CAROLINA CHRISTIAN WRITERS' CONFERENCE

March 14-15, 2014 The website is up and, though still in progress, gives you lots of info about the upcoming conference. I hope you will plan to join us. There is still plenty of time to get the early bird price. Many people make resolutions and set goals for the new year. What are your goals for 2014? •o Start writing the book you have been talking about •o Continue to learn more about writing •o Pitch an idea to an editor •o Supplement your income through writing •o Network with more authors •o Discover God's deeper purpose for your writing •o Get all your writing questions answered If any of those things are on your list or if you just like learning from and hanging out with other writers, you need to be at the Carolina Christian Writers Conference in March! Cec Murphey will be the keynote speaker. Editors and publishing professionals will be on hand to advise, instruct, and encourage you. Sharon Brisken, professional photographer, will be there to take head shots. Genre groups, private appointments, and so much more. A few scholarship are available. Check out the website frequently as it is being updated frequently. www.fbs.org/writers. March 14-15, 2014 Register

DON PAPE NEW PUBLISHER AT NAVPRESS

Charlie Dokmo, interim CEO of NavPress, announced today that Don Pape will join NavPress as publisher on January 6, 2014. Pape currently serves as vice president of trade books and multimedia at David C Cook. In his new role, Pape will lead the publishing team acquiring and developing new NavPress resources that will be brought to market by the company’s alliance partner, Tyndale House Publishers

WRITING CONTEST

My friends at Deep River Books are accepting manuscripts from writers until January 15. If you have a manuscript you're ready to share, it's the perfect time to get it published. Learn more about the contest and the types of work they are accepting at www.deepriverbooks.com/contest -- thank you and good luck!

EDITOR SEEKS SERMONS

Established, online publisher is seeking contributions to sermon resource service. To send full-text, sample sermon, or to request editorial guidelines, write: sermoneditor@gmail.com.

NY TIMES BEST SELLER LIST - WK OF 12/7

•MISS KAY'S DUCK COMMANDER KITCHEN by Kay Robertson with Chrys Howard (Howard Books) is #5 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #6 in Paperback Nonfiction. •SI-COLOGY 1 by Si Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #8 in Hardcover Nonfiction; and #11 in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction. •THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #8 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #8 in Paperback Nonfiction. •THE GREATEST GIFT by Ann Voskamp (Tyndale House) is #11 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •JESUS > RELIGION by Jefferson Bethke (Thomas Nelson) is #12 in Paperback Nonfiction. •BREAK OUT! by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #13 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #17 in Paperback Trade Fiction. •HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #19 in Hardcover Nonfiction; and #24 in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction. •FOUR BLOOD MOONS by John Hagee (Worthy Publishing) is #20 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #23 in Paperback Nonfiction.

"HEAVEN IS FOR REAL"

‘Heaven Is for Real' Best seller sits on ‘The New York Times’ list for three consecutive years Since its release in November 2010, “Heaven Is for Real” by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent has become a publishing phenomenon. On November 24th, “Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” (Thomas Nelson) was No. 12 in the Nonfiction Paperback category on “The New York Times” Best Seller List – its 156th consecutive week appearing on the list. Over the past three years, “Heaven Is for Real” reached No. 1 on the following lists: “The New York Times”, “USA Today”, “The Wall Street Journal”, “Publisher’s Weekly”, National Public Radio, Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) and Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). In addition to being ranked near the top on numerous best seller lists, Thomas Nelson has printed the eight millionth copy of the acclaimed title

DIANN HUNT PASSES AWAY

Patricia “Diann” Hunt, beloved novelist, passed away on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, following a long, heroically-fought battle with cancer. She was 58. Diann was the accomplished author of 25 books. A Hallmark Channel film adaptation of her novel For Better or For Worse will air July 12, 2014.

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS WK OF 12/1

•MISS KAY'S DUCK COMMANDER KITCHEN by Kay Robertson with Chrys Howard (Howard Books) is #4 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •SI-COLOGY 1 by Si Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #7 in Hardcover Nonfiction; and #9 in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction. •AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #7 in Paperback Nonfiction. •THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #7 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #11 in Paperback Nonfiction. •BREAK OUT! by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #12 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •JESUS > RELIGION by Jefferson Bethke (Thomas Nelson) is #15 in Paperback Nonfiction. •HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #17 in Hardcover Nonfiction; and #23 in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction. •THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #18 in Paperback Trade Fiction. •THE REASON FOR MY HOPE: SALVATION by Billy Graham (W Publishing/Thomas Nelson) is #18 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •THE GREATEST GIFT by Ann Voskamp (Tyndale House) is #19 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #20 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •WHAT'S SO FUNNY? by Tim Conway with Jane Scovell (Howard Books) is #25 in Hardcover Nonfiction. •THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #25 in Paperback Nonfiction.

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS WK OF 11/24

•MISS KAY'S DUCK COMMANDER KITCHEN by Kay Robertson with Chrys Howard (Howard Books) is #3 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •JESUS > RELIGION by Jefferson Bethke (Thomas Nelson) is #5 in Paperback Nonfiction. •AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #6 in Paperback Nonfiction. •SI-COLOGY 1 by Si Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #10 in Hardcover Nonfiction; and #17 in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction. •SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #10 in E-Book Nonfiction; and #24 in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction. •BREAK OUT! by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #10 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #11 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #12 in Paperback Nonfiction. •THE REASON FOR MY HOPE: SALVATION by Billy Graham (W Publishing/Thomas Nelson) is #16 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •THE POWER OF RIGHT BELIEVING by Joseph Prince (FaithWords) is #17 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •WHAT'S SO FUNNY? by Tim Conway with Jane Scovell (Howard Books) is #22 in Hardcover Nonfiction; and #25 in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction. •THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #22 in Paperback Trade Fiction. •HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #25 in Hardcover Nonfiction.

HENDRICKSON PUBLISHER WELCOMES NEW EDITOR

Hendrickson Publishers is pleased to appoint Patricia Anders to the position of associate editor, effective November 4, 2013. She reports directly to Senior Editor Allan Emery. Anders, formerly a freelance contractor for Hendrickson Publishers, will now play a major role in contributing to overall book and Bible publication. She will be responsible for copy editing and proofreading Hendrickson’s titles, and will work closely with the design and marketing teams to ensure that books and Bibles move through the production process efficiently. Anders will also assist in the acquisition of new titles for the company.

NY TIMES BEST SELLER LIST - WEEK OF 11/10

•THE POWER OF RIGHT BELIEVING by Joseph Prince (FaithWords) is #2 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •JESUS > RELIGION by Jefferson Bethke (Thomas Nelson) is #4 in Paperback Nonfiction. •WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? by David Jeremiah (Tyndale House) is #5 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •FIGHT by Craig Groeschel (Zondervan) is #7 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •BREAK OUT! by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #9 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #10 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •SI-COLOGY 1 by Si Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #12 in Hardcover Nonfiction; and #15 on Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction. •HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #13 in Paperback Nonfiction. •THE REASON FOR MY HOPE: SALVATION by Billy Graham (W Publishing/Thomas Nelson) is #14 in Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous. •AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #14 in Paperback Nonfiction. •THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #17 in Paperback Trade Fiction. HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #23 in Hardcover Nonfiction.

DEEP RIVER BOOKS WRITING CONTEST

The judges at Deep River Books are currently reviewing manuscripts from Christian authors, searching for the next Grand Prize winner of the publishing company's annual Writing Contest. The contest runs from November 1, 2013 through January 15, 2014. The winner will earn a free, full-service, royalty-based book contract from Carmichael Publishing. Authors can submit either a Fiction or Non-Fiction manuscript for consideration at www.deepriverbooks.com. Winners will be announced March 15, 2014. "Over the years, we have discovered many talented authors through the contest and published several books from among the finalists, in addition to the winners. I can hardly wait to read the manuscripts from emerging authors who have something significant to write," said Bill Carmichael, CEO and Publisher at Deep River Books. As in past years, Second and Third Place winners will be offered certificates to be used toward a discount on a partner-publishing contract with Deep River Books. Authors whose manuscripts do not win but are worthy of mention will be awarded a "Certificate of Merit." There is no obligation to publish with Deep River Books if an author wins any prize. Last year's Grand Prize Winner, Noelle Carle, said her experience in the 2012-2013 writing contest helped boost her confidence and shape her writing career. "Winning the DRB contest has been one of the most uplifting and affirming events of my writing life, encouraging me to carry on doing what I love!" said Carle, whose novel 'Waiting for Wren' will be released in Spring 2014. "The staff at DRB has treated me with the utmost respect and professionalism, and I value their experience and input into my novel." "Our mission at Deep River Books has always been and will always be to discover new voices among Christian writers," said Carmichael, "and this is a fun way for new writers to find out how they stack up against hundreds of other Christian authors." To learn more about the writing contest and to read a complete list of rules and guidelines, visit the publishing company's contest page at www.deepriverbooks.com/ contest.html Questions? Comments? Please contact Jami Carmichael: jami@deepriverbooks

TAN BOOKS ACQUIRES NEUMANN PRESS

TAN Books, the Publisher You Can Trust with Your Faith, announced today its acquisition of Neumann Press, a Minnesota publisher of classic Catholic titles for children and adults. The acquisition more than triples TAN's children's titles and provides a comprehensive homeschooling line. Popular books and sets acquired in the transaction include Angel Food for Boys and Girls, the Saints and Friendly Beasts series, and American Cardinal Readers. "In its 32 years of operation, Neumann Press and its late founder, Dennis McCoy, preserved hundreds of classic Catholic titles, treating them with the care and craftsmanship they richly deserve," said Conor Gallagher, vice president of publishing for TAN Books. "It is an honor to continue the work of Dennis and the McCoy family, keep Neumann Press alive, and bring its great selection of Catholic classics to a wider audience than ever." "Neumann Press is known and loved by thousands of families for preserving so many treasures of Catholic culture, especially vintage children's books and homeschooling resources," added Rick Rotondi, vice president of new business development. "It is a privilege to be entrusted with this legacy -- and together with TAN's resellers and distributors we will greatly increase the availability of Neumann Press titles."

NY TIMES BEST SELLER LIST - WEEK OF OCTOBER 27TH

•JESUS > RELIGION by Jefferson Bethke (Thomas Nelson) is #3 in paperback nonfiction; #14 in combined print & e-book nonfiction. •BREAK OUT! by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #3 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •THE DUCK COMMANDER FAMILY by Willie and Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #2 in monthly hardcover business. •WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? by David Jeremiah (Tyndale House) is #5 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •SI-COLOGY 1 by Si Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #6 in hardcover nonfiction; #9 in combined print & e-book nonfiction. •THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #9 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #11 in hardcover nonfiction; #15 in e-book nonfiction; and #13 in combined print & e-book nonfiction. •TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #12 in monthly hardcover business. •AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #13 in paperback nonfiction. •HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #19 in paperback nonfiction. •THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #21 in paperback trade fiction.

THE SECRET PLACE - 75TH ANNIVERSARY

For many readers across the country, a quarterly magazine called The Secret Place helps them walk with the Lord on a daily basis. A subscriber from Wrightsville Beach, NC declares, “I love The Secret Place so much that I can’t imagine a day without it.” The daily devotional, published by Judson Press, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The Secret Place quarterly magazine includes a Scripture passage, an original meditation, and a brief prayer. Written by Christian writers from across the nation, these meditations share comfort and inspiration found in life’s everyday details. More than 80,000 copies of the devotional are printed for each issue with nearly 12,000 individual subscriptions. The bulk of the orders go to churches. In honor of the anniversary, an individual subscription to the publication is $5.96, a discount of 20% off of the regular price. Information about how to subscribe is available at www.judsonpress.com or contact Judson Press customer service at 800-458-3766.

JERRY B. JENKINS 1SOURCE

Four established Christian publishing brands formed 1Source to offer authors the ability to work with seasoned editors, production, marketing, and distribution through a major wholesaler. The Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, Believers Press, Bethany Press, and Anchor Distributors are collaborating to help authors take their work from concept to distribution. Bill Myers (McGee & Me) with more than 8 million books sold, and best-selling novelist Brandilyn Collins, known for her trademark “Seatbelt Suspense” titles and now writing her 28th book, recently signed to release a new novel through 1Source’s Jerry B. Jenkins Select Line in Spring 2014, along with at least four other authors. Sheets estimates 120 titles will be published through Christian Writers Guild Publishers and Believers Press by Spring 2015. Books are usually published within 90 days and available in e-book, audiobook, trade paper, and hard cover formats. The Christian Writers Guild, which had previously announced a strategy to create an independent publishing division, decided to join the collaboration because of the extended services. Jerry Jenkins, best-selling author with more than 180 titles to his credit, including the popular “Left Behind” series, said the collaboration gives authors more choice in selecting and using specialized services all along the publishing supply chain. Chris Robinette of Anchor Distributors said, “For independent authors, there is nothing like this type of opportunity to be part of a direct sales program with a print-on demand solution. Anchor VP Vice John Whitaker said the company has helped a lot of small publishers and ministries through the years and sees this new opportunity as an extension of that.

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS - WK OF OCT.21

•BREAK OUT! by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #1 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •THE DUCK COMMANDER FAMILY by Willie and Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #2 in monthly hardcover business. •SI-COLOGY 1 by Si Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #3 in hardcover nonfiction; #5 in combined print & e-book nonfiction; and #25 in e-book nonfiction. •WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF? by David Jeremiah (Tyndale House) is #4 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #7 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #10 in hardcover nonfiction; #11 in e-book nonfiction; and #12 in combined print & e-book nonfiction . •TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #12 in monthly hardcover business. •HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #14 in paperback nonfiction. •EMOTIONS by Charles F. Stanley (Howard Books) is #17 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #17 in paperback trade fiction. •A TOUCH FROM HEAVEN by Neal Pylant and Christopher Pylant (Destiny Image) is #19 in e-book nonfiction. •AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #19 in paperback nonfiction. •WALKING WITH GOD THROUGH PAIN AND SUFFERING by Timothy Keller (Dutton) is #18 in hardcover nonfiction; and #24 in combined print & e-book nonfiction.

RISE IN SELF-PUBLISHED BOOKS.

Analyzing its ISBN data, Bowker counted more than 391,000 self-published titles in 2012–a 59 percent increase compared to the year before. The complete report will be available at the Self Published Author site next week. Measured against self-publishing figures from 2007, that is a staggering 422 percent increase. Out of all the ISBNs counted in 2012, 40 percent were self-published books. Back in 2007, only 11 percent of ISBNs were for self-published books.

NEW AGENT

Greetings, all: I am pleased to announce that Dave Fessenden has joined WordWise Media Services as a literary agent. After 30 years working as a writer and editor (most recently for CLC Publications), Dave recently took the plunge into independent consulting. He has written five books and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous academic and popular books. He has a B.A. in journalism, and an M.A. in religion. He will handle sci-fi/fantasy and historical in fiction, plus theology, Bible studies, church issues, social/cultural issues, career/professional, and reference. Take a look at his blog, at www.fromconcepttocontract.com. Dave is quickly populating his stable, and will begin sending off queries and proposals in the coming weeks. If you just can’t wait to congratulate him on his latest move, or if you’d just like to get acquainted, drop him a line at dave@fessendens.net. I look forward to many fruitful projects together. Steve

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS - WK OF 9/29

•SI-COLOGY 1 by Si Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #1 in combined print & e-book nonfiction; #1 in hardcover nonfiction; and #18 in e-book nonfiction. •THE DUCK COMMANDER FAMILY by Willie and Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #3 in monthly hardcover business; and #18 in hardcover nonfiction. •THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGESby Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #5 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #6 in combined print & e-book nonfiction; #7 in hardcover nonfiction; and #8 in e-book nonfiction. •UNGLUED by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #6 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #7 in monthly hardcover business. •YOU'LL GET THROUGH THIS by Max Lucado (Thomas Nelson) is #10 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #13 in paperback nonfiction. •GOD IS NOT MAD AT YOU by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #14 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. •PASTRIX by Nadia Bolz-Weber (Jericho Books) is #17 in hardcover nonfiction; #23 in e-book nonfiction; and #24 in combined print & e-book nonfiction. •AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #17 in paperback nonfiction. •THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #17 in paperback trade fiction. •THE SECRET KEEPER by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House) is #23 in paperback trade fiction. •WAKING UP IN HEAVEN by Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski (Howard Books) is #25 in paperback nonfiction

ACFW AWARDS

At the American Christian Fiction Writers’ (ACFW) Awards Gala which closed the 2013 conference, honors in addition to the Carol Awards and Genesis Awards spotlighted significant contributions to the Christian Fiction industry. Julie Gwinn, formerly of B&H Publishing, was awarded ACFW’s Editor of the Year honor. Natasha Kern of the Natasha Kern Agency received ACFW’s Agent of the Year honor. Author Frank Peretti received a standing ovation when awarded ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his accomplishments in Christian fiction and the impact of his books on readers’ lives and faith.

LEE HOUGH SUCCUMBS TO BRAIN TUMOR

Lee Hough, Vice President at Alive Communications where he served as a literary agent for 12½ years, died peacefully at his Colorado Springs home last week after more than a two-year battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor," reported Alive's President Rick Christian. He was 58.

WRITE TO IGNITE! WRITER'S SEMINAR

Saturday, October 5, 9:00A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. At Mall 21 at the corner of 21st St. and 17th Ave. Lewiston, Idaho Registration at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday $40 cost includes lunch Please pre-register By September 25th. Space is limited. For additional details, go to: www.inlandnwchristianwriters.com Sponsored by: Inland NW Christian Writers and His Story Christian Gift Center

"FAVORITE BOOK" WRITING CONTEST

Oregon’s first ever “Favorite book” Writing Contest — with $300 in prizes Oregon Women’s Report wants you to think about your favorite you read in the past two years. Share your thoughts & you could win $300 in prizes. First pick your own prize category based on the book you wish to review: $50.00 Romance $50.00 Mystery/thriller $50.00 Self-help/cooking/health/fitness/Family $50.00 Religious $50.00 Biography/Historical (non-fiction) $50.00 Wildcard category Details: Word Count: Short & simple 250-400 words. Deadline: October 17th 2013, 5:00pm Requirements: Author must live in Oregon or Washington. You may submit as many book reviews as you wish but only one prize category selected per book. Why you could win: This is not a distant and impersonal national contest with 10,000 submissions to compete against, but rather a local contest with 30-50 submissions on average. Our six prize categories improves your chances of winning. Our goal is to reward local women writers. That’s why we have awarded over $1,000 in prizes to local Oregon women in our contests. Free promotion: For authors & bloggers we will gladly link and promote your website and your books when we feature your review. Even non-winning review submissions will have a chance to be featured on our website. Our website is part of a network of 7,000 Twitter followers. Submit Articles: You can submit article either (1) inside an email or (2) attach as either Word, TXT or Rich Text Format. Email to Oregon@oregonreport.com with subject line “Book Review Writing Contest”. Please fill & email the application below. 1. Prize Category You are entering. 2. Name: 3. Mailing Address: 4. City: 5. State: 6. Zip Code: 7. Contact phone number: 8. Are you an author? (if yes, please provide a web link): 9. Do you have a blog? (If yes, please provide link): 10. How did you discover the contest? 11. Are you a member of any local writing group? (if yes, let us know) Note: OWR reserves the right to make changes to contest as deemed necessary. By Oregon Women’s Report 503-644-1300 5425 SW King Blvd. Beaverton, OR, 97008 oregon@oregonreport.com

WRITING & BOOK MARKETING CLASSES

Three accomplished professionals in the world of writing and book marketing will present classes for writers in conjunction with the Florence Festival of Books. The classes will be held at Port Hole Publications, 179 Laurel St., Laurel Crossings Building, Old Town, Florence, on Friday, September 27, the day before the festival. Instructors Karen Nichols, Ellen Traylor and Veronica Esagui will share on a range of topics, from how to get started on a writing project, through getting into print, to marketing a published book. Karen Nichols, well-known Florence artist of many media and author of two novels, teaches How to Get Started on Your Book - Show Don’t Tell at 2 p.m. With over 30 years as a teacher, two published novels, feature stories, ad copy, grant writing, editing and book cover design, Nichols brings her experience to help those interested in finding their voice. Nichols says, “So you'’d like to write? Realize your potential by fostering important writing skills: developing strong characters and plot through compelling narrative, convincing dialogue and strong settings. This is a getting-started workshop.” Ellen Traylor, author of 19 books and owner Port Hole Publications, which has published the works of more than a dozen authors, teaches Self-Editing and Style at 4 p.m. Traylor’s own works have sold more than a million copies, and she has taught writing for publication at Whitworth College and Eastern Washington University, as well as regional writers conferences. Traylor says, “Before turning your work over to an editor, make it as sharp as possible. This class teaches how to tighten your story by eliminating unnecessary words, using active voice and modern style.” Dr. Veronica Esagui, chiropractic physician, author, interviewer on TV's Author's Forum in the Portland area, and the moving force behind the NW Book Festival in Portland's Pioneer Square and the Northwest Writers & Publishers Association, teaches about How to Promote Your Own Book at 7 p.m. Esagui says, “You have published your own book or you had it published by a traditional publisher. Now what? What can you do to sell more books? Do you have media contacts? How do you write a letter to the media? When should you start promoting? How do you make your name more visible? These and many more questions will be addressed to help authors promote their books on a budget.” Each class will offer a door prize. For students who register by Friday, September 20, each class is $25, or all three classes may be taken for $60. Registration at the door costs $30 per class. Each class lasts 1-1/2 hours and refreshments will be served. Traylor says, “Apply early to secure your space.” To register, contact Ellen Traylor at (541)999-5725 or email her at porthole@centurytel.net.

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8

* THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous. * BONHOEFFER by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #2 in e-book nonfiction; and #9 in combined print & e-book nonfiction. * DUCK COMMANDERS by Willie and Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #3 in monthly hardcover business; and #11 in hardcover nonfiction. * HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #4 in hardcover nonfiction; #5 in combined print & e-book nonfiction; and #7 in e-book nonfiction. * TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #7 in monthly hardcover business. * THUNDER DOG by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #11 in e-book nonfiction; and #22 in combined print & e-book nonfiction. * AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #11 in paperback nonfiction. From ECPA's Rush to Press at ECPAnews.org HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #14 in paperback nonfiction.

CHILDREN'S & YA SALES DROP

According to the Association of American Publishers (AAP) StatShot report for the first third of 2013, publishers saw total trade sales take a six percent drop. These declines were driven by an almost 27 percent decline in young adult and children’s sales across all formats–blockbuster sales of The Hunger Games bolstered this category during the same period last year. The AAP chart embedded above shows how the different young adult and children’s categories were affected from January to April 2013. The children’s YA category saw a 37 percent drop in hardcover and a nearly 44 percent drop in eBooks. If you exclude those expected declines in YA and children’s publishing, total trade sales were up 12 percent compared to the same period last year. Below, we’ve collected the overall totals for all trade formats. This Stat Shot report used data collected from 1,193 publishers.

INCREASE IN RELIGIOUS E-BOOK SALES

Faith-based publishers reported a 7.9% increase during the first four months of 2013 in religious e-book sales compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures available from the Association of American Publishers (AAP). From January-April this year, religious hardcover sales were down nearly 3.6%, with sales of $93 million. In contrast, religious paperback sales experienced an 8% increase during the same date range versus January-April 2012, with sales of $54.2 million. Overall, book sales from religious publishers for the January-April period compared to the same time frame last year saw a nearly 2% increase to nearly $193.2 million. With nearly 1,200 publishers reporting, AAP's Monthly StatShot report includes data from Crossway, Gospel Light, Moody Publishers, David C Cook, Thomas Nelson and Tyndale House Publishers, among others represented by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

CHARISMA HOUSE & XULON PRESS MAKE CHANGES

Charisma House and Xulon take self-publishing into the future Tom Freiling, founder of Xulon Press, ventures back into self-publishing with the launch of Excel, a breakthrough in digital self-publishing that utilizes an exclusive technology to facilitate high-speed publishing. Launching in September 2013, Excel is a collaborative project owned by Charisma House and directed by Freiling. Excel is the world’s first self-publishing endeavor to offer print-on-demand technology specifically for Christian authors.

I'M BACK

Sorry for the delay in posts. My computer has been on the disabled list for the last couple of weeks. I thought it might recover, but it turned out to be terminal--at least until it got a transplant. The new hard drive is finally up and working, but with a few bugs. As I get those straightened out, I'll be posting again. Thanks for your patience and your loyalty to this blog. You're the greatest!

MATURE LIVING NO LONGER ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED MSS

As of this week, Mature Living is no longer accepting unsolicited manuscripts. This decision was made up line, and I have the unhappy task of rejecting many articles I was planning/hoping to use. I wish I could tell you more, but the details are not settled yet. I just know I can't encourage beginning writers as I have enjoyed doing for 10 years. René A. Holt, content editor Mature Living LifeWay Church Resources

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS--WEEK OF 8/11

• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous.
• 
  
• THE DUCK COMMANDER FAMILY by Willie and Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #2 in hardcover business; and #10 in hardcover nonfiction.
• 
  
• HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #4 in hardcover nonfiction; #6 in combined print & e-book nonfiction; and #8 in e-book nonfiction.
• 
  
• TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #7 in hardcover business.
• 
  
• HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #12 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #14 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• A MESSAGE FROM GOD by Retha and Aldo McPherson (Destiny Image) is #15 in e-book nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #22 in paperback trade fiction.

From ECPA's Rush to Press at ECPAnews.org/rush

ATTENDANCE AT ICRS DOWN THIS YEAR

With attendance numbers down from last year and notably smaller exhibits for some publishers, the International Christian Retail Show met June 23-26 in St. Louis, Mo. Total attendance dropped significantly, to 3,700 from 4,990 last year, with professional attendance down 15%, to 1,485 buyers. International attendance was down 21%, to 288 from 57 countries. There was positive news going into the show—an 8.5% increase in sales for 2012 over 2011—and while 39 member stores closed last year, that was down from 63 in 2011. Figures for store closings so far in 2013 were not available, though CBA’s State of the Industry report stated that half the 2012 number said they planned to close this year.

NEW: REGAL FOR WOMEN

Regal is pleased to announce the new Regal for Women: God’s Word for a Woman’s World. Because Regal believes that women writing to women is a positive force for the Christian community and for publishing, Regal for Womenwill focus on publishing books that encourage transformative change in the lives of women of all ages. Books that go beyond platitudes to deep, rich, honest conversation about subjects women struggle with, have a passion for and need to know more about. Regal for Women is the first segment in Regal’s initiative to promote the great collection of authors they have to individual target audiences. Regal for Women features authors such as: Suzie Eller, Proverbs 31; Holly Wagner, Pastor, Oasis LA, Women of Faith speaker; Pam Stenzel, Enlighten Communications Inc.; Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller, Spiritually Mismatched Marriages and a host of other women who want to be a part of making a woman’s world better.

GUIDEPOSTS MAKES CHANGES

Guideposts (guideposts.org), the non-profit organization and a leading provider of inspirational content and services, announced that it has promoted Lenore Person to Vice President and Editorial Director of Guideposts Books and Inspirational Media.

 

Ms. Person joined Guideposts in 1988 as an associate editor in the Book division, and was promoted to positions of increased responsibility over the next several years. During her tenure, she developed Someone Cares, Guideposts' greeting card continuity, which has continued to ship for over twenty years, and has spearheaded music products and other new areas within the company.

 

"Lenore's enthusiasm and creativity is instrumental to the continued growth of our Direct-to-Consumer programs," commented Guideposts' CEO John F. Temple. "Lenore has a keen sense of our customers' preferences and has been able to focus those insights into many successful products and programs over the years. Her longstanding relationships with the major Christian publishing houses and her knowledge of the products and services within the marketplace will be very beneficial as we move forward."

 

"Our Direct-to-Consumer program is a mainstay for the organization," continued Temple. "We will continue to create products to meet our consumers' needs while making the most popular products available in multiple channels. Our successful devotional Daily Guideposts will continue to be available in trade as will a number of select titles in our devotional and fiction series."

 

CLASS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

It's time to register for the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Deadline to register for the Early Bird Discount is August 15. Don't miss the opportunity to save on registration.

October 17-19, 2013
Albuquerque's First Baptist Church, NM 

Many of you have gotten excited along with us about the 2013 CLASS Writers Conference – a new location, a new format, and the addition of the CLASSeminar as part of the programming. Thank you for joining us in our continued pursuit of stronger, more marketable communication for the Kingdom.
            We have had a lot of questions about how the new format will work. So I thought I would try to answer them here. If your question is not answered, please do not hesitate to email us so we can continue to make this new vision clear.
 
 
QUESTION: How is the CLASSeminar going to work as part of the programming?
 
CLASS: Register for the writers conference and indicate on the registration form that you are registering for CLASS. The registration information and form is on the website. The price for the writers conference is the same as the usual CLASSeminar. When you choose the workshops and comprehensive class, you will choose to go to the CLASSeminar instead of the writers seminars.
            The CLASSeminar will take place at the same time as the writers conference. We will meet together for all general sessions. When you attend the CLASSeminar, you will get the identical training you would get in a seminar that was not connected to the writers conference. CLASSeminar participants will meet an extra few hours to make sure they get the full training they would receive at any seminar. Our professional trainers will equip you for a speaking ministry and practical coaching sessions will further enhance the personal application of the training.
            In addition to the CLASS training there will be two sessions where you can choose to attend one of the writers conference workshops or meet with one of the agents, editors, or professional writers. This will give you the opportunity to learn how to multiply your message in print.

SOCIAL MEDIA FREE WORKSHOP

The Upstate Chapter of American Christian Writers is happy to host a Social Media Workshop with nationally known author and  media workshop leaderEdie Melson. The free workshop will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00-5:30 PM, August 25, 2013, at the Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie St., Anderson, SC 29621.

 

Edie will include the following in her power point presentation:

   

·      Blogging, step-by-step Blogger and WordPress instructions to everyone who attends and:

                                       Components of a successful blogging schedule.

   How to define blogging success, gadgets and plugins every blog needs.

   SEO and keywords, the hidden secrets of hyperlinks.

·      Twitter, Facebook & other Social Media Outlets

   The truth about social media and the law of diminishing returns.

   How twitter can be your best social media friend.

   Twitter etiquette.

   Using headline techniques to increase the interest in social media updates.

·      Tools to Bring it All Together

   Organize your social media life with Hootsuite.

   Copyright 101, know what you can & can’t post online.

   A social media schedule anyone can live with.

      Edie Melson is the author of four books, as well as a freelance editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. Her popular blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands of writers each month, and she’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Her best selling Ebook on social media has just been updated and re-released as Connections: Social Media & Networking Techniques for Writers. She’s the Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy and the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine. You can connect with Edie through Twitter and Facebook. 

Elva Cobb Martin, President  864/226-7024

Upstate SC American Christian Writers' Chapter

  www.upstatescChristianWriters.com  

Coord. Anderson Internet Prayer Task Force

Anderson, SC     Email: elvacmartin@gmail.com 

Blog   http://TeaChatwithElva.blogspot.com

Web Site: http://www.elvamartin.com  

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS - WK OF AUGUST 4

• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous.
• 
  
• HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #3 in hardcover nonfiction; #5 in combined print & e-book nonfiction; and #10 in e-book nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE DUCK COMMANDER FAMILY by Willie and Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #9 in hardcover nonfiction.
• 
  
• HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #12 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #14 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #17 in paperback trade fiction.

From ECPA's Rush to Press at ECPAnews.org/rush

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS - WEEK OF JULY 28

• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous.
• 
  
• HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #2 in hardcover nonfiction; #3in combined print & e-book nonfiction; and #6 in e-book nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE DUCK COMMANDER FAMILY by Willie and Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #3 in hardcover business; #9 in hardcover nonfiction; and #25 in combined print & e-book nonfiction.
• 
  
• HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #12 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #13 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #20 in paperback trade fiction.
• 
  
• WAKING UP IN HEAVEN by Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski (Howard Books) is #21 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (Howard) is #23 in paperback nonfiction.

STEVE LAUBE AGENCY HIRES DAN BALOW

The Steve Laube Agency Hires Dan Balow

Contact: Steve Laube
Phone: 602-336-8910
e-mail: krichards@stevelaube.com

(Phoenix, AZ) Steve Laube, president of The Steve Laube Agency, has announced the hiring of Dan Balow to become Director of Publishing Development and Literary Agent.

Dan is a 30 year veteran of the Christian publishing industry. He was the director of marketing for Tyndale House Publishers working with authors Francine Rivers, James Dobson, Josh McDowell, Charles Colson and many others. Starting in 1995, Dan led the marketing team for the immensely successful Left Behind series by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. Eventually devoting most of his time to the effort, he took on the role of Director of Business Development for the series, expanding his involvement to licensing and product development along with the marketing. At its peak, the series was selling over two million copies of various products per month on its way to over 60 million copies to date.

In 2002, he added the role of director of international publishing for Tyndale and later, Director of Research and Analysis for the company. In recent years he has worked as publisher for two audio publishing companies and consulted with ministries and publishers on their publishing programs.

Dan has served on the executive board of ECPA (the Evangelical Christian Publisher’s Association), the trade association for Christian publishers in the U.S. In addition, he is a founding member of the advisory board of the Christy Awards and is involved in training and mentoring Christian publishers around the world. He was a presenter in marketing and digital publishing at the 2012 LittWorld conference in Nairobi and will be presenting similar sessions to publishers in Ghana, West Africa in August 2013.

Dan is a graduate of Wheaton College with a degree in Communications, is married to Carol and they have four grown children. He will be working from his office in Wheaton, IL.

“I’ve been looking for ways to increase the services our agency provides to current and potential clients,” Steve Laube said. “By adding Dan to our agency we can expand our role in helping to maximize our client’s sales, work with ministries to develop their publishing efforts, and expand our reach internationally. Dan’s strengths are his understanding of book marketing, what it takes to be successful in the current publishing environment and how all the pieces of the publishing “puzzle” fit together. All in all it helps us to fulfill our mission to help change the world, word by word.”

Founded in 2004, The Steve Laube Agency has had a profound impact through securing publishing contracts for nearly 1,000 new books. These include bestselling titles from authors like Cindy Woodsmall, Lynette Eason, A.W. Tozer, Ellie Kay, Lisa Bergren, Mary Hunt, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Ronie Kendig, Kathleen Fuller, John Rosemond, Deborah Raney, Stephen M. Miller, and Susan May Warren.

GUIDEPOSTS NO LONGER SELLING TO RETAIL STORES

Guideposts will no longer sell fiction or nonfiction into retail stores. However, Ideals Publications, its faith-based children’s publishing program in Nashville, will continue to sell exclusively to the trade. The Guideposts trade books program, which is mainly nonfiction and some fiction, will be discontinued. Guideposts will continue to publish nonfiction and fiction, but it will only be sold direct-to-consumer. The company will support its fall titles already sold in to stores, “but from spring ’14 going forward, we will be discontinuing the trade retail channel for most Guideposts Books and all of Summerside Press,” David Morris, vice president and editorial director of the books and inspirational media division of Guideposts, told Christian Retailing. Guideposts fall nonfiction includes A Search for Purple Cows: A True Story of Hope, an inspirational memoir by Susan Call, and The Song of Annie Mosesby Robin Donica Wolaver of The Annie Moses Band. “I really want to see that book succeed for her,” Morris said of Wolaver’s book, which the company promoted at the International Christian Retail Show this year. The fiction program under Summerside Press, which Guideposts acquired in 2010, will be dissolved. At one time, Summerside Press was both a fiction and nonfiction imprint and became known for its strong “Love Finds You” series. “We bought Ellie Claire/Summerside Press in 2010 and then sold off the Ellie Claire portion of that and the nonfiction titles under Summerside Press,” Morris said, referring to the 2012 sale to Worthy Publishing. But, with changes in the economy, Guideposts reconsidered and chose to discontinue its trade fiction. “The line was more defined by its ‘Love Finds You’ series, which is more of a lower-priced, mass-market model, and it’s not something that is quite as viable going forward, especially with the challenges of marketing to the mass, which most publishers are indeed facing these days with the high discounts and high returns.” Guideposts will continue its “pretty robust” direct-to-consumer program with annual devotionals like Daily Guideposts and Mornings With Jesus, series fiction and “licensed and original one-offs that we market throughout the year to our house file,” said Morris, who has been with the company for 16 years.

JComments

NAPLES FL WRITERS CONFERENCE

My organization, the Spirit of Naples (SON), is hosting a conference for Christian writers, screenwriters and filmmakers who want to break into the mainstream media beginning on Oct 3-7, 2013 in Naples, FL. We have a first rate faculty signed up with more to come.  For more information regarding this conference please go to www.sonfilmfest.com.

Thank you,

Grace Seitz

Co-chairman, SON

OREGON CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

Oregon Christian Writers Summer Coaching Conference will be held August 12–15, 2013, at Portland’s Jantzen Beach Red Lion Hotel. Known as one of the country’s best Christian writers’ conferences, it features top editors, agents and authors teaching 12 intensive morning coaching classes and 30 afternoon workshops, plus manuscript reviews, mentoring and one-on-one appointments with editors and agents. Presenters include best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs (keynoter), Portland radio host (KPDQ) Georgene Rice (keynoter), Susan May Warren, James L. Rubart, Randy Ingermanson and Jeff Gerke. All levels/genres. $450 Tuition. Lodging $150–300. Contact: summerconf@oregonchristianwriters.org. For more information and registration, visit www.oregonchristianwriters.org.

INTERESTING FORMAT!

 I don't usually write personal blogs, but wanted to share this with you because of its originality. I just finished reading the August issue of Good Housekeeping. I always enjoy their short stories, but the one in this issue was definitely an original. It apparently is an excerpt from a book. First, the genre was different--what can only be described as a contemporary fairy tale. The content was fairy tale, but the language contemporary. What you notice about it next, but right away, is that although it is all dialogue or internal dialogue, there are no quotation marks around any of the speeches--but it works. And then you discover that the basic problem that the characters face and deal with is the potential for incest. Very well done and certainly memorable.
Sally

POETRY WRITERS NEEDED

SIBELLA POETRY MAGAZINE-

Poetry To Set the Soul Aflame

FREE Gift Magazine Enclosed - Download our most recent issue

OUR EDITORS are presently seeking to fill 5 available spaces for women poetry writers.

If selected, your poetry will be published in this international publication that goes out to 22,000+

women in readership. WOW! Now that's the kind of exposure that will change your life-path!!

DO YOU OR ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS WRITE POETRY? 

Don't hesitate!!  Send in one or two pieces of your poetry - allowing our editors to 

view and connect with you. This is definitely a door of literary opportunity for 5 lucky women.

Connect today after viewing our most recent issue of Sibella Poetry Magazine!

Our editors want to hear from you soon!!! 

P.S. -  Also, take a look at Sibyl Magazine: For the Spirit and Soul Of Women submission guidelines

if you write inspiring and informative articles geared toward the sacred steps of a woman's journey - 

healing, wholeness, enlightenment, oneness, etc.,

Click on this link to open magazine in less than 25 seconds - 

https://www.transferbigfiles.com/f1a397f9-c408-434b-800d-8f8e399fe417?rid=9Wef5tpR4Tjeo2XJGCRI7A2

NEW ENGLAND WRITERS RETREAT

The first New England Writers Retreat will be held Oct. 18-20, 2013 at Singing Hills in Plainfield, NH. Workshops, plenary sessions and a panel discussion will be available during the weekend. One highlight of the retreat will be free optional one-on-one editing sessions for up to five pages of writing with the retreat's writer hosts: historical fiction author Tessa Afshar, speaker and nonfiction writer Lucinda Secrest McDowell, and Broadway Critic and Playwright Lauren Yarger. The low $210 fee includes the conference fee as well as lodging and meals (Friday evening through Sunday noon) all during the height of fall foliage in the beautiful hills of New Hampshire. There is an option for staying Thursday night as well and adding an extra day of writing and/or editing sessions on Friday to the package. Authors Carol Barnier and Jeanne Doyon also will join the faculty for the 2013 retreat. For a detailed schedule and to register, visit http://lucindamcdowell.wordpress.com/.

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS - WK OF JULY 14

• HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #2 in hardcover nonfiction; #3in combined print & e-book nonfiction; and #6 in e-book nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous.
• 
  
• THE DUCK COMMANDER FAMILY by Willie and Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #3 in hardcover business; #10 in hardcover nonfiction; and #24 in combined print & e-book nonfiction.
• 
  
• HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #9 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #13 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• WAKING UP IN HEAVEN by Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski (Howard Books) is #19 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #19 in paperback trade fiction.
• 
  
• TO HEAVEN AND BACK by Mary C. Neal. (WaterBrook) is #19 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous.
• 
  
• KISSES FROM KATIE by Katie Davis with Beth Clark (Howard) is #25 in paperback nonfiction.

From ECPA's Ruch to Press at ECPAnews.org/rush

SHORT STORIES NEEDED

Dear Writer,

Freeman-Smith, a division of Worthy Media, is compiling a book of short stories about the impact of God’s grace in our lives.

We are looking for contributors!

We want unpublished true life, first-person stories that focus on heartwarming and unexpected moments when the only explanation is God did something on your behalf.  Stories can range from simple blessings to a major divine intervention; from everyday life to miraculous.

If there is a compelling reason that you have written someone else's story in third-person, you can send that to us, but there is less chance of acceptance. We will also require a permission letter from them. 

The length of stories should be between 1,000 to 2,000 words.

 The book is scheduled to release in 2014. Your manuscript will be due no later than July 30, 2013, but we would prefer it earlier. Stories should be submitted via email with a Word document attached. No special formatting, please. Please include your contact information within the document.

 We are offering a one-time fee of $75 for stories that fall within the requested word count. Additional fees will be paid for foreign and subsidiary editions if applicable.

 We will send you the Freeman-Smith licensing agreement upon the publisher’s final determination to include your story in the published book.

 Please feel free to forward this email to fellow writers.

 Please direct all inquiries and manuscripts to myself, Christy Phillippe, at christy6871@aol.com.

 All the best,

 Christy Phillippe

NY TIMES BEST SELLERS - WK OF JULY 7

• HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY by Phil Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #1 in hardcover nonfiction; #1 in combined print & e-book nonfiction; and #5 in e-book nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #3 in advice, how-to & miscellaneous.
• 
  
• AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by Ben Carson with Candy Carson (Zondervan) is #10 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE DUCK COMMANDER FAMILY by Willie and Korie Robertson with Mark Schlabach (Howard Books) is #12 in hardcover nonfiction; and #23 in combined print & e-book nonfiction.
• 
  
• HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #12 in paperback nonfiction.
• 
  
• WAKING UP IN HEAVEN by Crystal McVea and Alex Tresniowski (Howard Books) is #18 in paperback 
• nonfiction.
• 
  
• THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine) is #23 in paperback trade fiction.

From ECPA's Rush to Press @ecpanews.org/rush

REVELL EDITOR GETS GOLDEN SCROLL AWARD

On Sunday, June 23, Revell editor Vicki Crumpton was presented with the Golden Scroll Fiction Editor of the Year Award at the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association (AWSA) banquet. This event took place at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, and was the culmination of AWSA’s annual conference. The founder of AWSA, Linda Evans Shepherd, presented the award and announced that Dr. Crumpton was the first editor to win this award in both the fiction and nonfiction categories

2013 CHRISTY AWARDS PRESENTED

New Awards Debuted

Contact: Jeane Wynn
Wynn-Wynn Media, LLC
P: 918-283-1834
F: 918-512-4409
jeane@wynnwynnmedia.com

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—The 2013 Christy Awards honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction were presented at the Renaissance Grand in St. Louis, Mo., tonight.

The 14th annual awards presentation highlighted the role of literary agents in the advancement of Christian fiction. Steve Laube of The Steve Laube Agency emceed the event, and Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary Agency presented the keynote address. Additionally, long-time literary agent Lee Hough was honored with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Christy in a moving tribute.

The Christy Advisory Committee debuted the Christy Hall of Fame by inducting authors Lynn Austin, winner of eight Christy Awards, and Karen Hancock, winner of four Christy Awards.

The event also premiered the Christy Book of the Year Award, showcasing the novel that had the greatest impact when placed against a set of criteria that includes literary quality, sales, and life impact. A jury of three people read the year’s nine Christy Award winners and identified Into the Free by Julie Cantrell (David C Cook) as best exemplifying those factors.

The Christy Advisory Board is happy to announce the 2013 Christy Award winners.

• Lifetime Achievement Christy: Lee Hough
• Christy Award Hall of Fame Inductees: Lynn Austin (8 Christys) & Karen Hancock (4 Christys)
• Book of the Year: Into the Free by Julie Cantrell (David C Cook)
• Contemporary Romance: The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group).
• Contemporary Series, Sequels & Novellas: You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers)
• Contemporary Standalone: Not in the Heart by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)
• First Novel: Into the Free by Julie Cantrell (David C Cook)
• Historical: Flame of Resistance by Tracy Groot (Tyndale House Publishers)
• Historical Romance: Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
• Suspense: Rare Earth by Davis Bunn (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
• Visionary: Soul's Gate by James L. Rubart (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
• Young Adult: Child of the Mountains by Marilyn Sue Shank (Delacorte Press, a division of Random House)
• The Christy Awards are online at:

CHILDREN'S PRODUCT TRENDS

One of Monday afternoon’s ICRS highlights was the successful Children’s Product Trends event presented by early childhood education expert Dr. Mary Manz Simon. During the hour-and-a-half, standing-room-only presentation, 226 people were in attendance with 171 retailers present.

Simon reflected on some of the recent trends and statistics as she shared cutting-edge market research with retailers. A team of supplier representatives, along with guests, including Max Lucado, Randy Alcorn, Christy Ziglar and Colleen Coble, also took the stage to share the details and offer insight about their latest releases.

Attendees learned about some of the top trends. Products such as picture books will continue to be visually driven, mobility will continue, print and digital will co-exist, educational books and toys as well as e-books and apps will continue to rise in popularity. There is also a shift toward more family and “stow-and-go” type products. Retailers also gained tips on merchandising, effective product displays and cross-merchandising.

“We are seeing a huge resurgence with picture books,” Simon said. “In-store merchandising can capitalize on the presence of picture books. It’s an advertisement that retailers can use to sell the product and it doesn’t cost anything. Publishers spend more money on front covers than any other art, so it pays to use it.”

She said illustrations and how to interpret icons and images are trending with children of all ages, because we continue to be such a multimedia-driven culture. They also promote literacy in formats like comic books and graphic novels, which are growth areas. New York Times best-selling adult author Randy Alcorn’s move into a new genre of graphic novels for children is one reflection of the trend. He said these products share the Word of God and a salvation message, presented in a fun format for kids.

“My grandkids love it. One of my grandsons called me the other day and said he has read the book 10 times from cover to cover,” Alcorn said.

To coincide with the trends, several new NIV Adventure Bible products from Zondervan are being introduced including the NIV Adventure Bible Memory App for the iPad and iPhone, which will allow children to memorize Bible verses, while learning books of the Bible.

Another draw for attendees was the featured product giveaway, which showcased items such as books, plush, FotoFrame Water Bottles and more, from more than 20 children’s product suppliers including B&H Kids, DaySpring, Tyndale Kids, Tommy Nelson, Zonderkidz, Guideposts Books/Ideals Publications, Moody Publishers, Warner Press, Kregel Publications, Barbour Publishing, Oodles World and Scripture Candy. For the past 19 years, Simon has brought this highly sought after event to Christian retailers.