Monday, August 31, 2009

WRITING CONTEST/CONFERENCE

The Upstate S.C. American Christian Writers Chapter is sponsoring a writing contest in conjunction with their Carolina Christian Writers' Workshop which will feature a faculty of fourteen and be held Friday evening and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, 2009, at North Anderson Baptist Church, Anderson, South Carolina. The deadline to enter the contest by email is September 15. You must be registered for the workshop to enter. Entries will receive a detailed critique of their work as well as be entered in the contest for that category.

Contest categories include: Articles - critiqued by Larry Leech, author of over 2,000 articles;
Novella/Novel - critiqued by Yvonne Lehman, author of 46 romance novels; Non-Fiction Book proposal - critiqued by Linda Gilden, author of the popular Love Notes series; Poetry -
Critiqued by Dr. Bonnie Harvey, author of 22 books and professor at Kennesaw State University;
Children's books - critiqued by Dr. Bonnie Harvey.

Anyone interested in writing is invited to register for the workshop and enter the contest. Prizes will be awarded on October 24. For a detailed workshop and contest brochure, email Elva Martin, Workshop Director at elvamartinministries@charter.net or check the web site: www.upstatescchristianwriters.com or call Elva Martin at 864/226-7024. Students and early bird registrations will receive a discounted tuition.

HACHETTE CHIEF PANS E-BOOKS

By Ben Hall in Paris

The pressure from Google’s digital library project and Amazon’s electronic books is forcing publishers to consider drastic price cuts, the head of the world’s second largest publisher of books by sales has warned.

Arnaud Nourry, chief executive of French publishing group Hachette Livre, said unilateral pricing by Google, Amazon and other e-book retailers such as Barnes & Noble could destroy profits and kill the lucrative trade in hardback editions.

He said publishers were “very hostile” to Amazon’s pricing strategy – over which the online retailer failed to consult publishers – to charge $9.99 (€7) for all its e-books in the US. He also pointed to plans by Google to put millions of out-of-copyright books online for public use in a digital library.

“On the one hand, you have millions of books for free where there is no longer an author to pay and, on the other hand, there are very recent books, bestsellers at $9.99, which means that all the rest will have to be sold at between zero and $9.99,” Mr Nourry said.

There was a real and “muscular” debate in the US, he added. Retailers were paying publishers more than $9.99 for each e-book, so were selling them at a loss: “That cannot last . . . Amazon is not in the business of losing money. So, one day, they are going to come to the publishers and say: ‘we are cutting the price we pay’. If that happens, after paying the authors, there will be nothing left for the publishers.”

Some rival publishers have expressed concern at Amazon’s pricing on its Kindle electronic reader. Others note the minimal costs of distributing books electronically mean they can make higher profit margins even with lower prices than in print.

THOMAS NELSON LEADS IN CHRISTIAN FICTION

Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that the company has the largest Christian Retail market share percentage, over 20%, of the Christian Fiction Category according to the PubTrack’s Quarterly Category Analysis report for the first and second Quarters of 2009. The report ranks the Christian retail sales of more than 200 publishers competing in this growing category.

Friday, August 28, 2009

EDITORIAL CHANGES

Pauline Books & Media and Pauline Kids: Now submit to Lauren Koehler, new editorial assistant. Pages 131 & 132.

Steeple Hill: Tina Colombo, senior editor; Elizabeth Mazer, editorial assistant. Page 143.

Trafford Publishing: Drop president’s name. Page 169.

Encompass: Robert Lundy, editor; rlundy@americananglican.org. Page 295.

Focus on the Family: Shiela Seifert is new managing editor. Page 300.

Today’s Pentecostal Evangel: Drop Hal Donaldson, editor-in-chief. Page 346.

Young Salvationist: New editor is Amy Reardon. Page 407.

CATCH UP WITH THESE WRITERS' GROUPS

California: Chino Valley Christian Writers have disbanded. Page 466.

New in California: CHAIRS: The Christian Authors, Illustrators, & Readers Society. Contact: Nancy I. Sanders; 909-590-0226; jeffandnancys@gmail.com. Page 466.

California (Fremont): Bay Area Writers’ Group, P.O. Box 853, Union City CA 94587; 510-206-2358; info@carolleehall.com. Page 466.

Delaware: Delmarva Christian Writers’ Fellowship: cfa@candyabbott.com. Page 468.

Kentucky: The Jackson Writers’ Club has disbanded. Page 469.

Ohio: Creative Force – North Gate ACW: 450 Turney Center Rd., Marengo OH 43334-9501; 740-625-6535; lark@L3VS.com. Page 472.

South Carolina: Greenville Christian Writers’ Group, 864-313-3116. Page 474.

Texas: New contact person for Inspirational Writers Alive/Amarillo Chapter is Jerry McClenagan; 806-674-3504; jerrydalemc@sbcglobal.net. Page 475.

New in Jericho, Vermont: American Christian Writers of New England. Contact: Laurel Drecher, 802-660-4080; ldecher@gmail.com.

UPDATE ON AGENTS

At Benrey Literary, add Ron Benrey to agent list. Page 497.

Sheree Bykofsky Assoc., Inc., 4326 Harbor Beach Blvd., PO Box 706, Brigantine NJ 08203; shereebee@aol.com. Has asked to be deleted. Page 498.

Natasha Kern Literary Agency: No longer handles Christian nonfiction. In fiction represents romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction, historical fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, and general market novels. Page 502.

At Levine Greenberg Literary Agency, drop the California address. Page 503

Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency: Asked to be deleted. Page 506.

Damaris Rowland Agency: 420 E. 23rd St., Apt. 6F, New York NY 10010-5040. Page 507.

Scovil, Chichak, Galen Literary Agency: no longer open. Page 507.

The Seymour Agency: marysue@twcny.rr.com. Page 508.

Jacqueline Simenauer Literary Agency: P.O. Box 770968, Naples FL 34107-0390. Page 509.

Leslie H. Stobbe: lstobbe@windstream.net. Page 509.

Stone Manners Agency: 9911 W. Pico Blvd., Ste. 1400, Los Angeles CA 90035-2715. Page 509.

Mark Sweeney & Associates: Not representing any new fiction at this time. Add Janet Sweeney as an agent. Page 509.

Wolgemuth & Associates Inc.: change all three e-mail addresses to @wolgemuthandassociates.com. Page 511.

Womack Publishing Agency: Out of business. Page 511.

Monday, August 24, 2009

SEPTEMBER WRITERS' CONFERENCES

September-December: YWAM Hands-On School of Writing ; Lindale, Texas. Contact: Carol Scott, 15186 CR 440, Lindale TX 75771; 903-882-9663; contactus@ywamwoodcrest.com; www.ywamwoodcrest.com. Offers a series of writing workshops; see list of workshops and dates on Website.

September: Georgia Christian Writers Pod; Atlanta, Georgia. Contact: Lloyd Blackwell, 3049 Scott Rd. N.E., Marietta GA 30066; 770-421-1203; lloydblackwell@worldnet.att.net.

September 11-12: Catch the Wave Writers Conference; Woodstock, Georgia. Contact: Pam Barnes, P.O. Box 2673, Woodstock GA 30188; cynthiasimmons@christianauthorsguild.org; www.christianauthorsguild.org. Editors and agents in attendance. No scholarships.

September 11-12: North Texas Christian Writers Conference; Keller, Texas. Contact: Frank Ball, P.O. Box 820802, Fort Worth TX 76182; 817-915-1688 or 817-715-2597; info@ntchristianwriters.com; www.ntchristianwriters.com. No editors or agents in attendance. Offers partial scholarships.

September 16-20: Christian Prophetic Poets & Writers Retreat; Norcross, Georgia. Website: www.voicesofchrist.org/VOC_blowthetrumpet.html.

September 17-20 American Christian Fiction Writers Conference; Denver, Colorado. Contact: Robin Miller, P.O. Box 101066, Palm Bay FL 32910-1066; Pr@acfw.com; www.ACFW.com. Editors/agents in attendance. Offers scholarships to members only.

September 19: Siloam Springs Writers’ Workshop; Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Contact: Margaret Weathers, 716 W. University St., Siloam Springs AR 72761; 479-524-6598. No advanced or teen tracks. No editors/agents in attendance. Does not offer scholarships.

September 19 or 26: Northwest Ohio Christian Writers’ Conference; Toledo, Ohio. Contact: Kathy Douglas, 5679 Monroe St., Apt. 109, Sylvania OH 43560-2706; Mlka@toast.net. No editors or agents in attendance.

September 21-25: Maranatha Christian Writers Conference; Muskegon, Michigan. Contact: Verna Kokmeyer, 4759 Lake Harbor Rd., Muskegon MI 49441-5299; 231-798-2161; info@maranatha-bmc.org; www.WriteWithPurpose.org. Editors in attendance. Sally will be speaking/teaching at this one.

September 25-26: American Christian Writers Conference; Spokane, Washington. Contact: Reg Forder, P.O. Box 110390, Nashville TN 37222; 1-800-21-WRITE; ACWriters@aol.com; www.ACWriters.com.

September 25-26: Inscribe Fall Conference; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Contact: Eunice Matchett, 4304 – 45 St., Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada T7A 1G7; 780-542-7950; fax 780-514-3702; query@inscribe.org; www.Inscribe.org. Sometimes have editors in attendance.

September 26-27: San Diego Christian Writers Guild Seminar; San Diego, California. Contact: Robert & Jennie Gillespie, P.O. Box 270403, San Diego CA 92198; 760-294-3269; info@sandiegocwg.org; www.sandiegocwg.org. Editors and agents in attendance.

September 26-28: Ad Lib Christian Arts Retreat; Franciscan Retreat Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Contact: Professor Richard Terrell, 6905 Forest Lake Blvd., Lincoln NE 68516; 402-486-4198; richard.terrell@doane.edu; www.adlibchristianarts.org. No editors or agents in attendance.

Washington: Image Festival for Literature and the Arts is no longer being held. Page 462.

CORRECTIONS FOR GREETING CARD MARKETS

Designer Greetings: No freelance. Page 439.

Novo Card Publishers: 7570 N. Croname Rd., Niles IL 60714-3904. Page 440.

World Library Publications: 847-233-2800; odegardj@jspaluch.com. Page 441.

Alfred Manzier Inc.: 3527—35th St., Astoria NY 1106-1608. Page 442.

These Three, Inc.: Out of business. Page 442.

Cactus Game Design: No freelance. Page 442.

Greenacre Workshop: Toll-free number 877-733-3276. Drop the first e-mail listed. Page 444.

Lighthouse Christian Products: No freelance. Page 444.

Powermark Comics: No freelance. Page 444.

Zondervan New Media (software) is now Zondervan Digital Media. Page 445.

Zondervan New Media (Video/DVD) is now Zondervan Audio and Video. Page 446.

New e-mail at Russ Doughten Films is: cneufeld@rdfilms.com. Page 446.

NEW YORK TIMES CHRISTIAN BESTSELLERS

New York Times Best Sellers for August 23:

The Love Dare by Stephen & Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing Group) is #2 on the paperback advice list.

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #3 on the paperback trade fiction list. It will appear at #2 for the week of August 30, its 65th week on the bestseller list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #4 on the paperback advice list.

Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs with Jerry B. Jenkins (Tyndale House) is #6 on the hardcover advice list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #9 on the hardcover advice, how-to, misc. list and will appear as #9 the week of August 30.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews (Thomas Nelson) is #11 on the hardcover advice, how-to, misc. list.

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #11 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (Zondervan) is #13 on the paperback advice list.

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper w/ Cecil Murphey (Revell) is #15 on paperback nonfiction list.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #17 on the paperback nonfiction list and will appear as #16 the week of August 30.

Take Two by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #27 on the paperback trade fiction list

Saturday, August 22, 2009

MELODY OF THE HEART

Just heard this periodical is not currently open to freelance submissions. Page 416.

REPORTER'S SOURCE

A free service, Reporter's Source, connects journalists and other members of the media with businesses and individuals for stories, shows, and more.

Reporter's Source is a family run business of industry professionals who have combined their talents to provide a quick and easy service for reporters facing a deadline, casting agents looking for new talent, and businesses or individuals trying to expand their market impact.

If you are interested in potentially becoming a source for a journalist, simply subscribe to the newsletter (which you can do on the homepage). You'll receive a daily email containing inquiries from members of the media, and if you have information pertaining to their inquiry, you can send over a brief synopsis of information that Reporter's Source will forward to the journalist.

How it works for journalists and other members of the media: They simply fill out the "Find A Source" form found on the Reporter's Source homepage.

The site also includes a message board where members can post story ideas for reporters, as well as a separate section listing ongoing writer requests.

Reporter's Source
Website: http://www.reporterssource.com
Email: info@reporterssource.com
Reprinted from "The Book Marketing Expert
newsletter," a free ezine offering book
promotion and publicity tips and techniques.
http://www.amarketingexpert.com

PERIODICALS: NEW CONTACT INFO

EFCA Today: www.efcatoday.org. Page 295.

Good News, Etc.: goodnewseditor@cox.net. Page 303.

Marketplace: Artstricklin@mchapusa.com; www.mchapusa.com. Page 318.

Montgomery’s Journey: deanne@montgomerysjourney.com; www.montgomerysjourney.com. Page 324.

Catholic Library World: 100 North St., Ste. 224, Pittsfield MA 01201-5178; 413-443-2252; fax 413-442-2252; cla@cathla.org. Page 364.

Journal of Christianity and Foreign Languages: www.nacfla.net. Page 367.

Journal of Education and Christian Belief: Phone 616-526-8609. E-mail: jecb@calvin.edu. Page 367.

Teachers of Vision: fax 714-761-1679; judy@ceai.org. Page 369.

The Brink Magazine: www.thebrinkonline.com. Page 371.

East-West Church and Ministry Report: Asbury College, One Macklem Dr., Wilmore KY 40390; 859-858-3511; emark936@aol.com. Page 374.

International Journal of Frontier Missiology: 1605 E. Elizabeth St., Pasadena CA 91104. Rory Clark is now editor (not managing editor). Page 375.

SmallGroups.com: fax 630-260-0451; smallgroups@christianitytoday.com. Page 394.

The RevWriter Resource: Phone/fax 215-453-8128. Page 393.

Cross & Quill: CQArticles@aol.com. Page 424.

DROP THESE PERIODICALS

Advance: Out of business. Page 264.

AFA Journal: No freelance. Page 264.

The Family Journal: Asked to be deleted. Page 299.

IPHC Experience: No freelance. Page 311.

National Catholic Reporter: No freelance. Page 325.

Rhubarb: Asked to be deleted. Page 337.

Sacred Journey: Asked to be deleted. Page 338.

Steps: No freelance (going online only). Page 343.

Christian Management Report: No freelance. Page 381.

Making Waves: Out of business. Page 416.

Win-Informer: Out of business. Page 429.

MAGAZINE MARKET NEWS

Angel Face is again open to submissions. Page 266.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Humans is now called The More Excellent Way. Page 341.

Vista no longer accepts poetry. Now accepts reprints. Drop the second e-mail in their listing. Page 350.

Review for Religious no longer accepts fiction. Page 393.

Clear Direction is now called Direction Student Magazine. Now pays $35-150 for articles; $35-125 for fiction (now accepts). Page 399.

Clear Horizon is now called Horizon Student Magazine. Page 399.

WT Online is now called For Every Woman. Editor is D. Hampton. Page 422.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

BORDERS EXPANDING CHILDREN'S SECTION

Borders Group is planning on expanding the children's book sections in its stores, taking space from dying music and movie sections. Borders will carry educational games, toys and teaching devices as well as books, and will relocate the teen books away from baby and youth books, but close to the manga and adult science fiction titles. May help open up the market for children's writers.

NEW - THE WRITERS NOTEBOOK

The Writer’s Notebook
Marcella Simmons, Publisher
106 Fletcher Dr.
Logansport, La. 71049
318-609-4751
Email: marcies04@bellsouth.net
http://writersnotebook.homestead.com

An online magazine for beginning poets and writers, published every 2 months (debuting in September 2009). We encourage new writers to subscribe to this online magazine and start writing today. We need manuscripts (ASAP) by August 25th for our first issue. No payment for now.

We encourage writers to write book reviews on magazines and books for writers – anything pertaining to writing. How-to’s are especially needed. Geared to new writers. EMAIL submissions ONLY to: marcies04@bellsouth.net

HOW-TO’s & Features: (250-1500 words) How to break into print, how to write feature stories for magazines and ezines, hot to write feature stories, etc., etc.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: (250-1000 words) How I became a Writer, etc.

FILLERS: (50-250 words) My First Sales, etc.

Rights revert to the author after we delete off our web site. We accept previously published material. Manuscripts must be emailed to us by the 25th of each month.

MYFAITHDAILY.COM LAUNCHES SEPTEMBER 15

The premier, Faith-Based Enterprise Social Networking site is designed to appeal to the single largest audience on the globe--the faith-based community. It will connect Faith Based Leaders and Organizations to 2.5 billion faith centered individuals. Although it does not launch until September 15, you can find more information and register on their Website now.

BOOK PUBLISHERS CHANGE CONTACT INFO

Cladach Publishing: 970-351-8240. Page 85.

The Crossroad Publishing Co.: 831 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Spring Valley NY 10977-6356. Page 89.

Crossway Books and Bibles: editorial@crossway.org. Page 89.

Eldridge Christian Plays & Musicals: NewWorks@95church.com (for e-mail submissions). Page 94.

Hendrickson Publishers: 978-573-2276. Page 107.

Marcher Lord Press: 8345 Pepperidge Dr., Colorado Springs CO 80920; jeff@marcherlordpress.com. Author receives 50% royalty after development expenses are recouped. Page 120.

Millennium III Publishers: Drop listed e-mail. Page 122.

National Black Theatre: Drop fax and first e-mail listed. Page 125.

Torch Legacy Publications: P.O. Box 1733, Joshua TX 76058-1733. Page 146.

Fruitbearer Publishing: cfa@candyabbott.com. Page 161.

BOOK PUBLISHER UPDATES

Christian Ed. Publishers has a new blog: www.vbscorner.blogspot.com. Page 83.

Friends United Press is no longer open to fiction. Page 100.

Gollehon Press is now open to fiction submissions for teens and adults, especially science fiction or mystery/suspense. Page 100.

Kirk House Publishers is open to adult fiction through their Quill House Publishers imprint. Page 113.

Quiet Waters Publications: No longer a subsidy publisher. Page 165.

The following book publishers have ceased publication or are no longer open to freelance:
** Big Idea Inc. (books): No freelance. Page 76.

** The Dabbling Mum Press: Out of business. Page 90.

** Faith Communications: Out of Business. Page 96.

** Kregel Kidzone: Asked to be dropped as a separate listing. See Kregel Books. Page 113.

** Regnery Publishing: No freelance. Page 138.

** Shoreline: No freelance. Page 141.

** Skysong Press: Out of business. Page 141.

** Synergy Publishers: Out of business. Page 167.

** Testimony Press: Out of business. Page 168.

CAROLINA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

2009 Carolina Christian Writers' Workshop isOctober 23-24. The workshop will be held at North Anderson Baptist Church, 2308 N. Main St., Anderson, SC 29621.

We've added great Friday night classes and a Saturday sack lunch for all conferees, included in one low fee.

Writing Contest & Critiquing -Entry Deadline September 15
You may have your novels, non-fiction books, articles, children's books and poems critiqued before the workshop--and at the same time be entered into our writing contest. This year the first four entries in each category will be able to meet with their critiquer at the workshop!First place award is $25, 2nd is $15.

Tuition is less than $100.

Dr. Robert Lesslie, author of bestseller, Angels in the ER will be our Saturday AM keynoter and also will teach classes Friday evening and Saturday.

We will again have scholarships available for those who may have lost jobs or are dealing with other financial difficulties. Just drop me an explanatory email note, and one of these scholarship can be yours! Put "Scholarship" in your subject line.

Elva Martin,
President, Upstate SC American Christian Writers Chapter;
104 Oak Knoll Terrace
Anderson, SC 29625 PH: 864/226-7024
Email: elvamartinministries@charter.net
My Web Site:www.elvamartin.com

Monday, August 17, 2009

NEW YORK TIMES CHRISTIAN BEST SELLERS

The Love Dare by Stephen & Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #2 on the paperback advice list for August 16.

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #3 on the paperback trade fiction list posted for August 16. It will appear at #3 for the week of August 23.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #3 on the paperback advice list for August 16.

Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs with Jerry B. Jenkins (Tyndale House) is #3 on the hardcover advice list for August 16.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #6 on the hardcover advice, how-to, misc. list for August 16 and will be #9 the week of August 23.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (Zondervan) is #7 on the paperback advice list for August 16.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews (Thomas Nelson) is #11 on the hardcover advice, how-to, misc. list for August 16 and will be #11 the week of August 23.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #15 on the paperback nonfiction list posted for August 16 and will appear as #17 the week of August 23.

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper w/ Cecil Murphey (Revell) is #16 on paperback nonfiction list for August 16.

Saving Freedom: We Can Stop America's Slide into Socialism by U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (Fidelis) is #24 on the hardcover nonfiction list for August 16.
Take Two by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #31 on the paperback trade fiction list for August 16.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

NELSON LAUNCHES SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the launch of a multi-faceted social media campaign to coincide with the release of Max Lucado's new book, Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear. The company is utilizing the influence of its online 'friends' and "followers" to help spread the world about this important release.

On Monday, August 10 at 10 a.m., Michael Hyatt kicked off the campaign on his blog, http://michaelhyatt.com/ , with a video book review and a unique offer. He offered the first chapter of Fearless for anyone to download or share. Hyatt gave the first hundred to comment a free copy of the book and provided a thousand copies to bloggers through Thomas Nelson's Book Review Bloggers program. Thousands rushed to michaelhyatt.com to try to claim a copy of Fearless, creating an overload that crashed the site's server three times. By the end of that day, Thomas Nelson had given away more than twelve hundred copies of Fearless in total.

On Friday, August 14, exclusive video of Max Lucado's "Fearless Town Hall" will be available at the website for the Fearless campaign, http://thefearlesstimes.com/ and http://townhall.maxlucado.com/. Lucado answered profound questions from live audience members, questions related to fear of job loss, fear of losing God's love, fear for loved ones, and other relatable issues. Excerpts from the video town hall, plus chapter excerpts from Fearless, are available for download at http://thefearlesstimes.com/ and can be linked to Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.
Max Lucado has more than 65 million books in print and a publishing career that has spanned nearly 25 years. His books have been on many national bestseller lists including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today. Max and his wife Denalyn live in San Antonio, Texas, where he is Minister of Writing and Preaching at Oak Hills Church.

2010 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER BOOK AWARDS

2010 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER BOOK AWARDS - First Call for Entries
- 14th Annual Awards, accepting entries for all 2009 and early 2010 releases
- 67 Categories, 20 Regions, 12 Outstanding Books of the Year
- Great Awards ceremony & publicity event during BookExpo America

Enter now at: http://www.independentpublisher.com/ipland/IPAwards.php
Calling all independent authors and publishers!

The 14th annual Independent Publisher Book Awards, conducted to honor the year's best independently published titles, are now accepting entries for books with 2009 or 2010 copyrights or released in 2009 and early 2010. The annual contest is presented by Jenkins Group and their book marketing website, IndependentPublisher.com, headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan.

The "IPPY" Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to the thousands of exemplary independent, university, and self-published titles published each year. Since the inaugural contest over 3,500 books have received awards, with all the recognition, credibility, and increased sales that a book award can bring. Independent spirit and expertise comes from publishers of all sizes and budgets, and books are judged with that in mind.

This year's contest is open to books copyrighted 2009 or 2010, or that were released in 2009 or early 2010. National category early-bird entry fee is $75; Regional category can be added for $45; Outstanding Books of the Year consideration at no extra charge. Final deadline is March 20, 2010.

Print guidelines and entry form: http://www.independentpublisher.com/IPPY2010Guidelines1.pdf
Enter online at: http://www.independentpublisher.com/ipland/IPAwards.php

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 ph: 1-800-644-0133 x1011

ROBIN JONES GUNN OPENS ONLINE STORE

Recently Robin Jones Gunn, best-selling and award-winning author of the Christy Miller Series and the Sisterchicks Series, gave in to overwhelming requests from her readers to open an online store. Gunn's online shop opened June 20 at http://shop.robingunn.com with more than 680 items sold in seven weeks and a miniature surfboard keychain (the Christy Miller Series takes place in Newport Beach, Calif.) topped the list.

"It took a year to pull together the funds to do this," says the author, who has more than 4 million books in print. The store offers not only clothing and items connected to the characters and themes of her books but also most of her books. "I know that a bookstore can't carry all 70 books that I've written, so while I always encourage readers to check with their local bookstore, for the reader who can't find what she's looking for in her community, Robin's Nest Online Shop is an alternative."

Join Robin on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Robin-Jones- Gunn/110691292261?ref=ts for a special Summer Promise Party from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm PDT on Friday, August 14th.

On August 15th for ONE DAY ONLY visitors to Robin's Nest Shop http://shop.robingunn.com can receive a free MP3 download of Summer Promise, the first book in the Christy Miller Series for teens.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

CHRISTIAN SMALL PUBLISHER BOOK OF THE YEAR

Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award is Accepting nominations.

Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award honors books produced by small publishers each year for outstanding contribution to Christian life. This year, nominations will be accepted in eight categories; an increase of four categories from previous years. Nominations must be received by November 15, 2009.

Any small publisher can nominate books for the award. Nominations are accepted in the following categories: Fiction, Biography, Christian Living, Relationships/Family, Bible Study/Theology, Children’s Book 4-8 years, Children’s Book 8-12 years, and Young Adult (12+ years). Books must be published in 2008 or 2009 by a publisher with annual revenues of $350,000 or less. Nominated books must be Christian in nature and intended for the Christian marketplace. All nominated books must be printed in English and for sale in the United States.

Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA) is the sponsor of this book award. CSPA will invite Christian retailers and book readers to vote on the nominated titles in February and March 2010. The winners of the award will be the books that receive the most votes. Christian retailers are encouraged to highlight the books they vote for in their stores during Small Press Month of March.

For more information on the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award including guidelines, eligibility, and nomination form, visit Christian Small Publishers Association’s website at www.christianpublishers.net.

Monday, August 10, 2009

ON ASSIGNMENT PUBLISHING COMPANY

From: Sarah Goebel [mailto:sarahg@nc.rr.com]

Ladies,

As you know, I am gradually attempting to put together a package of services available for sisters who are on assignment for our Lord and Savior! One was a webtv platform for speakers and another service is publishing for writers. I have a couple of other things that will be unfolding in the months to come as well but for now I unfold to you “On Assignment Publishing” Company.

It was prophesied over my husband and I that writing was in our future right in the midst of our taking steps to enter into the publishing business. How about that?!!! We have been in the process of becoming a publisher not a self publisher but a real publisher for some time now. We now have our printer and our distribution network in place. Our customers’ books will appear on Amazon.com and be available to be ordered by bookstores just like any other publisher. Their book will appear on the distributors’ catalogs just like what you are accustomed to from other publishers.

We are still looking for another editor, another graphic person for our book cover designs and someone to help us with layout of the manuscripts for printing preparation. We have people but we are looking for backup for outsourcing these stages of the printing process. We also are looking for someone to write our Press Releases for our customers’ books. If you know of anyone who might be able to help in these areas as an independent contractor, I would appreciate your having them contact me. Also, any one you know who might be looking for a publisher may submit their manuscripts to us for consideration for printing. We are working out of our church building and the address to send book proposals and manuscripts to is “On Assignment Publishing 328 E. 24th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358. We will have our editor helping us in our selection of who to publish, however, we are open to any topic that glorifies God.

Thank you for your prayers over our new venture! The publishing company is called “On Assignment Publishing”.

Sarah Goebel
"Empowering with truth for extraordinary living"

Standard Restoring Children's Books

Standard Publishing recently announced a change in product strategy with a restored emphasis on children’s books. Historically, Standard’s children’s books were a mainstay on industry bestseller lists. However, in recent years, a stronger emphasis on curriculum products had resulted in a lack of focus on this category. Earlier this year, it was announced that Standard Publishing was restoring an equal weight on curriculum and trade books in their new product development strategy.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

NEW SONY READERS AT LOWER PRICE

Sony is today delivering on its promise of making digital readers and eBooks accessible and affordable for consumers with the introduction of two new Readers. Part of a new Reader line, the Reader Pocket Edition(TM) puts a library in your hands for as little as $199. Both the Reader Pocket Edition and the Reader Touch Edition(TM) will be available at the end of August, at SonyStyle.com, SonyStyle stores and select retail partners. Also, new releases and New York Times bestseller titles in the eBook Store from Sony will now be available for $9.99.

The Reader Pocket Edition sports a five-inch electronic paper display packaged in a stylish chassis and is available in a variety of colors, including navy blue, rose and silver. The Reader Pocket Edition is easy to navigate with one hand, and fits into a purse or jacket pocket. The diminutive device can store about 350 standard eBooks and provides up to two weeks of reading enjoyment on a single battery charge. It will be available for the ground-breaking price of $199, making it the most affordable dedicated reading device on the market.

The Reader Touch Edition features a responsive, menu-driven six-inch touch screen panel that enables quick, intuitive navigation, page turning, highlighting and note taking with the swipe of a finger or by using the included stylus pen. Users can take handwritten notes with the stylus pen or type with the virtual keyboard. All notes can be exported and printed out for easy reference. The Reader Touch Edition includes an onboard Oxford American English Dictionary that allows you to look up a word by simply tapping on it. The Touch Edition also offers five adjustable font sizes, as well as expansion slots for both Memory Stick® PRO Duo(TM) and SD card, making your portable library virtually limitless. It comes in red, black or silver and will retail for about $299.

Through The eBook Store from Sony (ebookstore.sony.com), users can also access more than one million free public domain books from Google. These titles, which Google has digitized as part of its Google Books project, are available in EPUB format and are optimized for current models of the Sony Reader. From Sony's eBook Store, Reader owners with a U.S. location can download and transfer any of these titles to their Reader, while new, U.S. located eBook Store users can access available titles after setting up an account and downloading Sony's free eBook Library software.

The Reader Pocket Edition and Reader Touch Edition, as well as available accessories such as AC adaptors, cases and covers with reading lights, will be available at the end of August at SonyStyle.com and SonyStyle stores. Book lovers interested in trying out a Reader in person will also be able to find them for sale at Best Buy, Borders, Costco, Staples, Target, Wal-Mart and other authorized retailers nationwide.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

SOME NEW MARKETS

KD Gospel Media Magazine, 18 Pavilion St., Ste. 3, Hartford Ct
06120; deanne@kdgmmag.com; www.kdgmmag.com. To bring the God
perspective into the homes of our readers in a motivating and encouraging
way. Deanne Williams, editor. Open to unsolicited freelance.

The Quilldriver, P.O. Box 573, Clarksville AR 72830; phone/fax 479-497-0321; info@thequilldriver.com; www.thequilldriver.com. Donna Lee Schillinger, publisher. Inspirational nonfiction directed at young adults (17-25). Publishes 3 titles/yr. 85% of books from first-time authors. No mss through agents. Would consider reprinting books. Prefers 200 pages. Royalties; $500 advance. Considers simultaneous submissions. Responds in 8 weeks. Guidelines by e-mail; catalog for #10 SAE/1 stamp. Nonfiction: Query first; or proposal/2 chapters; e-query OK. "Most open to books that are hip--must resonate with young adults."

The JC Reporter, 3190 Lancaster Dr. N.E., Salem OR 97305; 503-316-1220; fax
503-585-7228; cindy@thejctown.com; www.thejctown.com. Cindy Smith, publisher.
Combined with radio & Web, we spread the Word and encourage, equip, and unite
the local Body of Christ. Monthly & online newspaper. 70% unsolicited freelance;
30% assigned. Query/clips; fax/e-query OK. Accepts full mss by e-mail (attached
file). Pays $25-75 for one-time rights. Articles to 700 words. (100/yr.); fiction to 700 words. (100/yr.); reviews 200 words, pays $10. Responds in 4-6 weeks. Seasonal 2 months ahead. Accepts simultaneous submissions & reprints (tell when/where
appeared). Guidelines by e-mail; copy for 10x13 SAE/$2 postage. Poetry: Accepts
24/yr. Any type; no payment . Submit any number.Fillers: Accepts many/yr. All types;
300-500 words. Columns/Departments: Buys many/yr. Query or complete ms, $20-50.

EDITORIAL CHANGES

Wesleyan Publishing House: Drop Lawrence Wilson as editorial director. Page 151.

The Annals of St. Anne: Fr. Guy Derochers, C.Ss.R. is now editor; Fr. Bernard Mercier, C.Ss.R. is now interim managing editor. Page 267.

Columbia
: Alton Pelowski, managing editor. Website: www.kofc.org/columbia. Page 286.

Company
: Megan Austin is new assistant editor. Page 287.

Messianic Perspective: Rachel Zanardi, editor; fax 210-226-2140; rachelz@cjfm.org. Page 322.

Wesleyan Life: Dr. Ronald D. Kelly is new general editor. Page 351.

Kid Zone: Laura Lohberger (lslohberger@wordaction.com) is new assistant editor. Page 358.

Skipping Stones: Drop Nina Forsberg as assistant editor. Page 362.

Light From the Word: Drop Lawrence W. Wilson as editorial director. Page 372.

Lausanne World Pulse: Laurie Fortunak, editorial coordinator. This is a non-paying market. Page 375.

BOOK REVIEW LISTINGS--GOOD IDEA?

Someone raised the question recently about whether or not it is advisable to have reviews of your books listed on such sites as www.authorbuzz.com or www.bookreviewdirect.com. The question came in relation to whether librarians check such sites to determine whether they will purchase the books for their library. The word—from the librarians—is that they consider such sites paid advertisements, so don’t depend on them to help make those decisions. It may be that bookstores would be more likely to consult them.

A FAMILY MARKET

Family Tree Magazine (4700 E. Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati OH 45236; www.familytreemagazine.com) is a general-interest consumer magazine that helps readers discover, preserve, and celebrate their family’s history. They cover genealogy, ethnic heritage, personal history, genealogy Websites and software, scrapbooking, photography and photo preservations, and other ways that families connect with their past. Geared to beginners. Pays $25. Guidelines on Website.

Monday, August 3, 2009

TIPS FOR PASTORS WANTING TO WRITE

Church Executive Magazine: So You Want to Write a Book? Experts Offer Tips

"A lot of church leaders have a story to tell but don't know how to get it from brain and heart to paper," says Warren Bird, co-author of 21 different books, who knows something about telling a story.

"They wonder whether anyone would be interested in reading it. And they don't know how to contact publishers--or whether to go the self-publishing route."

In a Web Exclusive article for Church Executive magazine for August, Bird offers advice to pastors as first-time authors. His article can be accessed under "Web Exclusive" at www.ChurchExecutive.com.

He gives answers to the most common questions asked by pastors and other would-be authors: Do I need an agent? Do I need someone to help me write the book? If I write a book, how many people will read it? Should I write my book before thinking about publishers? What about self-publishing? What about making a book into an audio book, whether for download or CD or Kindle? What's a good royalty advance for a first-time author?

On the same theme of "getting published," Church Executive's August issue features the article, "It's a Revolution Out There When It Comes to Getting Published," by Stan Jantz.

Another article for would-be authors is an interview with Cecil Murphey, author and co-author of 112 books, including The New York Times bestseller "90 Minutes in Heaven" with Don Piper.

CHRISTIAN NY TIMES BESTSELLERS

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #2 on the paperback trade fiction list posted for August 2. It will appear at #2 for the week of August 9.

The Love Dare by Stephen & Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #2 on the paperback advice list for August 2.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #5 on the paperback advice list for August 2.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #8 on the hardcover advice, how-to, misc. list for August 2 and will be #7 the week of August 9.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (Zondervan) is #9 on the paperback advice list for August 2.

The Noticer by Andy Andrews (Thomas Nelson) is #10 on the hardcover advice, how-to, misc. list for August 2 and will be #13 the week of August 9.

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper w/ Cecil Murphey (Revell) is #13 on paperback nonfiction list for August 2.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #18 on the paperback nonfiction list posted for August 2 and will appear as #15 the week of August 9.

Take Two by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #25 on the paperback trade fiction list for August 2.