Thursday, September 23, 2010

CHRISTIAN WRITERS GUILD

Jerry Jenkin's Christian Writers' Guild just launched a new Website at www.christianwritersguild.com. Check it out for information on thier writing programs and next writers' conference.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

CHRISTIAN WRITERS' WORKSHOP IN VA

The Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist)
2351 Hunter Mill Road
Vienna, VA 22181
www.GoodShepherdVA.com
703-281-3987

Christian Writers Workshop Set for Nov. 13
at Vienna’s Church of the Good Shepherd

VIENNA, VA, Sept. 18, 2010 – “THE SOUL TELLS A STORY,” this year’s “Alive in Words” Christian Writers Workshop, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist) in Vienna. The event, held at the church at 2351 Hunter Mill Road, is open to the community. Space is limited, and online registration is requested by Nov. 3.

Leading the daylong workshop is Vinita Hampton Wright of Chicago. A book editor for nearly 20 years, Ms. Wright has published three novels. Her third novel, Dwelling Places, received the Christianity Today award for Best Fiction of 2007. Workshop participants will receive a copy of Ms. Wright’s book The Soul Tells a Story: Engaging Creativity With Spirituality In The Writing Life.

The event is part of the writing ministry program at The Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist) and its fourth “Alive in Words” Christian Writers Workshop. The church also publishes a Lenten devotional that is distributed to 25,000 church neighbors.

To register online or for more information, visit the church’s website at www.GoodShepherdVA.com or call (703) 281-3987.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

BOOKS & SUCH ADDS NEW AGENT

Books and Such literary Agency has announced the addition of a new agent to their staff. Mary Keeley will be handling adult fiction and nonfiction.

Friday, September 17, 2010

NOVEL TEEN

If you write for teens--or are a teen--you will want to check out this Website which is all about clean teen fiction. For details, go to their Website at www.novelteen.com.

ANDY SCHEER, MANUSCRIPT DOCTOR

Is your manuscript healthy? If not, you need Andy Scheer, manuscript doctor. As former editor at Moody Magazine and managing editor for the Christian Writers' Guild, Andy has the experience to help you make your fiction or nonfiction manuscript polished and ready for submission. Offers a variety of professional services. Contact him at Andy@AndyScheer.com.

OCTOBER WRITERS' CONFERENCES

October: Upstate South Carolina ACW Fall Workshop; Anderson, South Carolina. Contact: Elva Martin, 104 Oak Knoll Ter., Anderson SC 29625-2507; phone/fax864-226-7024; Elvamartinministries@charter.net. Editors and agents in attendance. Offers full or partial scholarships.

October 1-2: Pen to Paper Literary Symposium; Dayton, Ohio. Contact: Valerie Coleman, PMB 175 – 893 S. Main St., Dayton OH 45322; 937-307-0760; fax 515-474-3643; info@penofthewriter.com; www.penofthewriter.com/pentopaper. Editors & agents in attendance. Offers no scholarships.

October 8-9: Susquehanna Valley Writers Workshop; Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Contact: Marsha Hubler; 570-837-0002; ckwriter@evenlink.com; www.marshahubler.com. Editors and agents in attendance.

October 30: Northwest Ohio Christian Writers’ Conference; Toledo, Ohio. Contact: Kathy Douglas, 5702 Angola Rd. Lot 139, Toledo OH 43615; 419-867-0805; Mlka@toast.net; www.nwocw.org. No editors or agents in attendance. Offers no scholarships.

October 13-17: CLASS Christian Writers’ Conference; Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. Contact: Linda Gilden, P.O. Box 52103, Albuquerque NM 87181-2103; Kaeporter@gmail.com; www.classeminars.org. Editors and agents in attendance. Offers partial scholarships.

Oct 22-23: American Christian Writers Conference; Phoenix, Arizona. Contact: Reg Forder, P.O. Box 110390, Nashville TN 37222; 1-800-21-WRITE; ACWriters@aol.com; www.ACWriters.com. Sally teaching at this one.

October (late): Earlham School of Religion/Ministry of Writing Colloquium; Richmond, Indiana. Contact: Susan Yanos, 228 College Ave., Richmond IN 47374-4095; 765-983-1420; fax 765-983-1688; yanossu@earlham.edu. Editors in attendance. Offers no scholarships.

AGENTS ON THE MOVE

Alive Communications: Add new agent, Andrea Heinecke. Page 523.

AuthorCoaching.Com is now called Author Coaching. Is open to unpublished authors and new clients. Page 524.

Andrea Hurst Literary Management has asked to be deleted. Page 528.

D.C. Jacobson & Associates: 971 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters OR 97759-9320. Page 528

The Literary Group Intl.: 14 Penn Plaza, Ste. 925, New York NY 10122; 646-442-5896; drop fax. Page 529.

Wendy Sherman Assocs.: 27 W. 24th St., Ste. 700B, New York NY 10010. Drop Tracy Brown and add Wendy Sherman and Kimberley Perel. Page 534.

New: Gary D. Foster Consulting, 733 Virginia Ave., Van Wert OH 45891; 419-238-4082; gary@garydfoster.com; www.garydfoster.com. Open to unpublished authors and new clients. E-mail contact.

New: Jellinek & Murray Literary Agency/Roger Jellinek, 47-722 Hui Kelu St., Apt. 4, Kaneohe HI 96744; 808-239-8451; rgr.jellinek@gmail.com; www.HawaiiReaders.com. Open to unpublished authors; to new clients by referral or otherwise only June-December.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

COSTCO INTL. PHOTO CONTEST

Just a reminder that September 30 is the deadline for the Costco International Photo Contest. International Grand Prize is a $2,500 Costco Cash Card and a 40"x60" Your Photo on Canvas print ($350 value). Three prizes for National contest are $500, $1,000, and $1,500 Costco cash cards plus canvas prints. For details or to enter, go to: www.costcophotocontest.com.

JOIN SALLY AT THE MARANATHA WRITERS CONFERENCE

Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference
September 27-October 1

My email is stuffed full of positive comments about Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference. I thought I’d cut and paste a few:

The things I learned at Maranatha's Christian Writer's Conference have equipped and encouraged me to pursue my dream of a career in writing. I've sold devotions to Upper Room (three so far) and the Secret Place (one this summer) which gave me the confidence (and portfolio) to apply for the summer internship position at Mennonite Mission Network in Elkhart, IN. At the end of my 13 week internship I was offered a staff position. It all started at Maranatha Christian Writer's Conference!

I so believe in the Maranatha conference, as I KNOW God directed me to attend two of your conferences a few years ago. It was just another avenue He took me down to lead me on my journey to publication. (Now writes fiction)

Since May I have had twenty-five articles published or accepted for publication. One magazine has a circ of 495,000.

It’s not too late to register for this year’s conference. You can come for the entire four days or for a day. Registration has already ahead of last year, and we have added more staff to enable continued personal attention. Every registrant is supported by the Paul Tell Fund, making the conference a great value and investment in your writing goals.

Call Linda today. 231-798-2161 Stop telling me that you wish you had after the conference is over. We are so blessed to be able to offer this group of experts, and they are ready to help you. I’ve attached a schedule to help in your decision.

I hope to see you at the conference.

Verna and your Maranatha Writers’ Conf. Staff.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

BROWN BOOKS LAUNCHES CHRISTIAN DIVISION

Brown Books Publishing Group (BBPG) announces the addition of a new division to its growing family of publishing companies. Brown Christian Press (BCP) will serve Christian authors who desire to inspire and enrich the lives of others with a life-changing book. Bestselling author and speaker Allison Bottke has been named director of the new division.

Founded by Milli Brown in 1994, Brown Books Publishing Group is a full-service, independent publisher of high-quality books in all genres, from fiction and non-fiction, to self-help and childrens.

Responsible for overseeing all areas of operations for the newly formed Christian division, Bottke will be the key liaison with all BCP authors. Working one-on-one with authors from acquisition to publication, Bottke will personally guide authors through every step of the publishing experience. She will also conduct seminars for authors who are interested in retaining the rights to their work and are considering taking the publishing journey with BCP.

“For more information visit BrownChristianPress.com or call (972) 381-0009
Find us on Facebook by entering Brown Christian Press in the search field

Monday, September 13, 2010

MAX LUCADO HITS 100 MILLION PRODUCTS SOLD

Author and Pastor Max Lucado has 100 million products in print since his first book was published 25 years ago. Lucado's writings have been published in a wide variety of formats including trade books, gift books, children's books, study Bibles, devotionals, commentaries, animated children's videos, calendars, greeting cards, teaching curriculum and licensed gift products.

Of the 100 million products in print, 80 million are books. Lucado's first book, On the Anvil, was released in 1985. His latest book, Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, releases tomorrow from Thomas Nelson. Currently his books have been translated into more than 40 languages.

Lucado's books have appeared on every major best-seller list including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, The New York Times, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the Christian Booksellers Association. Lucado has been featured on many national media programs through the years, including "Fox & Friends," "The Today Show" and "Good Morning America" in the last year alone.

Thomas Nelson has been Lucado's long-term publisher and executives salute this significant achievement. Says David Moberg, senior vice president and group publisher for Non-Fiction at Thomas Nelson: "It is both stunning and humbling to consider 100 million products in print for Max. His writing has shaped millions--almost a generation--in their beliefs on grace, forgiveness and God's love."

Adds Lucado: "God has blessed me with such a great team. Editors, management, creative thinkers...they are the best. I'm especially thankful for the management skills of Steve Green who has overseen my publishing for over two decades. He has built a team that exceeds expectations."

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 12

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 on the paperback advice list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #5 on the paperback advice list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing) is #7 on the paperback advice list.

The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy (Tyndale House) is #8 on the hardcover advice list and #4 on the hardcover business list.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (Zondervan) is #8 on the paperback advice list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #11 on the hardcover advice list and #6 on the hardcover business list.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the paperback nonfiction list.

Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman and Ellen Vaughn (Revell) is #16 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #16 on the paperback trade fiction list.

Coming Back Stronger by Drew Brees with Chris Fabry (Tyndale House) is #19 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

Called to Coach by Bobby Bowden with Mark Schlabach (Howard/Simon & Schuster) is #18 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #22 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven by Kevin & Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #24 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall (WaterBrook) is #28 on the paperback trade fiction list.

SIERRA FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

Please help us pass along some information to writers in the northern California area about the Sierra Foothills Christian Writers Conference. Sharon Souza, Katy Popa and I are planning the one day conference for October 2nd at Bayside Auburn Church in Auburn, CA. The website is http://sierrafoothillsconference.com and the cost is only $50, which includes lunch. Registration, schedules and other information are available at the website. We want to reach aspiring writers and those who have felt the gentle nudge of the Spirit but have never taken the first step. If you know of a writers group or individuals in the area who may benefit, please pass the word for us.
Thank you!
Debbie Thomas

ACT ONE IN CHICAGO

Act One is taking a road trip! It's Chicago or bust!

We're in town Sept. 23-25 to raise awareness about the program, and connect with strategic partners and potential students. Are you an Act One alumni or supporter living in Chicagoland? Then come out and see us at one of the below gatherings!

Do you have friends in Chicago you think should hear about Act One? Invite them to any of the following events:

Event #1

An Evening with Act One
with special guest David McFadzean, creator of "Home Improvement" and Act One Board Member 7pm Thursday, Sept. 23 Perennial Restaurant 1800 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
Hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and desserts will be served.
RSVP to admin@actoneprogram.com by Friday, September 10

More info on this event is available here:

www.actoneprogram.com/chicago

Event #2

Act One at Wheaton College
Hosted by: Act One Staff - Terence Berry and Justin Bell 10 am Saturday, Sept. 25 Exact location: TBD Pastries and coffee will be served.
RSVP to admin@actoneprogram.com by Wednesday, Sept. 22

More info on this event is available here:

www.actoneprogram.com/wheaton

Event #3

An Evening with Act One
Hosted by: Act One Staff - Terence Berry and Justin Bell 7 pm Saturday, Sept. 25 The Home of Steve & Valerie Bell
20842 Long Grove Rd.
Kildeer, IL 60047
Hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and desserts will be served.
RSVP to admin@actoneprogram.com by Friday, September 10

More info on this event is available here:

www.actoneprogram.com/kildeer

*****

We'd love the opportunity to connect with you and/or your Chicagoland friends, and share the exciting things Act One is up to!

*****

Also, Sept. 23-24 we'll have an informational booth at the Story Conference at Park Community Church in Chicago. David McFadzean will be speaking at the conference. For more information on the Story Conference, please visit: www.storychicago.com.

*****

If you'd like to volunteer at any or all of these events, contact Justin at justin@actoneprogram.com.

Warmly,

Justin Bell
Associate Director

Producing & Entertainment Executive Program
Act One: Hollywood Above the Line

Friday, September 3, 2010

MAGAZINES NO LONGER OPEN

The following periodicals are out of business, no longer accept freelance, or we were unable to contact:

Ancient Paths: Out of business. Page 299.

Angel Face: Out of business. Page 299.

Annals of Saint Anne: No freelance. Page 300.

Brethren In Christ: No freelance. Page 304.

The Evangelical Advocate: No freelance (has changed to an 8-page newsletter). Page 329.

In Part: No freelance. Page 341.

Pure Inspiration: Out of business. Page 365.

West Wind Review: No freelance. Page 380.

Kid Zone: No freelance. Page 387.

Passport: No freelance. Page 388.

Credo Magazine: No freelance. Page 424.

Come to the Fire Community Online Magazine: Out of business. Page 434.

MAGAZINE MARKET CHANGES

Canada Lutheran: No longer accepts fiction. Page 305.

Significant Living/Today’s Christian is now just called Significant Living. Today’s Christian has just been absorbed into that magazine. New info: 815-986-7337; fax 866-888-3072; peg@pegshort.com. Page 370.

The following periodicals have new contact information:

The Christian Response: happy2@arvig.net; drop Website. Page 317.

Homeschooling Today: 276-628-1686; fax 276-628-5811. Page 337.

Keys to Living: http://keystoliving.homestead.com (no www). Page 343.

Live: fax 417-863-1874. Page 346.

Marketplace: 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Ste. 3200, Plano TX 75075-8646. Page 349.

Point: 847-879-3217; point@convergeww.org; www.convergeworldwide.org. Page 361.

Christian Library Journal: 85785 Glenada Rd., Florence OR 97439; 541-991-2407; fax 866-422-8356. Page 394.

Momentum: 1005 N. Glebe Rd., Ste. 525, Arlington VA 22201-5792. Page 396.

Teachers of Vision: tov@ceai.org. Page 397.

East-West Church & Ministry Report: Asbury University, One Macklem Dr., Wilmore KY 40390; 859-858-2427; fax 859-858-2427; emark936@gmail.com. Page 401.

Risen Magazine: 9171 Towne Centre Dr., Ste. 460, San Diego CA 92122-6217. Page 428.

Extreme Woman Magazine: c/o Rochelle Valasek, 910 St. Andrews Dr., Apt. 1-13, Murphreesboro TN 37128. Page 435.

Hope for Women Magazine: 110 Main St., 3rd Fl., Burlington VT 05401; 802-861-8000; fax 802-861-8002. Page 437.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

GRANTS FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are over 1.5 million nonprofits in the United States, but only about 110,000 private, grant-making foundations. Of these grant makers, less than half accept grant applications and even fewer give to Christian ministries. In order for a Christian nonprofit to successfully compete for grant money, especially in this economy, they must be able to write compelling grant proposals, understand the current giving demographics, or know where else to look for support. This daunting process is made easier in a new book, "Grants for Christian Ministries and More."

Recently, Christian Foundation Grants, an online database that lists Christian grant makers and other nonprofit resources, published "Grants for Christian Ministries and More," a book designed to help Christian organizations advance to the next level in their funding. This book explains the grant writing process and more for Christian ministries -- a sector that most fundraising books neglect to address.

But this isn't just one person's ideas on grant writing: it is a collaborative work. Whether it is a New York lawyer, a Kansas community foundation president, or a California grant writer, the best at the fundraising craft were found and asked to contribute a chapter.

This book contains chapters on the grant process, writing a grant, preparing a budget, and applying for federal faith-based grants. But the book does not stop with those standard fundraising topics. The "and more" ranges from a chapter on the demographic issues behind the coming charity crisis, to starting a planned giving program, to creative alternatives to foundation giving.

As any ministry understands, fundraising is a necessary but difficult task. This book equips and encourages Christian ministries to accomplish the tasks they have been given. In one of the book's chapters, William High, the president of Servant Christian Community Foundation, reminds ministries of the goal of fundraising: "The ministry world has an unprecedented opportunity to capture wealth, including noncash assets, that will influence the spread of the Gospel."

William High, President of Servant Christian Community Foundation and Christian Foundation Grants, (www.servantchristian.com and 913-310-0279) is available for interviews.