all three volumes until December 15, but the sooner you submit the better your chance of acceptance. We will notify you by February and send you a permission form if your story is a finalist for any of these volumes.
Please send your manuscript attached to the e-mail rather than pasting text in the email
Window. Feel free to send your manuscript in normal manuscript formatting, with your full contact information—name, address, phone number, email address—and whether you’re offering First Rights or Reprint Rights at the top of each manuscript. Please include a biography of 30 words or less at the end of each manuscript.
Please direct all inquiries and manuscript submissions to my colleague, Jeanette Littleton, at incredibleprayers@earthlink.net. If this email has been forwarded to you and you can’t submit to this call, but would like to hear about other editorial needs as they arise, please send us your email address and we’ll add you to our notification list. Also please pass this along to any writing or praying friends who might be interested.
Blessing to you and yours,
Jim
James Stuart Bell
Compiler, Guideposts Incredible Prayer series
Incredible Prayers
A Guideposts Series
with James Stuart Bell
HARLEQUIN TARGETS TEEN READERS
Harlequin is feeling like a kid again. The 60-year-old publisher of classic bodice-rippers is rolling out its newest imprint: Harlequin Teen.
"These books specifically focus on teen protagonists, which is not something Harlequin has done a whole lot of," says the publisher's Natashya Wilson.
Add Harlequin to the list of publishers that have fallen hard for teen readers, thanks to the seismic sales of Stephenie Meyer's teen vampire series Twilight.
"These will be titles specifically developed for readers of Twilight," says Wilson, as well as fans of other popular young-adult authors including Sarah Dessen (Along for the Ride) and Elizabeth Scott (Living Dead Girl).
"These books specifically focus on teen protagonists, which is not something Harlequin has done a whole lot of," says the publisher's Natashya Wilson.
Add Harlequin to the list of publishers that have fallen hard for teen readers, thanks to the seismic sales of Stephenie Meyer's teen vampire series Twilight.
"These will be titles specifically developed for readers of Twilight," says Wilson, as well as fans of other popular young-adult authors including Sarah Dessen (Along for the Ride) and Elizabeth Scott (Living Dead Girl).
Monday, July 13, 2009
DAN PENWELL SCHOLARSHIP
CLASSEMINARS, INC. announces a new scholarship for writers in honor of Dan Penwell, long time editor, publisher, and friend of CBA, recognizing his years of teaching, mentoring, and encouraging writers. The scholarships will enable writers to attend the CLASS Christian Writers Conference (formerly Glorieta Christian Writers Conference) to be held November 4-8, 2009, in New Mexico.
The scholarships are available to new and established authors who have a dream to share God’s message but who face some financial hardships due to the economy.
Dan Penwell, who recently semi-retired as manager of product development & acquisitions for AMG Publishers, has also worked for World Bible Publishers, Hendrickson Publishers, and Family Christian Bookstores. Dan has authored several books and is a seminary graduate and former pastor. Dale Anderson, Executive Director and Publisher of AMG said, “We at AMG are thrilled to see Danny honored in this way. I’ve known Dan Penwell for 20 years and he is a class act and a fine godly man who loves his work. Whenever we’ve had private conversations about authors or manuscripts, Dan always treats every author with the same dignity and professionalism. Authors often write us saying that Dan wrote the best rejection letter they ever received. This is the heart of what defines Dan; even though he had to disappoint an author, he wanted to encourage them in the process.”
John Thurman, member of the Board of Directors of CLASSEMINARS, says of Dan, “An editor that takes the time to encourage, reassure, and cheer aspiring writers is a treasure indeed.”
Thurman, who is chairman of the scholarship fundraising efforts, encourages all who would like to honor Dan with a tax-deductible contribution to the scholarship fund to contact CLASSEMINARS at 1-702-882-0638.
The writer’s conference, directed by Linda Gilden of Spartanburg, South Carolina will be held at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, (located near Sante Fe) and will feature Writing at the Ranch including intensive segments on fiction and non-fiction, workshops and tracks on the craft of writing, marketing, and career building for both beginners and advanced writers. The focus of the conference will also include spiritual development and formation for the writing life.
Deadline for scholarship application is September 15, 2009. Full details of the application process can be found at www.classeminars.org or email Gerry Wakeland at GAWakeland@aol.com.
CLASSEMINARS, INC is a 501c3 corporation which presents training seminars for authors, speakers, and leaders throughout the United States and internationally. CLASSEMINARS, INC is not affiliated with CLASServices, Inc. CLASSEMINARS, P. O. Box 36551, Albuquerque, NM 87176.
The scholarships are available to new and established authors who have a dream to share God’s message but who face some financial hardships due to the economy.
Dan Penwell, who recently semi-retired as manager of product development & acquisitions for AMG Publishers, has also worked for World Bible Publishers, Hendrickson Publishers, and Family Christian Bookstores. Dan has authored several books and is a seminary graduate and former pastor. Dale Anderson, Executive Director and Publisher of AMG said, “We at AMG are thrilled to see Danny honored in this way. I’ve known Dan Penwell for 20 years and he is a class act and a fine godly man who loves his work. Whenever we’ve had private conversations about authors or manuscripts, Dan always treats every author with the same dignity and professionalism. Authors often write us saying that Dan wrote the best rejection letter they ever received. This is the heart of what defines Dan; even though he had to disappoint an author, he wanted to encourage them in the process.”
John Thurman, member of the Board of Directors of CLASSEMINARS, says of Dan, “An editor that takes the time to encourage, reassure, and cheer aspiring writers is a treasure indeed.”
Thurman, who is chairman of the scholarship fundraising efforts, encourages all who would like to honor Dan with a tax-deductible contribution to the scholarship fund to contact CLASSEMINARS at 1-702-882-0638.
The writer’s conference, directed by Linda Gilden of Spartanburg, South Carolina will be held at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, (located near Sante Fe) and will feature Writing at the Ranch including intensive segments on fiction and non-fiction, workshops and tracks on the craft of writing, marketing, and career building for both beginners and advanced writers. The focus of the conference will also include spiritual development and formation for the writing life.
Deadline for scholarship application is September 15, 2009. Full details of the application process can be found at www.classeminars.org or email Gerry Wakeland at GAWakeland@aol.com.
CLASSEMINARS, INC is a 501c3 corporation which presents training seminars for authors, speakers, and leaders throughout the United States and internationally. CLASSEMINARS, INC is not affiliated with CLASServices, Inc. CLASSEMINARS, P. O. Box 36551, Albuquerque, NM 87176.
MIDWEST WRITERS' CONFERENCE
There's still a few days to register for our 36th summer workshop, July 23-25! Go online and register -- www.midwestwriters.org registrations after July 15th are charged a late fee).
MWW registration fees are LOW (compared to other writing conferences)
Gasoline prices are LOW (compared to last year at this time)
Motel costs for MWW participants are LOW (compared to many major cities)
What you'll take-away from MWW is HIGH (valuable marketing and writing instructional information)!!
So register TODAY!
Writers become stronger and more successful when they band together and network.
Registering to come to MWW is a commitment of resources, both financial and time-wise. But... it's also a commitment to you... and your writing career!
Treat yourself to one day or three days with nothing to do except think, eat, and sleep writing!
The Thursday Intensive Session, "Feature Writing for More Money," with Eric Butterman has OPENINGS AVAILABLE.
This is how he describes his session, "Feature writing has long been a key part in having a successful writing career. Whether it's getting top sources or interviewing well, it can feel like a struggle. Well, struggle no more. We'll break down every aspect of the process to complete a quality article in a lot less time. Turn half-hour interviews into 15 minutes, learn exercises that turn a procrastinator into a pro, and become the confident writer you've always wanted to be."
Submit a query letter to agent
Diane Freed, literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management, has modified her topic for her session on Saturday, 3:15 - 4:15.
Diane has TWO SLOTS AVAILABLE -- (If you are currently preparing a query letter and would like it critiqued in this session, please e-mail it to Jama by July 15. She will then forward it to Diane who'll review it prior to class discussion.)
"Your Ticket in the Door: A Winning Query Letter," Diane Freed -- Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, you'll begin your search for an agent with a query letter. A well-prepared one makes all the difference in getting to the next level: a request for manuscript. Learn what turns on, and turns off, agents when reading a query letter.
Facebook Group
Join our Facebook Group to chat with our friends! Perhaps you have questions about the facility, the faculty, directions, etc. Post your questions or comments!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48264962404&ref=mf
Jama Kehoe Bigger
Director
Midwest Writers Workshop
email: info@midwestwriters.org
web: www.midwestwriters.org
MWW registration fees are LOW (compared to other writing conferences)
Gasoline prices are LOW (compared to last year at this time)
Motel costs for MWW participants are LOW (compared to many major cities)
What you'll take-away from MWW is HIGH (valuable marketing and writing instructional information)!!
So register TODAY!
Writers become stronger and more successful when they band together and network.
Registering to come to MWW is a commitment of resources, both financial and time-wise. But... it's also a commitment to you... and your writing career!
Treat yourself to one day or three days with nothing to do except think, eat, and sleep writing!
The Thursday Intensive Session, "Feature Writing for More Money," with Eric Butterman has OPENINGS AVAILABLE.
This is how he describes his session, "Feature writing has long been a key part in having a successful writing career. Whether it's getting top sources or interviewing well, it can feel like a struggle. Well, struggle no more. We'll break down every aspect of the process to complete a quality article in a lot less time. Turn half-hour interviews into 15 minutes, learn exercises that turn a procrastinator into a pro, and become the confident writer you've always wanted to be."
Submit a query letter to agent
Diane Freed, literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management, has modified her topic for her session on Saturday, 3:15 - 4:15.
Diane has TWO SLOTS AVAILABLE -- (If you are currently preparing a query letter and would like it critiqued in this session, please e-mail it to Jama by July 15. She will then forward it to Diane who'll review it prior to class discussion.)
"Your Ticket in the Door: A Winning Query Letter," Diane Freed -- Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, you'll begin your search for an agent with a query letter. A well-prepared one makes all the difference in getting to the next level: a request for manuscript. Learn what turns on, and turns off, agents when reading a query letter.
Facebook Group
Join our Facebook Group to chat with our friends! Perhaps you have questions about the facility, the faculty, directions, etc. Post your questions or comments!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48264962404&ref=mf
Jama Kehoe Bigger
Director
Midwest Writers Workshop
email: info@midwestwriters.org
web: www.midwestwriters.org
NEW FICTION EDITOR AT SUMMERSIDE PRESS
Summerside Press is pleased to announce that Susan Downs is the newest member of its editorial team. Downs assumed the responsibilities of senior fiction editor with Summerside June 1, 2009. Her chief assignment is development of a new romantic-suspense line with inaugural books set to release Spring 2010.
COME AWAY MY BELOVED AUTHOR DIES
Bestselling author, poet and songwriter Frances J. Roberts died Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at the age of 91 in Ojai, California where she made her home. Born on February 4, 1918, Roberts is best known for her classic devotional, Come Away My Beloved (Barbour Publishing). Roberts also authored eight other books, selling over 1.5 million copies, and published 88 hymns in the last 30 years. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute in 1938, Roberts served as Florida’s state director for Child Evangelism Fellowship, writing the popular “Wordless Book Song” during her tenure there. An accomplished musician, Roberts also taught at a Spanish mission school and worked as a professional accompanist, performing at various churches. In 1964, she founded The King's Press and began releasing books. Her popular Come Away My Beloved devotional has sold over a million copies and has been translated into several languages.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
THE CHRISTY AWARDS
The Christy Awards honor the best in Christian fiction in nine categories. The Christy Awards Advisory Board is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Christy Awards:
Contemporary Romance: Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
Contemporary Series: You Had Me at Good-bye by Tracey Bateman (FaithWords)
Contemporary Standalone: Dogwood by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)
First Novel: Blue Hole Back Home by Joy Jordan-Lake (David C. Cook)
Historical: Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Historical Romance: From a Distance by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Suspense: The Rook by Steven James (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Visionary: Vanish by Tom Pawlik (Tyndale House Publishers)
Young Adult: I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke (Moody Publishers)
The Christy Awards are online at www.ChristyAwards.com, on Facebook at www.tinyurl.com/CAonFB, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ChristyAwards
Contemporary Romance: Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)
Contemporary Series: You Had Me at Good-bye by Tracey Bateman (FaithWords)
Contemporary Standalone: Dogwood by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)
First Novel: Blue Hole Back Home by Joy Jordan-Lake (David C. Cook)
Historical: Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Historical Romance: From a Distance by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Suspense: The Rook by Steven James (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Visionary: Vanish by Tom Pawlik (Tyndale House Publishers)
Young Adult: I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke (Moody Publishers)
The Christy Awards are online at www.ChristyAwards.com, on Facebook at www.tinyurl.com/CAonFB, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ChristyAwards
HOW TO WRITE A BOOK SEMINARS
The Intermedia Publishing Group (Christian publisher)is sponsoring a series of writing seminars called "How to Write a Book and Get it Published." For details, go to their Website at www.intermediapub.com.
Madison Park Church of God
Anderson, Indiana
July 24th and 25th
HHP International
Kapolei, Hawaii
This is being rescheduled
Check back soon for dates
PromiseLand Church
Austin, Texas
August 21st and 22nd
Resurrection Church
Brooklyn, New York
September 11th and 12th
Christian Life Center
Tinley Park, Illinois (Chicago area)
October 16th and 17th
The Joshua Center
Hamilton, Ontario
October 23rd and 24th
Madison Park Church of God
Anderson, Indiana
July 24th and 25th
HHP International
Kapolei, Hawaii
This is being rescheduled
Check back soon for dates
PromiseLand Church
Austin, Texas
August 21st and 22nd
Resurrection Church
Brooklyn, New York
September 11th and 12th
Christian Life Center
Tinley Park, Illinois (Chicago area)
October 16th and 17th
The Joshua Center
Hamilton, Ontario
October 23rd and 24th
NEW ANTHOLOGY MARKET
Jeanette Sharp is looking for submissions to a new anthology series for short, answered prayer stories, called "Hurray God!" Length is 480-1,500 words. Prefers first person, but accepts third. Use their online form only for submissions (www.hurraygod.com). No reprints or queries. Notifies by e-mail. Pays $50, plus a copy of the book. Full guidelines on Website.
Friday, July 10, 2009
NEW--SUSIE MAGAZINE
Brio creater, Susie Shellenberger, has started a new magazine for Christian teen girls, called SUSIE Magazine. First issue came out in May. For their first year they will not be able to pay for submissions, but this would be a good time to get your foot in the door if this is your target market. Send submissions to susieshell@comcast.net, with "Free Freelance" as subject. Uses fiction & nonfiction and breaks content into these areas: All About Me, All About Others, All About Family, All About God, and All About Everything. Website is: www.susiemag.com. They do have guidelines available.
NEW TED DEKKER NOVEL: GREEN
The beginning is the end in New York Times Best-Selling Author Ted Dekker's highly-anticipated new novel, GREEN, otherwise known as "book zero," in the multi-layered CIRCLE series. The tale will be available in bookstores across the country on September 1.
The CIRCLE series--BLACK, RED, and WHITE--has sold more than 700,000 units. Dekker says GREEN is the preferred starting point for new readers and the perfect climax for the countless fans who have experienced BLACK, RED, and WHITE.
The novels have created a phenomenon that reaches beyond the confined pages. The series challenges the readers' in their faith.
Also starting on September 1, Thomas Nelson will release a limited edition 5th Anniversary box set containing the hardcover publications of BLACK, RED, WHITE (which have not been available from retailers for some time) and GREEN. Also, Thomas Nelson will release repackaged editions of the tradepaper editions of BLACK, RED, and WHITE, which will include each respective title's graphic novel in black and white.
For more information on the popular fiction writer and to view the details and photos from The Gathering, log on to www.teddekker.com.
The CIRCLE series--BLACK, RED, and WHITE--has sold more than 700,000 units. Dekker says GREEN is the preferred starting point for new readers and the perfect climax for the countless fans who have experienced BLACK, RED, and WHITE.
The novels have created a phenomenon that reaches beyond the confined pages. The series challenges the readers' in their faith.
Also starting on September 1, Thomas Nelson will release a limited edition 5th Anniversary box set containing the hardcover publications of BLACK, RED, WHITE (which have not been available from retailers for some time) and GREEN. Also, Thomas Nelson will release repackaged editions of the tradepaper editions of BLACK, RED, and WHITE, which will include each respective title's graphic novel in black and white.
For more information on the popular fiction writer and to view the details and photos from The Gathering, log on to www.teddekker.com.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
SOME RESOURCES FOR WRITERS
To track what’s happening with your book—or other books you want to track—just go to www.titlez.com and sign up for their free service. It is also a good way to track books on a subject you are writing about or are particularly interested in.
To keep up with what’s happening in the Christian book industry, you’ll want to regularly visit the CBA blog at: http://cbablog.typepad.com/cba.
TC Public Relations (a publicist listed in the Resources for Writers section under “Promotion: Publicists”) has moved. Address is the same but they have a new suite number: 1810.
Sarah Bolme, author of Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace has started a new blog on marketing Christian books at: www.marketingchristianbooks.wordpress.com. You can order a copy of her book at www.stuartmarket.com (click on “Bookstore”).
The new AuthorizeMe Website is up and running at: www.AuthorizeMe.net. Also includes a listing of AuthorizeMe seminars in various locations.
To keep up with what’s happening in the Christian book industry, you’ll want to regularly visit the CBA blog at: http://cbablog.typepad.com/cba.
TC Public Relations (a publicist listed in the Resources for Writers section under “Promotion: Publicists”) has moved. Address is the same but they have a new suite number: 1810.
Sarah Bolme, author of Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace has started a new blog on marketing Christian books at: www.marketingchristianbooks.wordpress.com. You can order a copy of her book at www.stuartmarket.com (click on “Bookstore”).
The new AuthorizeMe Website is up and running at: www.AuthorizeMe.net. Also includes a listing of AuthorizeMe seminars in various locations.
TWEENER TIME CONTESTS
Tweener Time sponsors 3 different creativity competitions for young people. There is a Chapter Book Competition, for young writers; a Cover Art Competition, for young artists; and the new Tweener Time Songwriting Competition, for young musicians. For details on all these competitions, go to their Website at: www.tweenerministries.org, and click on "Creativity Competitions."
WRITER'S DIGEST SHORT STORY COMPETITION
The 10th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition is accepting entries! Looking for fiction that's bold, brilliant ... but brief. Send in your best in 1,500 words or less. But don't be too long about it—the deadline is December 1, 2009.
The Grand-Prize winner will receive $3,000 (that's $2—or more—per word).
For guidelines, prizes and to enter online, go to: http://writersdigest.com/short.
The 1st- through 25th-place manuscripts will be printed in the 10th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection.
The Grand-Prize winner will receive $3,000 (that's $2—or more—per word).
For guidelines, prizes and to enter online, go to: http://writersdigest.com/short.
The 1st- through 25th-place manuscripts will be printed in the 10th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection.
COPYRIGHT OFFICE ADJUSTS FEES
The Copyright Office has published a final rule establishing adjusted fees for its services. The adjusted fees will recover a significant part of the costs to the Office of registering claims and will recover full costs for many other services the Office provides that benefit only or primarily users of the services. The new fees are based on the cost of providing services and reflect cost savings associated with the implementation of electronic processing in the Copyright Office in 2007. The fee for online registration of a basic claim will remain $35. The registration fee for fill-in Form CO will rise from $45 to $50; however, if a faulty version of Form CO is submitted, making it necessary to process the claim as a paper filing, the fee will increase to $65. The fee for paper filings on Forms PA, SR, TX, VA, SE will rise from $45 to $65. Two fees have been adjusted downward to reflect decreased costs resulting from the availability of records online. The adjusted fees take effect August 1, 2009.
Friday, July 3, 2009
NEW MEN'S ONLINE MAGAZINE
"Centered" is the name of a new online men's magazine looking for articles, 700-800 words. Edie Melson is managing editor. First issue is scheduled for August 1, 2009. Currently paying $50 per article. Buying first time print and electronic rights. E-mail your ideas to the editor at emelson@centeredonline.com.
CHANGES IN CHRISTIAN MAGAZINES
I mentioned in the 2009 market guide that BGC World would be changing their name this year. That name has been changed to Point. They have also changed their organizational/denominational name to Converge Worldwide. The rest of the information in their listing appears to stay the same. Page 270.
(Note: this publication is in the market guide, but information arrived too late to include it in its entirety.) Churchmouse Publications, LLC., P.O. Box 9, Hudson NH 03051;(603)578-1860; submissions@churchmousepublications.com; www.churchmousepublications.com. Established in. 2008. Clarice G. James & Susan W. Loud, editors. 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 words. Guidelines by e-mail. Poetry: 35-250 words. Fillers: Open to cartoons/puzzles/quotes; 2-75 words. Columns/Departments: Open to columns; 500-600 words. Sermon illustrations 100-700 words. 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 complete guidelines.” See guidelines for wide range of material they accept. Page 285.
Men.org—listed in the market guide as a paying market—no longer pays. They now ask that submissions be donated. Page 319.
New address and contact information for Perspectives Journal: 4500 – 60th Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids MI 49512; 616-392-8555, ext. 131; fax 616-392-7717. Page 329.
The children’s publication, Guide Magazine, has changed their policy regarding documentation for nature and historical stories. Because their editors need to check the accuracy of facts given in a story, they will now require that writers include sources for such documentation when they submit a story (such as a magazine page or Website where you found the information). They suggest that you copy the book or magazine pages or Web pages to send with your submission. Page 356.
Ministry Today is now available in a free online version. You just have to sign up to get the free version by going to: www.digital.ministrytodaymag.com/signup. Page 389.
Ignite Your Faith has ceased publication. Page 402.
(Note: this publication is in the market guide, but information arrived too late to include it in its entirety.) Churchmouse Publications, LLC., P.O. Box 9, Hudson NH 03051;(603)578-1860; submissions@churchmousepublications.com; www.churchmousepublications.com. Established in. 2008. Clarice G. James & Susan W. Loud, editors. 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 words. Guidelines by e-mail. Poetry: 35-250 words. Fillers: Open to cartoons/puzzles/quotes; 2-75 words. Columns/Departments: Open to columns; 500-600 words. Sermon illustrations 100-700 words. 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 complete guidelines.” See guidelines for wide range of material they accept. Page 285.
Men.org—listed in the market guide as a paying market—no longer pays. They now ask that submissions be donated. Page 319.
New address and contact information for Perspectives Journal: 4500 – 60th Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids MI 49512; 616-392-8555, ext. 131; fax 616-392-7717. Page 329.
The children’s publication, Guide Magazine, has changed their policy regarding documentation for nature and historical stories. Because their editors need to check the accuracy of facts given in a story, they will now require that writers include sources for such documentation when they submit a story (such as a magazine page or Website where you found the information). They suggest that you copy the book or magazine pages or Web pages to send with your submission. Page 356.
Ministry Today is now available in a free online version. You just have to sign up to get the free version by going to: www.digital.ministrytodaymag.com/signup. Page 389.
Ignite Your Faith has ceased publication. Page 402.
NEW MARKETS
The Quilldriver, PO Box 573, Clarksville, AR 72830 E-mail: info@thequilldriver.com; www.thequilldriver.com. Donna Lee Schillinger, publisher. Publishes inspirational nonfiction directed to young adults (17 to 25). Publishes 2 - 3 titles annually. First-time authors welcome, no agents please. Responds in 8 weeks. Publication in approx. 18 months. Considers simultaneous submissions. Guidelines on Website. Royalties, no advance.
New Christian Voices.com is a new, non-denominational humor/lifestyle Website seeking writers. They are looking for good writers who can write funny (amusing to hilarious) essays, commentaries, editorials, and column-like material for their channels. They are looking for regular contributors as opposed to occasional submissions. For writer’s guidelines, go to www.NewChristianVoices.com in the blog section, or http://tinyurl.com/3uo4ep. For additional information contact the editor, Joanne Brokaw, at editor@newchristianvoices.com.
Dr. Rick Warren has put out a new quarterly magazine called Purpose Driven Connection (PDC). Included inside each issue is a small group discussion guide with a DVD offering Warren's teaching on spiritual growth, and is the first of a dozen multimedia resources to be introduced in 2009 designed to provide personal spiritual development and support. For more information about Purpose Driven Connection, please visit www.PurposeDrivenNews.com.
New Christian Voices.com is a new, non-denominational humor/lifestyle Website seeking writers. They are looking for good writers who can write funny (amusing to hilarious) essays, commentaries, editorials, and column-like material for their channels. They are looking for regular contributors as opposed to occasional submissions. For writer’s guidelines, go to www.NewChristianVoices.com in the blog section, or http://tinyurl.com/3uo4ep. For additional information contact the editor, Joanne Brokaw, at editor@newchristianvoices.com.
Dr. Rick Warren has put out a new quarterly magazine called Purpose Driven Connection (PDC). Included inside each issue is a small group discussion guide with a DVD offering Warren's teaching on spiritual growth, and is the first of a dozen multimedia resources to be introduced in 2009 designed to provide personal spiritual development and support. For more information about Purpose Driven Connection, please visit www.PurposeDrivenNews.com.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
REAL SIMPLE LIFE LESSONS ESSAY CONTEST
Deadline for this contest is 11:59 P.M. ET on September 7, 2009. To enter online, send your typed, double-spaced submission (1,500 words maximum, preferably in a MS Word attachment) to lifelessons@realsimple.com. To enter via postal mail, submit your essay by mailing your entry to Essay Contest, Real Simple, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 9th floor, New York, NY 10020. Entries must be postmarked no later than September 7, 2009, and received no later than September 14, 2009. Limit one entry per person or e-mail account. Essays should be submitted in English at a maximum of 1,500 words and typed and double-spaced on 8½-by-11-inch paper. Essays exceeding this length or handwritten may not be considered. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, or incomplete entries; postage-due mail; or entries not received for any reason. Entries become sole property of Sponsor, and none will be acknowledged or returned. By entering, Entrant warrants that his or her entry (1) is original and does not infringe the intellectual-property rights of any third party, (2) has not been published in any medium, and (3) has not won an award.
Winner receives $3,000; roundtrip tickets for 2 to New York City; hotel accomodations for 2 nights; tickets to a Broadway play; lunch with
Real Simple editors; and publication in the magazine. Addition details on their Website at: www.realsimple.com/lifelessonscontest.
Winner receives $3,000; roundtrip tickets for 2 to New York City; hotel accomodations for 2 nights; tickets to a Broadway play; lunch with
Real Simple editors; and publication in the magazine. Addition details on their Website at: www.realsimple.com/lifelessonscontest.
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