Wednesday, April 29, 2009

NEXT MARKET GUIDE OFF TO PUBLISHER

Hooray! Yesterday I finished the ms for the next market guide and got it off to the publisher. If you didn't get your information to me, I may still be able to make any corrections or additions if you send it ASAP. Lots of new market news to report in the next few weeks.

RANDOM HOUSE CHANGES CONTRACT TERMS

Random House is now making contract offers in quarters. That means the author will be paid 1/4 of the advance on signing, 1/4 when they delivery the manuscript and it is accepted, 1/4 on release of the hardcover, and the last 1/4 a year after that release. Let's hope this doesn't catch on.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

HELP FOR POETS

A newly uploaded website, www.poetryofcourse.com, offers tips on writing and revising poetry, Bible-based manuscripts of fiction or nonfiction, children's picture books, and poems for kids. Anyone who respects God and life will receive a warm welcome on this highly ecumenical site, but the how-to articles, critique service, and other professional helps have Christian poets and writers especially in mind.

NEW WRITERS GROUP IN MONTANA

Bitterroot Valley Christian Writers Group. Hamilton, Montana. Contact Barb Raveling, (406) 363-2833. All genres. Meeting twice a month for mutual support, prayer and critique. Looking for new members writing for the Christian market or with a Christian purpose.

Monday, April 27, 2009

WRITERS' BREAKTHROUGH WORKSHOP

Fourth Annual Writer’s Breakthrough Workshop to be held on May 30, 2009 will offer book publishing education, motivation and encouragement for writers.

Many writers have gifts and talents that go unused or unshared. Why? Because these writers simply do not know what to do with their work. These gifted writers have written things that will touch and change the lives of others in a positive way. They have written books that are complete and ready for publication, but do not know how to protect their work or even where to begin when it comes to publishing their own book.

Some of these writers have gone so far as getting book publishing quotes from self-publishing companies only to become overwhelmed with the high cost of publishing through these companies. Many become frustrated trying to “figure out on their own” how to get their book published. These writers will benefit from the Fourth Annual Writer’s Breakthrough Workshop.

During the workshop, author and publisher Dr. Grace LaJoy Henderson teaches writers and aspiring authors the steps necessary to publish their own book. She takes the time out to personally answer their individual questions about copyrighting and publishing their own books. Those who attend the Fourth Annual Writer’s Breakthrough workshop will also learn ways to identify if writing is their gift.

The Fourth Annual Writer’s Breakthrough Workshop will be held on May 30, 2009 at the Mazuma Credit Union Community Room, 615 W. Foxwood Drive, Raymore, MO 64083. For more information or to register call 816-318-1388 or e-mail poetry@gracelajoy.com Website: www.gracelajoy.com

TWITTER DIRECTORY OF CHRISTIAN AUTHORS

ChristianBookVideos.com has created a directory of Christian authors who are using Twitter. This directory is designed as a one-stop place for Christian book fans to find authors they want to follow on Twitter.

Twitter is rapidly becoming a social networking phenomenon with a growth rate of 50 percent a month for the past couple of months. Twitter allows individuals to connect with other people through short (140 characters in length) messages sent throughout the day.

ChristianBookVideos.com’s CrossTweet directory of Christian authors on Twitter provides book fans a convenient place to find and follow the Christian authors they read. The CrossTweet directory can be found at www.christianbookvideos.com/browse/crosstweet.

Christian authors who are active on Twitter and would like to be listed in this directory can send a Tweet to @ChristnBookVids or leave a comment on CrossTweet’s page at www.christianbookvideos.com/browse/crosstweet.

ChristianBookVideos.com was launched in February 2009 as the one-stop viewing place for Christian book videos on the Internet. Publishers and authors can submit their book videos to ChrsitianBookVideos.com for free. Advertising opportunities are also available. To watch previews of Christian books on ChristianBookVideos.com, visit the website at www.christianbookvideos.com.

WICK WINS CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Wick receives 2008 Career Achievement Award. Bestselling Harvest House author Lori Wick has been awarded with a 2008 Career Achievement Award by Romantic Times BOOKreviews for her work in creating “Outstanding Inspirational Fiction,” the magazine announced in its June issue.

Wick is the author of more than 30 books (over 5.1 million copies sold), including the popular “Rocky Mountain Memories” and “Californians” series, the “Tucker Mills” trilogy, and standalone novels such as Sophie’s Heart, Pretense, and Bamboo and Lace.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

MARYLAND CHRISTIAN WRITERS' SEMINAR

-- On Saturday, September 5, 2009, MCC Writers' Group is sponsoring a
one-day seminar, called "The Gift of Words." Speaker Chris Yavelow
(www.ChrisYavelow.com) will talk about the rhythm of writing (essential
elements of style), rewriting, and print-on-demand publishing. Jonita
Shoaff will give a short presentation about impacting the heart of readers.

-- The seminar will be held in Mountain Christian Church (Timothy Hall), 1824
Mountain Rd., Joppa, MD from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration, limited
to 70 participants, closes August 23. $20.00 before Aug 1; $25.00 after.
Contact Mountain Christian Church, 410-877-1824, www.mountainchristian.org,
or email mccwriters@zoominternet.net for more information.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

GLORIETA CHANGES LOCATION & DIRECTOR

CLASSEMINARS, INC. named Linda Gilden of Spartanburg, South Carolina, as Director of the new CLASS Christian Writers Conference (formerly Glorieta Christian Writers Conference) to be held November 4-8, 2009, in New Mexico.

The writers conference will be held at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, and will feature Writing at the Ranch including intensive segments on fiction and non-fiction, workshops and tracks on the craft of writing, marketing, and career building for both beginners and advanced writers. The focus of the conference will also include spiritual development and formation for the writing life. “We see Writing at the Ranch to be a new and unique writers conference. Writers will discover new inspiration at this beautiful location and be given the opportunity to unleash the creative power within while building solid, lasting relationships with other writers and editors,” said Gilden.

Gilden is a well-known and respected author and speaker with more than twenty years experience in the publishing industry. She is author of Love Notes in Lunchboxes, Love Notes on His Pillow, and Mommy Pick Me Ups and writes regularly for national magazines and is editor of a monthly magazine. Gilden developed the popular Get Published Now program for CLASSEMINARS and is a regular presenter at writers conferences across the country. Gilden also owns a successful editing and ghostwriting business.

Gerry Wakeland, President of CLASSEMINARS INC, said of Gilden, “Linda brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to the director’s position. We are planning a new kind of writing conference where attendees will not only learn the craft of writing and the intricacies of the industry, but will also find time for renewal and spiritual awakening. Linda is just the person to lead us to new heights with this important conference.”

The Ghost Ranch, located near Sante Fe in Abiquiu, New Mexico, is an educational and retreat center. The 21,000 acre ranch is where Georgia O’Keefe painted her legendary landscapes and home of two world famous anthropology and paleontology museums. The writers conference was previously held at the Glorieta Conference Center.

For registration and other information, go to www.classeminars.org.

CLASSEMINARS, INC is a 501c3 corporation which presents training seminars for authors, speakers, and leaders throughout the United States and internationally. CLASSEMINARS, INC is not affiliated with CLASServices, Inc.

Monday, April 20, 2009

WINNER OF CHRISTIAN SMALL PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Christian Newswire/ -- Award winners will be announced on Christian Small Publishers Association's (CSPA) website at www.christianpublishers.net, in the CSPA Product Catalog for 2009, and in press releases to Christian media.

Milo and the Green Wagon, a Life Lesson to Give is an endearing tale based on a true story drawn from the writer's own childhood. Similar to an experience Lisa shared as a youngster with her brother. Lisa's heartwarming story teaches children about generosity, selflessness and, most importantly, about love and respect for all people, no matter what their stature in life. As you read through Milo's journey with your child, he or she will learn what it means to donate and will realize the good that comes from a mission such as Milo's, a mission he calls: ACT -- Action Changes Things.

Lisa Umina, owner of Halo Publishing International, not only publishes books but also enjoys a successful career as an author, motivational speaker, missionary and literary consultant. Umina's publishing company continues to flourish by strengthening the movement of words across the international borders in order to benefit cultures and society as a whole. She has been interviewed by countless newspapers, radio and TV and has traveled the world to teach children about their purpose and how religion can positively influence their lives. Umina has become a master at her mission by using the antidotes of faith, fun and laughter to drive her message.

Learn more about Award Winning Author, Lisa M. Umina at: www.halopublishing.com

HOWARD BOOKS MOVES TO NASHVILLE

Simon & Schuster is moving Howard Books to Nashville effective May 1. Nashville is the home of recently appointed publisher Jonathan Merkh and according to a recent Christian Retailing article, the move will give the company greater profile and visibility amidst a prominent Christian publishing environment, as well as better access to authors and agents. The resignation of John Howard, Vice President and Publisher, will be effective May 1 and his wife Chrys resigned as senior editor and creative director. John Howard had served on the ECPA Board of Directors as Treasurer.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

CREATIVITY WORKSHOP CALENDAR

CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS CALENDAR 2009
New York: June 12 - 15
Crete: June 29 - July 7
Florence: July 13 - 21

Prices starting at $850.
3 University credits and CEUs available.

The Creativity Workshop uses Writing, Drawing, Storytelling, and Memoir
as tools to explore and develop creativity. The Creativity Workshop will
help you:
+ Believe in your creativity
+ Stimulate your perceptive abilities
+ Find inspiration in the world around you
+ Get over creative blocks and the fear of failure
+ Engage your curiosity
+ Recognize and use your creative instincts
+ Give yourself the time, permission, and nourishment to do creative work
+ Develop a daily practice to accomplish these goals
+ Work collaboratively
+ Use your memories to engage the imagination

For more information go directly to our
extensive informational site:
http://www.conferencescentral.com/index2.html

To hear what past participants say about the Creativity Workshop
experience, please go to:
http://conferencescentral.com/whatpeoplesay.html

The Creativity Workshop has been taught to employees of educational,
corporate, cultural and governmental institutions throughout the world,
including: Corporate and Business
Johnson&Johnson - JP Morgan Chase - Procter & Gamble - Sloan Kettering
Hospital - Sprint PCS - The Walt Disney Company - The Connection for
Women and Families - The Nature Conservancy and many others.
For more companies go to:
http://www.conferencescentral.com/wherewetaught.html#corporate
Educational Institutions
New York and California public school systems - Phillips Exeter Academy
- International Schools: Paris, London and Geneva - Brown University -
Columbia University and many others.
For more institutions go to:
http://www.conferencescentral.com/wherewetaught.html#education

Regards,

Vivian Glusman, Administrative Associate
1-831-915-5209
admin@conferencescentral.com
http://www.conferencescentral.com/index2.html
25475 Rio Vista Dr
Carmel, CA 93923

CHRISTIAN SMALL PUBLISHER AWARDS

Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA) is pleased to announce the winning titles for the 2009 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. Retailers selling Christian products voted on the nominated titles in each of four categories: Nonfiction: General, Nonfiction: Biography, Fiction, and Children’s. The winners in each of the four categories are:

Nonfiction: General

A Call to Die: A 40 Day Journey of Fasting from the World and Feasting on God, David Nasser, Redemptive Art Publishing, 978-0-9792479 -0-3

Nonfiction: Biography

Adam’s Belle: A Memoir of Love Without Bounds, Isabel Washington Powell with Joyce Burnett, DBM Press, LC, 978-0-9816102-1-4

Fiction

One Holy Night, J.M. Hochstetler, Sheaf House Publishers, LLC, 978-0-9797485-0-9

Children’s

Milo and the Green Wagon, Lisa M. Umina (author), Chad Thompson, (illustrator), Halo Publishing International, 978-0-9797429-4-1

The Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award is sponsored by Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA). A total of 38 titles were nominated by publishers for the four award categories.

CSPA represents and promotes small publishers in the Christian marketplace. CSPA represents a membership of over 60 small publishers producing materials for the Christian Marketplace. CSPA is a supplier member of CBA. Cover images of these winning titles can be viewed at www.christianpublishers.net.

Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 481022
Charlotte, NC 28269

Monday, April 13, 2009

NAVPRESS FACES REORGAIZATION

(Colorado Springs, CO)—NavPress, the publishing arm of the Colorado Springs based U.S. Navigators, announced today that in light of varied challenges in the publishing industry it will discontinue publication of its two magazines, Discipleship Journal and Pray! NavPress will enhance the DJ and Pray! web presence, making use of the incredible resources available in both magazines’ archives.

“It is no secret that we are all in the midst of some very challenging times in our economy and the publishing industry,” says Michael D. Miller, President of NavPress and Senior Vice President of The Navigators. “Magazine publishing has been hit hard. The Internet has been dealing a blow to print media for years. Then the economic downturn—it was like a one-two punch.”

In addition, NavPress is further streamlining its book publishing operations by creating a two-pronged structure, dividing the team into trade publishing and direct publishing groups. Sue Kline, Editorial Director and a 16-year veteran of NavPress, will lead the trade group; Mike Linder, who has served seven years in key roles at NavPress, will lead the direct team.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

PROPOSED NEW COPYRIGHT FEES

The Copyright Office has submitted to Congress a proposed new fee schedule that will go into effect on August 1 unless Congress rejects the schedule. The fee for registration of a basic claim to copyright filed electronically will remain $35. Filing on a Form CO, which is filled out online, printed with 2D barcodes that contain the information from the application, and mailed to the Office, will increase to $50. Filing on traditional paper forms without barcodes will be $65 to reflect the higher cost to the Office of processing these forms. The $65 fee will apply likewise to paper filings of applications for group registration for database updates, contributions to periodicals, and published photographs.

NEW EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AT WESLEYAN PUBLISHING

Wesleyan Publishing House (WPH) is pleased to announce the hiring of Craig Bubeck as editorial director, effective April 1, 2009. Craig has over ten years publishing experience, including seven years as acquisitions editor and four years as adult curriculum editor. This combination of both church resource and book experience will be a valuable asset to WPH. Wesleyan Publishing House located in Indianapolis, Ind., at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters, strives to be a leader in communicating the life-transforming message of holiness through the publication of quality resources for local churches and ministries around the world. Current categories of publication include Bible studies, transformational living, spiritual formation and pastoral leadership.

BACK FROM MOUNT HERMON

I'm back! Exhausted, but thrilled about my time at the conference. The Career Track went so well, and the conference as a whole was one of the best ever as far as the wonderful spirit of camaraderie. Didn't hear a complaint all week. Everyone in the Career Track left with many new friends and networking partners in this business of writing. Most are hoping and planning to be there next year. My thanks to the rest of the Career Track team for their creative and exciting sessions: Karen Ball, executive editor for fiction at B & H Publishing, Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton from Books & Such Literary Agency. It's always fun and helpful to learn about the changes in the industry from those who are dealing with it daily. Everyone left energized and ready to face the challenges ahead. Now back to work.
Sally

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

OFF TO MOUNT HERMON

Just wanted to let you know that I'm off to Mount Hermon to coordinate the Career Track for professional writers. It promises to be a great week, but it means I won't be here to add any new entries to the blog until next Wednesday. Hopefully I'll have lots of new and exciting publishing news to share when I get back.