Wednesday, May 25, 2011

NEW MAGAZINE--KEEP IT REAL

Keeping It Real is the subscription based on line magazine where women confess all. Founded by Author and Journalist Vanessa Grossett the magazine was created for women to open up about issues that affect them.

Grossett who is the author of the book 'Don't look back,' says, "Through our research we found that many Christian's are afraid to open up about issues that have affected them throughout their lives. They are scared of being judged, we found this to be especially true among wealthy Christian women, because of this these women carry a burden and not everyone wants to go to a counselor.

"This made me realize that we are not being truthful with each other, that's why I decided to create Keeping It Real. The aim of the magazine is to allow women to share these burdens with others without being judged; one of the best ways to share experiences is through writing.

"The magazine is there to help women spiritually and emotionally. That is why we allow what people may call 'hard hitting' articles, i.e. we have one article where a woman talks about her adulterous experience.

"Christian's need to remember we are human beings and we make mistakes like everyone else. It's through God's grace we are saved by faith. I'm not saying that we should abuse his grace we must remember to live holy lives, but unfortunately sometimes we do give into our human desires and we must learn to move on from our mistakes. What the members don't realize is their articles could actually help someone that went through a similar experience."

To be a member you must register and pay a membership fee. Some of the monies from the fee will go to charities and to help the needy.

"The articles are very sensitive, that's why you would need to subscribe to, it is an exclusive membership magazine. I would like to add we also have entertaining articles as we have to balance out the rough with the smooth." Grossett continues, "We tend to pray for each of our members, there are women who are already benefiting from this magazine and it's nice to do something that can help and inspire others. We're not just in this world for ourselves but to give back to people."

Subscribers get a free gift when they first join.

For more information email keepingitreal18@hotmail.com or visit www.womenscommunity.co.uk.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

ELECTRONIC PUBLICATION SOLUTIONS

PINNACLE is bringing a reader focused and electronic publication solutions absolutely free for publishers across the globe!!!Get your print copies digitalized and make more money with us. We make your Original copies (Books) digitalized into various eBook format to target global distributor like Amazon, Apple, Sony and Google. We help you to increase your visibility in online as well as in offline market. Become our affiliate partner now and earn more!!!

About Pinnacle: Pinnacle Technology and Our Publishing related services which are managed by our sales and marketing offices in Parsippany, NJ, with major operations based in New Delhi India.

We provide Pre-press (Quark/InDesign, etc.), POD Solutions, E-Book solutions.

We have been delivering several successful projects for our clientele including Dover Publications, NYU Press, Columbia University Press, World Public Library, Fry Communication, and many more.

Steven Raxwal
Pinnacle Technology
140 Littleton Road
Suite # 104
Parsippany NJ - 07054
Cell: 484-951-0801
Ph.: 973-920-9092
Fax: 973-255-3000
www.pinnacle-technology.com

SCRATCH CONTEST

Looking for new fiction and poetry- all styles for this quarter of scratch: deadline June 23. http://www.facebook.com/l/b37desLEOR9Ly_M_oueG3t8P8QA/www.scratchcontest.net/id1.html. How to enter: www.scratchcontest.net
Submission criteria: Two Categories 1. any subject short fiction from flash to novel excerpts, screenplays, scripts 5000 words max. Please include name, address.

2012 MOPS DEVOTIONAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

Never Aloneis a devotional for mothers underscoring God’s promise of His presence in her life--all the time. Scheduled for publication by Revell for a Summer release in 2012, Never Alone will be a companion to the 2012 theme book for Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) International.

You are invited to audition devotionals for this special book by sharing your own moments and memories of how God’s presence -- or your yearning
for it -- impacted or is impacting your days of parenting preschoolers. As we know, motherhood can be an isolating exercise. But God is there in the loneliness and most clueless moments, as well as those joyful instances we want to freeze for all eternity.

Please consider sharing a part of your faith journey with today’s 100,000 MOPS moms and others who can be encouraged by your experiences. Feel free to share this call for submissions with others who might have a heart for this project and a compelling story to impart.

Categories for submissions are:

Dawn: God is with us… in the firsts.

Nourishment: God is with us… and provides.

Monkey Bars and Cardboard Cars: God is with us… in laughter and play.

Holding Hands: God is with us… in our marriages.

Time Out: God is with us…when we feel overwhelmed.

In the Dark: God is with us… and in control.

Matching Socks: God is with us… in the mundane.

Duty Calls: God is with us… in our sacrifice.

Girl Power: God is with us…in our friendships.

On The Move: God is with us… in our work.

Guidelines are as follows:

* Submissions should be approximately 600 words, and if possible include a
scripture reference pertinent to what you are sharing. We reserve the right to use a different verse if necessary.

*Devotionals are essentially stories: vivid, conversational, focused pieces that inspire, not preach. We want to help moms reframe their view of motherhood to include God where they might not have. Your honest voice is very important, as is your ability to be clear and purposeful. And where warranted, humorous!

*Your name, address, email address, phone number and devotional category and word count should appear at the top of your submission.

*Email submissions to swallace@mops.org. Deadline is June 1.

Writers will be paid $50 for each accepted submission. Writers may submit in several categories. Please include a 50-word biography at the end of each submission that includes information on your own season of motherhood.

Susan Besze Wallace, editor
swallace@mops.org

Monday, May 23, 2011

GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE

Just wanted to put in a plug for this conference--among the best ones available. It will be held August 10-13, 2011 at Philadelphia Biblical University in Langhorne PA. They have a large number of agents, book editors, and magazine editors in attendance. For details on the conference, you can visit their Website at www.writehisanswer.com/Philadelphia.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF MAY 29

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 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 #4 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #5 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #7 on the hardcover business bestseller list.

Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #7 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.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #11 on the paperback nonfiction list; #34 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #33 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

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

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

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

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #16 on the e-Book nonfiction list, #30 on the paperback nonfiction list, and #32 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

The Shack
by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #22 on the paperback trade fiction list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin & Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #25 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #25 on the paperback nonfiction list.

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

The Judgment by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House) is #30 on the paperback trade fiction list.

Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #31 on the hardcover nonfiction list.

TYNDALE ANNOUNCES DIGITAL FIRST PROGRAM

Known for its innovation and expertise in the publishing world, Tyndale House Publishers is announcing the exciting new Digital First program, which will provide direct to ebook original titles. This pioneering new program will give Tyndale the freedom to publish even more books with exciting authors to serve a broad spectrum of readers.

Digital First will debut with four inspiring fiction titles from different genres.

“Fiction is the hottest category in the e-book marketplace. Our challenge is that we see more publish-worthy novels than we can reasonably take to print in a year.” comments Karen Watson, Associate Publisher. “This initiative gives us a way to say yes to books that deserve an opportunity and it helps Tyndale become more agile in serving a wider range of readers.”

Tyndale also plans to include a nonfiction title, 40 Days without Food: Divine Goodness to a Starving Soul by Russ Masterson in the Digital First line-up. Lisa Jackson, Associate Publisher explains, “The world of publishing is shifting rapidly, and it’s important that we as publishers deliver content in as many ways as possible. The Digital First project allows us to get fresh, new voices into the marketplace more quickly and efficiently than ever before.”

Digital First will debut in July 2011, and the titles will also be available for pre-order through online retailers.

To learn more about Tyndale House Publishers, visit www.tyndale.com.

PUBLISHER SEEKS ANGEL STORIES

Angelnook Publishing, publishers of divinely inspired fine art and books, is proud to announce the release of Angel Digest, an anthology of true angel stories and inspiring children's illustrations.

With the successful release of this inspiring collection - Angelnook Publishing is now accepting submissions for both art and stories to be included within the next volume of Angel Digest.

Written submissions should be in narrative format concerning your personal experience with angels. There are no restrictions as far as length - in fact the longer and more descriptive, the better! Stories may be submitted through www.AngelDigest.com.

Artwork submissions are limited to children aged five to twelve and should depict the child's interpretation of what an angel is to them. While all formats will be considered for publication, please consider that the book will be in portrait layout and some cropping may occur otherwise. Submitting artwork is as easy as scanning the image and emailing a copy to paul@angelnook.com or contacting Paul at 401.932.8888 for other submission options. The child's first name, last initial, and age should be included along with the submission.

Angel Digest had given hope and inspiration to thousands of people who have experienced such miraculous encounters, as well as those seeking truth. These stories, though submitted by ordinary people, are truly extraordinary and the children's artwork has been truly inspiring!

Contributors will be informed via e-mail if their artwork and/or stories have been accepted for publication. Those who submit artwork or angel encounters will not be compensated, but will be part of an inspirational and uplifting project. Contributors can remain anonymous if they wish and should inform Anglenook of such upon submission of the work. Angelnook Publishing reserves the right to reject submissions it deems not appropriate for the digest.

Both authors and artists are encouraged to visit www.AngelDigest.com for a full list of terms and submission format suggestions as well as more information on how to purchase a copy of the first volume of Angel Digest.

For further questions not covered on our website please contact Paul Spremulli at 401.932.8888

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

CHURCH FINANCE TODAY WINS AWARD

Church Finance Today, a publication of Christianity Today International, was named as the Award of Excellence winner in the newsletter category by the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) at the annual convention, held May 4-6 in Chicago. The contest honors the best work done by EPA publications during the 2010 calendar year.

Both the writing and design of Church Finance Today were highly praised by the EPA. "The writing is direct, to the point, and very Wall Street Journal in styling, entirely appropriate for its subject matter," the contest judge wrote. "The design is an excellent example of professional quality newsletter design."

Started in 1993, Church Finance Today is a monthly review of accounting, financial, and tax developments affecting church and clergy. Richard Hammar, the senior editor of Church Finance Today, is widely considered the leading authority in the United States today regarding church law and tax issues. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he is both an attorney and CPA, and is the author of more than 25 books on legal and tax issues for churches and clergy.

"TICK SQUISH" MOBILE GAME RELEASED

B&H Publishing Group, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources, has released "Tick Squish," a mobile game for the iPhone and iPad to support the new B&H Fiction medical thriller "Over the Edge" by Brandilyn Collins.

"Tick Squish," the first mobile game from B&H, is now available in the iTunes App Store for free. The game challenges players to stop ticks from running across their screens.

Collins wrote "Over the Edge," in part, as a response to her own struggles with Lyme disease. Not only did Collins want to entertain with a good story, but also help bring attention to the issues surrounding Lyme disease. Through the release of "Tick Squish," players learn about Lyme disease after each round is completed and unlock sample chapters of the book by finishing the game.

In "Over the Edge" the lead characters struggle with more than just Lyme disease, but also with a rocky marriage and faith issues. Collins is well-known for her deep, compelling characterizations.

"We honor that commitment to the consumer by publishing compelling novels that have strong characters, interesting plots and vivid dialogue that help readers learn about spiritual truths in new and creative ways," Gwinn said. "Just as Christ taught in parables, our fiction authors tell truths through stories. We are always honored when an author chooses to publish their creative works through B&H."

B&H has produced more than 20 apps for the iPhone, iPad, Android devices, Microsoft XBOX 360, and Windows Phone 7.

Collins' book, "Over the Edge," is available at LifeWay Christian Stores and online.

Monday, May 16, 2011

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF MAY 22

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #1 on the paperback nonfiction list, the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list, the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list, and #2 on 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 #4 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Love Wins by Rob Bell (HarperOne/HarperCollins) is #6 on the hardcover advice & misc. list.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #7 on the hardcover business bestseller list.

90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #8 on the paperback nonfiction list; #35 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #33 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

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

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

Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan) is #13 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Forgotten God by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (Cook) is #14 on the paperback advice & misc. list.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #15 on the e-Book nonfiction list, #20 on the paperback nonfiction list, and #33 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list.

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

Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson) is #20 on the e-Book nonfiction list; #23 on the hardcover nonfiction list; #26 on the combined print and e-Book nonfiction list; and #30 on the combined hardcover & paperback nonfiction list.

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #22 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #23 on the paperback trade fiction list.

The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #24 on the paperback nonfiction list.

The Judgment by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House) is #26 on the paperback trade fiction list.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven by Kevin & Alex Malarkey (Tyndale House) is #30 on the e-Book nonfiction list.

Leaving by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #30 on the paperback trade fiction list.

CHRISTIAN BOOK SERVICES

Christian Book Services recently celebrated the one year anniversary of the founding of the company by industry-veteran Larry Carpenter. Carpenter, who is the former President and CEO of Spring Arbor, Senior Vice President of STL, Vice President of Thomas Nelson and President and Publisher of Standard Publishing, used his 24 years of industry experience to design the company.

The objective of the company is to help aspiring authors get their books published. But rather than take a “cookie cutter approach”, the company works with clients on a customized basis. For example, if the author needs help in writing, the company might help find them a ghost writer or editor. If the author wants to get a publishing contract, the company will work to secure them a literary agent or publishing contract. Or, if the author chooses to self-publish, Christian Book Services will put together a team of professional editors, proofreaders, designers and printers to produce their book for the lowest cost.

In addition to helping to get their authors’ books published, Carpenter also realized that authors often need assistance in the sales and distribution of their books. Christian Book Services partners with STL Distribution to provide sales and distribution services for their clients.

For more details on the company, go to the company’s website at www.christianbookservices.com or contact Larry Carpenter at (615) 472-1128 or at larry@christianbookservices.com.

BEST CHRISTIAN FICTION BOOK

Chris Fabry’s mountain tale, Almost Heaven, has received Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA) top honor for fiction by being named 2011 Christian Fiction Book of the Year. The announcement was made at the ECPA Awards banquet held Monday, May 2, during ECPA’s annual Executive Leadership Summit in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Friday, May 13, 2011

WEBSITE PROVIDER

If you need a Website provider, this may be a good opportunity to get exactly what fits your needs--at a price you can afford:

I've been a freelance photographer since my career started 40 years ago - and I've just started a new niche add-on to my work. I'm anxious to help new authors with a web presence. This came about as a couple authors came to me needing some help, but didn't want to pay the high price of web design, web hosting, and web maintenance so I've created an interesting package to help authors, and I hope you find this interesting:

I have a demo page ready: http://authorblogs.wordpress.com/ Then, I took the same "test material" and have a web page of 20 templates that I would like to make available to authors to select their own page style: http://whitmers.com/AuthorWebTemplates/

Here's my objective: I want to help an author get started (for a flat fee and one month consulting) - and then turn things over to them so they don't have to wait for a web designer (or pay a web designer) to keep things current. By incorporating a domain name with a WordPress blog site, any author can handle their own site. Here's an example of an author's site my wife and I started - but it is now handled completely by the author: www.encouragingwords.net (you'll see how this web address forwards to a WordPress blog platform)

Jim Whitmer
Freelance Photographer
Wheaton, IL
630-653-1344

FREE LISTING FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

It's too hard to find trustworthy, quality service providers, but Thumbtack is changing that. We're growing really fast, we need more writers, and you may be a perfect fit!

Posting on Thumbtack is a great way to advertise yourself and it's completely free for service providers.

All you need to do to post your information is visit thumbtack.com.

WRITING OPPORTUNITY

I'm starting my own local Christian Magazine in California. I'm looking for free-lance writers who want their Christian stories published for free. Can you help me?

The purpose of our Magazine is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through uplifting editorial and other relevant content. With the Bible as our basis of conversation we expand on the ins & outs of scriptural, personal finance, Political, Good health, lifestyle, entertainment & relationship related topics. We strive to challenge everyday believers to advance their faith, strengthen their families and encourage their Christian communities. In addition coming soon is our On-line Magazine!
Please help me in my endeavor.

God Bless
George S. Harrison II
E-mail: georgeharrisonii@gmail.com

ROSE PUBLISHING--SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

Rose Publishing was named "Supplier of the Year" by Christian Retailing magazine at the annual Retailing ReBoot conference.

The Torrance, Calif.-based publisher was presented with Christian Retailing's Supplier of the Year award for "outstanding contributions in the development and service of Christian retail."

"We are truly honored," said Gretchen Goldsmith, president/CEO of the company in Torrance, California. "Our staff has worked hard to give people what they want: full-color Bible maps, charts, and time lines at an affordable price."

Rose Publishing specializes in Bible reference material that explains the Bible visually. The easy-to-understand approach has resulted in the company's #1 market share in the industry for Bible Maps/Atlases and for Old Testament Biblical Studies.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

2011 MILEAGE RATE ISSUED

The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2011 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2011, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

51 cents per mile for business miles driven
19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

THE DOUG AND JOHN SHOW

This should be of interest to teen writers:

As Internet Evangelism Day approaches, "The Doug and Jon Show," a one-of-a-kind website, is impacting a rapidly growing population for Christ one teenager at a time through the changing culture of the internet.

"Student-age young people are looking for answers, and they're looking for them on the internet," said Jon Taylor, site personality and co-founder of "The Doug and Jon Show." "With over half the world's population, over 3 billion people, under the age of 25, we must find highly effective ways to meet them and share Jesus."

"The Doug and Jon Show" has created a community for teens by building relationships around original comedy videos and animated cartoon shorts. The site features a slew of video blogs and Q&As that address important issues that kids face today, such as popularity, loneliness, bullying and sex. Doug, Jon, and other site personalities also make themselves accessible and are continually creating and responding to conversations online. Once "relationship" is accomplished, Doug, Jon and Kara (Jon's wife, who hosts a part of the site created for girls) encourage teens to check out the "God" section of the site. It's there that each personality shares honestly about their Christian faith in a straightforward but "non-religious" sounding way, offering teens the opportunity to make a personal salvation decision.

"The Doug and Jon Show" was created with Ron Hutchcraft Ministries by site personalities and ordained ministers Doug Hutchcraft and Jon Taylor, after recognizing a lack of "clean" teen-oriented comedy websites. Visitors may not immediately recognize the Christian aspect as site personalities Doug, Jon and Kara, who offers a female perspective, focus on connecting with teens in a real way, creating relationship and trust, before discussing Christ.

"In a face-to-face conversation you can usually perceive if someone wants to hear the message of Christ through their body language," said Doug Hutchcraft, site personality and co-founder of "The Doug and Jon Show." "We have tried to translate this into the online experience. We don't trick or 'bait and switch' anyone into hearing the Gospel. We just create a relationship where kids can share with us what is going on in their lives and we are always ready to share Jesus when asked."

Serious videos featured on the "Life Video Blog" are a key part of "The Doug and Jon Show" website but comedic material is what draws teens in. Popular videos on the site include "Shark Week Lost Tapes," "Lady Gaga 'Alejandro' D&J Remix" and "The Chuck Norris Man Test." Site visitors can also get a behind-the-scenes look into how films were made as well as bloopers and outtakes in "The Doug and Jon Show Backstage Pass." And "Café de Kara," starring Kara, takes a more in-depth tour of topics such as crafts, romance and self-image.

Each portion of the site includes a comments section with active participation from Doug, Jon and Kara. Additionally, user comments and questions often become a part of the site in "D&J Q&A," as well as TheDougAndJonShow.com Facebook fan page.

"The Doug and Jon Show" offers teens and tweens a safe website that is entertaining, educational and conversational. Site creators Doug and Jon set out to create a wholesome, fun place for teens in the medium where they spend the majority of their time -- the Internet. The site has received visitors from 67 countries since its inception. For additional information, visit the site at www.TheDougAndJonShow.com.

Monday, May 9, 2011

CREATION HOUSE PRESS OPENS

Charisma House Book Group recently announced the formation of Creation House Press (CHP), a self-publishing venture to meet market demand for self-publishing packages of both books and e-books on demand as part of its strategic growth planning and sales channel development.

A separate entity from its sister company, Creation House, the co-publishing imprint of Charisma House, CHP will commence operations at the company’s Lake Mary headquarters immediately.

Friday, May 6, 2011

WRITING A QUERY LETTER

"Query Me This: 25 Blogs to Help You Write the Perfect Query Letter" ( http://physicaltherapycolleges.org/query-me-this-35-blogs-to-help-you-write-the-perfect-query-letter/ ), and it's a helpful guide for readers looking for tips and suggestions for writing the perfect query letter.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

NEW PRESIDIENT & CEO AT ZONDERVAN

HarperCollins Publishers Worldwide today announced the appointment of Scott Macdonald as president and CEO of Zondervan, the world’s leading Bible publisher. Macdonald was appointed interim president of Zondervan in March 2011.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

MONTROSE CHRISTIAN WRITERS' CONFERENCE

I can recommend the Montrose Christian Writers Conference held in Montrose PA, July 24-29. Keynote speaker is Jennifer Sands, who will share her story of how her whole life was changed dramatically when her husband was killed in the World Trade Center attack. Offers a full range of workshops, plus editorial appointments, professional critiques, critique groups, a book table, freebies, and scholarships. Go to: www.montrosebible.org, or e-mail mbc@montrosebible.org for details.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

2011 CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARDS

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced the winners for the 2011 Christian Book Awards. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Awards honor titles in six categories – Bibles, Bible Reference, Non-Fiction, Fiction, Children, and Inspiration.

One title, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson), received the top honor by being named the Christian Book of the Year. Called a “biography of uncommon power,” this 600+ page “weighty yet riveting analysis” on Dietrich Bonhoeffer has appeared on several bestseller lists, including the ECPA Top 50 and the New York Times lists; and has been featured in the Washington Post, Christianity Today, Publishers Weekly, NPR, FoxNews, CSpan, Harpers, and more. Published last year, its impact and status as a classic is already recognized, making six “Best of 2010” lists including Barnes & Noble, Kirkus Reviews, Relevant and Christianbook.com. The title is also the winner of the Non-Fiction category for this year’s Christian Book Awards.

The 2011 Christian Book Award Winners in each category are:

BIBLES: HCSB Study Bible
Jeremy Royal Howard and Ed Blum, General Editors
B&H Publishing Group, 9781586405069

“Approximately 15,000 study notes appear throughout the HCSB Study Bible. We could have included more. As you can see from the list of contributors, there was no shortage of scholarship for this study Bible. What led us to be so discriminate about the notes we included is that input from study Bible users reflected their desire to have necessary, relevant notes within the context of the Scripture being studied. That meant information – notes, maps, illustrations – should be concise and impactful, plus easy to find.” – Jeremy Howard

BIBLE REFERENCE: Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament
John H. Walton, General Editor
Zondervan, 9780310255727

This series brings to life the world of the Old Testament through informative entries and full-color photos and graphics. Here readers find the premier commentary set for connecting with the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament.

CHILDREN: The Action Bible
Sergio Cariello, Illustrator; Doug Mauss, General Editor
David C Cook, 9780781444996

“Over the years, I’ve worked on many comics that I’m proud of, but there is nothing like doing a relevant story with eternal value. I’ve done Spiderman, The Avengers, Wonder Woman, and more. All those characters and stories will someday end, but the stories and impact of The Action Bible will last forever. It is a privilege and the honor of a lifetime for a Christian cartoonist to get to draw and bring to life God’s own stories.” – Sergio Cariello (Interactive website at http://theactionbible.com)

FICTION: Almost Heaven
Chris Fabry
Tyndale House Publishers, 9781414319575

“This is probably my most difficult novel to write thus far because of thematic issues. It’s also probably my most “Christian” novel, though there are some rough patches throughout. Put on a bluegrass album in the background as you read because there are many tunes that run through the pages.” – Chris Fabry

INSPIRATION: You Changed My Life
Max Lucado
Thomas Nelson, 9781404187832

Often times true heroes of faith don’t stand out in the world, but they have made a lasting difference in someone’s life—they’re a hero to someone. This gift book celebrates their story by first providing a dedication beginning with “You changed my life by___” to be written in detail by the giver to the recipient. To follow are stories told by Max about others who have answered the call of their convictions and took steps of faith (both big and small) resulting in lasting change in the lives around them.

NON-FICTION category winner and CHRISTIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR:

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Eric Metaxas
Thomas Nelson, 9781595551382

“Eric Metaxas has written a book that adds a new dimension to World War II, a new understanding of how evil can seize the soul of a nation and a man of faith can confront it — and transform defeat into victory, lies into transcendent truth. No one who cares about the history of the modern world can afford to ignore this book.” – Thomas Fleming

From hundreds of entry titles published in the last year, the Christian Book Awards select five finalists in each category based on both editorial excellence and category-specific criteria. The winners in each category were announced at the ECPA Awards banquet held Monday, May 2, during ECPA’s annual Executive Leadership Summit in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

ECPA is partnering with Christianity Today Inc. (CTi) to promote the winning titles to its consumer base. ECPA has also confirmed support from national retailers to create in-store and consumer promotions to build awareness of the Christian Book Award winning titles.

To view the winning titles, go to http://www.christianbookexpo.com/christianbookawards.

The Christian Book Awards, established in 1978 as the Gold Medallion Book Awards by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, recognize the absolute highest quality in Christian books. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design and impact, the Christian Book Awards are the oldest and among the most prestigious in the religious publishing industry. For more information, go to www.ecpa.org.

Monday, May 2, 2011

E-BOOK BUYERS INCREASING

The surge in sales of e-reading devices like Amazon’s Kindle during the 2010 holiday season launched a turning point in e-book history according to the Book Industry Study Group (BISG). The second installment in VOLUME TWO of BISG’s closely watched Consumer Attitudes Toward E-Book Reading survey shows the percentage of print book consumers who say they download e-books jumped from 5% in October 2010 to nearly 13% in January 2011.

WILKERSON KILLED IN CAR CRASH

Author David Wilkerson, known for his megabestseller The Cross and the Switchblade (Chosen Books/Baker Publishing Group), died in a severe car crash in East Texas on April 27. His wife, Gwendolyn Wilkerson, was injured and airlifted to a local hospital.