- HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #3 on the paperback nonfiction list; #8 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #12 on the combined print & e-Book nonfiction list; and #14 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.
- TO HEAVEN AND BACK by Mary C. Neal (WaterBrook) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE by Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller (Penguin Group) is #3 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #5 on the combined print & e-Book nonfiction list.
- THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #6 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- GOD LOVES YOU by David Jeremiah. (FaithWords) is #7 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #8 on the paperback trade fiction list; and #34 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list.
- UNGLUED by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #11 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- HEAVEN CHANGES EVERYTHING by Todd & Sonja Burpo (Thomas Nelson) is #11 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #12 on paperback advice & misc. list.
- LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (Howard) is #15 on the paperback nonfiction list.
- ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #15 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Monday, October 29, 2012
NY TIMES BEST SELLER FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4
RANDOM HOUSE & PENGUIN MERGE
In a deal that had been months in the making, Pearson and Bertelsmann announced Monday morning that they have signed an agreement to form a joint venture that will combine the businesses of Random House and Penguin. The deal, which is expected to close in the second half of 2013, will make Penguin Group chairman John Makinson chairman of the newly named Penguin Random House company, while Random House chairman and CEO Markus Dohle will be CEO.
Under the terms of the agreement, Bertelsmann will own 53% of the joint venture and Pearson will own 47%. The joint venture will exclude Bertelsmann’s trade publishing business in Germany, and Pearson will retain rights to use the Penguin brand in education markets worldwide. Bertelsmann will nominate five directors to the board of Penguin Random House, and Pearson will nominate four.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
ROSE PUBLISHING LAUNCHES ASPIRE PRESS
Best known for their four-color Bible reference products and subject-related pamphlets, Rose Publishing is expanding into Christian living products. "About 18 months ago we realized there were few publishers that had value-priced products for Christian facing personal problems," says Rose publisher Gretchen Goldsmith. "Everyone knows someone who is dealing with problems in life, including anger, abuse, addictions, marriage problems, and needing to forgive."
Aspire Press will publish a variety of formats ($2.99 booklets to $5.99 mini-books). "The average Christian buyer," says Goldsmith, "has a household income of less than $50,000. They just don't have the disposable income to pay $14.99 for a book."
Aspire Press will create easy-to-understand Christian products that help people grow in their faith by offering solutions to life's problems. People can purchase Aspire Press products on the Rose Publishing website starting December (www.rose-publishing.com). A series of 12 pamphlets by bestselling author Joni Eareckson Tada are already available on such topics as When Is It Right to Die, Suffering, Forgiveness, Prayer, Gratitude, Breaking the Bonds of Fear, and Loneliness.
By February 2013, Aspire will launch six mini-books by Michelle Borquez Thornton, the president of Moms that Matter, and national spokesperson for Beth Moore's Loving Well Television Special. Her topics are part of the Freedom Series and include divorce, abandonment, abortion, abuse, fear, and failure. Aspire will also release the first six of 25 booklets by June Hunt, founder of Hope for the Heart. "What we need is not just revelation," says Hunt, "we need transformation." Her initial booklets will cover topics of codependency, anger, depression, forgiveness, resolving conflict, and emotional abuse.
"We will roll out the changes in the next three month," says Goldsmith. Goldsmith is already encouraged by the results to the first six pamphlets by Joni Eareckson Tada which have sold twice as well the typical Bible reference pamphlet. "Rose has helped Christians understand the Bible" explains Goldsmith. "Now we will help Christians face life problems and overcome difficult circumstances by offering products that are affordable to the average Christian."
Aspire Press will publish a variety of formats ($2.99 booklets to $5.99 mini-books). "The average Christian buyer," says Goldsmith, "has a household income of less than $50,000. They just don't have the disposable income to pay $14.99 for a book."
Aspire Press will create easy-to-understand Christian products that help people grow in their faith by offering solutions to life's problems. People can purchase Aspire Press products on the Rose Publishing website starting December (www.rose-publishing.com). A series of 12 pamphlets by bestselling author Joni Eareckson Tada are already available on such topics as When Is It Right to Die, Suffering, Forgiveness, Prayer, Gratitude, Breaking the Bonds of Fear, and Loneliness.
By February 2013, Aspire will launch six mini-books by Michelle Borquez Thornton, the president of Moms that Matter, and national spokesperson for Beth Moore's Loving Well Television Special. Her topics are part of the Freedom Series and include divorce, abandonment, abortion, abuse, fear, and failure. Aspire will also release the first six of 25 booklets by June Hunt, founder of Hope for the Heart. "What we need is not just revelation," says Hunt, "we need transformation." Her initial booklets will cover topics of codependency, anger, depression, forgiveness, resolving conflict, and emotional abuse.
"We will roll out the changes in the next three month," says Goldsmith. Goldsmith is already encouraged by the results to the first six pamphlets by Joni Eareckson Tada which have sold twice as well the typical Bible reference pamphlet. "Rose has helped Christians understand the Bible" explains Goldsmith. "Now we will help Christians face life problems and overcome difficult circumstances by offering products that are affordable to the average Christian."
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
SELF-PUBLISHING SEES GROWTH
DO IT YOURSELF: Self-Publishing Sees Triple-Digit Growth Since 2007 (STATS JUST RELEASED, Oct 24, 2012, IN PW)
The number of self-published books produced annually in the U.S. has nearly tripled, growing 287% since 2006, with 235,625 print and e titles released in 2011, according to a new analysis of data from Bowker. The research found that while production increases are occurring in both print and e-book formats, the latter is driving the greatest percentage gains. It also shows that while self-publishing may seem like a cottage industry, it is dominated by large firms that offer publishing services to individual authors.
Bowker’s research into self-publishing was prompted by an earlier study that showed 2011’s 148,424 self-published print books representedabout 43% of that year’s total traditional print output. While print accounts for 63% of self-published books, e-books are gaining fast. E-book production in 2011 was 87,201, up 129% over 2006. Print grew 33% in the same period.
While self-publishing is a DIY undertaking, Bowker’s analysis shows its infrastructure is made up of a handful of large firms. In 2011, CreateSpace dominated the print segment, supporting the creation of 58,412 titles (39% of self-published print books). Smashwords topped the e-book producers with 40,608 titles (nearly 47% of total self-published e-books). The combined divisions of Author Solutions (now part of Penguin Group) produced a total of 47,094 titles and Lulu Enterprises checks in with 38,005 titles. The Bowker analysis shows that beyond these four players, no company has more than 10% of market share.
Small presses, a category that is defined as publishers who have produced 10 or fewer books, accounted for 34,107 self-published titles in 2011 divided between 21,256 print books and 12,851 e-books. [Bowker's "Self-Publishing Report" is available athttp://www.bookconsumer.com/.]
The number of self-published books produced annually in the U.S. has nearly tripled, growing 287% since 2006, with 235,625 print and e titles released in 2011, according to a new analysis of data from Bowker. The research found that while production increases are occurring in both print and e-book formats, the latter is driving the greatest percentage gains. It also shows that while self-publishing may seem like a cottage industry, it is dominated by large firms that offer publishing services to individual authors.
Bowker’s research into self-publishing was prompted by an earlier study that showed 2011’s 148,424 self-published print books representedabout 43% of that year’s total traditional print output. While print accounts for 63% of self-published books, e-books are gaining fast. E-book production in 2011 was 87,201, up 129% over 2006. Print grew 33% in the same period.
While self-publishing is a DIY undertaking, Bowker’s analysis shows its infrastructure is made up of a handful of large firms. In 2011, CreateSpace dominated the print segment, supporting the creation of 58,412 titles (39% of self-published print books). Smashwords topped the e-book producers with 40,608 titles (nearly 47% of total self-published e-books). The combined divisions of Author Solutions (now part of Penguin Group) produced a total of 47,094 titles and Lulu Enterprises checks in with 38,005 titles. The Bowker analysis shows that beyond these four players, no company has more than 10% of market share.
Small presses, a category that is defined as publishers who have produced 10 or fewer books, accounted for 34,107 self-published titles in 2011 divided between 21,256 print books and 12,851 e-books. [Bowker's "Self-Publishing Report" is available athttp://www.bookconsumer.com/.]
Monday, October 22, 2012
NY TIMES BESTSELLERS FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 28
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list; #4 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #5 on the combined print & e-Book nonfiction list; and #7 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.- TO HEAVEN AND BACK by Mary C. Neal (WaterBrook) is #2 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- GOD LOVES YOU by David Jeremiah. (FaithWords) is #3 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #5 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #9 on the paperback trade fiction list; and #30 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list.
- UNGLUED by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #11 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #11 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- HEAVEN CHANGES EVERYTHING by Todd & Sonja Burpo (Thomas Nelson) is #12 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (Howard) is #13 on the paperback nonfiction list.
- THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Books) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #15 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #32 on the paperback nonfiction list.
From ECPA's Rush to Press at ecpanews.org/rush
Sunday, October 21, 2012
L MAGAZINE NEEDS ARTICLES
L Magazine is a bimonthly with 32-pages per issue printed by Logos Productions, Inver Grove Heights, MN, and mailed free to 16,000 ELCA (Lutheran) congregations. It is supported by advertising. Writers need to be Christian, but not Lutheran.
As you will see in the online version (http://www.lmagazine.net/?page_id=19), the magazine features creative artwork in lush colors.
As you will also discover, its basic format is a lead article (1500 words), two articles generally related to or contrasting with the lead.
Each issue also has some departments, such as humor, worship, church in context, arts, and resources (which has an editor).
The Jan.-Feb. 2013 issue focuses on Walter Bruggemann's THE PRACTICE OF PROPHETIC IMAGINATION. The original prophets offered a covental alternative to the royal consciousness of the Jerusalem establishment. Such preaching today contrasts God's alternative community against the exploitative freewheeling or regulated (God's community is neither Republican nor Democrat) communities.
Other articles (also 750-words; what we have called "departments") focus on the church year seasons and cultural calendar. Humor, for example, is a good story well-told that brings a smile. For the Jan.-Feb. 2013 issue, this story might be on Valentine's Day, whereas the day is not celebrated in Protestant churches.
The March-April 2013 issue has as its lead article Jurgen Moltmann's THE ETHICS OF HOPE, excerpting a passage on "The Resurrection of Life." This relates to the Lent, Holy Week, and Easter themes in those two months.
All pieces address Christian ministry, both ordained and lay, and have an immediate usage. Humor could be used at the start of a Bible study or in a sermon.
The Jan.-Feb. 2013 issue needs manuscripts due around Nov. 15, 2012, and then every two months afterward (Jan. 15, 2013; March 13, 2013; etc.).
I hope that you have something nearly ready to go that could be used now or in the near future.
Tim
=================================
Timothy Staveteig
9764 Gates Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44105
1-888-317-7270
Saturday, October 20, 2012
WRITING CLASSES - GUEST BLOG
Writing
Classes Can Transform Your Craft
I'm
always shocked whenever I come across fellow writers and authors who
don't take writing classes. Why? Well, enrolling in writing classes
is one of the best ways writers of all ages and experience levels can
improve their skills. And you don't have to be a student at a
university or college in order to sign up for writing classes.
Whether you know it or not, there are writing classes all around you;
you just need to know where to find them. If you have the time,
taking a writing class can be extremely beneficial. Should you be
interested in improving your writing, here are three different
"classes" you should definitely enroll in.
Meetups
Have
you ever visited Meetup.com? If you're a professional writer, you
definitely should! Every day, thousands of freelance writers and
published authors log on to this popular website to seek out
different writing groups and clubs they can join. Many of these
writing Meetup groups also feature interesting, helpful classes that
members are encouraged to take advantage of. Although no writing
Meetup group is the same, many of the groups feature writing
exercises, editing sessions, revising practices, one-on-one feedback
meetings, and brainstorming sessions. Sure, meeting with a group of
individuals you've never met before may feel strange at first, but
over time you'll realize you're a part of a fellowship of writers
that can assist you in creating amazing work!
Mentor
sessions
If
meeting with a large group of people doesn't suit you, then maybe you
should try meeting one-on-one with a few mentors. In the early years
of my career, I meet publishers, editors, authors, illustrators,
poets, and freelance writers that I deeply respected. Over time, I
recruited many of them to be my writing mentors, and through the
years they've been an absolute blessing to me. Whenever I'd start a
new book or short story, I'd ask them to share their honest feedback
with me regarding my early rough drafts. Most all of them gave me
useful, articulate advice that helped me hone and develop my writing
skills. Do yourself a favor and find 2-5 different mentors you can
turn to whenever you start a new writing project. They'll probably be
extremely flattered and more than willing to help you if you ask them
nicely.
Writing
classes online
I
used to be pretty hesitant about taking writing classes online, but
once I enrolled in an online fiction-writing class two years ago, I
was blown away by how thorough and helpful it turned out to be.
Online classes aren't only featured at online colleges and
universities; in fact, you can take online writing classes from a
number of respectable educational websites. The best news of all is
that many of these online writing classes are free of charge, so you
won't have to worry about going broke while taking them. Lastly,
online writing classes adhere to all lifestyles, schedules, and ages,
so no matter where you are in your life, online writing classes will
definitely work for you.
If
you plan on becoming the best writer you can be, you should focus on
pushing yourself forward. Seize these three class options and you'll
see your writing improve in strides.
Patricia
Garza is an education blogger and freelance writer for oedb.org.
She is passionate about all things education related and regularly
writes about regionally accredited online schools. Patricia uses her
knowledge of the online education world to help students and
graduates make the most of their degree experience. You can reach her
in the comments below.
http://oedb.org/library/choosing-a-school/online-college-accreditation
Friday, October 19, 2012
CHRISTIANITY TODAY HONORED
CAROL STREAM, Ill., Oct. 19, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Religion Newswriters Association (RNA) presented its 2012 awards at its annual conference that honors the year's best in religion reporting, design, and commentary. The global media ministry of Christianity Today received 5 awards, including second place in the Magazine of the Year category for Christianity Todaymagazine.
Christian Newswire
David Neff, Christianity Today editor in chief and vice president says, "These awards come from the top professional organization for religion journalists, both secular and religious. We're very proud of this year's honor."
Below is the full listing of Christianity Today's 2012 RNA awards:
Magazine of the Year: Overall Excellence in Religion Coverage
Second Place: Christianity Today
Magazine Religion Story Layout and Design of the Year
First Place: Christianity Today for "Portland's Quiet Abolitionists" This Is Our City package (November 2011):
Magazine Religion Graphic or Illustration of the Year
Second Place: Christianity Today for "Muslims and the Son of God" cover (February 2011)
Magazine Religion News Report of the Year
First Place: Ruth Moon of Christianity Today for three stories:
• "Pushing Back the Desert: Niger's Christians Get Creative for Daily Bread" (April 2011)
Below is the full listing of Christianity Today's 2012 RNA awards:
Magazine of the Year: Overall Excellence in Religion Coverage
Second Place: Christianity Today
Magazine Religion Story Layout and Design of the Year
First Place: Christianity Today for "Portland's Quiet Abolitionists" This Is Our City package (November 2011):
Magazine Religion Graphic or Illustration of the Year
Second Place: Christianity Today for "Muslims and the Son of God" cover (February 2011)
Magazine Religion News Report of the Year
First Place: Ruth Moon of Christianity Today for three stories:
• "Pushing Back the Desert: Niger's Christians Get Creative for Daily Bread" (April 2011)
• "Aid on the Edges" (Oct 2011)
• "Exit Visa: Iraqi Christians Look for Safe Haven" (April 2011):
Chandler Award for Student Religion Reporter of the Year
First Place: Catherine Newhouse of the University of Missouri for her Christianity Today article "Pentecostal Renewal Transforms Rwanda after Genocide"(December 2011)
A full list of 2012 RNA awards can be found at the association's website.
Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry that serves the church through digital and print publications, as well as practical and accessible web resources that together reach more than 2.5 million people every month.
Chandler Award for Student Religion Reporter of the Year
First Place: Catherine Newhouse of the University of Missouri for her Christianity Today article "Pentecostal Renewal Transforms Rwanda after Genocide"(December 2011)
A full list of 2012 RNA awards can be found at the association's website.
Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry that serves the church through digital and print publications, as well as practical and accessible web resources that together reach more than 2.5 million people every month.
10 BEST SITES FOR CHRISTIAN WRITERS
It
can be difficult, as a Christian, to find a great site to write for
that an offer support of your beliefs and praises your faith.
However, there are many to choose from, if you know where to look and
depending on what kind of Christian writing you want to do.
1 WiseBread.com – This community of writers focuses on living frugally. If you are living on a tight budget and want to help support others trying to live better on less, consider joining the team of bloggers making a difference.
2 FaithWriters.com – This site is a faith strengthening place for Christian writers. Their tagline states that they are a safe and nurturing place for people of faith. Here you can apply to join the team or find a Christian writer for your project.
3 ChristianWriters.com – This is more of a forum and blogging site to encourage other writers of faith and provide a safe place to share encouragement and ideas among Christian writers.
4 ChristianStoryTeller.com – This site is designed for Christian book writers. While they do have strict guidelines for applicants and members alike, they promise to be s support network for emerging and veteran authors of Christian stories.
5 UtmostChristianWriters.com – Is a non-profit organization with the purpose of assisting Christian writers to reach their dreams and aspirations. It is founded on and supported by those who are reaching their dreams in Christian writing from poetry and short stories to book writing and more.
6 ChristianWriters.org.uk – Here you can find inspiration, stories, words of encouragement and more. If you are a Christian writer looking for professional advice, resources, and events, this is the place to go. Beginners and published authors are welcome and will find fellowship, support, and other useful advice tools, networking, opportunities, and more. The site is open to pre-authors, authors, and publishers of the Christian sort.
7 ChristianManuscriptSubmissions.com – This service is created by the top Christian writers and publishers who are looking for a traditional royalty based relationship. Writers can submit their manuscripts and proposals in a secure manner for review by the top editors from Christian publishing houses and members of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.
8 XulonPress.com – With over 10,000 published Christian authors since 2001, they may be the largest Christian Self-Publishing company. Xulon is owned and operated by Salem Communications. If you are in search of one of the top Christian Based publishers, this could be the answer to your prayers.
9 NWChristianWriters.org – Founded in April of 1990, this non-for-profit is a board-governed support organization for Christian writers. Their membership includes authors and new writers and promises encouragement for those who are emerging for the first time. Their collective base includes homemakers, full-time writers, moonlighters, retirees, and other men and women of faith from all walks of life and career.
10 CWAHM.com – Owned by Jill Hart, this site lists daily job opportunities for homemakers of faith looking to supplement their family’s income with writing income. Jill posts opportunities and their details on her site everyday along with words of encouragement.
With a little finger grease at your keyboard, you can find many more listings for Christian men and women to gain support of their writing and faith. Strengthen your life, ministry, and faith by joining like-minded individuals and offering your words of encouragement and wisdom to their communities of faithful people.
Author
Bio
Nancy
Parker was a professional nanny and she loves to write about wide
range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, Babysitting,
nanny, www.enannysource.com/
etc. You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com
Thursday, October 18, 2012
RISKEY NAMED CBA PRESIDENT
CBA, the association for Christian retail, promoted Curtis Riskey from executive director to president during a recent board meeting.
“The appointment is an affirmation by the board of Riskey’s leadership, role in the industry and job performance in running the association these past three years,” said CBA Board Chairman George Thomsen. Thomsen, director of the Harvest Bookstore and Café (Riverside, CA), has led the board during a dramatic association turnaround the past three years, which has seen innovative changes in internal operations and the International Christian Retail Show, CBA’s annual trade show.
Riskey said he is humbled and honored by the support of the board, and credited a team effort by the board and staff to shift CBA’s direction.
He said CBA will be focusing on strategic direction and growth in coming years not only for the association but especially for the industry of Christian stores and their trading partners who create Christian resources and materials.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
NY TIMES BESTSELLERS LIST - OCTOBER 21
THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.- HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #4 on the paperback nonfiction list; #14 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #20 on the combined print & e-Book nonfiction list; and #25 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.
- CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #4 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- GOD LOVES YOU by David Jeremiah. (FaithWords) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #6 on the paperback trade fiction list; and #22 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list.
- UNGLUED by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #6 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- TO HEAVEN AND BACK by Mary C. Neal (WaterBrook) is #8 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- FULL DISCLOSURE by Dee Henderson (Bethany House Publishers) is #11 on the paperback trade fiction list;#35 on the combined pring & e-Book fiction list.
- THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Books) is #11 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- RADICAL by David Platt (Multnomah) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #13 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (Howard) is #16 on the paperback nonfiction list.
- THE BRIDESMAID by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House Publishers) is #31 on the paperback trade fiction list.
From ECPA's Rush to Press at ecpanews.org/rush
HARPERCOLLINS CREATES ONE FICTION TEAM
HarperCollins Christian Publishing announced last week the division will operate with one Fiction team, responsible for both the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan brands, headed by VP and Publisher Daisy Hutton. “This is an era of unprecedented challenge and opportunity for Fiction publishing. The Thomas Nelson and Zondervan brands each have a rich heritage. We intend to build on that heritage by developing more distinctive, stronger identities for each brand. We will use the assets that both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan bring to the division to create a dynamic, scaled publishing program where authors will be both energized and nurtured,” said Hutton. More
WD CONTEST DEADLINE EXTENDED
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Tuesday, October 9, 2012
SANTA BARBARA WRITERS CONFERENCE
It's October, the leaves are turning color and swirling around at the least hint of wind. This makes me think of fall and our special event at this time of year: the Santa Barbara Christian Writers Conference at Westmont College. This year's event will be held on October 20, 2012. Please visit our new website for all of the details and the registration form. www.CWGSB.com
This is the best time in history to write that story or share your special knowledge. There has never been a time more needful for the Good News of Jesus is Lord to be broadcast throughout the world. Maybe yours is a fiction book with the gospel tucked in between the lines, or an adventure tale of your exciting life with Christ. With all the wonderful technology we have at our disposal, this is also the easiest time to publish your work.
Writing, publishing, marketing, we cover it all at the 15th annual Christian Writers Conference.
Make your reservation today. You will be so happy you did!
This is the best time in history to write that story or share your special knowledge. There has never been a time more needful for the Good News of Jesus is Lord to be broadcast throughout the world. Maybe yours is a fiction book with the gospel tucked in between the lines, or an adventure tale of your exciting life with Christ. With all the wonderful technology we have at our disposal, this is also the easiest time to publish your work.
Writing, publishing, marketing, we cover it all at the 15th annual Christian Writers Conference.
Make your reservation today. You will be so happy you did!
Monday, October 8, 2012
NY TIMES CHRISTIAN BESTSELLERS WEEK OF 0CTOBER 14
- HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #2 on the paperback nonfiction list; #19 on the combined print & e-Book nonfiction list; #20 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #22 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.
- THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #4 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #6 on the paperback trade fiction list; and #17 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list.
- UNGLUED by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #7 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- TO HEAVEN AND BACK by Mary C. Neal (WaterBrook) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #13 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Books) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (Howard) is #14 on the paperback nonfiction list.
- THE BRIDESMAID by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House Publishers) is #23 on the paperback trade fiction list.
- THE BEGINNING by Karen Kingsbury (Howard) was #22 on the e-Book fiction list for Oct 7 but not included in the recap last week.
- AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #29 on the paperback nonfiction list.
From ECPA's Rush to Press at ecpanews.org/rush
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
POPULAR FICTION AWARDS
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Monday, October 1, 2012
WESLEYAN WRITERS CONFERENCE
Wesleyan Publishing House is pleased to announce that Matthew and Nancy Sleeth and Craig von Buseck will keynote the 11th Annual Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference to be held November 2–3, 2012, in Fishers, Ind. The Sleeths have authored several books on faith and the environment and are the founders of BlessedEarth.org. Von Buseck, an author, contributing writer for CBN.com, and the editor of ChurchWatch.co, will share his insights from utilizing social media and Internet publishing to expand a writer’s platform. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to choose from twenty-six workshops and meet one-on-one with publishing professionals from various agencies. More information can be found at www.
NT TIMES BEST SELLER FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 7
- HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #2 on the paperback nonfiction list; #7 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #11 on the combined print & e-Book nonfiction list; and #15 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.
- UNLEASH! by Perry Noble (Tyndale House) is #2 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGESby Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- CHANGE YOUR WORDS, CHANGE YOUR LIFE by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #6 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #6 on the paperback trade fiction list; and #18 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list.
- UNGLUED by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #7 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- TO HEAVEN AND BACK by Mary C. Neal (WaterBrook) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (Howard) is #11 on the paperback nonfiction list.
- GREATER by Steven Furtick (Multnomah) is #12 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #13 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
- CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- THE BRIDESMAID by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House Publishers) is #13 on the paperback trade fiction list.
- EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #15 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
- NOWHERE BUT UP by Pattie Mallette with A. J. Gregory (Revell) is #17 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #17 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #21 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.
- AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #29 on the paperback nonfiction list.
From ECPA's Rush to Press at ecpanews.org/rush
ADVICE FROM A FREELANCE WRITER
I'd
like to address the budding authors who read this blog, those of you
who have yet to publish your own work or even complete a writing
project. This is the time when you must work the hardest to establish
yourself and prove to the world that you're a writer worthy of
notice, that you can and will be the writer you've always dreamed of.
You have the potential inside you, we all do. It's just a matter of
realizing that potential yourself.
But
this is also the time where you'll encounter the most resistant, from
sources within and without. I know from personal experience how hard
it is to own up to your dream and make writing a priority. After all,
we're not exactly engineers—it's not as if we’re destined to make
a fortune by our trade. There will be obstacles and setbacks on your
path to achieving your dream, but I implore you to hang in there.
Allow
me to offer a few specific tidbits of advice.
Don’t
be afraid to write your passions
One
of the biggest deterrents on a new writer's path to success is their
hesitance to write what moves them. Many writers focus instead on
what they "should" be writing about; they worry about what
genres have the best chances of earning them acclaim and fame rather
than writing about their passions. This is the impulse that drives an
ambitious writer to try to recreate the successes of blockbuster
sagas like Harry
Potter
and Twilight,
even though they might not even like that kind of fiction. My advice
is to start out writing what you know and what you love.
Spend
as much time editing as you do writing
Far
too few author/bloggers address the necessity of editing. When
authors offer their writing tips to beginning writers, they usually
stick to points regarding conventional style and grammar, or they
write a few paragraphs on proper story development. None of the
compositional elements of a writer's work will make any sense if they
don't take the time to go back and edit that work with a critical
eye. Editing is the other half of the writing process. You'll have a
hard time marketing your work if you can't learn to pare down and
shape your writing so that it makes sense to your readers.
Connect
with yourself and your spirituality
I
believe its absolutely imperative that writers develop a good
relationship with themselves and with God if they want to find
success in their work. Developing that relationship involves
regarding yourself and your work positively, and to refrain from
being too hard on yourself. Many beginning authors think they can
write an entire novel in a single sitting, and then when they don't
meet that expectation they beat themselves up for not living up to
unrealistic standards. Respect yourself and trust in God that you'll
find the right path to writing, and everything will work out.
Consider
freelancing
This
point might seem like it comes out of left field, but hear me out.
I've written as a freelancer for many years now, and I can safely say
that the experience has made me a better writer. With freelancer I
learned to adapt my writing style to fit a variety of projects; I
learned to assert myself and feel confident about my skills when I
consult with clients; and I learned how to crank out high quality
work under pressure. It's my hope that most aspiring writers attempt
freelancing at one point in their lives so that they too can realize
its benefits.
Nancy
Wood is a writer and freelance blogger for onlinecollegeclasses.com.
Nancy writes about higher education policy, online learning, writing,
and spirituality in her numerous posts and columns. Feel free to send
some comments her way!
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