NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS - WEEK OF MARCH 4

• THE VOW by Kim and Krickitt Carpenter with Dana Wilkerson (B&H Publishing Group) is #1 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, the paperback nonfiction list, the e-Book nonfiction list, and the combined print nonfiction list.
• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #2 on the paperback nonfiction list; #3 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list and the e-Book nonfiction list; #6 on the combined print nonfiction list; and #34 on the hardcover nonfiction list.
• SEXPERIMENT by Ed and Lisa Young (FaithWords) is #3 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
• HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #4 on the children’s picture book list.
• ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #6 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
• CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #8 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• THE RESOLUTION FOR MEN by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Randy Alcorn (B&H Books) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #9 on the paperback trade fiction list; and #32 on the combined print fiction list.
• EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #9 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
• THROUGH MY EYES: A QUARTERBACK’S JOURNEY (Young Readers Edition) by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (Zondervan) is #10 on the children’s chapter book list.
• THE RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN by Priscilla Shirer (B&H Books) is #11 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• THROUGH MY EYES by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins Publishers) is #12 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #16 on the combined print nonfiction list; and #20 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.
• THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Books) is #15 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• BONHOEFFER by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #26 on the paperback nonfiction list.
• AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #31 on the hardcover nonfiction list.
• KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (Howard) is #35 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

E-BOOK SALES RISE

Despite slowing growth rates in the final quarter of 2011, e-book sales rose 117% for the year, generating revenue of $969.9 million at the companies that report sales to the Association of American Publishers. Sales in all trade print segments fell in the year, however, with the mass market paperback segment showing the largest decline with sales from reporting houses down almost 36%, to $431.5 million. Adult hardcover and trade paperback sales were off 17.5% and 15.6%, respectively. In children’s, the YA/hardcover segment sales fell 4.7% and paperback sales fell 12.7%.

 

 The religion segment had a solid year, with sales up 8.4% in all formats. And in audio, physical audio sales fell 8.1% at reporting companies, while downloadable audio rose 25.5% for the year.

 

In December, e-book sales rose 72% and the AAP noted that based a seasonal buying patterns it expects e-book sales to show strong gains in January and possible February as well as new digital device owners buy more titles.  In the month, sales of children’s hardcover books rose, but sales fell in the other trade categories.

ANDY BUTCHER LEAVES "CHRISTIAN RETAILING"

Andy Butcher is stepping down as editor of Christian Retailing magazine after almost nine years in the role. He has resigned, effective Wednesday, Feb. 29, “to explore some new opportunities and challenges.”

A former newspaper reporter who served in a communications role with missionary organization Youth With a Mission before joining Christian Retailing’s sister publication, Charisma magazine, in 1999, Butcher said: “It’s been a great privilege to serve an industry that is part of helping share the gospel through Christian resources.”

Steve Strang, owner and publisher of Christian Retailing, said: “Butcher has been a valuable member of Charisma Media’s editorial team for 12 years. We are proud of the job he’s done as editor of Christian Retailing during a time of great change in our industry. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Said Butcher: “I have the highest regard for publishers, other suppliers and retailers who are holding to their mission and calling in the midst of great changes for the industry, and look forward to continuing my involvement in a different capacity.”

The new editor will be announced in a future issue of Christian Retailing and Christian Retailing Update.

 

CAROLINA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

The Carolina Christian Writers Conference will be held at First Baptist Spartanburg, Friday, April 20-21. This two-day event will offer you the opportunity to learn from professionals in the publishing industry. Those who attend can learn about fiction, nonfiction, article writing, humor, children's writing, book proposals, social networking and more. Discover how to take your story from idea to the printed page. Pitch your work to editors and publishers. Explore the mechanics of good writing and the importance of writing with excellence to change the world. Now is the time to realize your dream of being a published author.   Everyone has a story and now may be the time to learn how to tell yours. Join us for two information and inspiration packed days as you spend time with editors, publishers, and professional writers. Let them help you explore ways to share your story with others. Visit the webpage www.fbs.org/writersconference for more details. Writing for Him,   Linda Gilden   Director, Carolina Christian Writers Conference Details   Cost is $125 and includes all workshops, tuition, meeting time with professionals, and snacks. Lodging is not included. (Please let us know if you need suggestions.)    Early bird price: $100 by February 29. Some scholarships are available. Register by calling 864.699.4314 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            864.699.4314      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or online atwww.fbs.org/writersconference  Special Saturday Morning Pastors Workshop Pastors, join us for the 9:00 a.m. Keynote session and stay for an information packed workshop with Leonard Goss, former editor at B&H Publishing Group, now coowner of GoodEditors.com. Learn how to take your message from pulpit to print. Cost $20 and does not include appointments with professionals, conference materials, or meals.  For more details and a list of faculty and workshops visit www.fbs.org/writersconference  Character Contest     Have you ever pictured yourself as a character in a book?  Here's your chance. Enter the Carolina Christian Writers Conference  Character Contest. Submit the first three sentences of your original suspense novel. Entries will be judged by award-winning novelist Lynette Eason. Winner will have a character named for him or her in one of Lynette's future novels. Turn your entry in by lunch Saturday. There will be a box on the book table for the entries. Winner will be announced at the closing session on Saturday. Manuscript Critique Professionals are available to critique your manuscript in all genres. Cost of critique is $40. See Candy Arrington when you arrive. Questions? E-mail cnansptbg@aol.com Save with the Early Bird Special Tuition $100 if paid by February 29. $125 after February 29 Offer Expires: 2/29/12                                          Register by calling 699.4314 or atwww.fbs.org/writersconference

CHANGES AT CHRISTIANITY TODAY

Christianity Today International, the nonprofit organization that serves over 2.5 million readers every month through award-winning content in publications and web resources such as Christianity Today magazine and Leadership Journal, has rebranded as Christianity Today -- a global media ministry.

The rebranding, which includes a new visual identity and the launch of a new ministry website, ChristianityToday.org, reflects the powerful history of the flagship magazine, Christianity Today, and creates a clear connecting point for all of the ministry's brands.

"We pray that the biblical, balanced, and thoughtful content we strive to create in all of our resources inspires and mobilizes the church and its leaders," says Harold Smith, President and CEO of Christianity Today. "When Christianity Today magazine was first published in 1956, print was our only option. However, with today's technology, we serve millions of Christians every month through a variety of digital, mobile and print platforms. Therefore, a new identity and new initiatives focused on the future of the global church are necessary to accurately reflect the depth and breadth of Christianity Today as a ministry."

With the rebranding, readers and friends of Christianity Today can expect the same powerful content from their favorite publications and resources, as well as other opportunities to engage with the ministry through two new initiatives Smith references: 

This Is Our City: The three-year multimedia project "This Is Our City" focuses on six diverse metropolitan areas throughout the United States, giving a comprehensive picture of cultural renewal in business, government, public health, education and the arts by Christians who are shaping American society in creative, dynamic and sacrificial ways. The project includes a social platform for stories of cultural investment driven by Christian commitment.

Global Gospel Project: Christianity Today's "Global Gospel Project" is a multi-year, multimedia initiative that will provide the 21st century evangelical church with compelling ways and means of re-engaging the great doctrines of the church so that men and women will more deeply grasp, in both mind and heart, the astounding love of God in Jesus Christ. This in turn will not only ground them more securely in their faith, but also energize them to share the gospel in word and deed ever more faithfully in the world.

For more information or interview requests regarding Christianity Today's rebranding and new initiatives, contact Cory Whitehead, Director of Brand and Digital Marketing, at cwhitehead@christianitytoday.com or 630-260-6200 x4220. 

10 COMPELLING REASONS YOU SHOULD ATTEND MOUNT HERMON

From Mary DeMuth:

When it comes to your career, you must invest in it to create more opportunities. When I first attended Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in 2003, I was unpublished in terms of books. I wrote a column for a small local newspaper and had a few freelancing successes with print magazines. I’d attended several critique group meetings and participated in one local conference. And I’d written my first novel.

After asking advice from other writers, I realized that to take my career to the next level, I needed to find the money to go to a national conference. My whole writing life changed the day I stepped onto the redwood-laden grounds of Mount Hermon. Truly.

I would not be where I am today without Mount Hermon.

There, I met my first literary agent, who ushered me into book publishing. I met some of my very best friends in the whole wide world. I made friends with several people in the industry, relationships that have blossomed over the years. (I’ve even written for some of them, collaborated with others, and formed deep connections with many.)

Why Mount Hermon? Here are ten compelling reasons why you should prayerfully consider attending:

1. Liz Curtis Higgs, one of the best speakers I’ve heard, is the keynote queen. I cannot wait to hear her. She’ll have you crying one minute, busting stitches in hilarity the next.
2. Many of the major publishers will be represented at this conference. While you  normally can’t query a publisher without an agent, that process is changed at Mount Hermon. You can meet directly with them. Publishers include: Thomas Nelson, Baker/Revell, Standard Publishing, Harvest House Publishers, Hensley Publishing, WaterBrook/Multnomah Publishing Group, Beacon Hill Press, Zondervan, and AMG International.
3. There will be several literary agents at Mount Hermon, looking for new clients.Agents include Karen Ball, Diana Flegal, Janet Kobobel Grant, Joel Kneedler, Steve Laube, Wendy Lawton, Barbara Scott, and Les Stobbe. Each of these agents is a catch. They’re the real deal, and they work hard for their clients.
4. The gateway to book publication is having publishing credits in well known magazines.So it’s really great to have these publications represented: Christianity Today, Guideposts, Focus on the Family, Daysrping cards, Advanced Christian Writer, The Christian Communicator, Gospel Roads, and The Upper Room.
5. With your registration, you get free access to folks who are professional writers who will critique your work. This is invaluable and is worth the price of admission. You cannot grow in your craft if you don’t have professionals take an unbiased look at your work. The critique is open for business every day so you can walk in and show your staggering work of genius.
6. There are mentoring tracks as well, where you get intensive assistance and help on your WIP (work in progress.) You can even come early for the Head Start Mentoring Clinic. I’m leading a head start group and a conference group, both in fiction. I’d LOVE to see you in my group!
7. You can choose from some highly informative tracks. Here’s a listing.  I’d encourage you to take a track that will truly benefit you, one that you don’t yet have mastery of yet.
8. The surroundings are breathtaking. The air smells of evergreen. The trees tower higher than you expect. The spring blooms shock you with their vibrancy. There are several trails if you need to get away and recharge.
9. The food is A. Maz. Ing. You won’t find better camp food. It’s balanced, fresh, creative, and plentiful.
10. The people rock. You will meet new friends you’ll make FOR LIFE. I am not exaggerating. I trace many of my most significant friendships back to Mount Hermon.

Besides all this, I’m just selfish and I’d like to meet you.So please prayerfully consider registering today.

March30-April 3. www.mounthermon.org/writers.

shareshareshareshare

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 19

• HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list, the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, the e-Book nonfiction list; #3 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #16 on the hardcover nonfiction list.
• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #5 on the children's picture book list.
• ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #4 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
• EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
• CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #6 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• THROUGH MY EYES by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #7 on the hardcover nonfiction list, #9 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; #13 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #19 on the e-Book nonfiction list.
• THROUGH MY EYES: A QUARTERBACK'S JOURNEY by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (Zondervan) is #7 on the children's chapter books list.
• THE RESOLUTION FOR MEN by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Randy Alcorn (B&H Books) is #8 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• THE RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN by Priscilla Shirer (B&H Books) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• ENTRELEADERSHIP by Dave Ramsey (Howard) is #9 on the monthly hardcover business book list.
• THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (Charisma Media/FrontLine) is #10 on the paperback trade fiction list; and #34 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list.
• THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #11 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• RADICAL by David Platt (Multnomah) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
• REAL MARRIAGE by Mark and Grace Driscoll (Thomas Nelson) is #12 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
• HOW DO YOU KILL 11 MILLION PEOPLE? by Andy Andrews (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the hardcover advice & misc. list; and #8 on the monthly political book list.
• TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the monthly hardcover business book list.
• KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (Howard) is #23 on the hardcover nonfiction list; and #27 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.
• COURAGEOUS by Randy Alcorn (Tyndale) is #34 on the paperback trade fiction list.
• AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard Books) is #35 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

INKTIP PITCHING AND NETWORKING SUMMIT

We are very pleased to announce the legendary John Truby, Hollywood’s premier and most sought-after screenwriting instructor and story consultant, will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming InkTip Pitching and Networking Summit! John will be teaching two exclusive master classes on Friday, March 30th, 2012.

Over the last 25 years, more than 35,000 writers have attended Truby’s sold-out seminars around the world, with the American Film Institute declaring that “Truby’s course allows a writer to succeed in the fiercely competitive climate of Hollywood.” Called “the most authoritative voice on story in film and TV,” Truby regularly serves as a story consultant for major studios and production companies worldwide, and has been a script doctor on more than 1,000 movies, sitcoms and television dramas for the likes of Disney, Sony Pictures, FOX, HBO, Alliance Atlantis, Paramount, the BBC, MTV and more.
Truby’s former students’ work includes the writers, directors and producers of such blockbusters as In Treatment, Pirates of the Caribbean, District 9, Mary Mother of Christ (2012 with Al Pacino), The Family Guy, Ratatouille, X–Men I/II/III, Shrek, The Academy Awards, The Surrogate, House, Lost, Planet of the Apes, Scream, The West Wing, The Fantastic Four, The Negotiator, Star Wars, Sleepless in Seattle, Outbreak, African Cats (which Truby co-wrote for Disney in 2011) and more.

Truby’s class is known as the “writer’s writing class” because it’s taken by so many top working writers in television and film.

Check out this fantastic interview with Truby where he discusses what it takes for InkTip writers to write a great script. For the full, unabridged interview, please visit Truby’s site and don’t forget to sign up for John’s upcoming classes in LA (March 9-11, 2012) and NY (March 23-25, 2012).

CASTRO VALLEY WRITERS SEMINAR

  The 19^th Christian Writers Seminar, Feb. 17-18, 2012, in Castro Valley, will feature 48 writing workshops on many genres of writing including fiction, articles, storytelling, personal experience, and writing for children. We have added a track just for teen writers that will be way fun!

James Watkins is the keynoter on the theme Communicate to Change Lives. Sample the website at www.christianwriter.org

If you like the Facebook format, here is a snapshot of some of our personalities https://www.facebook.com/ChristianWritersSeminar

Questions? Call Jon Drury (510-886-6300x212) or email him at jdrury@redwoodchapel.org.

The Carolina Christian Writers Conference will be held at First Baptist Spartanburg, Friday, April 20-21. This two-day event will offer you the opportunity to learn from professionals in the publishing industry. Those who attend can learn about fiction, nonfiction, article writing, humor, children's writing, book proposals, social networking and more. Discover how to take your story from idea to the printed page. Pitch your work to editors and publishers. Explore the mechanics of good writing and the importance of writing with excellence to change the world. Now is the time to realize your dream of being a published author.   Everyone has a story and now may be the time to learn how to tell yours. Join us for two information and inspiration packed days as you spend time with editors, publishers, and professional writers. Let them help you explore ways to share your story with others. Visit the webpage www.fbs.org/writersconference for more details. Writing for Him,   Linda Gilden   Director, Carolina Christian Writers Conference Details   Cost is $125 and includes all workshops, tuition, meeting time with professionals, and snacks. Lodging is not included. (Please let us know if you need suggestions.)    Early bird price: $100 by February 29. Some scholarships are available. Register by calling 864.699.4314 or online atwww.fbs.org/writersconference  Special Saturday Morning Pastors Workshop Pastors, join us for the 9:00 a.m. Keynote session and stay for an information packed workshop with Leonard Goss, former editor at B&H Publishing Group, now coowner of GoodEditors.com. Learn how to take your message from pulpit to print. Cost $20 and does not include appointments with professionals, conference materials, or meals.  For more details and a list of faculty and workshops visit www.fbs.org/writersconference  Character Contest     Have you ever pictured yourself as a character in a book?  Here's your chance. Enter the Carolina Christian Writers Conference  Character Contest. Submit the first three sentences of your original suspense novel. Entries will be judged by award-winning novelist Lynette Eason. Winner will have a character named for him or her in one of Lynette's future novels. Turn your entry in by lunch Saturday. There will be a box on the book table for the entries. Winner will be announced at the closing session on Saturday. Manuscript Critique Professionals are available to critique your manuscript in all genres. Cost of critique is $40. See Candy Arrington when you arrive. Questions? E-mail cnansptbg@aol.com Save with the Early Bird Special Tuition $100 if paid by February 29. $125 after February 29 Offer Expires: 2/29/12                                          Register by calling 699.4314 or atwww.fbs.org/writersconference

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HEAVEN IS FOR REAL IN TOP SPOT

Since its release in November 2010, “Heaven Is for Real” by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent has become a publishing phenomenon. For the week of January 29, 2012, “Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” will be listed as the #1 “nonfiction paperback” on the New York Times Best Seller List – its 52nd week (non-consecutive) in the top spot and a record for Thomas Nelson, Inc. 

NEW CHRISTIAN ACTING STUDIO

I have this new Studio in Los Angeles called Holy Wood Acting Studio. In addition to improving their acting skills and providing aspiring actors with the necessary tools to excel as professionals, we teach them how to love themselves as much as God loves them which will give the future actor really strong confidence in our Personal Growth and Development program. We train our students to be powerful leaders since their career as actors naturally requires them to lead masses from the screen in our Leadership program. In Health and Fitness integrated with Theology of the Body students become aware of their own dignity and rediscover their beauty. They learn to enhance and maintain their body with exciting classes and exercises challenging them to become the awesome person God intended for them to be. This all encompassing program will give students the strength needed not only to avoid the dangers of fame and money but to be stewards of these gifts in a great way to lead and to bring light to millions. We understand that acting is not only a job, its a calling. 
I
Carlos Espinosa 
CEO/President 
Holy Wood Acting Studio 
www.holywoodactingstudio.com