Christian Writers' Marketplace

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS - WEEK OF FEBRUARY 5

2012-01-31T11:17:00.000-08:00

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list; #2 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, the e-Book nonfiction list, and on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #11 on the hardcover nonfiction list.
THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #1 on the children's picture book list.
CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
SEXPERIMENT by Ed and Lisa Young (FaithWords) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
THROUGH MY EYES by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #5 on the hardcover nonfiction list, #7 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; #8 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #12 on the e-Book nonfiction list.
ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #6 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
RADICAL by David Platt (Multnomah) is #7 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
THE RESOLUTION FOR MEN by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Randy Alcorn (B&H Books) is #8 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
THE RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN by Priscilla Shirer (B&H Books) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (Charisma Media/FrontLine) is #10 on the paperback trade fiction list; and #27 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list.
MADE TO CRAVE by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #11 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #11 on the hardcover advice & misc. list
THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list..
AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #20 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #30 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.
THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN by Kevin and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale) is #33 on the paperback nonfiction list.

"BEST OF 2011" LIST

2012-01-31T11:15:00.000-08:00

ECPA has published its "BEST OF 2011" lists which feature the top 50 books sold in multi-channel and in Christian retail. In addition, the Top 20 bestselling Christian authors are also listed. View lists at ChristianBookExpo.com.

HARLEQUIN ACQUIRES HEARTSONG PRESENTS

2012-01-31T11:12:00.000-08:00

Harlequin announced the purchase of Heartsong Presents Book Club from Barbour Publishing, Inc. Heartsong Presents, a book club dedicated to providing its members with Christian romance novels, is an excellent addition to Harlequin's direct-to-consumer channel. The Heartsong Presents Book Club was founded in 1992, and its members receive four novels a month, with a focus on inspiration, hope and faith, written by leading inspirational authors.

SCIENCE WRITING BOOT CAMP

2012-01-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

Founders Workshop - HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN

Science Writing Boot Camp

Powerful science writing can bring vital subjects into the light for young readers. Once children have that “Aha!” feeling and glimpse the creativity and insight that go into science, they are hooked. But first, dedicated writers must create books, articles, and other works with the potential to take kids on true adventures in science. Work alongside a vested science faculty that includes Catherine D. Hughes, science editor for National Geographic Kids and Little Kids magazines; Doug Wechsler, photographer and author of Marvels in Muck: Life in the Salt Marshes, winner of the Smithsonian Notable Book award for children; Andy Boyles, senior science editor at Highlights magazine and Boyds Mills Press; and the award-winning author of Fossil Fish Found Alive and Secrets of a Civil War Submarine, Sally M. Walker.

The work required to join the ranks of writers who take children on adventures in science is challenging but rewarding. Through lectures, one-to-one manuscript critiques, and ample writing time, this workshop will give you the tools and insights you need to advance on your path to success.
This workshop will help you

develop critical skills for interviewing scientists and other experts;
study a market to learn what editors want to publish;
identify solid science story ideas for various children’s publishing markets;
work with experts to improve the accuracy and depth of your writing;
draw on your interviews and other research to write cohesive books, articles, or other works for young readers; and
compose better photographs

List of special guests to come.

In addition to our Science Writing Bootcamp (April 19–22, 2012) we are also offering a Nature Writing Bootcamp (April 16–19, 2012). With a day to overlap, science and nature writers will have an opportunity to work together in our picturesque Pocono Mountain setting. Join us for one workshop or attend both for $1,200.00.

Go to: www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/science-writing-boot-camp

Workshop Information

April

with dinner 6PM (an optional tour of (an optional tour of HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN® and Boyds Mills Press is offered at 3 PM)

through

April

after lunch

$765

NATURE WRITING BOOTCAMP

2012-01-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

Founders Workshop - HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN

Nature Writing Boot Camp

Will your writing ignite the love of nature in today’s young readers? Before children grow up and help solve the problems of the world, they need to make a deep connection with nature, and they need to understand how humans and the many other living things in their environment depend on one another. Join award-winning author Dianna Hutts Aston, An Egg Is Quiet, winner of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science award; Mark Baldwin, director of education at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History; Robert Hynes, who has created more illustration for the National Park Service, National Geographic Society, and the Smithsonian Institution than any other illustrator in the United States; and Andy Boyles, senior science editor at Highlights magazine and Boyds Mills Press. Through nature-journaling workshops, lectures, one-to-one manuscript critiques, and ample writing time, this workshop will give you the tools and insights you need to advance on your path to success. This workshop will help you

use basic tools and techniques for nature observation and journaling;
study a market to learn what editors want to publish;
identify solid nature story ideas for various children’s publishing markets;
work with experts to improve the accuracy and depth of your writing; and
draw on your observations and research to write cohesive books, articles, or other works for young readers

In addition to our Nature Writing Bootcamp (April 16-19, 2012) we are also offering a Science Writing Bootcamp (April 19-22, 2012). With a day to overlap, science and nature writers will have an opportunity to work together in our picturesque Pocono Mountain setting. Join us for one workshop or attend both for $1200.00.

Workshop Leaders

Dianna Hutts Aston

Dianna Hutts Aston is the author of many books for children, including the award-winning An Egg Is Quiet andA Seed Is Sleepy, both illustrated by Sylvia Long. The Moon Over Star, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, received a Coretta Scott Honor, 2009.

Mark Baldwin

Principal author of the Natural History Atlas to the Chautauqua-Allegheny Region, Mark has devoted the past sixteen years to the development of nature education programs for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History. As director of education, Mark works with teachers throughout the country to infuse nature studies into their curricula.

Robert Hynes

Robert Hynes has been focused full time on illustration about nature for both children and adults for decades. During this time more artwork has been created for theNational Park Service, National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Institution than from any other illustrator in the United States.

Andy Boyles

Andy is the science editor at Highlights magazine and its trade book division, Boyds Mills Press. He used to write about psychiatry and molecules at medical centers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Galveston, Texas, but he hasn't done that since he joined Highlights seventeen years ago.

Go to: www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/nature-writing-boot-camp-0

Workshop Information

April

with dinner at 6 PM

through

April

after lunch (an optional tour of HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN® and Boyds Mills Press is offered at1 PM)

$765

SHORT STORY CONTEST FROM THE WRITER MAGAZINE

2012-01-25T13:37:00.001-08:00

Dear readers,

Our 2012 Short-Story Contest is open for entries, and we want to see what you can do! Submit a polished short story up to 2,000 words by midnight, April 30, and you'll have a chance to win cash prizes, publication in The Writer, online classes from Gotham Writers' Workshop, plus more. For details about this year's contest, go to WriterMag.com/storycontest.

Don't forget: We're still looking for photos for our "Where in the world is The Writer?" gallery! Take a picture of yourself with a copy of The Writer in a fun setting or favorite place and submit it to us to post on WriterMag.com. Your picture could be chosen for publication in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

Martha Lundin
Newsletter editor
mlundin@writermag.com

THOMAS NELSON SETS RECORD

2012-01-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

A record-breaking achievement for Thomas Nelson, Inc., the world’s largest Christian publisher, was revealed in the January 22, 2012 “New York Times” Best Seller lists-- Thomas Nelson titles hold 11 different best-selling positions. This is the most the Company has ever held in a single week. More

Industry titles appearing on New York Times Bestsellers List, posted this week for January 29:

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, the e-Book nonfiction list, and on the paperback nonfiction list; #3 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #12 on the hardcover nonfiction list.
THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #2 on the children's picture book list.
CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
SEXPERIMENT by Ed and Lisa Young (FaithWords) is #3 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
THROUGH MY EYES by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #4 on the hardcover nonfiction list, and on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; #11 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #8 on the e-Book nonfiction list.
RADICAL by David Platt (Multnomah) is #7 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (Charisma Media/FrontLine) is #9 on the paperback trade fiction list; and #23 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list.
ONE THOUSAND GIFTS by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #9 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
ENTRELEADERSHIP by Dave Ramsey (Howard) is #9 on the monthly hardcover business list; and #12 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
FORGOTTEN GOD by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
HOW DO YOU KILL 11 MILLION PEOPLE? by Andy Andrews (Thomas Nelson) is #12 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #12 on the monthly hardcover business list.
EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #13 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #21 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #28 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.
DECEMBER 1941 by Craig Shirley (Thomas Nelson) is #23 on the hardcover nonfiction list.
THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN by Kevin and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale) is #34 on the paperback nonfiction list.

2012 MARKET GUIDES HAVE ARRIVED

2012-01-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

Great News! The 2012 Christian Writers' Market Guides have arrived. If you have already ordered from me your guide will be in the mail today. If not, you can order off my Website at www.stuartmarket.com.

VALENTINE'S DAY WRITING CONTEST

2012-01-18T10:03:00.001-08:00

Oregon Women’s Report (http://oregonwomensreport.com/) is hosting an exciting Valentine’s Day writing contest with three $50 cash prizes for the three top winners. The contest theme is “love” and covers a wide spectrum of ideas from family, kids, relationships, advice, romance, and friendships. Articles can be about life lessons, memorable family moments, acts of kindness, friendship, calls to community service, and other love-related topics. Original or previously published material is accepted.
Now is the time to dust of that great article you never submitted, re-open your old college creative writing papers or peek at that journal entry that recorded an important life moment perfectly. Turn your thoughts into something that can be seen and appreciated by others while earning $50 to splurge on whatever you wish. Most of all, you will have fun expressing yourself.

Deadline: Friday February 10^th

Feature: Articles will be featured during Valentine’s week.

Requirements: Writers must be from the Northwest. Articles can be previously published but not currently published on the web nor intended to be used on the web for six months after the contest (personal blog material is okay). No size limits, but shorter articles (350 words or less) are preferred. No age limit. Submit all articles and questions to Oregon@oregonreport.com with subject line “Valentine Contest.” You can call us at 503-644-1300 if you have questions. Please provide your name (or pen name) along with the town you are from. If you have a title, blog, website or business you wish to associate with your name with, please include that as well. List the best way to contact you.

Oregon Women’s Report is one of Oregon’s largest online women’s magazines, reaching over 4,000 unique women visitors every month. Women’s Report is dedicated to providing a fun and encouraging place on the web for Oregon women to share and inspire each other.

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS - WEEK OF JANUARY 22

2012-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, and on the e-Book nonfiction list; #2 on the paperback nonfiction list, combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #8 on the hardcover nonfiction list.
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #1 on the children's picture book list.
REAL MARRIAGE by Mark and Grace Driscoll (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #6 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
RADICAL by David Platt (Multnomah) is #7 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
THROUGH MY EYES by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #7 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #10 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; #11 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #26 on the e-Book nonfiction list.
HOW DO YOU KILL 11 MILLION PEOPLE? by Andy Andrews (Thomas Nelson) is #7 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
ENTRELEADERSHIP by Dave Ramsey (Howard) is #9 on the monthly hardcover business list; and #12 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
NEARING HOME by Billy Graham (Thomas Nelson) is #12 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #12 on the monthly hardcover business list.
THE RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN by Priscilla Shirer (B&H) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
THE RESOLUTION FOR MEN by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Randy Alcorn (B&H Books) is #15 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #15 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #22 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.
DECEMBER 1941 by Craig Shirley (Thomas Nelson) #17 on the hardcover nonfiction list; and #25 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.
THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN by Kevin and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list; and #34 on the on the e-Book nonfiction list.
THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn (Charisma Media) is #28 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list
LONGING by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #30 on the paperback trade fiction list.

BOOKSTORE SALES DECLINE

2012-01-18T09:44:00.001-08:00

Bookstore sales had their steepest decline in the year in November, falling 8.6%, to $941 million, according to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The November drop followed a 6.6% decline in October and reflects the absence of Borders. The defunct chain closed its last stores in September and its going-out-of business sales helped to boost sales in August and September. Sales at college stores also helped to lift overall sales numbers in the late summer. With the drop in October and November, bookstore sales for the first 11 months of 2011 were up 1.2%. At the end of September sales were running 2.8% ahead of 2010.

For the entire retail segment, sales rose 7.0% in November and were up 7.9% in the year to date.

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS - WEEK OF JANUARY 15

2012-01-15T13:51:00.001-08:00

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, the paperback nonfiction list, and on the e-Book nonfiction list; #2 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #7 on the hardcover nonfiction list.
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #1 on the children's picture book list.
THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #2 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
THROUGH MY EYES by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #5 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #6 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; #9 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #19 on the e-Book nonfiction list.
EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
NEARING HOME by Billy Graham (Thomas Nelson) is #7 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.
THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.
ENTRELEADERSHIP by Dave Ramsey (Howard) is #9 on the monthly hardcover business list; and #12 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.
TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #12 on the monthly hardcover business list.
THUNDER DOG by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #16 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #24 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.
AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #18 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #23 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.
BONHOEFFER by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list.
THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN by Kevin and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale) is #29 on the paperback nonfiction list; and #34 on the on the e-Book nonfiction list.
THE SHACK by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #32 on the paperback trade fiction list.
LONGING by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #34 on the paperback trade fiction list.
COURAGEOUS by Randy Alcorn (Tyndale) is #35 on the paperback trade fiction list.

CHRISTIANITY TODAY LAUNCHES E-BOOKS

2012-01-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

The eBook industry has recently kept The Wall Street Journal in a state of openmouthed amazement. When Internet billionaire and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban published an eBook without the help of a traditional publisher, the Journal positively salivated over the potential revenue the social-media savvy Cuban could realize. And on Black Friday 2011, it reported, Amazon.com sold more than four times the number of Kindle e-readers that it had on the same day of 2010. There's no danger that the Kindle will turn into a Betamax.
We, too, have noticed that the readership for eBooks is expanding enormously and that the publishing economics can be very different from those of traditional books. One growth area is the "natural length" eBook: something longer than a longish magazine article, yet significantly shorter than the typical print book. Sometimes it is the full version of a magazine article, with all the good bits restored that editors trim out because of space constraints. Sometimes it is several articles, published at various times, brought together for greater effect. The format allows you, the reader, to go deeper and learn more than you could from a magazine article, without committing the time or money demanded by a full-length book.
Shorter books like these just don't make sense in traditional publishing. They need to be bulked up to a certain size—often padded with chapters that don't contribute much—just to make the economics of printing, shipping, distribution, and retail sales work.
With eBook publishing, that has changed. A "natural length" book can be inexpensively produced and inexpensively priced, without regard for costs of printing, paper, and shipping.
Christianity Today is pleased to launch a new series of natural length eBooks. We call them Christianity Today Essentials. You can purchase them through CTeBooks.com or at your favorite eBook supplier. Buying them won't break the bank—our first two titles are offered at a low introductory price.
About those two titles. The first is How to Pick a President. It wraps previous Christianity Today essays about the principles of politics around this issue's cover story to provide a really good evening's read when so much political talk leaves a bad taste behind. The second, Faith and the American Presidency, brings together rich but out-of-print material from our former sister publication Christian History & Biography. Many American presidents have let faith play a key role in their policy decisions, regardless of their personal beliefs and pieties.

DAYTON BOOK EXPO

2012-01-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

Dayton Book Expo

Where book lovers connect

Greetings, Fellow Author!

It's time for another exciting year of literary fun at the third annualDayton Book Expo (DBE). Our dedicated book lovers are looking forward to meeting you. This means an opportunity for you to showcase and autograph your books at this fabulous event where hundreds of book lovers connect! The photo above is an aerial view of last year's Dayton Book Expo!

The all-day event - which is free and open to the public - includes panel discussions for aspiring authors, activities for children at the Kidz Zone, spoken word and book signings!

Valerie J. Lewis Coleman

Dayton Book Expo, co-founder

888.802.1802

DaytonBookExpo.com

Saturday, April 28, 2012
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Sinclair Community College

Ponitz Conference Center (Building 12)

444 West Third Street

Dayton, Ohio 45402

Meet Dayton's Book Lovers

A Call for Authors

Tables are only for authors. Set-up begins at 9:00 AM. Tables must be completely set-up by 10:30 AM. The DBE begins promptly at 11:00 AM.

NOTE: One author per table. Floor displays must be positioned behind the author table. Table-top displays cannot exceed 24" in height.

Your participation includes

One table (not skirted) and two chairs
Listing in the DBE booklet (8.5" x 11" color)
One access pass to the DBE Hospitality Room for breakfast and lunch
One parking pass
Event-day sales reported to New York Times
Online presence at DaytonBookExpo.com
Inclusion in the DBE Awards:
- Genre-specific winners - based on event-day sales - will receive a plaque, book medallions and listing for a year at DaytonBookExpo.com
- Titles distributed through Amazon.com will be posted on the DBE Virtual Bookstore. Annual top sellers will be spotlighted at the 2013 event.

DBE is providing additional promotional opportunities including featured-author ads in the booklet, cover images on 10,000 postcards and new release celebration party.

Space is limited, so click here to register today and save $50!

FaceBook.com/DaytonBookExpo

A CALL FOR ARTICLES

2012-01-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

Gospel Roads magazine is looking for articles! Would you please write for us? We're a bi-monthly, Christian periodical open to freelance submissions. We're not paying yet, but plan to become a paying market within a year. You can send new articles and even reprints for now. When we become a paying market, I'd like all our columns to be first runs. Our demographics are:

60% African-American; 40% other races
70% women (25-55), 30% men
regular church attendees
middle income earners

Please go to www.gospelroads.com and download our writers’ guidelines. I need articles for our second issue asap; the sooner the better. While you are on the website, take a look at some of the articles that appeared in our last issue.

Below you'll find our purpose and mission statements. Thanks for your consideration. Attach your article, a short bio (25-30 words), and your contact information to me atSElliott@gospelroads.com. Thanks in advance!

Love,

Sharon Elliott

Editor-in-Chief

Gospel Roads Purpose Statement: The purpose of Gospel Roads magazine (GOSPELROADS.COM) is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ through uplifting editorial, video, and other relevant content. With the Bible as our basis of conversation, we intend to reach Christians and those interested in the Christian faith from across the denominational spectrum. We’ll focus on scriptural, financial, political, health, lifestyle, entertainment, and relationship topics as they pertain to Christianity. We strive to challenge everyday believers to advance their faith, strengthen their families, and encourage their communities.

Gospel Roads Mission Statement

Gospel Roads magazine exists so members of the body of Christ can be:

§ Energized in their walk with the Lord

§ Empowered in their worship of the Lord

§ Enlightened in their work for the Lord, and

§ Encouraged in their witness about the Lord.

Sharon Norris Elliott

E-BOOK SALES UP

2012-01-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

E-book sales have increased by 81% during the last month. The 81% increase was the first time this year that e-book sales did not double over the same month in 2010. For the first 10 months of the year, e-book sales were up 131.1%, to $807.7 million.

Religious sales were up in the month at reporting houses, increasing 12.4%, but sales in the other print trade segments were down. Once again, the mass market paperback segment took a major hit, with sales falling 37.6% at reporting houses and sales in the segment were off 33.7% for the year to date. The trade paperback segment has a weak month, with sales down 16.9% and adult hardcover sales fell 7.8%. Children’s hardcover performed marginally better, with sales down 7.3% in October, while children’s paperback segment sales fell 2.4%.

Downloadable audio sales increased 15.6% at reporting companies, while sales of physical audiobooks rose 0.1%.

MAY WRITERS' CONFERENCE

2012-01-15T13:09:00.001-08:00

Coming soon!

The seventh annual Antelope Valley Christian Writers’ Conference, May 4-5, is quickly approaching. If you enjoy writing, and you’d like to sharpen your skills and learn how the publishing business works, you are welcome to join us. Registration is now open.

Our keynote speaker will be author and mentor Cecil Murphey. (You might know him as the author of Ninety Minutes in Heaven.) Meet agent Bill Jensen, grammar expert Kathy Ide, magazine columnist B.J. Taylor, novelist Kathi Macias, and more. Between them they have over a century of experience in training writers for today’s competitive market.

You can attend workshops in a wide array of creative categories. A special program (with a discounted price) is offered for teen writers, age 12-17. Fellowship with other writers who share your calling. Receive a free critique for your latest writing project. Pitch your book idea directly to our publishers and agents. Together, we can help you take your writing to the next level.

We’re located in the High Desert of Southern California, within easy driving distance from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Bakersfield, or Ventura County. Or you can also get here via the Metrolink commuter train from Downtown LA or Burbank Airport.

Complimentary refreshments, a continental breakfast, and a catered lunch will be served. A special deal is available for any church or school sending five people or more. Please have a look at our website, at www.avwriters.com. ; Or write to us atinfo@avwriters.com.

We welcome you to join us for this time of refreshing in the desert.

NEW CONTEST

Our friends at Deep River Books are looking for the next bestselling Christian book to publish and it could be you! A Grand Prize winner will be chosen from each category of Fiction and Non-Fiction and will be awarded a royalty-based publishing contract through Carmichael Publishing (a division of Deep River Books). One Second Place prize winner (chosen from either category) will be given a $1000 certificate to use toward a publishing contract with Deep River Books, and one Third Place prize winner will receive a $750 certificate to use toward a publishing contract with Deep River Books. Winners whose manuscripts do not win but are worthy of mention will be awarded a "Certificate of Merit." The contest deadline has been extended due to popular demand; all entries must be received no later than Tuesday January 31, 2012 at 11:59pm PST. To learn more visit www.deepriverbooks.com/contest.html

NEW MAGAZINE ON PRAYER

2012-01-15T13:01:00.000-08:00

From: Jonathan Graf
Phone: 812 238-5504
E-mail: jong@harvestprayer.com
Message:

A new magazine was launched in December. Prayer Connect is a bi-monthly print and digital publication entirely on prayer. It is published by Harvest Prayer Ministries and PrayerShop Publishing, and co-sponsored by America's National Prayer Committee, the Denominational Prayer Leaders Network and the International Prayer Council. I am the publisher (I was the founding editor of Pray! magazine, which folded in 2009), and Carol Madison is the editor. We are looking for writers and articles. Here is a link to both our website and a link directly to our writer guidelines.

http://www.prayerconnect.net

http://www.prayerconn ect.net/Profile/Write-for-Us

WRITERS' WORKSHOP - SC

2012-01-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

Upstate SC

American Christian Writers

Workshop

Third Quarter Meeting

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012

Inclement Weather – If weather conditions caused the roads to be slippery or dangerous, the event will be canceled. The plan would be to reschedule the meeting in March or April, if possible. Notice of cancellation will be posted on our Facebook page and website.

Speaker: Edna Ellison

Topics: Writing Devotionals & Basic Writing Skills

Time: 2-5 pm

Place: Horizon Church

1070 E. Butler Rd.

Greenville, SC 29607

Web: www.upstatescchristianwriters.com

President: Lynda Moldrem

Cell: (864) 918-0466

TOPICS

Writing Basics: Ten ways to polish your style and become a first-class writer

Ever read a book that had misspelled words or murdered sentences? Editors prefer a first-class writer with a clean manuscript. This workshop will show you 10 ways to make your manuscript flawless. Includes three inside tips on terminology and proofreader marks.

Bible Study Series: Directions on how to search for, organize, and write a successful Bible study series. The market is wide open now for small Bible studies. This workshop led by the writer of 7 published Bible studies will explain how to ride the wave of Bible-study interest today and provide biblical small-group resources for every local church in America and around the world.

BIOGRAPHY

Edna Ellison, a humorist, mentor, and international speaker, has written 12 non-fiction books now in print, including best-seller Woman to Woman, Friend to Friend (a series), Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, and Deeper Still. Mentoring upcoming writers, she’s co-written two new Bible studies, Chosen and Cherished: Becoming the Bride of Christ and Women of the Covenant: Spiritual Wisdom from Women of the Bible. Another book by Women by Design (with whom Edna speaks) will be out in December 2009: A Passion for Purpose: A 365-day Missional Devotional.

Edna has trained students in missions at Southern Baptist Seminaries, taught Creative Writing at the University of Alabama, and served as the editor of a national women’s magazine, Royal Service (now Missions Mosaic). She has taught mentoring and creative writing at Ridgecrest, Glorieta, and other nationwide conferences. From Spartanburg, she always finds time to teach a weekly Sunday school class and to nurture her family, two adult children and one granddaughter.

Lynda Moldrem

Administrative Assistant

Horizon Church

286-9911

MARKETING SKILLS

2012-01-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

We would love to share with you an article that we just posted on our own blog! “12 Marketing Skills Every Writer Now Needs” is linked below and could be a fun way to share this announcement with your readers.

(http://www.accreditedonlinecolleges.org/blog/2012/12-marketing-skills-every-writer-now-needs/)

ACT ONE SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP

2012-01-15T10:47:00.001-08:00

March 9-10, 2012

Act One Screenwriting Workshop

Two days and an evening of intensive instruction on various aspects of screenwriting by Christian Hollywood professionals from the movie industry.

Cost: $100

Bethel - Twin View Campus
936 Twin View Blvd.
Redding, CA. 96003

For information or to register, please see:

http://www.ibethel.org/events/2011/12/act-one-screenwriters-workshop-redding-ca

WRITING FOR MAGAZINES WORKSHOP

2012-01-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

At a recent Highlights Foundation workshop, Rachel Buchholz, executive editor at National Geographic Kids, contributed her knowledge of the current children’s magazine market. She told of a healthy market, ready for your stories. A market that reaches millions of eager readers; with stellar figures including: National Geographic Kids, with more than one and a half million subscribers; Highlights for Children, with more than two million subscribers; Boys' Life, with over one million subscribers; and the Cricket Magazine Group, including Cricket and Ladybug magazines, with over a half a million subscribers. Those are just a few of today’s nearly two hundred children and young adult magazines in print. What’s more, this established and profitable market is growing by the minute as more magazines build their online presence.

Learn how to break into this eager market with four amazing magazine writing experts. Join Rachel Buchholz, Paula Morrow, Rich Wallace, and Lou Waryncia at Writing for Magazines: Fiction and Nonfiction, March 8-11, 2012. You will leave the workshop with an article ready for submission and a clear understanding of everything the children’s magazine market has to offer.

To secure your spot, or for more information, contact Jo Lloyd at 570-253-1192, e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org, or request an application online.

To view more 2012 Founders Workshops, which take place near Honesdale, Pennsylvania, please visit www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Please feel free to share this e-mail with others who might have an interest or to include the information in blog posts or through other social networking forums.

The Highlights Foundation is a public, not-for-profit 501©3 organization. We dedicate our efforts to connecting, nurturing, and inspiring children’s book writers and illustrators.

THE WHOLE NOVEL WORKSHOP

2012-01-15T10:16:00.000-08:00

“There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.” —Ursula K. Le Guin

It’s not enough to have the facts. You have to tell the story. Balancing both is the challenge of any nonfiction manuscript, and it doesn’t just happen. Research has to be vetted. Stories have to be compelling and accurate. Together, facts and narrative must capture the hearts and imaginations of young readers. Sometimes, you just can’t do it alone. You need a trusted reader. An experienced guide. A helping hand.

For twenty-seven years, the Highlights Foundation has been fulfilling its mission of improving the quality of children’s literature by helping authors and illustrators hone their skills. The Whole Novel Workshop, launched in 2006, expands its offerings this year with a program specifically designed for nonfiction. During our week-long Nonfiction Narrative Workshop, May 20–26, you’ll have the chance to learn the craft of nonfiction storytelling with our award-winning faculty, including Carolyn Yoder, Susan Campbell Bartoletti, and Elizabeth Partridge. You’ll gather with other dedicated writers, talking the talk, discussing your questions, and learning the subtleties of what makes a good manuscript a great book. You can enjoy all this, along with the quiet tranquility of your own cabin and the kind of farmhouse hospitality that makes you feel right at home.

During the workshop, your full manuscript will be read and critiqued by one of our faculty, you’ll have time to discuss your goals and vision for the story, and you’ll leave with a revision plan that will clarify and polish the text. We’ll also give you support as you prepare your pitch, query, and synopsis to ensure the manuscript is given full consideration by agents and editors.

Get the help you need to tell the facts and the story. Join us for the Whole Nonfiction Narrative Workshop.

To find out more, contact Jo Lloyd at 570-253-1192, e-mail Jo at jo.lloyd@highlights.org, or visit www.highlightsfoundation.org to request an application.

To view more 2012 Founders Workshops, which take place near Honesdale, Pennsylvania, please visit www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Please feel free to share this e-mail with others who might have an interest or to include the information in blog posts or through other social networking forums.

The Highlights Foundation is a public, not-for-profit 501©3 organization. We dedicate our
efforts to connecting, nurturing, and inspiring children's book writers and illustrators.

I'm Back!

2012-01-15T10:12:00.001-08:00

So sorry for the long delay between posts. My computer crashed New Year's eve and is just back up and running. Will try to get caught up in the next few days. Sally

HIGHLIGHTS NOVEL PROGRAM 2012

2011-12-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

Many times when a manuscript is rejected, it isn’t because the writing is weak. It’s because the manuscript isn’t ready. We all want to push our work to the next phase, but sometimes we submit work to agents or publishers before its ready. Maybe we’ve shown the manuscript to our writing group. Maybe we’ve revised a few times. Maybe we think we’ve done all we can do. But what we really need is a writing coach, a revision plan, and a clear strategy to make the best book we can. In today’s demanding world of publishing, you get only one chance grab the attention of an agent or editor, so make that chance count. Make sure you are ready.

The Highlights Foundation’s Whole Novel Workshop has been helping writers polish their manuscripts since 2006. Participants receive a reading of and editorial response to their complete manuscript prior to a week dedicated to revision and readying your manuscript for submission. We offer an award-winning faculty of writers, editors, and agents to help make your book the best it can be. Through one-on-one critiques and small-group discussions, we focus on revision plans, query letters, and pitch strategies to get you ready to submit. We also nourish your creativity with a private cabin in which to think and write, farm-style meals, and an environment that will refresh your publishing dreams.

Whole Novel Workshops offer targeted programs for nonfiction narrative (in May), fiction for middle-school readers (in July), and young-adult readers (in October). Our first whole novel workshop in 2012 takes place March 11–17. Submission deadline is December 30. The faculty includes award-winning authors and talented teachers Kathi Appelt, Alan Gratz, and Jeannette Ingold, as well smart and sassy editor Martha Mahalick from Greenwillow Books. Authors Janet Fox and Karen Henley round out the support team as teaching assistants.

Come spend a week in the woods and finally get your manuscript ready for publication.

To secure your spot, or for more information, contact Jo Lloyd at 570-253-1192, e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org, or request an application online.

To find out more and to apply to the Whole Novel Workshop, visit www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Highlights Foundation, 814 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (877) 512-8365 (toll-free) or (570) 251-4557
Fax: (570) 253-0179
jalloyd@highlightsfoundation.org
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/

NEW AGENT JOINING BOOKS & SUCH

2011-12-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

As of the first week in January, Agent Rachelle Gardner will be joining the Books & Such Literary Agency. Rachelle was formerly an agent with the WordServe Agency, and is well known in the industry. Http://booksandsuch.biz/blog.

NEW CBA EVENT

2011-12-20T12:06:00.000-08:00

CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) is planning an event prior to the Atlanta gift mart (an annual industry event) Jan. 12-13. It's called NEXT. CBA would like to include an opportunity for authors to do book signings and engage with retailers through what they call a personality party. It's basically a book-signing and meet-and-greet with hors d'oeuvres. If authors would like to attend the conference, there would be an added fee for the author for food.

ACFW won't be officially represented there, but if you're an Atlanta area published author or have connections in Atlanta, want to make the trip at your own expense, and can arrange with your publisher for copies of your book for the signing, you're welcome to check out the link and deal directly with CBA for all arrangements.

You can see more at:
http://www.cbaonline.org/meet-the-challenge-registration.htm

CBA suggests that some of the NEXT workshops might be of interest to authors as the sessions cover retailers' experience with e-books, events, building community around the store, and more. The sessions will feature a brief presentation by two retailers about something they've done around the session topic and then it will be open to dialog and brainstorming with retailers in the audience. It's more a peer-to-peer discussion rather than a lecture/presentation.

2012 CHRISTIAN WRITERS' MARKET GUIDE

2011-12-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that the 2012 Christian Writers' Market Guide will be out the first of the year. You can now order your copy off my Website at http://www.stuartmarket.com/. If you signed up to get the guide automatically every year as some time in the past, Jerry Jenkins will still be honoring those orders at your frozen price. I don't believe that there will be a CD available this year, but you can still get a copy of the 2011 guide on CD on the Website for only $6. The 2011 guide is now $18, including postage. If you have an address change since last year, send it right away to: kerma@christianwritersguild.com.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 25

2011-12-19T14:20:00.001-08:00

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list; #2 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #3 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list and the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #9 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #4 on the children's picture book list.

NEARING HOME by Billy Graham (Thomas Nelson) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

THE DEVIL IN PEW NUMBER SEVEN by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo with Bob DeMoss (Tyndale) is #6 on the e-Book nonfiction list;

EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #7 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

THROUGH MY EYES by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #8 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #9 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #13 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

DECEMBER 1941 by Craig Shirley (Thomas Nelson) is #8 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #20 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; #29 on the hardcover nonfiction list; and #34 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #12 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

THE ONE YEAR UNCOMMON LIFE DAILY CHALLENGE by Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker (Tyndale) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

RADICAL by David Platt (Multnomah) is #15 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

LONGING by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #16 on the paperback trade fiction list.

THE SHACK by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #17 on the mass-market fiction list; and #35 on the paperback trade fiction list.

BONHOEFFER by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #22 on the paperback nonfiction list.

THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN by Kevin and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale) is #25 on the paperback nonfiction list.

THE REASON FOR GOD by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 18

2011-12-15T09:18:00.000-08:00

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list; #2 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #3 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list and the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #12 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #2 on the children's picture book list.

NEARING HOME by Billy Graham (Thomas Nelson) is #4 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #6 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #6 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

LONGING by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #12 on the paperback trade fiction list.

RADICAL by David Platt (Multnomah) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

THE ONE YEAR UNCOMMON LIFE DAILY CHALLENGE by Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker (Tyndale) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #15 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #33 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list and the hardcover nonfiction list.

THROUGH MY EYES by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #19 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #21 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #24 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN by Kevin and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale) is #20 on the paperback nonfiction list.

THE SHACK by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #28 on the paperback mass-market fiction list.

BONHOEFFER by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #32 on the paperback nonfiction list.

RETAILERS CHOICE AWARDS

2011-12-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release Contact: Christine D. Johnson, Managing Editor
Christian Retailing
retailerschoiceawards@charismamedia.com
(407) 333-0600, ext. 2682

Lake Mary, Fla. (Dec. 12, 2011)—Nominations open today for the 2012 Christian Retailing Retailers Choice Awards, the popular annual honors for the Christian products industry.
        Eight new categories have been added to the program, which sees Christian retailers across the country vote for the new products they have most appreciated being able to make available to consumers in the previous year.
        Teen Bibles, Men’s Nonfiction, Self-published books and DVD: Documentary are among the new categories in the full 53-strong field that covers Bibles, books, gifts and other resources.
        “The industry continues to develop and expand, and we believe it is important to adjust the Retailers Choice Award categories to reflect these changes,” said Christian Retailing Editor Andy Butcher.
        Suppliers have through Jan. 31, 2012, to nominate products released during 2012. The entry fee remains unchanged at $50 per item, with an Early Bird offer through
        Jan. 16, giving an additional free entry for every five paid.

        Entries in the 12th annual Retailers Choice Awards will be judged on their ability to speak to people’s hearts and evoke emotion, open people’s minds to new ways of thinking, and encourage and affirm Christ-like living.
        Among the winners in the 2011 Retailers Choice Awards were Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo (Thomas Nelson) and Radical by David Platt (WaterBrook Multnomah), co-recipients for Christian Living: Spiritual Growth; Eric Metaxas’ Bonhoeffer (Thomas Nelson) for Auto/Biography; and The Action Bible (David C Cook) for Children’s Bible.
        Voting for the 2012 awards will run March 1-31, with the winners to be announced later in the spring.
        See the categories, official rules and a list of last year’s winners online at www.RetailersChoiceAwards.com. For more information, email Managing Editor Christine Johnson at retailerschoiceawards@charismamedia.com.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 11

2011-12-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list; #2 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #4 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list and the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #19 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

LONGING by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #2 on the paperback trade fiction list; #6 on the combined print and e-Book fiction list and the e-Book fiction list; and #8 on the combined hardcover & paperback fiction list.

NEARING HOME by Billy Graham (Thomas Nelson) is #3 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #4 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #5 on the children's picture book list.

EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #7 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #7 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN by Kevin and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale) is #10 on the paperback nonfiction list.

THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) 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) #15 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

THE ONE YEAR UNCOMMON LIFE DAILY CHALLENGE by Tony Dungy and Nathan Whitaker (Tyndale) is #15 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

THROUGH MY EYES by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #21 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #23 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #28 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

COURAGEOUS by Randy Alcorn (Tyndale House) is #30 on the paperback trade fiction list.

90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell) is #31 on the paperback nonfiction list.

BONHOEFFER by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #34 on the paperback nonfiction list.

E-BOOKS MAKE THEIR MARK

2011-12-06T11:43:00.001-08:00

E-books have taken the world by storm since their debut only a few years ago. According to an October 2011 report by Media Bistro, e-book sales went up 116% from August 2010 to August 2011, while printed book sales were slightly down. With this shift in the market, how do Christian stores keep up? At Next 2012: Meet the Challenge, Chuck Wallington (owner of Christian Supply) will discuss his recent venture into e-book sales, and what he learned through the Christmas 2011 season.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for your continued interest in this blog. We've been having record rainfall on Oregon this week, but it's supposed to stop in another hour and a half. Even our Oregon duck feathers are getting waterlogged. Have a wonderful holiday!

STORIES ON MOTHERHOOD NEEDED

2011-11-21T13:24:00.001-08:00

Author Nancy B. Kennedy is looking for stories told by mothers about motherhood for the third book in her "Miracles and Moments of Grace" series, to be published by Leafwood Publishers. The stories can be inspiring, thoughtful, heart-breaking or even funny. Stories with messages of faith are welcome. Although stories by writers are welcome, you don't have to be a writer to participate. If you have a story to share, all you have to do is send a few details, and we'll take it from there. For more information, contact Nancy at kennedy5961@aol.com.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 27

2011-11-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list; #3 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list, and the e-Book nonfiction list; and #20 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

NEARING HOME by Billy Graham (Thomas Nelson) is #2 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. (Tommy Nelson) is #3 on the children's picture book list.

CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #4 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

ENTRELEADERSHIP by Dave Ramsey (Howard) is #5 on the monthly hardcover business list.

EVERY DAY A FRIDAY by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #8 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

RADICAL by David Platt (Multnomah) is #8 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THE DAY! by David Jeremiah (FaithWords) is #11 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

THE LOVE DARE by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

FORGOTTEN GOD by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

THE BOY WHO CAME BACK FROM HEAVEN by Kevin and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale) is #17 on the paperback nonfiction list.

90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell) is #22 on the paperback nonfiction list.

AN INVISIBLE THREAD by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski (Howard) is #26 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

THE TEHRAN INITIATIVE by Joel C. Rosenberg (Tyndale House) is #29 on the hardcover fiction list.

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #29 on the paperback nonfiction list.

BONHOEFFER by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #33 on the paperback nonfiction list.

THE DIARY OF A PLAYER by Brad Paisley and David Wild (Howard) is #34 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

RANDOM LAUNCHES SHORT STORY BRAND

2011-11-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

Random House is launching a company-wide, new digital short story brand, called Story-cuts, with more than 150 e-books, comprising 243 stories, by authors including Julian Barnes and Ruth Rendell.

Some of the e-books will contain more than one story, with prices ranging from 99p on the agency model, to £3.99 for numerous stories, though the majority will be around the £1 mark. They will be available through all retail channels, including the Apple store, Amazon and Kobo.

RH digital editor Dan Franklin said the idea of putting out individual short stories digitally, had been "on the agenda" since he joined the publisher. He said: "It's that principle that is intuitive at the moment, taking short stories and selling them outside of collections."

INTERVARSITY PRESS ACQUIRES BIBLICA BOOKS

2011-11-21T13:00:00.001-08:00

InterVarsity Press (IVP), a leading publisher of thoughtful Christian books, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Biblica Books, the book-publishing arm of Biblica Worldwide. In the acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of the calendar year, IVP will obtain 170 current and nearly 30 new Biblica Books titles. This includes Operation World, the definitive global prayer guide that’s now in its seventh edition

LOOKING FOR SCRIPTWRITER

2011-11-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

Any scriptwriters out there that can fill this need?

From: Nina Mcleod

E-mail: nina.mcleod1@gmail.com
Message:

Dear Sally ,

I am involved in a children'S ministry where we are producing DVDS for scripture in primary schools in Australia.

We have all the lesson content , however we are after a scriptwriter who is able to use the lessons and make them attractive to children in a DVD format ( visual )

Are you able to help us please?

We are producing 36 weekly , half hour lessons fro every grade from Kinder to year 10 .

I thank you and look forward to hearing from you.

Blessings , Nina

BAKER JOINS ESPRESSO BOOK MACHINE NETWORK

2011-11-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Baker Publishing Group and On Demand Books, the company behind the Espresso Book Machine^® (EBM), have entered into an agreement to sell Baker’s list of paperback titles on the EBM “digital-to-print at retail” sales channel.
Baker is the first major Christian publisher to make available substantially their entire paperback list to the EBM network. This agreement will enable Baker to reach more readers both in the existing Christian market and in broader trade and academic bookstores that are equipped with an Espresso Book Machine.
Essentially an ATM for books, the patented EBM and its EspressNet^® software system links to a vast network of content, enabling the instant distribution of books, on demand, at point of sale. With the push of a button, the technology converts a digital file into a quality paperback, in any language, with a full-color cover, in minutes. This environmentally friendly technology eliminates shipping, returns, and the pulping of unwanted books.
“We believe the Espresso Book Machine in a local bookstore offers the book-reading customer the best overall access to printed books at the time they are in a store and ready to purchase a title,” says David Lewis, executive VP, sales and marketing for Baker Publishing Group. “If the publishing community will support this technology by allowing all of their titles that fit the machine's specifications to be printed locally, it will give the local bookstore a better opportunity to survive. This is the only way a bookstore can have hundreds of thousands of books to sell without the cost of holding all of that inventory. It allows a local bookseller to compete on selection with the on-line retailers.”
“We are delighted to announce the latest publisher to join our ever-growing Espresso Book Machine network,” says Dane Neller, CEO of On Demand Books. “Baker Publishing Group is one of the great Christian publishers, with a high-quality list of fiction and non-fiction titles that will appeal to our existing trade and academic bookstores. The inclusion of their titles also supports our expansion of EBMs in the CBA retail market. We hope Baker is the first of many religious publishers to see the great potential of the Espresso channel.

WRITING OPPORTUNITY

2011-11-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Author Candace Pope is accepting submissions for a compilation of true stories from people who have been blessed and comforted by God through animals and nature, especially after loss (death of a loved one, divorce, health, earthly possessions). Please contact her at cpope2@sc.rr.com for more information and submission guidelines.

WRITE-TO-PUBLISH CHANGES DATES

2011-11-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Write-to-Publish Conference had to change its date to May 30--June 2

due to a scheduling problem at Wheaton College. Details will be posted later

this year at www.writetopublish.com.

DEEP RIVER BOOKS WRITER'S CONTEST

2011-11-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Rhonda Funk FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Email: rhonda@deepriverbooks.com
Phone: (541) 549-1139
Web: www.deepriverbooks.com

Announcing the 2011 Deep River Books Writer's Contest-
Two Winners to Receive Publishing Contracts

Sisters, Oregon, November 1, 2011- The dream of publishing your manuscript may just become a reality in this year's Deep River Books Writer's Contest. Two Grand Prize awards will be given away to the authors who submit the best Christian manuscript, one in each category of Fiction and Non-Fiction. The prize? A full-service, royalty-based publishing contract giving your book a chance to be the next bestseller!

Bill Carmichael, CEO of Deep River Books and Carmichael Publishing said, “Last year's contest had such a fantastic response that choosing one author was difficult. With the vast differences in Fiction and Non-Fiction, we decided to separate the two this time around. Besides, two winners are better than one!”

One Second Place prize winner will receive $1000 and one Third Place winner will receive $750 toward a publishing contract with Carmichael Publishing, the royalty-based publishing division of Deep River Books. “Certificates of Merit” will be awarded to runner-up contestants whose manuscripts are of merit, but do not win a cash prize.

The contest begins November 1, 2011 and ends January 15, 2012 at 11:59pm (PST) so do not delay! For a complete list of contest rules, submission guidelines, and categories please visit the Contest page.

Deep River Books has mentored and published an array of new and best-selling Christian authors including Coach Bill McCartney (founder of Promise Keepers), Kimberly Cash-Tate, Abby Smith, John Claeys, Jeff Dixon, Heidi McLaughlin, and many others. With their top-of-the-line design team, typesetters, editors, and publicity team, DRB products command attention.

As one of our authors put it, “Before going with Deep River Books, I thoroughly researched other publishing offers that were presented to me, which included looking at what other companies offered, visiting with published authors, and viewing the finished products of the publishers. When I made the decision to publish with Deep River Books, I felt it was the right one then; and now that my book is out in the market and doing well, I know I went with the right publisher.

HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS TO ACQUIRE THOMAS NELSON

2011-10-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

HarperCollins Publishers today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Thomas Nelson, Inc. for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of the calendar year, is subject to regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions.

Thomas Nelson is one of the leading trade publishers in the United States. The Company provides multiple forms of inspirational content including: books, Bibles, e-books, journals, audio, video, curriculum and digital applications available for download on “smart” electronic devices. It has published some of the bestselling books in the industry, including the current #1 bestseller Heaven Is For Real, and the books of many popular authors, such as Billy Graham, Max Lucado, and Dave Ramsey.

FILM COMPETITION

2011-10-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

Regent University's fifth annual ReelDreams Film Competition is now accepting submissions. During the submission period, entrants may submit a redemptive film to Regent University. The submission period ends Jan. 27, 2012.

The top seven finalists will experience a VIP weekend in Virginia Beach, Va., for the Live Event on March 31, 2012. The winners will be announced at this time. The grand prize winner will receive a full-tuition scholarship to film school at Regent University. ReelDreams scholarship opportunities have expanded this year. In addition to the grand prize of a full tuition scholarship, the top 20 finalists will be awarded partial scholarships. This competition is open to prospective undergraduate and graduate students.

Films must be 3-5 minutes long and portray character(s) facing a moral dilemma that leads to good or bad consequences. Redemptive-themed documentaries are also accepted. The entrant must be the sole writer, producer and director of the film.

Learn more about the competition and begin the film submission process at www.regent.edu/reeldreams.

MAVIS SANDERS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

2011-10-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Mavis Sanders announced her retirement from Tyndale today with this statement, "With gratitude to God for his faithfulness, I have chosen to retire from Tyndale House Publishers at the end of October. What a privilege I have had in a career that has spanned four decades—as an editor for ten years, followed by thirty years in public relations. I am grateful for the opportunities I was given to work with numerous organizations, authors, retailers, and media. In 1997, the door opened for me to serve at Tyndale House. I am grateful to our president, Mark Taylor, and other Tyndale associates, including our PR team led by Todd Starowitz, senior public relations manager. I’m ready—to spend quality time with seven siblings and extended family, travel (think “cruise”), engage in local ministry opportunities . . . and I also plan to read a few more books! For future PR/publicity needs, please contact toddstarowitz@tyndale.com or any Tyndale publicist with whom you may already be working. Until we meet again—thank you, and all God’s best to you!"

WRITING EVENT

2011-10-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

Northwest Christian Writers’ Association is excited to offer our Fall mid-year event. Get ready to rev up your marketing tactics, ignite your platform, keep your promotions running, and stay on the right track for marketing success. If you’re a new writer putting together your publishing plan, or a seasoned author or speaker looking to boost the success of your current titles or speaking platform, this all day event is perfect for you. We will provide tools and resources to help you expand your audience and makes sense of today’s communication channels. We will explore:

•Why an authentic platform helps authors succeed.

•How authors can build and grow successful platforms.

•The secret to marketing your message.

•How to combine the right marketing mix.

•What publishers expect your marketing plan to include.

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Date: Saturday, November 5, 2011

Location: Northshore Baptist Church

Cost: $100 includes box lunch and refreshments.

So join us for a great day of learning, brainstorming, and planning. Walk away with concrete plans to rev-up your marketing!

DAILY DEVOTIONS NEEDED

2011-10-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Mark Littleton, is compiling and editing the book of daily devotions for Jebaire Publishing: God Still Meets Needs. Guidelines below. If you have questions or submissions, please direct them to Mark at GodMeetsNeeds@earthlink.net.

GOD STILL MEETS NEEDS:

How God Helps His People and Provides in Tough Times
PROJECT: A devotional book of 365 readings, which will be written by various authors. The book is contracted with Jebaire, a royalty publisher, and may expand into a series. The stories in the book will show how God met a need in your life or in the life of someone you know, whether it’s a physical, financial, emotional, or spiritual need, or any other kind.
FORMAT: Each devotion will be a maximum of 275-325 words (total of all parts).
TITLE: See Sample.
SCRIPTURE: You choose: NIV, NKJV, NASB, NLT, The Message, KJV, etc. Please double-check text instead of writing scripture from memory, and note version used.
BODY: Story devotional that touches the readers, makes them laugh, or just offers a new insight they can use in their lives.
PRAYER: Brief one-sentence prayer to finish.
PAYMENT: For each devotional that is selected for the book, the writer will be paid $5.00 for one-time rights at the time of publication. You may submit as many devotionals as you’d like. Reprints OK.
PURCHASE OF COPIES:
You can get the books in a pre-printing order for 40% off the retail price. If you purchase 25-49 books, you get a 45% discount, and if 50 or more, a 50% discount. Perfect for those who want to sell books when they speak, want giveaways for donations to a ministry, want to do their own marketing, or want gifts. It’s a good way to get your name out there and also to make a little extra money for yourself.

THE STORIES IN THE DEVOS:
These stories will be somewhat dramatic, fun to read, and end with a principle, application, or some twist that the reader can use in his or her life. If they are touching or funny, or offering a new insight, all the better. The most important factor is that they reveal a time in your life when God met a need.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
If you would like to be involved in this project or have questions, please contact me, Mark Littleton, by e-mail at GodMeetsNeeds@earthlink.net. Please provide the following information:

The devotionals themselves.
Name and contact, phone number, e-mail, etc.
My contact is: GodMeetsNeeds@earthlink.net.

DEADLINE: January 10, 2012

SAMPLE DEVO:
Who Really Meets Our Needs?
My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19, NASB.
        The day looked gloomy to me. The financial pressure to pay my bills at school had mounted. I couldn’t really take a job that would strip away my time for studying and completing assignments. I went to our little dorm prayer meeting with a heavy heart. We prayed.
        I forgot about it the next morning until I opened my mail box. There were several letters, and a rather stuffed envelope with just my name on it. I opened it, thinking it might be a paper I’d written. In it, I found eighty-some dollars. All it said, “To help with expenses.”
        Next was a letter from my grandparents. Grandpa informed me he would be sending me fifty-dollars a month for as long as I was in school and I found the first check inside.
         Walking on air, I hurried home to tell my friends. In the hallway, Mike M. asked me, “Want a study job? Just sit there, watch, and do whatever else you need to do.”
Amazed, he gave me the address where I needed to fill out an application.
I kept that job for four years through my schooling. Grandpa kept the checks coming, and every once in a while someone added to the pile with a check or money-order seemingly out of nowhere.
        I ate a lot of Kraft macaroni and cheese and hamburger without the trimmings those years, but God kept me afloat. He showed me that promise (above) from Philippians was as sure as my name on my paycheck.
Prayer: God, I want to trust you about these problems I have with money, but I’m a little scared. Can you encourage me a bit today with something, some jolt that will renew my faith? Amen. 315 Words

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF OCTOBER 23

2011-10-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list and #4 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; the e-Book nonfiction list; and the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

I Never Thought I'd See The Day! by David Jeremiah (FaithWords) is #1 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Every Day A Friday by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #2 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #4 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey (Howard) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list, and #3 on the monthly hardcover business book list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Living Beyond Your Feelings by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #10 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the monthly hardcover business book list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #14 on the paperback nonfiction list; #32 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #34 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Courageous by Randy Alcorn (Tyndale House) is #24 on the paperback trade fiction list.

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House) is #25 on the paperback trade fiction list.

The Girl In The Gatehouse by Julie Klassen (Bethany House) is #27 on the e-Book fiction list.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #28 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #34 on the paperback trade fiction list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #35 on the paperback nonfiction list.

LOOKING FOR ANGEL STORIES

2011-10-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

GUIDELINES

Heavenly Company: Entertaining Angels and Other Strangers is a book project we [Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk] contracted with Summerside/Guideposts for an August 2012 release.

We want true stories of angelic appearances that resulted in changed lives.

Do you have an angel story to tell but can't write it yourself? Email us the details. If we believe your story has potential for this book, we will contact you for more information and will write the story for you.

We will edit every selected story for consistency and style.

We will not change factual information.

If you are unwilling to allow edits, please do not submit.

Submission Guidelines:

Deadline for stories is November 12, 2011.

All entries must be double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, ragged right margin, in a Word document.

Story length should be 900 to 1,400 words. We will not consider longer pieces.

We prefer first-person narratives.

We’ll include your name with your story. If you want to use someone else’s story, get written permission, write it in first person, and we’ll credit both of you. We’ll include a brief bio of all writers.

Every story must have a positive impact from the angelic encounter.

You may send an original or a reprint. (If a reprint, tell us where it was published and assure us that you own the reprint rights.)

If your story is selected, you’ll receive a $50 honorarium and retain reprint rights. You’ll also receive a free copy of the book.

If your story makes the preliminary cut, we’ll notify you by February or March 2012. The senior editor at Summerside/Guideposts will make final decisions for inclusion in the book.

Submission:

Send your story, formatted according to the guidelines, to heavenlycompany@gmail.com. Put the words "Story Submission" in the subject line. We will send a confirmation email shortly after your story is received.

Do not email to check on the status of your submission. We will notify you in February or March if your story is selected.

Visit the Heavenly Company Book website for more about the authors and a sample story.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF OCTOBER 16

2011-10-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list and #2 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; the e-Book nonfiction list; and the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Every Day A Friday by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #1 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey (Howard) is #3 on the hardcover advice & misc. list, and #3 on the hardcover business book list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #8 on the paperback nonfiction list; #29 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; #31 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #34 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Living Beyond Your Feelings by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #10 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the monthly hardcover business book list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House) is #20 on the paperback trade fiction list.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #21 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

Courageous by Randy Alcorn (Tyndale House) is #23 on the paperback trade fiction list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #25 on the paperback nonfiction list.

Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #29 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #34 on the paperback mass-market fiction list.

MEN OF INTEGRITY - NO FREELANCE

2011-10-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

From the editor: For the past three issues, I have not used any freelance content, but I have simply been drawing content from published books. It’s just so much easier that way, and it’s less expensive. During the past several months, I thought I might use freelance content, but it just didn’t work out that way. So, I made the decision to not even send out themes for the January/February issue. And I don’t plan on using any freelance content throughout 2012. It was a difficult decision, but in terms of time and economics, it just seemed to be the smart thing to do.

Christopher Lutes
Editor
Men of Integrity
clutes@christianitytoday.com
Phone: 630.260.6200.ext4275
twitter.com/menofintegrity1

BOOKING 2012 SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

2011-10-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'm preparing for my last writers' conference of the year that will be held next week, so am looking at my speaking calendar for 2012. Just wanted to let you know--if you are involved with a conference--that I do have a couple of slots open for next year, if you are looking for a speaker or workshop leader. I am able to cover a wide range of topics and am willing to come for expenses and whatever the group/conference can afford as an honorarium. Just e-mail me for details: stuartcwmg@aol.com.

PROFILES IN COURAGE ESSAY CONTEST

2011-10-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

I just ran across a contest for high school students. The Profiles in Courage Essay Contest is conducted by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. The contest invites students from across the nation to write an essay on an act of political courage by an elected U.S. official. First place winner gets $5,000 in cash, and $5,000 in a college saving plan. Second place get $1,000 cash, and the next 5 finalists get $500 each. For details and registration, go to: www.jfklibrary.com and click on the "Education" tab.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF OCTOBER 9

2011-10-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list, the e-Book nonfiction list, and the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #2 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey (Howard) is #1 on the hardcover advice & misc. list, and #3 on the hardcover business book list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Every Day A Friday by Joel Osteen (FaithWords) is #2 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #7 on the paperback nonfiction list; #25 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #30 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Living Beyond Your Feelings by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #9 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

StandOut by Marcus Buckingham (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the hardcover business book list.

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House) is #14 on the paperback trade fiction list.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #15 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (David C. Cook) is #15 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Devil in Pew Number Seven by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo with Bob DeMoss (Tyndale) is #22 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #24 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list.

Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee (Center Street) is #31 on the hardcover fiction list.

The Healing by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Barbour) is #34 on the paperback trade fiction list.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #34 on the paperback nonfiction list

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #35 on the paperback mass-market fiction list.

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS FOR 2012

2011-10-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

If you are a photographer wishing to improve your skills, or someone wanting to become a photographer, these workshops are for you. Todd and Brad Reed--professional photogrphers--are offering 4 "2012 Picture Perfect Weekends" for next year. Workshops will be held at the Cartier Mansion in Luddington MI on the following dates: May 18-20, August 3-5, September 14-16, and October 12-14. Workshops limited to 12 people each. Cost is $350, but does not include lodging. For details, log into: http://www.toddandbradreed.com/ ansd click on "workshops." to register call the Cartier Mansion at 231-843-0101.

WINNERS OF ANNUAL CAROL AWARDS

2011-10-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Carol Awards were presented at the 10th annual ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Gala. The Carol Awards evolved from ACFW’s Book of the Year Awards to honor the highest achievement for published authors of Christian fiction.

Honoring excellence in Christian fiction of all genres, ACFW announced the 2011 Carol Award winners:

Debut Author: Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers)

Long Contemporary: Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House)

Long Contemporary Romance: Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)

Long Historical: Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press)

Long Historical Romance: Love Finds You In Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press)

Mystery: The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour)

Novella: A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour)

Romantic Suspense: The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press)

Short Contemporary: A Father for Zach by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired)

Short Contemporary Suspense: Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense)

Short Historical: Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired)

Speculative Fiction: König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press)

Suspense/Thriller: Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)

Women’s Fiction: Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers)

Young Adult: Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell)

ACFW is devoted to training its writers, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the traditional Christian fiction publishing industry. With more than 2500 members and 29 local chapters in 18 states, as well as a beyond-the-borders e-chapter, ACFW speaks as The Voice of Christian Fiction. For more information about ACFW and upcoming conferences, visit www.acfw.com or contact Allison Wilson, Conference Administrator, at ca@acfw.com.

NEW LABEL: SLINGSHOT PICTURES

2011-10-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Image Entertainment, Inc. (OTCQB: DISK) is proud to announce the launch of a new label, Slingshot Pictures. The line will focus exclusively on faith-based titles and be managed by industry veteran Suzette Schafer who has been hired as Senior Vice President. The Slingshot Pictures brand will premiere in November according to Image Entertainment Chief Acquisitions Officer Bill Bromiley.

"I'm excited to be launching this new label for Image Entertainment," said Suzette Schafer, Senior Vice President, Specialty Product. "It is our goal to acquire films that have strong family values, messages of hope and are life affirming as well as spiritually enriching. Slingshot Pictures will bring these films to audiences through standard distribution channels as well as explore new innovative outlets to broaden accessibility and bring inspirational content to consumers worldwide."

Image Entertainment, Inc. is a leading independent licensee and distributor of entertainment programming in North America, with approximately 3,200 exclusive DVD titles and approximately 340 exclusive CD titles in domestic release and more than 450 programs internationally via sublicense agreements. For many of its titles, the Company has exclusive audio and broadcast rights, as well as digital download rights to over 2,100 video programs and approximately 400 audio titles containing more than 6,000 individual tracks. The Company is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. For more information about Image Entertainment, Inc., please go to www.image-entertainment.com.

POPULARITY OF E-READERS

2011-10-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

The options keep changing and bookstores are starting to feel the pressure. One major chain closed its doors for good this month while some of the others have rolled out their own e-Reader devices and are upgrading them regularly. Even The New York Times has changed the way it looks at bestsellers. It used to be just fiction and non-fiction; now it's also print versus e-Reader. And this is for a good reason as one in six Americans (15%) uses an e-Reader device up from less than one in ten (8%) a year ago. Also, among those who do not have an e-Reader, one in six (15%) say they are likely to get an e-Reader device in the next six months. These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,183 adults surveyed online between July 11 and 18, 2011 by Harris Interactive.

BLUE RIDGE NOVELIST RETREAT

2011-10-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

BLUE RIDGE CHRISTIAN

“Autumn in the Mountains” Novelist Retreat
October 16-20, 2011

What could be finer than to be in the mountains of western North Carolina in October! This is the perfect setting for a time of improving the craft of novel writing, fellowship with other novelists, write, discuss, and critique.

Retreat for beginning and published novelists

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU BRING YOUR LAPTOP
AND YOUR NOVEL-IN-PROGRESS.

All novelists are welcome to come and learn the craft that applies to all novel writing. The faculty is Christian and some emphasis will be directed to the CBA market.

Enrollment limited. Please register early. – Ridgecrest: 1.800.588.7222

www.lifeway.com/novelretreat

LOCATION

Ridgecrest/LifeWay Conference Center, Ridgecrest, NC

(twenty minutes east of Asheville—home of the famous Biltmore House and Gardens)

All sleeping rooms for the Novel Retreat are in

MOUNTAIN LAUREL HOTEL

Sunday evening session and morning classes will be held
AZALEA AUDITORIUM - JOHNSON SPRINGS BUILDING

.TUITION
Retreat $315 - Off-campus $375

LODGING PER NIGHT in MOUNTAIN LAUREL
Single $69 - Double $69
Triple $79 - Quad $89

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF OCTOBER 2

2011-10-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, and the paperback nonfiction list; and #2 on the e-Book nonfiction list, and the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the e-Book nonfiction list, and #4 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

The Hour That Matters Most by Les Parrott (Tyndale House) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House) is #2 on the paperback trade fiction list, #8 on the combined hardcover and paperback fiction list, and #16 on the combined print and e-Book fiction list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #4 on the monthly hardcover business book list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Living Beyond Your Feelings by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #8 on the paperback nonfiction list; #21 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; #25 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #35 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #10 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #11 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (David C. Cook) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Healing by Wanda E. Brunstetter. (Barbour) is #13 on the paperback trade fiction list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #19 on the paperback nonfiction list, and #35 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #19 on the hardcover nonfiction list, #20 on the e-Book nonfiction list, #30 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, and #34 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #26 on the e-Book nonfiction list, and #35 on the paperback nonfiction list.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #26 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #29 on the paperback nonfiction list.

CATHOLIC VIDEO CONTEST

2011-09-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

For more than ten years "The Great Adventure" Bible Study Program has helped hundreds of thousands of Catholics discover the "big picture" of the Bible. By uncovering the central story woven throughout Scripture, "The Great Adventure" studies have provided many people with a guided tour through the story of the Bible. Now "The Great Adventure" is giving one person and a companion the opportunity to experience a guided tour of the Holy Land itself with Jeff and Emily Cavins.

"Every day we hear of Catholics who have participated in our Bible studies and experienced a profound impact in their faith," says Matthew Pinto, president of Ascension Press. "We would like to share these amazing stories with others so they too will be encouraged to open their Bibles and begin an encounter with the Living God in Scripture."

"The Great Adventure" is inviting people to submit a video responding to the question "How has the story of Scripture enriched my life and my faith?" Videos will be judged initially by "The Great Adventure" team, who will select the finalists. The finalists will then be voted on by the general public. The winning video will be selected by "The Great Adventure" Team based upon the video's popularity, quality, and creativity. A Grand Prize of a pilgrimage for two to the Holy Land will be awarded to the winning video. Other prizes will be awarded for 2nd and 3rd places, as well as honorable mentions. Videos should be submitted online at www.BibleStudyContest.com by October 24th, 2011. Winners will be announced on November 18th, 2011.

"We want to make the Story of Scripture a tangible and accessible part of life for Catholics," says Jeff Cavins, creator of "The Great Adventure" Bible Study Program. "Seeing, visiting, and walking among the actual places where the biblical events occurred can help us understand Scripture on an entirely new level."

Detailed information on eligibility, rules, and participation is available at www.BibleStudyContest.com. For more information about the contest, or to request an interview, please contact John Harden at (610) 696-7795 ext. 200 or jharden@ascensionpress.com.

HARPERONE LAUNCHES SMALLGROUPGUIDES.COM

2011-09-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

HarperOne, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, announced today the launch of SmallGroupGuides.com, a web site offering reading and discussion guides for a wide variety of HarperOne books of interest to the whole spectrum of the Christian community. With questions thoughtfully crafted by the authors and editors of each book, the guides facilitate in-depth conversations at church study groups and book clubs.

Organized by topic, which include Bible and Christian Thought, Spirituality and the Church, and Hot Topics, the guides are available for free to view in a browser or to download as a PDF file. The site houses both frontlist and backlist titles with new titles added every month.

The site also provides easy-to-use directions and tips for leading a fun, interesting discussion, allowing groups to explore issues most important to both congregants and church leadership.

SmallGroupGuides.com, along with HarperOne's monthly e-newsletter News & Pews, was specifically developed in response to the needs of churches as expressed in focus groups conducted by HarperOne. SVP and Publisher Mark Tauber says, "SmallGroupGuides advances HarperOne's vision to collaborate with church communities. We are delighted to make this resource easily accessible for churches and other organizations wanting to ignite rich, lively discussions about our books."

NEWSLETTER FOR SCRIPT WRITERS

2011-09-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

10 days left!

September 30th is the final deadline for subscribing to the Preferred Newsletter (to begin receiving it on October 6). This e-newsletter informs you of the script needs for 4-8 companies per week. It tells you what those companies are searching for right now.

If you miss this deadline, you’ll have to wait 2 more months before you can get on the list!

Subscribe now! www.InkTip.com/news_subscribe.php

Jerrol LeBaron
CEO, InkTip
Getting the Right Script into the Right Hands.

TWO WRITING WORKSHOPS OFFERED

2011-09-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Join Author Trisha Petty for two writing workshops

Monday, October 3rd

• Writing for the Generations - Your Story 10:30-Noon

• Writing 101- Do I Really Need An Outline? 4:00-7:00 pm

Location: Collierville Burch Library - Halle Room (Memphis?)
Call the information desk at 457-2602 to Sign-up

Trisha has co-authored 13 novels and worked as a Production Assistant contributing story boards and character development to projects such as “Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn,” “North and South,” and “Paint Your Wagon.”

Also, she writes historical novels with a Christian perspective.

STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST

2011-09-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Maryknoll Student Essay Contest from Maryknoll magazine for middle school and high school students is addressing the rising concern about bullying. The assignment for the 22nd annual contest asks students to tell a story about how they or someone they know experienced bullying and then to explain how Jesus might tell those involved to handle the situation.

Maryknoll is published by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, the chief mission outreach of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States that serves a variety of people in 28 countries that include the U.S. The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers share God's love combating poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and promoting human rights.

More than 5,000 students competed for $2,900 in cash prizes during the 2010 Maryknoll Student Essay Contest. The awards remain the same for the 2011 contest, with $1,000 provided to each of the two first place finalists, $300 awarded to each of the two second place finalists and $150 provided to each of the two third place award recipients.

The contest focuses on a specific Christian message each year and is open to all students in grades six to eight (Division I) and grades nine to 12 (Division II). Only one entry is permitted per student. One first place winner, one second place winner and one third place winner will be recognized from each of the two divisions. The division category must be clearly identified on each submission. Essay length is 500 to 750 words and the postmark deadline for all entries is Thursday, December 1, 2011.

Flyers announcing the 2011 contest have been mailed to approximately 38,000 Catholic schools and Catholic parish religious education programs in the U.S. Students of any religious denomination inside or outside the U.S. may enter. Essays must be prepared in English.

The flyers contain the complete contest rules and submission guidelines. For more information, call the Maryknoll Student Essay Contest hotline at 1-888-627-9566 x2368, or visit www.maryknollsociety.org/essay.

Parents, teachers and students can learn more about this issue by listening to "Bullying: K thru Life" that aired on Maryknoll's Voices of Our World radio program on June 26, 2011. Visit www.voicesofourworld.org and click on "downloads."

SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION

2011-09-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

The 12th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story competition is underway. Deadline for entries is November 15, 2011. You could win $3,000 and a trip to the Writer's Digest Conference when you send in your fiction that's bold, brilliant--but brief. Entries must be 1,500 words or less. Enter online at writersdigest.com/short.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 25

2011-09-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, and the paperback nonfiction list; and #2 on the e-Book nonfiction list, and the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the e-Book nonfiction list, and #4 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

The Hour That Matters Most by Les Parrott (Tyndale House) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House) is #2 on the paperback trade fiction list, #8 on the combined hardcover and paperback fiction list, and #16 on the combined print and e-Book fiction list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #4 on the monthly hardcover business book list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Living Beyond Your Feelings by Joyce Meyer (FaithWords) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #8 on the paperback nonfiction list; #21 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; #25 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #35 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #10 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #11 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (David C. Cook) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Healing by Wanda E. Brunstetter. (Barbour) is #13 on the paperback trade fiction list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #19 on the paperback nonfiction list, and #35 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #19 on the hardcover nonfiction list, #20 on the e-Book nonfiction list, #30 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, and #34 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #26 on the e-Book nonfiction list, and #35 on the paperback nonfiction list.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #26 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #29 on the paperback nonfiction list.

LARGE LAYOFF AT FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

2011-09-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

Focus on the Family announced the elimination of 49 jobs today, citing the ongoing, and in many quarters worsening, economic downturn as necessitating the move.

NEW MARKETING HELP FOR CHRISTIAN WRITERS

2011-09-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

When submitting to publishers, it is essential that you first study their writers' guidelines and send them exactly what they ask for. However, finding those guidelines is often difficult. For that reason I have just developed a new CD to make your job easier. The CD lists the periodical publishers and the book publishers that include guidelines on their Website. Next to each name is a hotlink to their Website and in some cases directly to their guidelines. A huge time-saver.

For the rest of September the CD will be available for just $5.00. (Starting in October it will be $10.) You can order it and pay by check, PayPal, or credit card. I don't have a spot for it on my Website yet, but if you want to order it in the Website bookstore, just order any $5 item and include a message that it's for the Writers' Guidelines CD. Website: http://www.stuartmarket.com/. PayPal orders to: stuartcwmg@aol.com. Mailed orders to: 15935 SW Greens Way, Tigard OR 97224. Or you can can email or call credit card info to: 503-642-9844.

Sally

10th ANNUAL INDIANAPOLIS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

2011-09-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Held November 4–5, 2011 at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters in Fishers, Ind., the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference will feature authors Angela Hunt and Todd Burpo. With over 3 million books sold, Christy Award winner Angela Hunt, headlines this year’s conference with featured guest Todd Burpo, author of the New York Times #1 non-fiction book, Heaven is for Real. To register and learn more about the 25 skill-building workshops and consultations, visit www.IndyChristianWritersConf.com. Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference is sponsored by Wesleyan Publishing House.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 18

2011-09-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list and the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #2 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list and the e-Book nonfiction list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #6 on the paperback nonfiction list; and #14 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; #17 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #34 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #7 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #7 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (David C. Cook) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #11 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Made To Crave by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #13 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #4 on the monthly hardcover business book list and #15 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #18 on the hardcover nonfiction list and #33 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

The Sacred Acre - The Ed Thomas Story by Mark Tabb (Zondervan) is #25 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #26 on the paperback nonfiction list.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #27 on the e-Book nonfiction list, #31 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, and #33 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler (Tyndale House) is #31 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

MWW MINI-CONFERENCE OCTOBER 8TH

2011-09-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 8, Midwest Writers will offer "Make Money Writing in Tough Times" at the Putnam County Library, Greencastle, IN from 9 am to 12 pm.

This mini-workshop is open to persons interested in learning more about writing and in furthering their writing careers. Participants will learn from presenters with extensive writing credits about ways to "break in" to fiction or nonfiction, writing fiction and mysteries, and what agents want.
Featured Speakers: Terence Faherty, special guest for the day, is the author of two mystery series, the Shamus-winning Scott Elliott private eye series, set in the golden age of Hollywood, and the Edgar-nominated Owen Keane series, which follows the adventures of a failed seminarian turned metaphysical detective. His short fiction, which appears regularly in mystery magazines and anthologies, has won the Macavity Award and been nominated for the Anthony and the Derringer.

Cathy Shouse has had hundreds of stories published in newspapers and magazines, including The Saturday Evening Post and Family Fun. She is a former contributing writer for Focus on the Family and was named a 2007 MWW Fellow for fiction. Her first book, Images of America: Fairmount was released in 2010. She is a frequent presenter at Midwest Writers special events.

Dr. Dennis Hensley, who has written six novels, is the author of How to Write What You Love and Make a Living at It (Harper-Collins). A MWW committee member, he has written 51 books and published more than 3,000 articles in major periodicals. He is a frequent speaker at writers' conferences throughout the country. His many awards include the prestigious Elizabeth Sherrill Lifetime Achievement Award.

Participants will receive $20 certificates toward the cost of attending the 39th annual MWW workshop, scheduled in Muncie, IN, July 26-28, 2012. The Friends of the Putnam County Public Library will provide light refreshments. For more information and to register contact the Reference Desk at 765-653-2755, ex. 124 or ex. 115. Note: Registration is required. The $10 payment will be taken at the door on the day of the event only. Seating is limited. Early registration is encouraged.

REQUEST FOR "STORM STORIES"

2011-09-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

Editor Gayle Sampson is looking for riveting testimonies from women who have survived the storms of life. All testimonies must be mailed to: stormstories1@aol.com. A cut off date has not been decided as yet. Please put all stories in a word document using Times New Roman and 12 pt. font. Word limit is 500-600 words. Submit a photo with the testimeny. Refer all question and concerns to the e-mail listed above. No mention of payment, but it would be a writing credit.

BIBLICALLY BASED GAME MAKES GOOD

2011-09-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

First Biblically Based Facebook Game Journey of Moses Receives High Reviews. Facebook users and critics help Moses game grow since August debut.

Facebook's first biblically-based game, Journey of Moses, continues to receive high accolades from both users and reviewers since its mid-August launch.

Rapidly growing in monthly active users, the Journey of Moses game, which takes players through the twists and turns of milestones in the life of Moses, has been rated a 4.4 out of five stars on Facebook. In addition, several game critics and media outlets have written positive reviews of the game, such as:

"It's a well-polished game with amusing visuals and a surprising amount of depth, much more so than Vatican Wars or Holy Town." -- AOL Games blog

"The Journey of Moses, like Facebook itself, is addictive, and advancement through the game, in which there is 'no winning or losing,' is contingent on social connections." -- CNN Belief blog

"The very fact that this game does a pretty good job of clearly relating these events [of Moses' life] in such a simple format like a Facebook game is pretty impressive ... Besides, if you're going to waste time on Facebook playing a game, why not play a well-made one that's about the Bible?" -- Hollywood Jesus

"With relatively few games sporting religious themes, this title has seen its usage skyrocket since launching earlier this month." -- Inside Social Games

Growing at over 200,000 players, Journey of Moses, like many other social games, provides a forum for community, entertainment and gaming with friends. The game is free to play, though as with other Facebook games players can purchase goods along the way to help enhance their experience.

The game was created by Hexify, which is located in Mountain View, Calif., and has focused on building highly engaging games. For more information, visit www.hexify.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional information, visit the online newsroom at www.alrcnewskitchen.com/journeyofmoses.

8TH ANNUAL PEN TO PAPER LITERARY SYMPOSIUM

2011-09-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

Dayton-based publishing company, Pen of the Writer, hosts the eighth annual Pen to Paper Literary Symposium on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Delco Park, 1707 Delco Park Drive, Kettering, OH 45420. Sessions begin at 9 AM.

Since 2004, the Pen to Paper Literary Symposium has helped hundreds of aspiring writers and authors learn the premise of writing and the elements of publishing. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the book industry and gain personal and professional perspectives from published authors. Breakfast, conference journals and giveaways will be provided.

About Valerie J. Lewis Coleman

Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, bestselling author of Blended Families An Anthology and The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box, will provide over a decade of expertise in the publishing industry in sessions such as Judging a Book By Its Contents and Millionaire Mindset for the Self-Published Author. Dubbed "The Dr. Oz of Publishing" by previous symposium attendees, Coleman will launch a how-to guide entitled Self-Publishing Made Easy in December 2011. This title contains insider information including

The formula for writing, publishing and marketing a bestseller

How to avoid the top five mistakes made by new authors

How to price your book to sell

Industry secrets publishers don't want you to know

Proven methods to generate funds for your book project

About Karen MR Townsend, PhD
Dr. Karen M.R. Townsend, author of It All Started When I Stopped Using Lotion- One Woman's Journey From Chaos to Calm, will reveal pre-release marketing strategies in the session If Only I Had Listened to My Publisher: Strategies for Marketing Your Book Before It's Published! Townsend is the president and CEO of KTownsend Consulting and founder of About My Sisters, an organization dedicated to addressing the distinct needs of women and girls.

About Pen of the Writer
Pen of the Writer is the vision of Dayton native, Valerie J. Lewis Coleman. The company was created to provide writers and authors with a smooth transition through the publishing process. To obtain a complete agenda and registration information, contact Whitney White at 888.802.1802, info@valeriejlcoleman.com or visit PenOfTheWriter.com.

HEART OF AMERICA WRITERS CONFERENCE

2011-09-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

From: Betty Ost-Everley

Phone: 816-444-1010
E-mail: baost@hotmail.com
Message:

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sally Danley, Information Coordinator
Phone: 816-313-1892
Email: srdsonshine@sbcglobal.net

EDITORS, AGENTS SEEK TALENTED WRITERS IN KANSAS CITY
(Kansas City, MO) – Over twenty editors and agents, representing a broad variety of genres, publication elements and religious denominational viewpoints, will be in the Kansas City area on November 10 – 12, 2011 for the Heart of America Christian Writers Network’s (HACWN) annual fall conference. “Such a Time As This” will be held at Colonial Presbyterian Church’s Quivira Campus at 12501 W. 137th Street in Overla nd Park, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri.

The editors and agents, along with professional members of HACWN, will act as faculty for the conference, presenting over 60 workshops on various elements of writing for publication and pleasure. Conferees can also meet with individuals to help them with their writing skills and sales.

“We’re thrilled to have so many publishing leaders as faculty for the conference,” said Jeanette Littleton, co-director of HACWN. “This is a wonderful opportunity for writers. In recent years, several have come away from the conference with valuable contacts, leading to book contracts and other publication successes.”

Those scheduled to lead conference workshops include:
Editors:
Linda Canup, In Touch Magazine
Sherri Langton, Bible Advocate
Craig Von Buseck, CBN Website
Trieste Von Wyngarden, DaySpring Cards
Melissa Hammer, WordAction Curriculum
Duane Brush, St andard, Reflecting God Devotions
Jesse Florea, Clubhouse Magazine

CHRISTIAN STORE WEEK--SIGN UP NOW

2011-09-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

Authors and illustrators, sign up now for Christian Store Week, coming to a Christian store near you October 1-10, 2011.

Christian Store Week is an annual industry-wide celebration of local Christian stores, the life-changing products they carry, and the ministry they provide to their communities. Participating stores will be running fantastic sales all week long, hosting author/illustrator events, giving away prizes, and selling an exclusive CD to benefit World Vision’s efforts in raising awareness to help feed hungry children worldwide.

Last year’s inaugural Christian Store Day (October 23, 2010) by the numbers:

475 store events held

$60,000 raised for relief efforts in Haiti

79 Zondervan authors and illustrators participated

Here’s how you can partner with your local Christian stores for Christian Store Week 2011.

It’s easy to sign up!

1. Visit participate.christianstoreweek.com

2. Provide your name and email to sign up

3. Put in your zip code and select participating stores near you

4. The stores you choose will be notified that you are interested in an event and the store manager will contact you to set something up.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at Christian Store Week!

NEW EDITOR AT "SPARKLE" MAGAZINE

2011-08-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Kelli Ponstein is new senior editor at Sparkle, a magazine for Christian girls. They now accept submissions by e-mail only at sparkle@gemsgc.org.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 4

2011-08-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; the paperback nonfiction list; the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and the e-Book nonfiction list.

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

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #6 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #8 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #15 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #24 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #8 on the paperback nonfiction list; and #17 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #21 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (David C. Cook) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #10 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #11 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Made To Crave by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #15 on the paperback nonfiction list; #26 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; #29 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #32 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #27 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #29 on the paperback nonfiction list.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #31 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler (Tyndale House) is #33 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

FIRST ENHANCED E-BOOK RELEASED

2011-08-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Thomas Nelson announces the creation of the company's first enhanced e-book, which released on Aug. 25. This landmark e-book by New York Times best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado features the full digital content of his most recent bestseller, Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions (Thomas Nelson, April 2011) in addition to audio and video elements.

The enhanced e-book features all editorial content from the trade book, Max on Life, as well as a personal video introduction from Lucado for each of seven core sections: hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, haves/have-nots, hereafter. Sprinkled throughout the book are embedded one-minute audio segments.

The enhanced e-book released in the Apple iBooks Store and Barnes and Noble Nook Store on Aug. 25 with an Amazon Kindle Store version following.

Written with candor, humor and a pastor's heart, Max on Life reads like an advice column from one of the most respected voices in inspirational writing. Lucado's answers draw from the wisdom and experience of more than 30 years of preaching and are graced with his trademark conversational writing style and practical application.

More than 60 percent of Max on Life content is never-before published material from Lucado's sermons, emails, letters and conversations. Products in the Max on Life line include the hardcover book, the enhanced e-book, standard e-book and the recently-released Max on Life DVD-Based Small Group Kit (Thomas Nelson, $39.99).

SAN DIEGO WRITERS' CONFERENCE

2011-08-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Christian Writers Guild will hold its annual fall conference at Maranatha Chapel in Rancho Bernardo, Friday evening and all day Saturday, Sept. 23 & 24.

Literary agents, editors, and authors will offer workshops and give personal consultations.

Remember: Faculty consultation signup numbers are based on the order your registration is received so sign up today!

Discount: Sign up before 9/1 and receive a $20 discount. Not a member? No problem. Sign up and join in one, easy step and receive all the benefits of membership. Only $155 for both Friday evening and all day Saturday!

For more information and registration go to www.sandiegocwg.org or call 760-294-3269.

OHIO WRITERS' CONFERENCE

2011-08-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

The NW Ohio Christian Writers' Conference will be held on October 8, 2011in Holland, Ohio. Speaker will be Melissa Wuske, editor with Writer's Digest Magazine. For questions or registration information, call Mary Jo Bosch at 419-836-5598, or Linda Tippett at 419-882-3705.

JERRY JENKINS ON SELF-EDITING

2011-08-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

From Jerry Jenkins: Check Out My Writer's Digest Webinar Tomorrow!

Years ago I worked under an editor who could always improve on my work. I vowed to polish my writing until he couldn't find one more thing to change. I never quite achieved that; his eye was that sharp. But I did get better, and I learned to be a ferocious self-editor. Writing is rewriting and can be the most fun part of the creative process.

Self-editing to the point where I'm happy with every word I submit has become a hallmark of my work and one of the keys to my publishing more than 175 books with over 70 million sales. Like anyone else, I still need that editor's second pair of eyes, but nothing gives me greater satisfaction that to hear that hardly anything had to be changed.

Writer's Digest has asked me to teach you the art self-editing in a Webinar scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, August 25 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. I'll tell you everything I've learned over the years, we'll look at samples, there'll be time for Q & A, and hopefully you'll go on to sell your writing like never before.

Check out all the details at http://bit.ly/pqTZn6, and I'll look forward to seeing you on line tomorrow.

TIPS FROM AGENTS

2011-08-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

Following are some tips picked up from agents at the recent Oregon Christian Writers' conference:

* Current hot trends: romance and its variations (readers looking for escape); Christian living (serious look at a personal relationship with God); growth of e-books; less how-to.

* Some agents will handle books that started out as e-books--some will not.

* Agents typically do not get involved with promoting your book, although they may consult with the publisher on what their plans are for promoting a book.

* Some agents are becoming publishers as well--considered a conflict of interest.

* If you have a problem with your agent, go to the agent first and try to resolve any issues before looking for a new agent. Another agent will not want to deal with you until you have officially broken ties with the old one.

* Agents tend to be slow to respond, so give them time to get back to you.

OREGON BOOK FAIR OCTOBER 1

2011-08-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Florence OR is planning a book fair for October 1 & looking for authors and publishers to rent tables and sell their books. For details go to: http://www.eventcenter.org/images/stories/community/author-app.pdf

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF AUGUST 28

2011-08-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; the paperback nonfiction list; the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #2 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #4 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #4 on the monthly hardcover business book list; and #8 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (David C. Cook) is #6 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #7 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #9 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #15 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #24 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #10 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #11 on the paperback nonfiction list; and #21 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #25 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #16 on the paperback nonfiction list; #27 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #27 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #30 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall (WaterBrook) is #22 on the paperback trade fiction list.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #26 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #30 on the paperback nonfiction list.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #28 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

A Love That Multiplies by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar (Howard) is #29 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

Learning by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #35 on the paperback trade fiction list.

The Reason For God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #35 on the paperback nonfiction list.

CHRISTIAN TOP 50 BEST-SELLING BOOKS

2011-08-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Compiled and distributed by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA)Rank (Prev) Title Author ISBN Publisher Pub Date List $ Award

1 (1) Heaven Is for Real Todd Burpo/Lynn Vincent 9780849946158 Thomas Nelson Publishers Nov-10 16.99

2 (2) Jesus Calling Sarah Young 9781591451884 Thomas Nelson Publishers Oct-04 14.99

3 (20) Learning- Bailey Flanigan Series #2 Karen Kingsbury 9780310276333 Zondervan Jun-11 14.99

4 (6) Throw It Down Jud Wilhite 9780310327530 Zondervan Dec-10 14.99

5 (NEW!) Erasing Hell Francis Chan/Preston Sprinkle 9780781407250 David C Cook Jul-11 14.99

6 (4) Crazy Love Francis Chan 9781434768513 David C Cook May-08 14.99

7 (7) Radical David Platt 9781601422217 Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing Group May-10 14.99

8 (5) Jesus Calling - Deluxe Edition Sarah Young 9781404187825 Thomas Nelson Publishers Jul-10 18.99

9 (3) Through My Eyes Tim Tebow 9780062007285 News Corporation May-11 26.99

10 (9) Inverted Tom Ellsworth 9780784729250 Standard Publishing Jan-11 10.99

11 (12) Battlefield of the Mind Joyce Meyer 9780446691093 Hachette Book Group Oct-02 14.99

12 (13) Leaving - Bailey Flanigan Series #1 Karen Kingsbury 9780310266280 Zondervan Mar-11 14.99

13 (14) The Five Love Languages Gary Chapman 9780802473158 Moody Publishers Oct-92 14.99

14 (15) Forgotten God Francis Chan 9781434767950 David C Cook Sep-09 14.99

15 (11) One Thousand Gifts Ann Voskamp 9780310321910 Zondervan Jan-11 16.99

16 (21) The Love Dare Day by Day Stephen & Alex Kendrick 9780805448856 B&H Publishing Group Sep-08 14.99

17 (NEW!) All In Gene Chizik 9781414364353 Tyndale House Publishers Jul-11 24.99

18 (10) Made to Crave Lysa TerKeurst 9780310293262 Zondervan Dec-10 14.99

19 (16) Bonhoeffer Eric Metaxas 9781595551382 Thomas Nelson Publishers Apr-10 29.99

20 (-) The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven Kevin Malarkey 9781414336077 Tyndale House Publishers Jun-11 15.99

21 (19) Love and Respect Emerson Eggerichs 9781591451877 Thomas Nelson Publishers Sep-04 22.99

22 (24) How to Interpret Dreams and Visions Perry Stone 9781616383503 Charisma House May-11 15.99

23 (32) Not a Fan Kyle Idleman 9780310331933 Zondervan May-11 14.99

24 (29) Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton/Rick Bundschuh 9781439165799 Howard Books a division of Simon & Schuster Mar-11 14

25 (18) Radical Together David Platt 9781601423726 Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing Group Apr-11 14.99

26 (NEW!) Turning the Tide Charles F. Stanley 9781439190623 Howard Books a division of Simon & Schuster Jun-11 24

27 (NEW!) Thunder of Heaven Tim LaHaye/Craig Parshall 9780310326373 Zondervan Jun-11 24.99

28 (27) 90 Minutes in Heaven Don Piper/Cecil Murphey 9780800759490 Baker Publishing Group Sep-04 13.99

29 (38) Redeeming Love Francine Rivers 9781590525135 Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing Group May-05 14.99

30 (-) It's Your Time Joel Osteen 9781439100110 Howard Books a division of Simon & Schuster Nov-09 25

31 (23) Max on Life Max Lucado 9780849948121 Thomas Nelson Publishers Apr-11 24.99

32 (39) The Power of a Praying Wife Stormie Omartian 9780736919241 Harvest House Publishers Jan-07 13.99

33 (41) Akiane Akiane Kramarik 9780849900440 Thomas Nelson Publishers Apr-06 19.99

34 (17) Grace for the Moment Morning and Evening Edition Max Lucado 9781404113749 Thomas Nelson Publishers Sep-08 19.99

35 (NEW!) KJV Standard Lesson Commentary 2011-2012 9780784723791 Standard Publishing May-11 19.99

36 (45) Captivating John & Stasi Eldredge 9781400200382 Thomas Nelson Publishers Apr-11 16.99

37 (-) Mere Christianity C. S. Lewis 9780060652920 News Corporation Feb-01 13.99

38 (22) The Judgment Beverly Lewis 9780764206009 Baker Publishing Group Apr-11 14.99

39 (40) Boundaries John Townsend 9780310247456 Zondervan Mar-02 14.99

40 (33) Lineage of Grace Francine Rivers 9780842356329 Tyndale House Publishers Sep-09 16.99

41 (35) Sons of Encouragement Rivers Francine 9781414348162 Tyndale House Publishers Apr-11 16.99

42 (-) Choosing to SEE Mary Beth Chapman 9780800719913 Baker Publishing Group Sep-10 21.99

43 (28) Outlive Your Life Max Lucado 9780849920691 Thomas Nelson Publishers Sep-10 24.99

44 (25) Hurricanes in Paradise Denise Hildreth 9781414335575 Tyndale House Publishers May-10 13.99

45 (NEW!) Growing up Amish Ira Wagler 9781414339368 Tyndale House Publishers Jun-11 14.99

46 (NEW!) Love Finds a Home Wanda E. Brunstetter 9781616264550 Barbour Pubishing Jul-11 12.99

47 (43) So Long, Insecurity Beth Moore 9781414334721 Tyndale House Publishers Feb-10 24.99

48 (26) After the Leaves Fall Nicole Baart 9781414316222 Tyndale House Publishers Sep-07 12.99

49 (NEW!) Water's Edge Robert Whitlow 9781595544513 Thomas Nelson Publishers Jul-11 15.99

50 (8) Becoming a Man of Unwavering Faith John Osteen 9780892968893 FaithWords a division Hachette Book Group USA May-11 18.99

LIVE SEMINAR WEBCASTS

2011-08-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove has announced its fall lineup of live seminar webcasts, available on www.thecove.org. Highlights include Erwin Lutzer, Skip Heitzig, Tullian Tchividjian and Michael Card.

"We are excited to offer these online sessions for those who aren't able to attend a seminar in person," said Scott Holmquist, executive director of The Cove. "It's our fervent prayer that those who tune in will be encouraged and have their faith strengthened through the biblical teaching of these wonderful speakers."

The complete schedule, including seminar topics, is listed below. All webcasts begin at 7:15 p.m. ET.

Aug. 25: Don Wilton, "Back to the Beginning: Created for His Purpose"

Sept. 26: Erwin Lutzer, "Making the Best of a Bad Decision"

Oct. 10: Skip Heitzig, "The Biography of God"

Oct. 21: Bob Coy, "Daniel: Honor for Honor"

Oct. 28: Gary Thomas, "Spiritual Dynamics: What it Means to Draw Closer to Christ"

Oct. 31: Tullian Tchividjian, "Jesus + Nothing = Everything"

Nov. 16: Michael Card, "The Gospel of Passion (Mark)"

The Cove has previously held five live webcast events, including sessions this year with Josh and Sean McDowell and Gary Chapman. After each webcast, viewers will also have the opportunity to participant in the question-and-answer session with the speaker.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF AUGUST 21

2011-08-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 the paperback nonfiction list; and #2 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; the e-Book nonfiction list; and on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #4 on the monthly hardcover business book list; and #8 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #6 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #12 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #20 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #6 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (David C. Cook) is #7 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. (Zondervan) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #10 on the paperback nonfiction list; and #19 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #25 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #11 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #12 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #13 on the paperback nonfiction list; #15 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #16 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #25 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory (Thomas Nelson) is #14 on the the e-Book nonfiction list; #29 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #33 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

A Love That Multiplies by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar (Howard) is #20 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #23 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #30 on the paperback nonfiction list; and #33 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler (Tyndale House) is #31 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #33 on the paperback mass market fiction list.

RELIGIOUS BOOK SALES

2011-08-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

BookStats, the deepest, most comprehensive statistical survey ever conducted of the modern U.S. publishing industry — capturing its size, scope, revenue and rapid strategic expansion across multiplatform content and sales distribution channels — has been released. Spanning 2008-2010, BookStats offers data and analysis of the total industry and the individual Trade, K-12 School, Higher Education, Professional and Scholarly markets.

Religion (religious books and Bibles) saw movement from 2008-2010: 0.5% in net sales revenue and 1.1% in net unit sales. Overall net sales value for the Religion market in 2010 is $1.35 Billion with 204 Million net unit sales.

LOSS FOR DEBBIE MACOMBER

2011-08-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Condolences for bestselling and Christian author Debbie Macomber in tragic loss of youngest son, Dale.

ONLINE CONFERENCE FOR CHRISTIAN WRITERS

2011-08-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

Athanatos Christian Ministries is an apologetics ministry with a mission: defend the faith in the culture by cultivating Christian authors, artists, and musicians. On top of their annual Christian writing contests, they have now added a free online writing conference. The conference will be held on August 18th, 2011. The conference website is www.christianwritingconference.com.

ACM is not new to virtual conferencing. It has hosted two online apologetics conferences in the last two years. This spring, Dr. Gene Edward Veith was the keynote. The 'keynote' to ACM's writing conference is also connected to Dr. Veith. John Erickson, author of the 'Hank the Cowdog' series, which has sold 7.5 million copies, has more recently penned a book speaking specifically to Christian writers and Dr. Veith writes the introduction. (Nancy Pearcey writes the foreword.)

"Story Craft: Reflections on Faith, Culture & Writing" shares Mr. Erickson's experiences and perspectives with the Christian author in mind.

Since the conference is free and takes place online, Christian writers from across the globe can participate.

Other presenters include the conference's host, ACM's Executive Director, Anthony Horvath. Author Dr. Holly Ordway will present on the 'art of wordsmithing.' The winners of ACM's first annual Christian novel contest will also be presenting: Shirley Tucker, author of the upcoming release "Diamonds in the Dust" and Robert Abernathy, whose title "The Walk to Walden Hill" is officially available September 1st. Other presenters include published short story author Pastor Jamie Greening and screenwriter Robert Kramer.

ACM has been actively reaching out to Christian authors and spurring them on to excellence for three years. Its second annual Christian novel contest is taking submissions through September 1st. $2,500 awaits the winners, plus possibly an offer to publish. ACM's fourth annual Christian short story and poetry contests begin taking submissions on September 2nd. A scholarship is available for eligible high school entrants and the winner of the adult category is invited to present at one of ACM's conferences. Last year's winner of the 19 and up category, Robert Cely, is presenting at ACM's August 18th conference.

To learn more about ACM's contests and to submit an entry visit www.christianwritingcontest.com.

The online conference is free but registration is required. Register and learn more at www.christianwritingconference.com.

Anthony Horvath is available for interviews at 202-280-7971 or director@athanatosministries.org.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF AUGUST 14

2011-08-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 the paperback nonfiction list; and #2 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; the e-Book nonfiction list; and on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #4 on the monthly hardcover business book list; and #9 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

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

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (David C. Cook) is #6 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

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

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #9 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #17 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #20 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #10 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #10 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #13 on the paperback nonfiction list; and #28 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #16 on the paperback nonfiction list; #27 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #32 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #33 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #20 on the e-Book nonfiction list; and #32 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #25 on the paperback mass market fiction list; and #30 on the paperback trade fiction list.

Learning by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #27 on the paperback trade fiction list.

UPCOMING CLASSEMINARS

2011-08-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Writers Express,
Sarurday, August 13, Los Gatos, CA
Sign Up Now! Investment $125

Register at CLASSEMINARS.org.

Writers Express is a one-day introduction to the writing process and the publishing world. Learn where to get information, where to sell articles, how to change talks into printed material, and how to navigate the publishing world.

Receive instruction on the mechanics of good writing and writing for the market. Gain all the necessary tools to begin navigating the Christian publishing industry: how to get started, how to write and sell articles, what to write for the Internet, and how to self-edit and format a manuscript properly.
_________________________________________________________________________________
CLASSeminar, Monday - Wednesday, August 15-17,
Los Gatos, CA
Sign Up Now!
Investment: $450, Alumni: $350
Register at CLASSEMINARS.org.

The CLASSeminar is recommended for men and women who are experienced speakers and want to expand their speaking ministries and careers as well as for those who are exploring the possibilities of beginning a speaking career or ministry. Classroom instruction plus mentoring from a coach in a small group session are an integral part of the seminar.

The CLASSeminar includes teaching from highly-trained professionals, personal coaching, and hands-on practice in small groups of similar experience with real-time critiques from your mentor coach.

JOB OPENINGS

2011-08-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Freelance Typesetter

Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI

Christian publisher seeking freelance typesetters. Must have experience with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Ability to set Greek and Hebrew preferred. Knowledge of InCopy and ePubs a plus. Apply: Kregel Publications/A&P, P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501 or paulh@kregel.com. (Mention ECPA Career Center in your post.)
___________________________________________________________________________________

Editor/Proofreader

Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI

Christian publisher seeking freelance editors and proofreaders for academic books. Must have a knowledge of the biblical languages, particularly Hebrew. Experience with Adobe Acrobat and InCopy a plus. Apply: Kregel Publications/A&P, P.O. Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501 or paulh@kregel.com. (Mention ECPA Career Center in your post.)

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF AUGUST 7TH

2011-08-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 the paperback nonfiction list; and #2 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; the e-Book nonfiction list; and on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #1 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #3 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (David C. Cook) is #4 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #7 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #7 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #9 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H) is #9 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin Malarkey and Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #10 on the paperback nonfiction list; #21 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #30 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow with Nathan Whitaker (HarperCollins) is #10 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #16 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list; and #22 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C Cook) is #12 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (Zondervan) is #14 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #19 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #19 on the paperback mass market fiction list.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #20 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #33 on the paperback nonfiction list; and #34 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

Learning by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #27 on the paperback trade fiction list.

A Love That Multiplies by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar (Howard) is #28 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

The Reason For God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #31 on the paperback nonfiction list.

SMALL PUBLISHER BOOK AWARD NOW OPEN

2011-08-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Nominations for the 2012 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award are now open. This award honors books produced by small publishers each year for outstanding contribution to Christian life. This year, nominations are being accepted in 12 categories.

Any small publisher can nominate books for the award. Nominations are accepted in the following categories: General Fiction, Romance, Bible Study/Theology, Biography, Christian Living, Devotional, Relationships/Family, Children’s Book 4-8 years, Children’s Book 8-12 years, Young Adult (12+ years), Gift Books, and eBook Exclusive.

Books must be published in 2010 or 2011 by a publisher with annual revenues of $400,000 or less. Nominated books must be Christian in nature and intended for the Christian marketplace. All nominated books must be printed in English and for sale in the United States. Nominations must be received by November 15, 2011.

Christian retailers and book readers will be invited to vote on the nominated titles in February and March 2012. The winners of the award will be the books that receive the most votes. Christian retailers are encouraged to highlight the books they vote for in their stores during Small Press Month of March.

Complete guidelines, eligibility, and the nomination form can be found on the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award’s website at http://www.christianbookaward.com.

JOHN STOTT DIES

2011-08-01T12:27:00.001-07:00

John Stott, world-famous pastor, theologian, author of numerous bestselling books and Rector Emeritus of All Souls Church in London, died July 27, 2011. He was ninety.

LIVE BOLD MAGAZINE

2011-07-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Live Bold Magazine, launched at the beginning of 2011, has grown in 7 short months from a start-up magazine to a full featured electronic publication complete with social media integration and mobile phone apps - no paper, no printing. Publisher, Greg Arnold, explains, "We started with a handful of friends and family viewing the site which grew to a regular following of people across the United States and several foreign countries. And we're doing it by telling the story of faith as it's lived out in the lives of people. And we're doing it without a single drop of ink." Live Bold Magazine's page views are climbing daily.

Live Bold Magazine has delivered on its initial promise of innovation. Now featuring a new mobile application on the iTunes app store as well as the Android Market, the magazine is more easily available for readers on the go. Arnold talks about the app, "We partnered with an amazing company in Oslo, Norway to help with the app -- Majoobi -- www.majoobi.com. They came alongside us and made it happen, working night and day. It's perhaps the best customer service I've experienced in over a decade," remarked Arnold.

Live Bold Magazine has also recently made its content available for sponsorship. Limiting ad space to only two sponsors will continue to keep the magazine clutter free and offer more visibility for our partners. "We're looking for the right match. We don't want just anyone crashing into our space," says Arnold.

The magazine can be found online at www.livebold.org. You can also find Live Bold on Facebook and Twitter @liveboldnow. The magazine is available in iTunes app store under "livebold" and the Android Market under "Live Bold."