Editors 2023 | Write His Answer Colorado

Scroll down for bios and more info about editorial needs.

All times are ET (Eastern Time)
For info on booking your appointments click here.

Book Editors

We have a wonderful assortment of publishing houses … from Traditional to Indie (known by many different names: hybrid, cooperative, custom, subsidy, etc.)

For your convenience, we highlighted the traditional publishing house names in yellow.

Susan Baganz
Editor, Pelican Book Group
Author

Susan is happily married to Ben and is a native of Wisconsin. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical worldview with 29 published titles to date and more on the way.

She speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness.

Workshop E4 – Writing Your Past Into Your Fiction (Wednesday, 5:00 – 5:50)
How we can and do use our past experiences, unresolved emotional issues, and pain in our writing to provide healing and hope as well as a cathartic outlet. ALL

Workshop 3E The Heart of Inspirational Romance (Friday, 2:15 - 3:05)
Explores just what constitutes an inspirational romance and how far a writer can realistically go with the romance between a man and a woman. ALL

Workshop 5A – Co-Authoring: 1st Hand Experience with DeeDee Lake (Saturday 2:00 - 2:50)
The joys and challenges of co-authoring a novel with tips to help on the journey should people want to try this. ALL

Susan Baganz – Pelican Gook Group

URL, Guidelines for Writers: https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=page&id=55

As an editor, Susan prefers romances, contemporary or historical, sweet or suspenseful. She would love to see a good romantic comedy. Not interested in Amish fiction.

Fiction: Contemporary, Historical Romance, Inspirational, Literary, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Suspense/Crime

Our publisher is branching out into NF so let me know what you have, and we’ll see if it’s something we might be interested in. Submissions for this imprint are by invitation only and might include but are not limited to the following.

Non-Fiction: Books Military Related, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Church Growth/Life/Renewal, Culture/Contemporary Issues, Curriculum/How-To/Teaching, Devotionals, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests

Other: Humor

Marlene Bagnull
Conference Director
Publisher, Editor
Ampelos Press
Author, Speaker

Marlene is the director of the conference and the publisher/editor of Ampelos Press, a small subsidy house that helps Christians self-publish affordably yet professionally. She has over 1,000 sales to Christian periodicals and is the author of nine books including Write His Answer—A Bible Study for Christian Writers (in print for over 30 years). She is also the compiler/editor of four other books.

Pre-conference Webinar – Nonfiction One Sheet (You will receive the URL when you register.)
Beyond explaining what needs to be included on your nonfiction one sheet and why, Marlene shares some of her journey to publication. You will be encouraged by her testimony.

Marlene Bagnull—Ampelos Press

URL, Guidelines for Writers: https://writehisanswer.com/ampelospress

Ampelos Press publishes only one or two titles a year. I am especially interested in helping authors self-publish books about missions and the needs of children such as The Place of the Mourning Doves—Reaching Out to Romanian Orphans and Benard's Vision—The Quest of a Kenyan Pastor. I will also consider issues fiction.

FICTION: Issues Fiction

NONFICTION: Culture/Contemporary Issues

CHILDREN & YA: I am interested in Missions-Oriented books—especially regarding the needs of children.

OTHER: I’m glad to answer questions about indie publishing, and I also welcome the opportunity to pray for you.

Larry A. Carpenter
Chairman and CEO, Christian Book Services, LLC
Carpenter’s Son Publishing, Clovercroft Publishing
Sports Publishing Group

Larry serves as the Chairman and CEO of Christian Book Services. Through their three publishing imprints, Carpenter’s Son Publishing, Clovercroft Publishing, and Sports Publishing Group, Carpenter’s company helps authors independently publish their books. Carpenter has an MBA from the University of North Carolina. He began his career in package goods marketing at Procter & Gamble and Campbell Soup Company. He entered the book business, joining Ingram Book Company as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 1987. He was promoted to President and CEO of Ingram’s Spring Arbor division in 1997. In 2000, he started his own distribution company, FaithWorks. After FaithWorks was purchased by STL Distribution, Carpenter joined Thomas Nelson as Vice President of Marketing. In 2008, he became President and Publisher of Standard Publishing. He started Christian Book Services in 2010.

Workshop 2G – Alternatives to Traditional Publishing (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
Many authors think that traditional publishing is the only way to publish their book. Self-publishing is easier to do, but it’s tough for self-published books to break into the bookstore market. The fastest segment in publishing is Hybrid Publishing. This process gives books the quality, sales and distribution, and marketing focus of a traditionally published book, but swings the pendulum of control and profitability away from the publisher and over to the author. Learn more about how this process works and enable yourself to make a wise decision as to how to publish your book.

Workshop 6I – Effective and Economical Ways to Market Your Book with Shane Crabtree (Saturday, 3:45 – 4:35)
Many authors write great books. But there’s an old adage in publishing. “No one ever bought a book they had never heard of.” Getting the word out is hard unless you know what you are doing. Effective consumer and trade marketing doesn’t have to be expensive. We’ll delve into all aspects of marketing, including Publicity, Platform Marketing, Social Media, Advertising, and others.

Larry Carpenter, Christian Book Services, LLC

URL: https://www.christianbookservices.com

Non-Fiction: Books Military Related, Bible Studies, Biographies & Profiles, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Church Growth/Life/Renewal, Curriculum/How-To/Teaching, Devotionals, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Memoir/Personal Experience, Men’s Books, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests

Fiction: Action/Adventure, Biblical Fiction, Contemporary, Fantasy/Speculative/Sci-Fi, General Market, Historical, Historical Romance, Inspirational, Issues Fiction, Legal/Political Thrillers, Literary, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Southern, Suspense/Crime/Mystery, Women’s Fiction

Children’s & YA: Activity Books, Biographies, Chapter Books, Devotionals, Early Readers-Fiction, Early Readers-Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Nonfiction Ages 6-8, Nonfiction Ages 9-12, Picture Books, YA Nonfiction or Memoir, Older Teens/YA Fiction, Tweens Fiction

Michele Chynoweth
Author, Speaker, Book Coach
Editor, Elk Lake Publishing Inc.
www.michelechynoweth.com

Michele is the bestselling author of several award-winning contemporary suspense novels that re-imagine Bible stories in a modern-day way. She loves helping writers become authors and is a sought-after conference speaker, professional editor with several publishing houses, book coach, and founder of “Your Book Done Right” Master Class and Elite Coaching. A former news reporter and marketing director, she lives with her husband in North East, Maryland.

Workshop E7 – Which Publishing Path to Take? Traditional vs Self-Publishing (Wednesday, 5:00 - 5:50)
Learn from an award-winning, best-selling author (and marketing professional) who has been through it all! Michele Chynoweth originally believed (like most writers) that she had the next bestseller and would be discovered by a major publisher. After sending out several queries (and even winning the First Place prize in the Maryland Writers Association fiction contest), she finally gave up in frustration and self-published her first novel, putting her 30-plus years of experience as an advertising/marketing/public relations professional successfully to work. About a year later on the advice of another author, she submitted it to several Christian publishers and was offered a contract with a traditional publisher. She has since gone on to contract with a literary agent, and her novels are currently being published by a large New York publisher. Join her as she discusses all of the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing when it comes to time, money, marketing, and more – and how to best approach each publishing path. Michele can talk about publishing from nearly every angle and hopes writers can learn both from her mistakes and success stories!

Workshop 1C – Be BOLD! Bridging the Gap with Edgy Christian Fiction (Thursday, 2:15 - 3:05)
Are you a writer who desires to serve God but also wants to write a novel that’s down-to-earth, edgy, racy, raw…REAL? Are you concerned that it may not fit in either the Christian or secular worlds? St. Paul told us in his writings to be “bold” in our ministry. Why preach to the choir when there are so many who need your story or message but may not pick up your book to read it if you are afraid to write it? There’s a way to write fiction that’s still clean and Christian but passionate, not pablum. Michele Chynoweth, bestselling author of several edgy contemporary suspense novels that re-imagine Bible stories, will teach how we can write novels that come close to the line without going over it.

Workshop 3I – Paying to Play: Prioritizing Your Marketing Budget (Friday, 2:15 – 3:05)
Facebook ads, contests, conferences, trade shows, printed materials, book trailers, hiring a publicist, getting paid reviews on Kirkus, launch parties—there are many opportunities to market your book and not all of them are free. Whether you are self-published or working with an Indie or even big publisher, you probably know by now you have to do much of your own marketing … and some of it comes at a cost. Michele will help you figure out how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to the money you spend on marketing!

Michele Chynoweth – Elk Lake Publishing Inc.

URL: check Elk Lake Publishing submission guidelines or my website for helpful tips:

https://elklakepublishinginc.com

or https://michelechynoweth.com

Non-Fiction: Apologetics, Bible Studies, Biographies & Profiles, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Church Growth/Life/Renewal, Culture/Contemporary Issues, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Memoir/Personal Experience, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests

Children’s & YA: YA Nonfiction or Memoir

Greatest Areas of Interest: ALL Fiction (YA or adult, any genre); Memoir, Non-Fiction full-length books

Overworked Topics: memoirs that read like autobiographies (a no-no unless you're famous!)…make sure it's a memoir with a message!

Helpful Tips: Please format manuscript pages in 12-pt. Times NR font double-spaced, 1" margins; also put your best foot forward by making your first page grab me from the get-go! And finally, just be yourself!

Shane Crabtree
COO, Christian Book Services LLC

Shane has been with Christian Book Services for three years and in 2021 became the COO for the company. He has always been an avid reader, being raised by parents who advocated reading. Shane has worked in project management at a biomedical firm in the past but has transitioned over to managing publishing products for all types of authors. He loves to help guide people through the process of publishing and finding new ways to help market their books and will always be available to listen.

Workshop 6I – Effective and Economical Ways to Market Your Book with Larry Carpenter (Saturday 3:45-4:35)
Many authors write great books. But there’s an old adage in publishing. “No one ever bought a book they had never heard of.” Getting the word out is hard unless you know what you are doing. Effective consumer and trade marketing doesn’t have to be expensive. We’ll delve into all aspects of marketing, including Publicity, Platform Marketing, Social Media, Advertising, and others.

Shane Crabtree-Christian Book Services, LLC

URL: https://www.christianbookservices.com

Non-Fiction: Apologetics, Articles, Books Military Related, Bible Studies, Biographies & Profiles, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Church Growth/Life/Renewal, Culture/Contemporary Issues, Curriculum/How-To/Teaching, Devotionals, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Memoir/Personal Experience, Men’s Books, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests

Other: Gift Books, Humor, Poetry

Amy Deardon
Publisher, EBook Listing Services
Author
amydeardon.blog

Amy is an experienced self-publisher who loves to guide authors in how to happily self-publish and market their books while avoiding pitfalls. She also loves all things story (structure, technique, how to get words down). Amy is an award-winning novelist, non-fiction book author, and company founder with a unique business model that allows authors to self-publish (NOT subsidy publish).

Workshop 1G – Avoid the Scams to Happily Self-Publish (Thursday, 2:15 - 3:05)
Are you thinking of self-publishing? This talk gives an overview of the basics: editing, formatting, getting a cover and ISBN, and how to put your book online so you can go ahead to self-publish your book and ebook while avoiding costly mistakes.

Workshop 4I – Sell Your Book Without a Platform (Friday, 5:15 – 6:05)
Amazon wants to sell books. If you can convince Amazon that your book is a slam-dunk awesome read, then Amazon wants to sell YOUR book and will present it to thousands of targeted interested buyers. This lecture covers how to get Amazon to notice you — find the topics you love to write AND that people love to read, determine keywords to include in your title and back cover copy, use
affordable pay-per-click ads to keep your book front and center to your audience, and learn some tricks to become a #1 Amazon category bestseller.

Workshop 6C – Subplot Sanity (Saturday, 3:45 – 4:35)
If subplots leave you confused, bring back some sanity. The narrative strands in a story can be categorized into five distinct types: main story, protagonist’s hidden need, antagonist’s story, gift at climax subplot, and protagonist's mirror subplot. Learn how to build a resonant story by developing each of these strands into narratives that weave and tangle delightfully.

Amy Deardon – EBook Listing Services

URL: amydeardon.blog / ebooklistingservices.com

Other: Gift Books, Humor, Poetry

Helpful Tips: Make sure you have edited and buffed your words before publishing!

Scoti Domeij
Publisher
Blackside Publishing
Editor & Contributing Writer, Havok Journal
Author, Editor
Gold Star Mom

Scoti has held various responsibilities with 10 traditional publishers including author; editor; senior research assistant; copywriter; marketing director; and production, art, and design coordinator. Scoti’s passion is to help writers hone their skills, pursue their passion, publish, and effectively market the story God embedded in their hearts.

Scoti is the proud Gold Star mother of Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Kristoffer Domeij, KIA October 22, 2011, in Afghanistan on his 14th deployment, the most deployed soldier in American history to be killed in action. As a result of her loss, God opened the door for Scoti to become the Publisher for Blackside Publishing. In her role as an editor and a contributing writer for Havok Journal, an online Huff-post-style journal targeted to and written by military personnel and veterans, Scoti opens conversations on subjects-you’re-not-supposed-to-talk-about.

Continuing Session 3 – Think Like a Publisher: Self-Publishing Made Simple
Guidance through each step of the self-publishing journey:

what you need to learn and where to start
the tools needed to self-publish
the editing and production process (Includes a self-publishing editing and production worksheet/checklist)
insider tips to avoid the common mistakes that frustrate and detour self-publishing authors
what makes sense to do yourself and when to call in the pros

Though Scoti will not be taking appointments at the conference, we are so excited to learn from her wealth of knowledge on publishing!

David Fessenden
Literary Agent, WordWise Media Services
Editorial Coordinator, CLC Publications
Author
www.davefessenden.com

Dave has degrees in journalism and theology, and over 30 years of experience in writing and editing. He has served in editorial management positions for Christian book publishers and was regional editor for the largest Protestant weekly newspaper in the country.

Dave has published seven books, written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous books. He is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. Two of his books, Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract and A Christian Writer’s Guide to the Book Proposal, are based on his experience in Christian publishing. The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy, Dave’s first novel, reflects his love for history and for the Sherlock Holmes stories of Arthur Conan-Doyle.

Dave and his wife, Jacque, live in south-central Pennsylvania and have two adult sons.

Workshop 4B – Journalistic Techniques in Christian Writing (Friday, 5:15-6:05)
The methods and mindset of the professional journalist can be of great service to a writer, especially a Christian writer. Such concepts as fairness, strict accuracy, and searching for the story behind the story can give your nonfiction writing a real edge.

Workshop 5I – Your Platform May Be Bigger than You Think (Saturday, 2:00-2:50)
Many authors have a larger and more diverse following of readers, and potential readers, than they are aware of. This workshop prepares you to conduct a brainstorming session to discover the contacts and promotional opportunities that may be right under your nose.

David Fessenden – CLC Publications

URL: https://www.clcpublications.com/about/prospective-authors-submissions/

Non-Fiction: Bible Studies, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Church Growth/Life/Renewal, Curriculum/How-To/Teaching, Devotionals, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare

Robin Grunder
Author, Ghostwriter
Managing Editor, Legacy Press Books
www.robingrunder.org

Robin is an experienced journalist, author, and highly sought-after ghostwriter. She is currently the executive editor of Legacy Press Books. Robin partners with authors to help them see their publishing dreams come true through publishing and coaching. She is a regular speaker on the topic of legacy writing, memoir, and self-publishing your life-story at writers’ conferences around the country.

Some of her writing credits include pieces in Chicken Soup for the Soul, regional and national parenting publications, regional newspapers, and several ghostwritten books. Most recently, Robin has published Memoir in the Margins of Psalms, Journaling Your Life-Story in the Margins of God’s Story.

Robin and her husband Brian have a blended family of seven adult children and two grandchildren. They make their home in Eastern Iowa.

Workshop 3D – Live a Page-Turner, Leave a Legacy, Write Your Story: An Introduction to Legacy Writing (Friday, 2:15 - 3:05)
Robin will share the importance of participating in an age-old tradition of passing on family history, wisdom, and stories of faith from one generation to the next; tips for how to get started and what to write; and ways to preserve and publish your legacy story. All

Robin Grunder – Legacy Press Books

URL: www.legacypress.org

Non-Fiction: Memoir/Personal Experience

Greatest Areas of Interest: Life-Story, Family History, Personal Memoir

Helpful Tips: I would be happy to meet with authors who are interested in self-publishing or indie publishing

Pam Halter
Chidren’s Book Author & Editor
~~Editor,~~ ~~Fruitbearer Kids~~
Author
www.pamhalter.com

Important: Candy Abbott, my long-time friend and publisher of Fruitbearer, has gone home to the Lord. Fruitbearer is being disbanded. Pam has joined Perfect Misfits, a company that helps authors get their books ready for self-publishing, as the children's book editor. It is not a publishing house. See below for information on the services they provide.

Pam is a children’s book author and editor from Southern New Jersey. Her picture book titles include:
Willoughby and the Terribly Itchy Itch (Fruitbearer Kids 2017), Willoughby and the Lumpy Bumpy Cake (Fruitbearer Kids 2018), and Willoughby Goes a Wee Bit Batty (Fruitbearer Kids 2019).

When she isn’t writing, Pam enjoys cooking, quilting, gardening, canning, playing the piano, Bible study, going down the shore (as we say in NJ), and encouraging new writers. She lives with her husband, Daryl, special needs adult daughter, Anna, and four cats.

Continuing Session – Writing for Children Ages 3 through 12
Make ‘em want to hide your book. Did you ever hide your child’s favorite book because you were sick of reading it? If so, the author scored a WIN. Because our goal is to craft stories children love so much, they keep asking adults to read them.

Over and over and over and over …

This continuing session will cover writing for ages 3 to 12 (think picture books and chapter books). We’ll look at the basics like plot, characterization, beginnings, endings, and more. So. Much. More.

Each class will build on the one before it. Participants are encouraged to bring their WIPs, if they have them.

We’ll learn, read, write, and play. Children’s book writing at its best!

Perfect Misfits takes your manuscript and does everything up to, but not including the actual publishing. We have book coaches, editors, a graphic artist for layout and typeset, an audio-book person, a marketing person, and we also assist you when it is time to upload your finished project. We come alongside you, and together we get your book into your hands for your book signing gigs as well as onto Amazon. You, the author, have control of your book orders and best of all the royalty checks come to you.

If you do not want to be a self-published author, no problem, we work along with Indie publishing companies as well.

Perfect-misfits.com will be up and running in June, until then, for more information, contact us at Perfectmisfits.de@gmail.com, or contact the owner, Elizabeth Boerner, at 302-377-6932.

Marianne Hering
Developmental Editor
David C. Cook Publishers

https://mariannehering.com

Marianne is the developmental editor for Esther Press at David C Cook.

Workshop 1E – Yes, You Can Write Compelling Copy for Kids (Thursday, 2:15 - 3:05)
I’m going to say that word: COVID. During the pandemic, US kids lost a lot of reading mojo. We’ll examine what makes a book or article easier to read for struggling readers, and at the same time, improve your writing skills overall. We’ll examine paragraph length, sentence structure, vocabulary, and more. Find out the secrets of popular authors such as Mary Pope Osborne, Dave Pilkey, Rick Riordan, and well, me.

Workshop 5E – How to Make Sure Your Picture Book is Better than AI (Saturday, 2:00 - 2:50)
In this course, Marianne will help you understand the relationship between art and text. She’ll answer these pressing questions: What is a mentor book and how can it help me? How do you make your illustrations and text complement each other? What role can typography play? How many words should I have per page? What should I communicate with words and what should the illustrations communicate? How can I find an illustrator? Is it ethical to use AI art?

Marianne Hering—David C. Cook Publishing

URL: https://davidccook.org/submissions-and-writer-guidelines

NON-FICTION: Women’s Bible Study Books

Helpful Tips: Very Conservative, Traditional, and Bible-based

Amanda Jenkins
Sales Manager
AMG Publishers

Amanda Jenkins is the Sales Manager at AMG Publishers and oversees acquisitions. She has been with AMG for seventeen years. Her roles have included everything from customer service to sales to marketing. For the last seven years, she has been over receiving, reviewing, and approving all queries. Amanda is also AMG's Author Liaison, which entails working with authors on contracts, processes, manuscripts, due dates for editing, and printing steps. AMG Publishers' vision statement is for God's Word to be accessible to everyone and have biblical content for all ages and study levels. Amanda believes this deeply and is grateful for her role at AMG where she can see this vision come to fruition.

Amanda Jenkins – AMG Publishers

URL: https://amgpublishers.com/index.php/author-guidelines

Non-Fiction: Apologetics, Bible Studies, Devotionals,

Greatest Area of Interest: In depth Bible studies, reference works, apologetics, devotional

Helpful Tips: In depth Bible studies, reference works, apologetics, devotional

Michael J. Klassen
President
Illumify Media Global
Author, Ghostwriter
Book Coach

Michael is a bestselling, award-winning ghostwriter, author, freelance writer; book coach; and publisher. He has worked on projects with authors as varied as former President Jimmy Carter (Lessons from Life Bible), Michael John Cusick (Surfing for God), and Rafael Cruz (A Time for Action). He has also served as the theological reviewer for over 30 study Bibles and worked on over 70 traditionally published works. His published works have sold millions of copies and can be found in nearly every Christian bookstore in America. Thomas Nelson released his coauthored book, Battle Prayers: Faith to Move Your Mountains, last year.

Keynote – Incorporating God’s Word to Transform Lives (Thursday, 10 am)
God’s Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Use it correctly, and lives will be changed. Use it incorrectly, and you will hurt your readers. During this workshop you’ll explore essential dos and don’ts, take a brief look at Bible translations, and examine best practices.

Wednesday E2 – Writing for the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology to Improve Your Craft (Wednesday, 5:00 – 5:50)
Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we think and communicate, and it's here to stay. And that's good news—if you know how to harness this powerful tool to make your writing more relevant than ever. Did you know that AI can cut your writing time in half? Discover how AI can revolutionize your writing and how to use it to:

1. Spark Your Creativity

2. Conduct Your Research

3. Improve Your Copywriting

4. Refine Your Writing

5. Add Humor, Sarcasm, or Style

6. Edit Your Work

7. Create Lists and Action Points

8. Evaluate Your Writing Skills

9. Outline Your Next Chapter, Book, or Speech

10. Tame the Social Media Beast

It’s like hiring a personal assistant—for free!

We’ll also take time to discuss copyrights and ethics

Workshop 6G – The Art of the Hook: Crafting Irrestible Back Cover Copy (Saturday 3:45-4:35)

Michael J. Klassen – Illumify Media Global

URL: https://illumifymedia.com/submissions

Non-Fiction: Apologetics, Books Military Related, Bible Studies, Biographies & Profiles, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Church Growth/Life/Renewal, Culture/Contemporary Issues, Curriculum/How-To/Teaching, Devotionals, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Memoir/Personal Experience, Men’s Books, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests

Other: Gift Books, Humor, Poetry

Greatest Area of Interest: Christian living, Christian devotional

Helpful Tips: Authors who are the best fit for us are relational, collaborative, value excellence, and want a publisher who will partner with them in changing the world through their book.

Rowena Kuo
CEO, Executive Editor, Producer
Brimstone Fiction
Brimstone Books and Media
Brimstone Fire
https://rowenakuo.com

With over 20 years of ministering to children, youth groups, young adults, women, and family groups, Rowena advocates for writers to build God-centered support systems consisting of people, perseverance, practice, and most of all, prayer. Her specialties include Author Legacy and Financial Literacy. She is the web talk show host for Don’t Be Cinderella and has written for Christian Devotions, Written World Communications, Splickety, the 168 Write of Passage, and Scrivenings Press. When not working on words or films, she is a full-time mom with secret aspirations for spaceflight.

LL1 – Adapt Your Story into a Screenplay (Wednesday, 2:30 - 4:30)
Step by step formula for adapting either a full-length novel into a 2-hour screenplay or a short story into a 15min film. What essential elements a screenwriter should incorporate to interest potential producers.

Workshop 2E – Fantasy Genres . . . Where Do I Belong? (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
How many fantasy genres are there, and where does your manuscript fit in? Can Science Fiction and Fantasy integrate in a successful novel? Discover the genres and subgenres of fantasy, where your novel would fall, your target audience, and ways to help your story find its niche.

Workshop 4C – Backstory Blowout (Friday, 5:15 - 6:05)
The eradication and successful reintegration of pesky backstory information. Have you ever been told to remove backstory from your novel, but you think your story needs it to make sense? Discover techniques to remove backstory and reincorporate it into your manuscript where and when it belongs.

Rowena Kuo – Brimstone Books and Media

URL: https://rowenakuo.com/hello-world/

Fiction: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Fantasy/Speculative/Sci-Fi, General Market, Historical, Historical Romance, Inspirational, Legal/Political Thrillers, Literary, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Southern, Suspense/Crime/Mystery, Women’s Fiction

Children’s & YA: Chapter Books, Middle Grade Fiction, Older Teens/YA Fiction, Tweens Fiction

Other: Gift Books, Humor, Screenplay

Greatest Area of Interest: Speculative Fiction (YA Science Fiction, YA Fantasy), Action, Suspense, Thrillers

Helpful tips: Write a compelling first line, first paragraph, first page. Avoid passive verbs

DeeDee Lake
Representative, Prairie Falls Books
Blogger, Columnist, Speaker
www.deedeelake.com

DeeDee Lake, The Connection Expert—speaker, author, blogger, columnist, Christian life coach—has been married for thirty-nine years. She speaks and writes about her passion—communication and connection. Currently, she is creating a course for new authors.

DeeDee guides individuals how to experience extraordinary relationships one conversation at a time, with humor, storytelling, and purposeful communication.

She’s outgoing, funny, and can out talk an auctioneer. After moving around four countries and most of the United States she can unpack a houseful of boxes lickety split.

DeeDee grew up a Navy Brat mostly in Spain. She jumped ship and married an Army officer. She’s lived in fifty houses and still loves to move her furniture around the house.

DeeDee has never met a stranger. She loves people, expects the best, respects authority and other cultures, and is always inclusive. When you hear lots of people chatting and laughing, she’ll be at the center of it all.

DeeDee is the Author Relations Team Leader for Prairie Falls Books and loves hanging out in Zoom with authors. Seems like every job she’s ever had, had something to do with chatting!

It is the theme of her life. She has dedicated her life to connections that honor God.

Workshop1A – Connecting in the Industry (Thursday, 2:15 – 3:05)
Literary industry is a relational business and connecting at the conference is your chance to meet industry peeps. God called you to write and then you realized He meant market it too. Now what? Meet The Connection Expert and learn some tips this extreme extrovert knows that will smooth your way to better interactions. B

Workshop 5A – Co-Authoring: 1st Hand Experience with Susan Baganz (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50)
The joys and challenges of co-authoring a novel with tips to help on the journey should people want to try this. ALL

DeeDee Lake- Prairie Falls Books

URL: www.prairiefallsbooks.com

Children’s & YA: Biographies, Chapter Books, Devotionals, Early Readers-Fiction, Early Readers-Nonfiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Nonfiction Ages 6-8, Nonfiction Ages 9-12, YA Nonfiction or Memoir, Older Teens/YA Fiction, Tweens Fiction

Other: Gift Books, Humor

Greatest Area of Interest: We work with all genres.

Helpful Tip: Make a consultation appointment - it doesn't commit you to anything.

Catherine Lawton
Co-owner and Publisher
CLADACH Publishing
Author

Catherine has been writing for publication (articles, poetry, essays, and fiction) most of her life. She founded Cladach Publishing in 1999, giving opportunity to Christian writers and releasing over 50 titles. Her published books include The Animals In Our Lives and Something Is Coming To Our World. She also serves as an editor for Northwind Seminary Press.

Workshop 2I – Metadata Demystified: The Keys to Book Discoverabililty (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
Whether you’re an author or a publisher, you must create, disseminate, and maintain metadata to help customers find and want to buy your book. Learn how best to focus your efforts for online book discovery and sales. I to A

Workshop 4G – Best Publishing Plan for You? (Friday, 5:15 - 6:05)
A look at royalty houses (large and small), self-publishing companies, DIY (Do It Yourself), co-op publishing, and more.

Workshop 5B – Write to Evoke and Provoke (Saturday, 2:00 - 2:50)
Let your imagination be renewed. Dig deep to create writing that evokes goodness, beauty, and light; and that provokes hopeful perspectives, healthy relationships, and loving engagement in our world. All

Catherine Lawton – CLADACH Publishing

URL: https://cladach.com/

Non-Fiction: Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Culture/Contemporary Issues, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Memoir/Personal Experience, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Nature/Creation

Other: Poetry

Michelle S. Lazurek
Acquisitions Editor, Roaring Lion Publishers
Literary Agent, WordWise Media Services
Author
www.michellelazurek.com

Michele is a multi-genre award-winning author, literary agent, certified writing coach, speaker, pastor’s wife, and mother living in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. She has won two Golden Scroll Children's Book of the Year awards, Article of the Year award, and the Enduring Light silver medal, among seventeen other honors. She is also a member of the Christian Author's Network and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Workshop 2C – The Twelve Essential Elements for Creative Character Development (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
Have a great character in mind for your next children’s book, short story, or YA novel, but don’t know how to start creating one? In this interactive workshop, Michelle helps you create a dynamic main character that will help jumpstart your next writing project.

12 Questions to ask when creating character profiles
Four rules on creating page turning main characters
Exercise in creating an actual character from start to finish

Workshop 6F – From Conference to Contract: Turning Your One Sheet into a Stellar Proposal (Saturday, 3:45 – 4:35)
You’ve gone to the workshops. You’ve met with publishers. They’ve shown interest in your book. So now what? In this workshop, Michelle shows you the five essential elements to flesh out your book idea and turn it into a proposal that captures a publisher’s attention. At the end of the workshop, each attendee will receive the resources needed to create a proposal worthy of submission to agents and publishers.

Michelle S. Lazurek – Roaring Lion Publishers

URL: roaringlionpublishers.com

Non-Fiction: Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Church Growth/Life/Renewal, Devotionals, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Men’s Books, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests

Fiction: Contemporary

Jeanette Gardner Littleton
Author, Freelance Writer
Managing Editor, EA Books Publishing
Editor, Intertribal Life and Standard

Jeanette has written several thousand pieces for publication, as well as several books. In more than thirty years of editing, she has worked on the teams of several award-winning publications. She has edited well over 10,000 articles and dozens of books for publishers such as Guideposts, Bethany House, Thomas Nelson, Moody, Barbour, Tyndale, Christianity Today, and others. She is currently managing editor of EA Books Publishing, editor of Intertribal Life newspaper for Indian Life Ministries, and editor of the weekly Standard for the Church of the Nazarene's The Foundry Publishing.

LL4 – Basic Editing and Chainsaw Editing with a Scalpel Touch (Wednesday, 2:30 – 4:30)
Many writers lose their sales simply because they haven’t learned to objectively edit their own work––and editors don't have time to do it for them! If an editor has to edit a writer's work, he’ll more than likely turn it down for that of a writer who has learned to edit––even if the other writer’s ideas aren’t as creative, or don’t fit his needs as well. This workshop will help you eliminate clutter, wordiness and excess baggage, and firm up your work. You will learn to spot key unnecessary words, redundancy and confusion in your own work.
In Part 2, Jeanette will talk about a writer who has turned in an article that’s 500 words too long, or one who needs to create a 800 word article from a book chapter that’s 3,000 words. How do they meet their word length goals without making a choppy sounding mess? Jeanette will look at ways editors can subtly get a manuscript to the word length we need—and make it read so much better in the process!

Workshop 2B – Felt Needs Writing (Thursday, 5:15 - 6:05) What do editors mean when they say they need articles or books that appeal to the readers’ “felt needs”? This workshop will not only explain what these editors mean, but will help the conferee learn how to analyze an audience to find the needs that are prime topics for great articles and books. We’ll explore the issues involved in appealing to these felt needs. An interactive workshop that attendees can start applying during the hour and during the rest of the conference.

Workshop 4F – What Editors Wish Writers Knew (Friday, 5:15 – 6:05)
Why do manuscripts get turned down? What are the most common mistakes writers make? How can a writer build a successful relationship with an editor? How many of the “musts” writers are taught really make that much difference to an editor? This workshop helps the writer better understand how to make a sale and make an editorial friend.

6E – Teens in a Class All Their Own (Saturday, 3:45 – 4:35)
A closer look at the people for whom we are writing––teenagers. Specifics in fiction and non–fiction. This workshop also includes in–class exercises from actual magazine theme lists. We cover the teen market––and its needs––in depth and detail.

Jeanette Gardner Littleton – EABooks

URL: https://eabookspublishing.com

Other: Humor, Poetry

Daniel J. Mawhinney
Owner
40 Day Publishing
Author

Dan is the co-author and co-founder of 40 Day Publishing: An Author's Workbook and Step by Step Guide to Self Publishing in Eight Weeks or Less! He is a gifted speaker, an accomplished business owner, trainer, and business consultant. A great day for Daniel is one spent in the company of a great book. His love of learning has paved the way for success in his chosen field. He loves spending time relaxing and traveling with his family. Daniel lives in Oklahoma City and enjoys playing guitar, volunteering at his church, and scuba-diving. He especially loves helping authors succeed (and a great cup of coffee).

Workshop 3G – Cover Design and Creation (Friday, 2:15 – 3:05)
A picture is worth far more than a thousand words! You will learn how to make the best first impression possible using up-to-date graphic design principles, eye-capturing images, and high-impact text. This class will teach you the elements and fundamentals of successful cover creation. Be prepared to get your hands dirty while you discover your inner cover artist.

Workshop 5G – Formatting Your Book (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50)
This is what makes your book reader-friendly! You will learn how to make the interior of both your paperback and digital versions of your book look great. While hiring a professional formatter is the best route to take to get the best results, you will learn how to acquire the necessary skills to format your own book(s) for zero cost.

Daniel J. Mawhinney – 40 Day Publishing

40 Day Publishing is an independent publishing consulting and services firms—NOT a traditional publisher or subsidy (hybrid) publisher. We help you publish your manuscript, walking you through each step of the process as well as teaching you how to promote and market your book in order to increase sales. With one-on-one coaching services, we’d love to come alongside your publishing journey!

URL: https://www.40daypublishing.com/home52385373

Other: Gift Books, Humor, Poetry

Katara Washington Patton
Executive Editor, VOICES
Our Daily Bread Publishing
Author, Publishing Consultant
katara.pattonhome.net

Katara is an author, editor, and publishing consultant with a wide variety of experience. She currently serves as Executive Editor for the VOICES collection at Our Daily Bread Publishing.

Her most recent book, Navigating the Blues: Where to Turn When Worry, Anxiety, or Hope Steals Your Hope, debuted on Amazon’s Bestseller’s List for New Releases. She has also authored: 5-Minute Devotional Book for Women, Joyous Advent: Family Christmas Devotions, Inspiration for Christian Teen Girls, Successful Moms of the Bible, Successful Women of the Bible and Successful Leaders of the Bible, and The Parables of Jesus Devotional Coloring Book.

Katara graduated summa cum laude from Dillard University (New Orleans, LA), with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and English. She then earned a Master of Journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL). She also received a Masters of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (Evanston, IL), where she received the outstanding preaching award.

Katara is a native of Thibodaux, Louisiana. She and her husband, Derrick, reside on the Southside of Chicago. They have one daughter, Kayla. She is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. She is passionate around issues of faith and culture as well as mental wellness and social justice. As much as possible, she tries to enjoy a Zumba class and a competitive game of Scrabble to keep her life balanced.

Katara Patton

NOTE: Our Daily Bread Publishing and VOICES collection is interested in books. We already have a team of writers to write the daily devotions for Our Daily Bread.

OUR DAILY BREAD PUBLISHING (Books): prayer, Biblical-based devotions and Bible studies, women’s issues

VOICES: Non-fiction and Bible studies related to and written by African Americans, Black History

DISCOVERY SERIES: Long-form nonfiction on Christian Living/Practical Theology; blogs

George Porter
Co-owner, General Manager
Aquisitions Editor & Publisher, Bold Vision Books

George is a brother, husband, father, and grandfather who loves God. As a science teacher for more than 23 years, George brings the scientific world to life in his presentations, Bible teaching, and writing to help his audiences embrace the God who made us all.

George is co-owner of Bold Vision Books, an independent, Christian publishing company. He serves as general manager, acquisitions editor, and publisher.

As a teacher in both public and private schools, George served as curriculum team leader and on campus site-based committees. He judged Science Olympiads, implemented pilot curriculum on drug awareness in cooperation with Baylor College of Medicine, and coached tennis teams.

George is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has done graduate work in physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology at Baylor College of Medicine. He served as a combat medic and paratrooper in Vietnam and as a bacteriologist in the Surgical Research Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in projects involving the treatment of burn patients.

George is married to Karen and has two children. He makes his home in Texas.

Workshop 6H – Maximize Your Book Table (Saturday, 3:45 - 4:35)
You can have a back-of-the-room book table – even if you don’t have a book yet. George Porter will show you how. George manages an extensive book table with good organization and timesaving tricks of the trade. In this workshop, he will show you how to pick out and buy products, display hints, bundling ideas, credit cards, and so much more.

George Porter – Bold Vision Books

URL: www.boldvisionbooks.com

Non-Fiction: Articles, Bible Studies, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Church Growth/Life/Renewal, Devotionals, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Memoir/Personal Experience, Men’s Books, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests

Children’s & YA: Chapter Books, Devotionals, Nonfiction Ages 9-12

Greatest Areas of Interest: Fiction: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Historical. Non-Fiction: Spiritual Growth, Christian Life, How-to books

Overworked Topics: Fiction: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Historical. Non-Fiction: Spiritual Growth, Christian Life, How-to books

Helpful Tips: Fiction: Contemporary, Romance, Suspence, Historical. Non-Fiction: Spiritual Growth, Christian Life, How-to books

Karen Porter
Co-owner, Bold Vision Books
International Retreat and Seminar Speaker
Speaking and Writing Coach
Author

Karen is an international retreat and seminar speaker and a successful businesswoman. She is the author of 10 books including her newest release, Make Your Heart a Manger. She is a frequent guest on regional and national radio and TV programs and also contributes to national magazines.

Karen served as Vice President of International Marketing of a major food company in Texas for more than 30 years. Today she and her husband, George, own Bold Vision Books, a Christian publishing company.

Karen is a coach of communicators in both writing and speaking and serves on numerous boards of national ministries.

Karen says her marriage to George is her greatest achievement, but she’d love to talk to you about her five grandchildren! In her spare time, Karen continues her life-long quest to find the perfect purse. Karen is a people person, plain and simple, and you will love to laugh with her and maybe even cry a little as she shares her joys and struggles.

Workshop E3 – Storytelling (Wednesday, 5:00 – 5:50)
Learn how to craft a story, about the story arc, and how important story structure is in fiction and especially non-fiction writing—as well as in speaking. Karen Porter’s simple way to write and tell a story will help you learn how to put it together and get your punch line right. Use these techniques for adding illustrations and examples to your writing and speaking and for telling your own story. They may never remember your bio, but they’ll never forget your story!

Workhop 2H – Marketing for Writers and Speakers (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
Marketing techniques and methods have changed drastically with the emergence of the Internet. The information and advice you’ve read might already be out of date. Marketing expert Karen Porter will help you define your personal style and brand. From tag lines and mission statements to web presence in blogs, Twitter, and Facebook, you will learn how to market your message, your speaking ministry, and your book. Karen will help you build a toolbox of practical, useful, doable methods. You will leave this session with a personal plan.

Workshop 4H – Using Media in Speaking (Friday, 5:15 – 6:05)
This hands-on workshop will help speakers learn to use PowerPoint, Keynote, and other visual aids to enhance and enrich presentations. Your PowerPoint is not your presentation. Most speakers don’t know how to use these valuable tools—go to any corporate board room and see how not to do it. Guaranteed to change your presentations, add flair and fun, and wow your audiences.

Karen Porter – Bold Vision Books

URL: www.boldvisionbooks.com

Children’s & YA: Chapter Books, Devotionals, Nonfiction Ages 9-12

Greatest Areas of Interest: Fiction: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Historical. Non-Fiction: Spiritual Growth, Christian Life, How-to books

Overworked Topics: Fiction: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Historical. Non-Fiction: Spiritual Growth, Christian Life, How-to books

Helpful Tips: Fiction: Contemporary, Romance, Suspence, Historical. Non-Fiction: Spiritual Growth, Christian Life, How-to books

W. Terry Whalin – Unable to be with us
Acquisitions Editor
Morgan James Publishing

Terry understands both sides of the editorial desk—as an editor and a writer. Terry worked previously as a magazine editor and a book acquisitions editor at Howard Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster, and David C. Cook. He also ran his own literary agency for a couple of years.

Terry’s nonfiction writing has appeared in magazines like Christianity Today, Writer’s Digest, The Writer, and more than 50 other publications. Terry is an active member of The American Society of Journalists and Authors, which is the leading nonfiction writers group in the United States.

Terry has written more than 60 books through traditional publishers in a wide range of topics from children’s books to biographies to co-authored books. Several of Terry’s books have sold over 100,000 copies. Terry and his wife, Christine, live in Colorado.

Workhop E6 – Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams (Wednesday, 5:00 - 5:50)
Many people have dreams and desires about getting into print but they have no idea where to begin or how to create a plan. In this workshop, Terry provides a list of key steps along with seasoned advice for any writer. Whether the writer is a beginner or a pro, this workship is certain to stir their imaginations and plans in a fresh way long after the conference.

Workhop 2F – Book Proposal Distinctions (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05)
Literary agents and pubishers receive thousands of submissions and send generic rejection letters. Terry has written two proposals which received six-figure advances. As an editor he has worked at three publishers and personally witnessed what he calls “a decision difference maker.” In this workshop, Terry gives you insights which are not normally discussed with writers yet are critical to whether you receive a polite rejection or a book contract.

Workhop 5F – Start Selling Now with Small Assignments (Saturday, 2:00 - 2:50)
Many writers want to begin with a huge, best-selling book. Unfortunately these ideas are more fantasy than reality. This workshop will show writers the necessity of being faithful with the small assignments. Then, through his personal experience, Terry will show the participants how the small assignments can lead to some major magazine articles and full-length books. Terry continues writing book reviews and software reviews and other such smaller assignments. He will teach writers the reason to not ignore the details of this business.

Terry Whalin – Morgan James Publishing

URL: https://terrywhalin.com/WhalinMorganJamesPublishingOneSheet2018.pdf

Greatest Areas of Interest: Nonfiction or fiction for general market or Christian

Overworked Topics: children's books are challenging but still looking

Helpful Tip: Follow and read twitter feed: https://twitter.com/terrywhalin & read my blog with over 1600 entries http://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/

Periodicals & Online Markets

Submissions to Periodical Editors do not require a One Sheet.
Please NOTE the word count limits carefully, though.

Scoti Domeij
Acquisitions Editor, Blackside Publishing
Editor & Contributing Writer, Havok Journal
Author, Gold Star Mom

Continuing Session 3 – Think Like a Publisher: Self-Publishing Made Simple
Guidance through each step of the self-publishing journey:

what you need to learn and where to start
the tools needed to self-publish
the editing and production process (Includes a self-publishing editing and production worksheet/checklist)
insider tips to avoid the common mistakes that frustrate and detour self-publishing authors
what makes sense to do yourself and when to call in the pros

Though Scoti will not be taking appointments at the conference, we are excited to learn from her wealth of knowledge on publishing!

Debbie Hardy
Representative
ChristianDevotions.us
Author, Speaker
CCWC Team

Debbie, the Queen of Resilience, didn’t start writing until age 57. Since then, she has published three books; written devotions, blogs, and magazine articles; contributed to anthologies; and been interviewed on radio and TV over 200 times. A Colorado resident and accomplished pianist, Debbie is a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, National Speakers Association of Colorado, and writers groups where she mentors aspiring authors. She speaks at women’s meetings, retreats, and conferences, sharing ideas on how to fight age and become fabulous. Gramma Debbie is proof that you’re never too old to live your dream.

Debbie Hardy—ChristianDevotions.us

URL, Guidelines for Writers: ChristianDevotions.us. Click on "Write for Us" for instructions and examples.

Helpful Tips: Follow the submission guidelines. We'll help you hone your devo, if you're willing to be edited.

Submissions to Periodical Editors do not require a One Sheet.

Please note: Unless otherwise noted, limit your article or devotion to 300-400 words - single-spaced, double-spaced between paragraphs. Please follow the guidelines.

Marianne Hering
Associate Editor
Focus on the Family magazine and Brio
Author Adventures in Odyssey Imagination Station book series

https://mariannehering.com

Marianne is the author of the Adventures in Odyssey Imagination Station book series; the developmental editor for Esther Press at David C Cook, and associate editor for Focus on the Family magazine (parenting column only) and Brio magazine (fiction only).

Marianne Hering

Focus on the Family magazine

URL: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/magazine/call-for-submissions/

NON-FICTION: ”Hacks and Facts” Parenting Tips – 150 words max.

Focus on the Family – Brio

URL: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/brio-magazine

FICTION: Older Teens/YA—1500 words max. Very Conservative. Can include dating.

Sherri Langton
Associate Editor
Bible Advocate
Now What? e-zine
Freelance Writer

Sherri has worked over 30 years in Christian publishing. She is the associate editor of Bible Advocate magazine and Now What? e-zine. Sherri is an award-winning freelance writer whose work has appeared in Focus on the Family, In Touch, Upper Room, Today’s Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership, Discipleship Journal, Decision, LIVE, and other publications. She writes on assignment for AG News, Standard, and The Quiet Hour. Sherri also has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes, My Turn to Care, Teatime Stories for Women, Becoming a Godly Man, Faces of Faith, Hurray God!, and Understanding Depression and Suicide: Hope in the Darkness. In addition, she teaches worrkshops at several Christian writers conferences. Sherri lives in Denver, Colorado, and plays drums and percussion at her church.

Continuing Session – Writing for Magazines
Learn to focus ideas, structure an article, submit manuscripts in correct format, understand manuscript rights, write query letters, and check your facts. Sherri will review how to shape ideas into the right genre (personal experience, article, devotional, etc.). You’ll also learn how to study the Christian Writer’s Market Guide, writer’s guidelines, and magazines you want to write for. Recommended for those who have not yet been published or beginners.

Sherri Langton – Bible Advocate – Now What?

URL, Guidelines for Writers: https://baonline.org/. (About/Write For Us) 300-400 Words maximum

Non-Fiction: Articles, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Curriculum/How-To/Teaching, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Memoir/Personal Experience

Other: Poetry

Greatest Areas of Interest: Issues involving gender identity struggles within families; any subject or issue burning in the author’s heart.

Overworked Topics: Health issues.

Helpful Tips: Write well and please study our guidelines and sample copies.

Other: Gift Books, Humor, Poetry

Jeanette Gardner Littleton
Author, Freelance Writer
Managing Editor, EA Books Publishing
Editor, Intertribal Life and Standard

Jeanette has written several thousand pieces for publication, as well as several books. In more than thirty years of editing, she has worked on the teams of several award-winning publications. She has edited well over 10,000 articles and dozens of books for publishers such as Guideposts, Bethany House, Thomas Nelson, Moody, Barbour, Tyndale, Christianity Today, and others. She is currently managing editor of EA Books Publishing, editor of Intertribal Life newspaper for Indian Life Ministries, and editor of the weekly Standard for the Church of the Nazarene's The Foundry Publishing.

Workshop 2B – Felt Needs Writing (Thursday, 5:15 - 6:05)
What do editors mean when they say they need articles or books that appeal to the readers’ “felt needs”? This workshop will not only explain what these editors mean, but will help the conferee learn how to analyze an audience to find the needs that are prime topics for great articles and books. We’ll explore the issues involved in appealing to these felt needs. An interactive workshop that attendees can start applying during the hour and during the rest of the conference.

Workshop 6E – Teens in a Class All Their Own (Saturday, 3:45 – 4:35)
A closer look at the people for whom we are writing––teenagers. Specifics in fiction and non–fiction. This workshop also includes in–class exercises from actual magazine theme lists. We cover the teen market––and its needs––in depth and detail.

Jeanette Gardner Littleton – Intertribal Life and Standard 300-400 Words maximum

Non-Fiction: Articles, Biographies & Profiles, Culture/Contemporary Issues, Devotionals, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Memoir/Personal Experience, Native American Interests, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests

URL: Intertribal Life website: Indianlife.org 300-400 Words maximum

For Intertribal Life (formerly Indian Life), we use all kinds of articles that have an interest for Native Americans/First Nations. The audience is Indigenous. We use news, personality features, ministry highlights, spiritual growth. We do not want articles about ministering to Native Americans; we want articles about Native Americans.

URL: https://www.thefoundrypublishing.com/book-manuscript-submission-faqs.html

For Standard, we use personal experience articles on our themes. For Standard, we prefer writers who come from a Wesley-Arminian theological slant. (Nazarene, Free Methodist, Salvation Army, AG, etc.) Standard runs on a theme list; however, we don't usually send that out. We make assignments based on an author's ability to write good personal experience articles, so we like to see samples of the author's writing.

Stephen O’Rear
Sr. Associate Editor
Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine
Author

Stephen writes for the hopeless middle-school nerd in all of us. An editor at Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse magazine since 2011, he specializes in mysteries, comics, quizzes, puzzles and all things delightfully strange. He wrote the award-winning comic Captain Absolutely and other children’s books. Stephen acquires articles and stories for two children’s magazines: Clubhouse (ages 8-12) and Clubhouse Jr. (ages 3-7). While he cannot purchase books, he’s available for manuscript critique, career advice, and encouragement.

Workshop E5 – Children’s Media Trends (Wednesday, 5:00 - 5:50)
Whether you write for children, or just want to connect with your own kids and grandkids, this survey course explores the most popular children’s books, movies, streaming channels and video games of the past few years. How does new media influence our children’s sense of humor, self-perception and values? And what happens when a “kids’ show” develops a passionate adult fanbase? Includes insights from Plugged In, a top media review site for Christians. (ALL)

Stephen O’Rear – Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine

URL: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/clubhouse-magazine/about/submission-guidelines/ 300-400 Words maximum

Children’s & YA: Articles about remarkable kids, Devotionals, Early Readers-Fiction, Early Readers-Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade Fiction, Middle Grade Nonfiction, Nonfiction Ages 6-8, Nonfiction Ages 9-12, Poetry Ages 3-8, Puzzles, Tweens Fiction

Greatest Areas of Interest: Profiles/interviews of remarkable kids, quizzes (ages 8-12)

Helpful Tips: Include visually interesting scenes… every story in our magakatara.pattonhome.netzine is illustrated or paired with photography.

Marti Pieper
Senior Editor
Charisma Media
Author, Collaborative Writer, Editor
CCWC Team

Marti’s eclectic publishing career includes ghostwriting a young adult memoir that made the ECPA bestseller list and traveling to six Latin American countries to share stories of teen mission trips and an award-winning missionary memoir. She has written 7 traditionally published nonfiction books and edited several more, written and edited for both print and digital publications, and taught at multiple writers conferences. A fulltime freelance writer and editor, she serves as senior editor for Charisma Media and hosts several podcasts on the Charisma Podcast Network. Find her at www.martipieper.com, where her “Snapshots of Dementia” blog details life with her husband, who suffers from an early-onset dementia.

Marti Pieper – Charisma Media

URL: Updated guidelines not yet online but I can send for those who email me. Target word count 650-900.

Non-Fiction:Articles, Bible Studies, Biographies & Profiles, Christian Living/Ministry/Evangelism, Church Growth/Life/Renewal, Curriculum/How-To/Teaching, Devotionals, Discipleship/Personal Growth, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Memoir/Personal Experience, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Women’s Interests

Children’s & YA: YA Nonfiction or Memoir

Greatest Area of Need: Spirit-led living, health and healing, prophetic and revival, Holy Spirit worldview, culture, Israel, Christian faith, spiritual warfare, end times

Overworked Topics: rarely use personal stories/testimonies unless of great interest to charismatic audience with potential for video interview

Helpful Tip: Read the websites: charismanews.com, charismamag.com

Rhonda Robinson
Parenting Content Producer,
Focus on the Family
RhondaRobinson.tv

Rhonda is the Parenting Content Producer, Focus on the Family. For more than two decades, Rhonda has written commentary and analysis on the social, political, and parenting issues affecting the family. Her publishing credits began in the late 90s spanning over a decade of newspaper and magazine columns before moving to new media publications. Since 2015, she has trained and led writers to create SEO rich content, drive traffic, through search engine listing and social media strategies.

Rhonda Robinson – Focus on the Family 300-400 Words maximum

Non-Fiction: Articles, Culture/Contemporary Issues, Marriage/Family/Parenting, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare, Other: From a Parenting Perspective: Mental Health, Children using technology, sexuality

Greatest Areas of Interest: Articles on Everyday parenting, grandparenting, leading your children to Christ, Transgender issues, Help for busy families

Overworked Topics: depression, grief, shallow approaches to cultural issues

Helpful Tips: Understand these are written for the internet (keywords and SEO preferred) Felt Needs based.

Linda Evans Shepherd

Author, Speaker
Publisher Leading Hearts Magazine, Arise Daily
CEO, Advanced Writers & Speakers Assc. (AWSA)
Founder, Arise Esther Movement
Blog, GotToPray.com

Linda is a nationally known Christian speaker and an award-winning, best-selling author of almost 40 books. In addition to writing and speaking, Linda is president of a large Christian ministry and ministers to the top 800 Christian women authors and speakers in the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) that she founded and directs. She’s the publisher of the EPA Award Winning magazine, Leading Hearts, and the publisher of the all new Arise Daily e-devotional.

Workshop 5H – Reaching Women (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50)
What if you knew the best online strategies to reach women with your message, book, or ministry? Join best-selling author and nonprofit founder of the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association, Linda Evans Shepherd, as she shares the latest and best ways to reach the women you long to share your heart with. New ideas as well as revived strategies that work.

Linda Evans Shepherd – Leading Hearts Magazine, Arise Daily 300-400 Words maximum

URL: https://leadinghearts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/WritersGuidelines.pdf

https://awsa.com/AriseDailyGuidelinesSample.pdf

Non-Fiction: Articles, Devotionals, Women’s Interests

For info on booking your appointments click here.

For more information on editorial needs, be sure to check
he 2023 Christian Writer’s Market Guide available on Amazon.
I recommend a yearly subscription to the ebook.