CHARISMA HOUSE RESTRUCTURES

Charisma House, leading Christian publisher of diversified book and bible resources, recently announced a strategic corporate restructure in the merge of its Sales and Marketing areas, effective immediately. With over fifteen years of experience in multiple sales leadership roles at Charisma House, Marcos Perez, formerly vice president of Sales, now serves as senior vice president of Sales and Marketing, in this new structure. Woodley Auguste will continue in his role as vice president of Marketing. Executive vice president and publisher of Charisma House, Tessie DeVore, says this important reorganization comes at an opportune time for growth and advancement at the publishing house. More

NY TIMES CHRISTIAN BESTSELLERS - WK OF 9/6/15

• FOR THE LOVE by Jen Hatmaker (Nelson Books) is #2 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 in Relationships; and #3 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson) is #2 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• LIFE IS SHORT (NO PUN INTENDED) by Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein (Howard Books) is #4 in Family; #5 in Celebrities.
• DESTINY by T. D. Jakes (Faith Words) is #5 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #5 in Relationships.
• BOUNDARIES by Henry Cloud and John Townsend (Zondervan) is #6 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• THE BEST YES by Lysa TerKeurst (Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson) is #7 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.

• GHOST BOY by Martin Pistorius with Megan Lloyd Davies (Nelson Books) is #7 in Health.
• SEEKING ALLAH, FINDING JESUS by Nabeel Qureshi (Zondervan) is #9 in E-Book Nonfiction.
• HIDING IN THE LIGHT by Rifqa Bary (WaterBrook Press/ Doubleday Religious Publishing) is #9 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• FLIGHT TO HEAVEN by Dale Black with Ken Gire (Bethany House) is #9 in Expeditions, Disasters and Adventures.
• THE LOVE DARE by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Books) is #10 in Relationships; #12 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #11 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• YOU AND ME FOREVER by Francis Chan and Lisa Chan (Claire Love Publishing) is #12 in Relationships.
• THE THREE HEAVENS by John Hagee (Worthy) is #13 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith. 

A SAMPLE LISTING

It occurs to me that I should show an example of a listing from The Writing World Defined--A to Z. Here it is:

Advance. Amount of money a publisher pays to an author up front, against future royalties. The advance must be earned back before you receive future royalty payments. The amount varies greatly from publisher to publisher (typically $1,000 to $10,000), and is often paid in two or three installments (on signing the contract, on delivery of the manuscript, and on publication of the book). Some smaller publishers do not pay an advance. The amount of the advance can be negotiated at the contract stage. Some writers choose not to take an advance so they don't have to worry about earning it back.

Payment of an advance represents a risk on the part of the publisher, because they can never be sure the author will earn back that advanced amount. If an author doesn't earn it back, they do not have to reimburse the publisher for the shortfall. About the only reason authors would have to pay back an advance is if they didn't submit an acceptable final draft of the book, or failed to live up to any other clause in the contract.

Originally, the purpose of an advance was to support the writer while he completed the manuscript, and if that is a need, it can still be based on that today. However, many writers feel like the amount of the advance is an indication of how well the publisher thinks the book will do in the marketplace, and how committed they are to promoting the book. For answers to the most common questions about advances and royalties, go to: http://writerunboxed.com/2011/11/28/11-frequently-asked-questions-about-book-royalties-advances-and-making-money.

AND THE AUTHOR SAID . . .

"The first essential is to know what one wishes to say; the second essential is to decide to whom one wishes to say it." ---Harold Nicolson

MARKET GUIDES AVAILABLE

The 2015-16 Christian Writers' Market Guide has been selling out repeatedly, but I just got a new supply, so now is a good time to order. Just go to www.stuartmarket.com to order your copy. While you're there, you can also order The Writing World Defined--A to Z. It sold well at the recent Oregon Christian Writer's Conference.

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY

 You can't quote more than the title of a song without permission.

PHONE AN EDITOR?

Q. How do I prepare in case I get the opportunity to actually speak with an editor at as conference or by phone?

A. The reality is that most editors will not speak to writers by phone, so your chances of speaking to one at a conference is much more likely—provided you are attending writer's conferences. However, the preparations would be much the same in either case. Before phoning an editor, check their listing in the market guide or their writers' guidelines to see if it indicates they accept phone calls from writers. If not, do not try to call them. It is unlikely you would get through, and it would only irritate them if you did. If they do accept calls, be sure you go in prepared. Study the publication/publisher and their guidelines to be sure they are a good fit for your writing project. Spend some time on their Website. If you're not fairly sure it is a match, don't waste their time or yours. When you call, it might be wise to ask for their assistant first. Tell the assistant what you want and ask if you can speak to the editor directly. The assistant may ask you to make an appointment for the call if the editor is busy or not in the office.

If you are calling a book editor, ask the assistant which editor handles your genre and how to reach that editor. If you get through to the appropriate editor, be prepared to describe your book in as clear and straightforward a manner as possible. Include why you think this publisher is a good match, as well as what qualifies you to write the book (if nonfiction).

If the editor asks to see your submission, ask if he/she wants it be snail mail or e-mail, confirm the correct spelling of his/her name, and how long you can expect to wait to hear back about your submission. Make a note of that date and if you have not heard back by that time, e-mail a polite request for an update on the current status of your submission.

AND THE AUTHOR SAID . . .

"Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity.” —G.K. Chesterton

WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE PUBLISHED?

Q. It seems to me that more and more people are attending writers' conferences or submitting material, so why aren't more people published?

A. If you asked editors for an answer to this question, they would likely be able to give you a definitive answer as to why they don't publish more of the submissions that come across their desk or through their computer. They would tell you it was because so little of what they see meets their needs and ultimately the needs or interests of their readers. The majority of the submissions come from would-be writers who know nothing about the publisher or publication, haven't looked at the publisher's website, haven't closely studied the writers' guidelines, haven't seen one or more sample copies of the publication or read any books from the particular book publisher.

        Another possibility is that some would-be writers let their ego get in the way and think they know more about how the publishing industry should work—as opposed to how it actually works. Writers need to learn what is expected of them and fulfill that as well as possible. Complaining that they should have been treated differently will get them nowhere.

         Probably the most prevalent reason so many writers never see their byline in print is because they lack the persistence and follow through—or the courage—to actually submit their manuscripts. Writing takes more persistence than almost any other vocation, because the feedback and motivation—as well as the payoff—come so long after the work is completed. And often—when it does come—it's at a level much lower than they expected.

         The reality is that most writers who do finally make it, make it because sharing their message or God-given talent is more important that the fame or the money.

NY TIMES CHRISTIAN BESTSELLERS - WK OF 8/30

• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 in Relationships; and #2 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson) is #2 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• LIFE IS SHORT (NO PUN INTENDED) by Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein (Howard Books) is #4 in Family; #5 in Celebrities.
• DESTINY by T. D. Jakes (Faith Words) is #4 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #5 in Relationships.
• BOUNDARIES by Henry Cloud and John Townsend (Zondervan) is #6 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• DESTINY by T. D. Jakes (Faith Words) is #6 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• THE BEST YES by Lysa TerKeurst (Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson) is #7 in Advice, How-To & Misc., and #7 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.

• GHOST BOY by Martin Pistorius with Megan Lloyd Davies (Nelson Books) is #7 in Health.
• HIDING IN THE LIGHT by Rifqa Bary (WaterBrook Press/ Doubleday Religious Publishing) is #9 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• FLIGHT TO HEAVEN by Dale Black with Ken Gire (Bethany House) is #9 in Expeditions, Disasters and Adventures.
• THE LOVE DARE by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Books) is #10 in Relationships; #12 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #11 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• YOU AND ME FOREVER by Francis Chan and Lisa Chan (Claire Love Publishing) is #12 in Relationships.
• THE THREE HEAVENS by John Hagee (Worthy) is #13 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith. 

ANDY LE PEAU ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

After four decades of working on hundreds of books, Andy Le Peau, associate publisher for editorial at InterVarsity Press, has announced he will be retiring in February 2016. Le Peau has worked with respected authors like Rebecca Manley Pippert, N.T. Wright, Tom Oden, Christena Cleveland, Gary Haugen, Andy Crouch, Ken Bailey and countless others. More

INTERVIEW WITH SALLY - PART 2

What drives magazine editors nuts?

Again it’s not following their guidelines. If they say they want 1,500 words, don’t send 2,000 with the hopes they’ll edit it down to the right length for you. If they say they don’t accept poetry or Bible studies or devotions—don’t send them anyway because you’re sure yours are so good they will surely make an exception. They know exactly what they want and they expect you to discover what that is and respond accordingly. It is also important to them that you know and understand their audience. If you are giving advice/how-to, it had better be based on wide personal experience—not just theory or conjecture. If you include anecdotes or case studies, they need to be based on real experience, not fiction. Editors are looking for writers who understand the periodical, the audience, the subject, and can write to fit the editor’s/reader’s needs—not just write what they want to write. Your topic is only relevant and publishable if it meets the needs of that editor’s readers.

What kinds of changes in the Christian market have you noticed from when you first started publishing?

There have been so many changes in the Christian market since I started publishing—which was more than 40 years ago now. At that time there were very few Christian writers around, only a couple of writers' conferences, and just a few potential markets—mostly the denominational publishers or publications. I sold my first piece to my denominational magazine for $6. Since there were so few writers, most topics were assigned to pastors or denominational leaders. Few book publishers would have accepted a manuscript through an agent—there were simply no Christian agents around. Fiction—other than from Grace Livingston Hill—was nonexistent as well. I don’t remember attending a writers’ conference where they offered a class in how to write fiction until after Frank Perretti hit the scene. In those earlier days, Christian publishing hardly created a blip in the general publishing scene—and for good reason. The content and quality of Christian books has grown by leaps and bounds until it is now considered on a par with the general market. As a result we've seen so many general publishers trying to tap into this market with a religious imprint. Of course, the advent of desk-top publishing has opened up the publishing field to almost anyone who wants to be a publisher or put out a periodical. Over the years of doing the market guide, I added dozens of new markets every year. Magazines have raised their pay rates—from that $6 I got for my first article—and book publishers are paying advances and higher royalties as they compete for the best authors.

It used to be that you would always submit your manuscripts by snail mail. When faxes became more common and prevalent, that became the submission method of choice for some, but only for a short time. Some would accept phone calls then—few do now. I watched e-mail emerge slowly—embraced by a few—feared by the majority. Then over the last few years it has taken over and is now the preferred choice for contacts between writers and editors. Most editors have pulled their phone and fax numbers from the guide—preferring an e-mail contact, query, and submission only. There are virtually no publishers or publications who don’t have e-mail and a Website. There continue to be increases too in online publications, e-books, and print-on-demand. As print publications continue to decline, many are switching to an online publication just to survive. The changes continue year after year as we watch the Christian publishing industry emerge technologically—but hopefully with a message that still meets the needs of the seeker and the Christian reader.

­___________________________________________________________________________________

AN INTERVIEW WITH SALLY - PART 1

I was cleaning out some computer files this week and ran across the interview I did a number of years ago. It still includes valid information, and I'll update some of it as well, so thought I'd share it here in two parts today and tomorrow.

How did you get started publishing the Christian Writers' Market Guide?

I had been doing my column in The Christian Writer magazine (forerunner of The Christian Communicator) for a couple of years when I got a change to go to Florida with my husband (who was going on business). Since I had never met the editors at TCW, and we were staying nearby, I rented a car and went to spend the week-end with the executive editor and his wife. I was getting ready to teach at a conference and wanted some new market info to give out, so asked the editor if he would pay for the mailing to some publishers—since I could also use the info in my marketing column for him. He agreed, but the topic kept coming up during the week-end, and finally he said, “Why don’t you send out a few more questionnaires, put it together in a market guide, and I’ll publish it for you?” Sounded like a good idea at the time. Little did I know that it would change the course of my life for more than 25 years.

Can you share any inside secrets that you've learned by talking to those on "the other side?"

I think most writers are under the impression that there are “inside secrets” when it comes to getting published. The truth is that you can find out exactly what publishers are looking for by carefully reading their guidelines and studying their sample copies or catalogs. The last thing publishers want to do is make this process a secret. The problem is that most writers don’t take the time to seriously study those available resources, so make the process harder and less productive than it should be. If you have publications that you are serious about breaking into, I suggest you subscribe to them for a year, read every issue cover to cover, and determine how and where you can best fit in.

What do the publishers say that authors do that drives them nuts?

It comes back pretty much what I said above, most authors simply don’t make any effort to learn anything more about them than what they find in the market guide. They would love it if you would actually read some of the books they have published in your genre or subject area to get a feeling for their tone or approach to the topic. They also get upset when writers don’t follow their guidelines. Although most publishers want to see basically the same kind of information in a proposal, each publisher puts its own twist on the process and they expect you to follow their guidelines carefully. They are especially interested in the market research they expect you to do for them. Let them know how your book fits into what is already available in the marketplace.

Of course, you cause them all kinds of headaches when you miss your deadlines, don’t send them what your proposal promised, or are reluctant or resistant when it comes to the editing and rewriting process. You never want to be labeled as a “difficult author.” Publishers rarely give those the opportunity for a second book.

AND THE AUTHOR SAID...

“The character that lasts is an ordinary guy with some extraordinary qualities.”—Raymond Chandler

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY

 If your sentences are too long, work at saying the same thing in fewer words.

NY TIMES CHRISTIAN BESTSELLERS - WK OF AUGUST 23

• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 in Relationships; and #3 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson) is #2 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• LIFE IS SHORT (NO PUN INTENDED) by Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein (Howard Books) is #4 in Family; #5 in Celebrities.
• DESTINY by T. D. Jakes (Faith Words) is #4 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #5 in Relationships.
• BOUNDARIES by Henry Cloud and John Townsend (Zondervan) is #6 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• THE BEST YES by Lysa TerKeurst (Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson) is #7 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.

• GHOST BOY by Martin Pistorius with Megan Lloyd Davies (Nelson Books) is #7 in Health.
• HIDING IN THE LIGHT by Rifqa Bary (WaterBrook Press/ Doubleday Religious Publishing) is #9 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• FLIGHT TO HEAVEN by Dale Black with Ken Gire (Bethany House) is #9 in Expeditions, Disasters and Adventures.
• THE LOVE DARE by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Books) is #10 in Relationships; #12 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #11 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• YOU AND ME FOREVER by Francis Chan and Lisa Chan (Claire Love Publishing) is #12 in Relationships.
• THE THREE HEAVENS by John Hagee (Worthy) is #13 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith. 

PROTECT YOUR COPYRIGHT

Authors should not assign their copyrights to publishers. As our Model Contract emphasizes:

“CAUTION: Do not allow the publisher to take your copyright or to publish the copyright notice in any name other than yours. Except in very unusual circumstances, this practice is not standard in the industry and harms your economic interests. No reputable publisher should demand that you allow it to do so.”

Most trade publishers do not ask for an outright assignment of all exclusive rights under copyright; their contracts usually call for copyright to be in the author’s name. But it’s another story in the world of university presses. Most scholarly publishers routinely present their authors with the single most draconian, unfair clause we routinely encounter, taking all the exclusive rights to an author’s work as if the press itself authored the work: “The Author assigns to Publisher all right, title and interests, including all rights under copyright, in and to the work…”

RELIGIOUS BOOK SALES RISE

Last year, religious book sales in the U.S. rose more than 10.5 percent to eclipse 52.4 million units, according to Nielsen BookScan. Sales in the overall book market could not keep pace, growing only 2.4 percent from 2013. Sales in the first half of 2015, however, have slowed somewhat, as adult nonfiction sales were down 3.72 percent in the first 25 weeks and adult fiction sales were up just 6.4 percent.

Across the broader religious category, Christian books have seen particularly strong sales, especially juvenile and nonfiction titles. While all adult nonfiction religious titles experienced a combined average growth of almost 8.9 percent between 2009 and 2014, the nonfiction Christian subcategory saw growth of almost 11.3 percent. The Christian nonfiction subcategory has also significantly outpaced Christian fiction, which actually posted a double-digit decline between 2013 and 2014.
Overall, women are bigger Christian book buyers than men, but they gravitate more toward Christian fiction titles. Almost half of Christian book-buying households earn less than $50,000, and about half of Christian book buyers are older than 45.

Bibles are an important part of the Christian book market. Unlike overall Christian book-buying trends, the majority of Bible buyers are male (58 percent), and 80 percent are under 45 years old. They are also active online, as 45 percent of Bible buyers are on social media daily. About half of Bible-buying households earn more than $50,000.

GOSPEL LIGHT UNDER CHAPTER 11

Gospel Light has filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, Northern Division (the "Bankruptcy Court") on August 7, 2015. The Company will continue to operate its business as a "debtor-in-possession" under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court.

BACK FROM A CONFERENCE

Sorry for the extended absence. I was at the Oregon Christian Writers' Conference for the last 4 days. Great conference! We had maximum attendance at the Jantzen Beach OR Red Lion Motel. Full schedule of speakers, panels, workshops, and private consultations. Now one of the best conferences in the country.

Loved the time at the conference, but now I need a nap. 

NY TIMES CHRISTIAN BESTSELLERS - WK OF 8/16

• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 in Relationships; and #3 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson) is #2 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• LIFE IS SHORT (NO PUN INTENDED) by Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein (Howard Books) is #4 in Family; #5 in Celebrities.
• LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #5 in Relationships.
• BOUNDARIES by Henry Cloud and John Townsend (Zondervan) is #6 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• THE BEST YES by Lysa TerKeurst (Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson) is #7 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.

• GHOST BOY by Martin Pistorius with Megan Lloyd Davies (Nelson Books) is #7 in Health.
• HIDING IN THE LIGHT by Rifqa Bary (WaterBrook Press/ Doubleday Religious Publishing) is #9 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• FLIGHT TO HEAVEN by Dale Black with Ken Gire (Bethany House) is #9 in Expeditions, Disasters and Adventures.
• THE LOVE DARE by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Books) is #10 in Relationships; #12 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #11 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• YOU AND ME FOREVER by Francis Chan and Lisa Chan (Claire Love Publishing) is #12 in Relationships.
• THE THREE HEAVENS by John Hagee (Worthy) is #13 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.

SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY

It's a simple thing for you to record your speech on an audio tape,

 or better yet, ask a friend to do it for you. 

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY

 Sentences should not be longer than 15 or 20 words, but vary the length.

EDITOR COMPLAINTS?

Q. What kinds of complaints do you hear from editors concerning the submissions they receive?

A. Good question. Over the years I have heard many such complaints from editors. Here are a few of the most common: (1) Writer has not seen or read the publication, or for books have never read a book from that publisher. (2) They have not read, nor have they followed, the writers' guidelines supplied by the publisher (usually available on their Website). (3) Too many errors; obvious the writer has not proofread the final copy. (4) Writer does not recognize or write to the needs of the publisher's target audience. (5) Writers who insist the manuscript was fully inspired by God and the editor is not to change one word. (6) Writers who have read the guidelines but indicate they are sending a piece that they know doesn't fit because it will be too good for the editor to turn down.

I'm sure there are other complaints, but these cover the most common. It's also a good list to keep in mind when submitting. Avoiding these negatives will also make your chances of selling much more likely. 

ERROR DISCOVERED IN 2015-16 MARKET GUIDE

If you have a copy of the 2015-16 Christian Writers' Market Guide, please correct this error: Enclave Publishing is listed as a subsidy publisher when, in fact, they are a royalty publisher. I apologize for the error. This publisher comes highly recommended for those writing in the fantasy and science fiction genres.

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY

 Don't put colloquialisms in quotes.  

RETRIEVING RIGHTS

Q. I'm a humorist and over the years have sold a good number of humor pieces to newspapers and magazines. Although most only bought first rights, a few did buy all rights. Is there anyway to get those all-rights pieces back to include in a book I'm working on?

A. It's certainly worth a try. Just contact those publishers and ask if they will reassign the rights to you. Most will, unless they have their own plans for reusing them. If they do release the rights, they will likely provide a credit line they will want you to include in the acknowledgments page of the book indicating they were the original publisher. You will also need to let the book publisher know that the pieces that appeared in newspapers are not under copyright and are in the public domain. The exception is if you asked the newspapers to carry your copyright notice on the pieces when they were published originally.

MAGAZINE ARTICLES FOR FREE?

Q. Under what circumstances does it make sense for a professional writer to write magazine articles for free?

A. Once you reach the place where you are writing or getting ready to write books, your history as an article writer will be important to any potential editors/publishers. These days it is so important that the writer has used the publication of his magazine articles to build his reputation in relation to his topic. For that reason the more often you get published, the better—even if you are not paid for it. That all-important exposure is valuable in reputation building, even if it does nothing to build your bank account.  

USING THE CHRISTIAN WRITERS' MARKET GUIDE

      It’s hard to believe that the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has reached its 30^th anniversary (2015-16 edition now available). I got an e-mail recently from an editor who was amazed at how much the guide had expanded since the first edition he had bought several years earlier. Because he was right about the constantly growing content, it seemed like a good time to offer some suggestions for how to best put that content to work for you.

As with any reference book, I encourage you to spend enough time working with it that you are comfortable and knowledgeable about how to use it. For that reason, we’ll look at the content and how to use the various sections.

Since the guide is so large and broken down into a number of different sections, you may want to do what I do. A couple of years ago I went to the local office supply store and bought index tabs that you can write on and are removable. A attached one at the start of each section, but can also remove them at the end of the year and use them on the new edition.

Following are tips on how to use each section:

* Table of Contents: Use frequently to find the various resource sections and the topical lists for books or periodicals. An asterisk before a listing indicates it’s new this year.

* Introduction: Read each year to find out what changes or additions were made to that edition.

* How to Use This Book: This section will take you through each main listing for books and periodicals, explaining the terminology or abbreviations. Start reading some of the listings first to see what questions come up, and then go to this section to find answers. There are also marketing tips scattered throughout this section.

* Additional Resources to Help with Your Writing and Marketing: A listing of over 50 resources you can order to expand your knowledge on almost any writing-related topic.

* Topical/Subject Listings of Book Publishers: This section will tell you which book publishers are open to which topics. Check introduction to that section for meanings of codes. Find the list for your book topic and use it as a starting place to determine possible markets for your book.

* Alphabetical Listings of Book Publishers: Here you will find pertinent information on each of the book publishers listed in the topical listings. Read listings and send for guidelines and catalog of publishers you are interested in. Highlight anything in the guidelines that indicate this publisher is or is not appropriate for your project. In studying catalogs, look for a publisher that does a good number of books in your category, but one that hasn’t done one on your particular aspect of the topic. Publishers tend to not publish books that are in direct competition to other books in their line.

* Subsidy Publishers: The above section includes royalty publishers (they pay all the production costs); this section includes those where you pay those costs. If you decide to pursue a subsidy or print-on-demand deal, be sure you know exactly what you are getting into, how much it will cost you, how much promotion (if any) they will do, etc. You can expect to do all or most of the promotion and distribution. If you don’t have a ministry or speaking platform to facilitate that, this may not be your best option.

* Listing of Distributors: Companies that distribute books to Christian bookstores. If you have a subsidy-published book, you may contact them to see if they are interested in distributing your book. It must be a book with a clearly defined market.

* Topical Listings of Periodicals: Look up topics of your articles here. Note meaning of codes used. These listings broken down by potential audience: adult, child, pastors, teens, women, etc. It is critical that you target your material to a particular age group or audience. Without a specific target you’ll end up missing the mark and will find no market for your piece. Use the Table of Contents to locate the right topic. In some cases you may need to cross-reference by selecting 2 or 3 topics related to yours and seeing which publishers show up on all of those list.

* Alphabetical Listings of Periodicals and E-Zines: Same as for book publishers, except you send for guidelines and sample copies. Read carefully to help you select those publications where your material is going to fit. Memorize the meaning of the codes in front of listings. These listings are also divided by audience.

* Greeting Card/Gift/Specialty Markets: Check out these potential markets for greetings, gifts, and specialty products.

* Conferences & Groups: Look for those in your state/area.

* Editorial Services: If you’re having trouble getting published, pay one of these professionals to tell you how to improve your writing.

* Literary Agents: Many major publishers prefer to work through agents, but many others will still accept a manuscript directly from the author. If you’ve sold books already, or have a book with a clearly defined, strong potential audience, an agent may be interested in representing you.

* Contests: Lists contests by genre or category. Check their Websites for rules and deadlines.

* Denominational Listings: Tells you which book publishers/periodicals are associated with which denominations.

• Glossary of Terms: Will define any terminology used in publishing, especially those terms included in the guide.
• Index: In addition to the names of all entries, it lists publishers not included for various reasons—indicated by a code that tells you why they aren’t included.

• Throughout the book you will find how-to articles that will be helpful as you learn about writing, marketing , and publishing.

The real key to successful marketing is finding potential markets for your topic before you write your piece, then write it to fit the guidelines or the specific market. Otherwise you are going publisher-to-publisher trying unsuccessfully to find one that fits what you have already produced. Publishers expect you to follow their guidelines. If you ignore them you greatly decrease or even destroy your chance of selling to them.

Here are the steps to follow for successful marketing: (1) Make a list of the types of writing you want to do (feature articles, children’s short stores, poetry, or whatever). (2) List the topics you’d like to write about. (3) List which target audiences you feel qualified to write for. (4) Use the topical listings in the guide to find a list of potential markets for the above categories (1-3). (5) Study the alphabetical listings for those you have identified and send for the guidelines and sample copies/catalogs. (6) After studying those materials, either keep them on your potential list or delete them. What you are doing is identifying a list of potential markets for each topic or type of writing you do. (7) Once you have compiled that targeted list or lists, go a step further by analyzing those you want to write for. Read the articles, stories, poems (or whatever it is you are planning to write) and determine what elements are included. An easy way to do that is to identify what kind of material is included in each paragraph (write it in the margin), such as an anecdote, quotation, quote from an authority, personal experience, or whatever. When writing your piece, be sure it includes as many of the identified elements as you can, or that fit your topic. The better the magazine, the more credibility your article must have by including those elements that indicate this is more than just your idea.

The Christian Writers’ Market Guide provides that critical first step—identifying potential markets—but it’s up to you to study those potential markets more closely and select those best fitted to what you have to write.Guide available at www.stuartmarket.com. 

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY

 One clear, well-constructed sentence is worth a thousand pictures.

SPEAKING TIP OF THE DAY

Having an audio or video tape of your presentation 

that you can review later is also a good way to 

critique your speech.

NY TIMES CHRISTIAN BESTSELLERS - WK OF 8/9

• THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 in Relationships; and #3 in Advice, How-To & Misc.
• JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson) is #2 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• LIFE IS SHORT (NO PUN INTENDED) by Jennifer Arnold and Bill Klein (Howard Books) is #4 in Family; #5 in Celebrities.
• LOVE DOES by Bob Goff (Thomas Nelson) is #5 in Relationships.
• BOUNDARIES by Henry Cloud and John Townsend (Zondervan) is #6 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• THE BEST YES by Lysa TerKeurst (Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson) is #7 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.

• GHOST BOY by Martin Pistorius with Megan Lloyd Davies (Nelson Books) is #7 in Health.
• HIDING IN THE LIGHT by Rifqa Bary (WaterBrook Press/ Doubleday Religious Publishing) is #9 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• FLIGHT TO HEAVEN by Dale Black with Ken Gire (Bethany House) is #9 in Expeditions, Disasters and Adventures.
• THE LOVE DARE by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Books) is #10 in Relationships; #12 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• I DARED TO CALL HIM FATHER by Bilquis Sheikh with Richard H. Schneider (Chosen Books) is #11 in E-Book Nonfiction.
• CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #11 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.
• YOU AND ME FOREVER by Francis Chan and Lisa Chan (Claire Love Publishing) is #12 in Relationships.
• THE THREE HEAVENS by John Hagee (Worthy) is #13 in Religion, Spirituality & Faith.

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OREGON CHRISTIAN WRITERS SUMMER CONFERENCE

Oregon Christian Writers

Summer Conference Update August 10-13, 2015 Jantzen Beach Red Lion Portland, Oregon "Being Salt and Light" Matthew 5:13-16 August 10-13, 2015 Meet Summer Conference Keynoter Jane Kirkpatrick   For some years, I worked with Native American families on the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon. One of the traditions there was that at the completion of a basket-making class, students often gave away their first basket. Many times the basket teacher received that fledgling effort. In my 17 years there, I was privileged to receive three first baskets, even though I know nothing about basket-making. After the first surprise gift, I tried to imagine with whom I would share my firstfruit. Read more athttp://oregonchristianwriters.org/jane-kirkpatrick-sc2015/ Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times best-selling and award-winning author of 27 books, including 22 historical novels based on actual women. Jane has spoken internationally and has won the Wrangler, the Carol, and WILLA awards. Summer Conference is just around the corner! Look what we have planned for you: We are bringing together some of the top editors, agents, and authors in Christian publishing to help you reach your writing goals. Book Editors Magazine Editors Agents Here’s a small sampling of the many Coaching Classes, Workshops, and Nite Owls taught by top editors, agents, and award-winning authors. See our full list of coaching classes at  and workshops. “Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels That Sell” – The fastest growing market in publishing today is youth fiction. Learn to write characters that readers love. Coaching class taught by YA agent, Sally Apokedak. “Get Published; Stay Published: Advanced Teaching for Career-Minded Novelists” with Jeff Gerke, James L. Rubart, and Susan May Warren. Premium Intensive Coaching Class. Fiction Intermediate to Advanced, for those with a completed manuscript) Limit: 30 “The Language of Screenwriting” – Telling story through images and dialogue with Nancy Ellen Dodd, who teaches advanced screenwriting at Pepperdine and is the author of The Writer’s Compass: From Story Map to Finished Draft in 7 Stages. “How to Become a Best-Selling Author with Your First Credit (or How to Write for Magazines)” with Susan King, associate editor at The Upper Room. “Crafting Bible Studies for Spiritual Growth”coaching class with Terri Kalfas, acquisition editor at Grace Publishing. “Magnificent Memoir” – This workshop will discuss what it takes to write compelling memoir, who reads it and why, and what publishers want to see, taught by Alice Crider, senior acquisitions editor at David C. Cook. “Blogging and Blog Tours—The Whys and Wherefores” – This workshop taught by editor and author Rebecca LuElla Miller will help you decide what role blogs and blog tours should have in your writing, publishing, and marketing. “Write to Touch the Hearts of Children” – Two award-winning, best-selling children’s book authors, Helen Haidle and Jeannie St. John Taylor, team up to teach you everything you ever wanted or needed to know about writing for children in this workshop. “Pitch Lab” – Planning to meet with an editor or agent? You won’t want to miss Jill Williamson’s Monday evening Nite Owl, “Pitch Lab,” where you can test run your pitch!    Register now for the Book Promotion Boot Camp! Taught by award-winning novelist Susan May Warren(http://www.susanmaywarren.com/) and social media expert and designer Nicole Miller(http://www.nicolemillerbooks.com/). Visit our website for more details! Registration and Lodging Register early to reserve your first choice of one of our outstanding coaching classes:http://oregonchristianwriters.org/2015scregistration/ Lodging: Our conference is hosted at the Red Lion on the River Hotel (Jantzen Beach) in Portland. You can now go tohttps://resweb.passkey.com/go/ORchristianwriters2015to make your room reservations at the special OCW pricing. These prices are not available if you call or go to the hotel’s website to book a room. Keep watching our website,www.oregonchristianwriters.org, where we’ll be posting the latest conference news, guest posts, faculty interviews, how to get ready for the conference tips, how to choose a mentor, conference author photos, and more. For questions about the upcoming Summer Conference, contactsummerconf@oregonchristianwriters.org. Also, stop by our  Facebook page and follow us on Twitter!

WRITING TIP OF THE DAY

 Work to eliminate “baby puppies,” such a “blue in color” or “five in number.”

SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS

Q. I recently made an e-mail submission simultaneously to several non-overlapping markets. The first editor to respond was interested in buying it, but only if he could get first rights to publish it in an upcoming issue. He assumed that was what I was offering. Since this is a timely article, on a film being released about the same time as his issue, that will prevent me from selling it to any of those other publishers I contacted. I'm sure no one will want it after the film releases. What should I do now?

A. Apparently the reason the first editor assumed you were offering first rights is because you did not specify what rights you were offering when you contacted him (or he failed to notice what rights you were offering). If your intention was to sell it to as many of these non-overlapping markets as possible, it should have gone out offering simultaneous rights or even one-time rights—not first rights. If you did not specify what rights you were offering, it was logical for him to assume it was first rights. In your query letter, you should have made a statement similar to this one: “Due to the timeliness of this article, I am offering simultaneous (or one-time) rights to as many publications as interested. I will be submitting to the following non-competing publications.” Then list those periodicals so they can be assured that if they purchase it a competitor will not be coming out with the same piece at the same time.

As far as what to do at this point, you can either go ahead and sell first rights to the first publisher, convince him to buy only simultaneous or one-time rights (since other buyers will be non-competitors), or withdraw it and hope some of the other publishers will accept it on a one-time or simultaneous basis. If you withdraw it, and there are no other takers, you could go back to the original publisher to see if he is still interested in first rights, but it may be too late at that point.