EDITORS AND AGENTS:
WHO’S LOOKING FOR WHAT?

Submitting your work to the people most likely to publish is a vital aspect of writing anything. Here we offer you the opportunity to see first-hand what our agents, editors and publishers are looking for and what they are not looking for.

Please study this list carefully to see what the editors and agents coming to the OCW conference are willing to receive for review. Consider submitting at least one magazine article, devotional, or curriculum, etc. In these difficult economic times, variety and diversity can keep you writing and selling.

Though some of the editors have listed submission guidelines, please use the OCW Manuscript Submission Guidelines when submitting for the 2010 Summer Conference.

For more information and examples of published works, visit the publishers’ Web sites.

Magazine & Specialty Publishers

Christian News Northwest Newspaper, John Fortmeyer

Clubhouse Magazine & Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Focus on the Family - Suzanne Hadley Gosselin

Seed Faith Books - David and Helen Haidle

Christian Light Publications, Inc. (Storymates, Partners, Companions) - Mary Hake

• Story Mates,Crystal Shank (ages 4 to 8)
• Partners, Etta Martin (ages 9 to 14)
• Companions, Roger Berry (ages 15 and up)

Lin Johnson, Church Libraries, Advanced Christian Writer, and Christian Communicator

• Advanced Christian Writer
• Church Libraries
• Christian Communicator

Sherri Langton, Bible Advocate and NOW WHAT?

• Bible Advocate
• nOW whAT?

The Christian Journal - Chad McComas

LIVE (A/G Publications) - Paul Smith

Dayspring Cards - Trieste Van Wyngarden

LITERARY AGENTS

Sandra Bishop, MacGregor Literary

Terry Burns, Hartline Literary Agency

Bill Jensen, William K Jensen Literary Agency

Amanda Luedeke, MacGregor Literary

Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary

David Sanford, Credo Communications

Les Stobbe Agency

BOOK PUBLISHERS

Alice Crider, Multnomah

Jeff Gerke, Marcher Lord Press

Lindsay Guzzardo, Guideposts Fiction

Nick Harrison, Harvest House

Kathleen Kerr, Zondervan

Angela Meuser, Borderline Publishing

Kat O’Shea, Leap Books

Karen Schurrer, Bethany House Publishers, Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Ellen Traylor, Port Hole Publications

Jamie West, White Rose Publishing 

Terry Whalin, Intermedia Publishing Group

Joshua and Josiah Williams, WinePress

Magazine & Specialty Publishers

Christian News Northwest Newspaper
John Fortmeyer
http://www.cnnw.com

1. Christian News Northwest serves the evangelical Christian community in western and central Oregon and southwest Washington. As the name of our newspaper implies, we have a strong focus on ministry-related news in our part of the Pacific Northwest.

2. Christian News Northwest welcomes submissions of news articles pertaining to Christian outreach in the region served by our newspaper. Because space is limited, articles should be concise and follow standard journalistic style.

3. As a small, monthly publication, Christian News Northwest is not currently able to pay for stories submitted and published.

4. We also welcome expressions of opinion as submitted in letters to the editor or in special one-time commentaries that are considered for publication. Letters printed in Christian News Northwest should be written concisely and are subject to editing for brevity, clarity, legality and taste. Letters should be issue-oriented and should avoid personal attacks on individuals or group. Special commentaries should be pertinent to ministry concerns here in the Northwest; we give top priority to writers living in Oregon and Washington. Commentaries should be approximately 700 words in length.

5. Christian News Northwest does not accept poetry submissions.

6. Follow guidelines for the OCW conference manuscript program—but for other submissions, send by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , by fax at 503-537-9220 or by regular mail at P.O. Box 974, Newberg OR 97132.

Clubhouse Magazine & Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Focus on the Family
Suzanne Hadley Gosselin
http://www.clubhousemagazine.com and http://www.clubhousejr.com

WRITER GUIDELINES
Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr. is a 32-page magazine designed to inspire, entertain and teach Christian values to children ages 3 to 7. With a circulation of approximately 60,000, the magazine reaches young readers and their parents all over the world.

FICTION
Fresh, inviting, creative fiction is the foundation of our magazine. The stories we publish explore a worthy theme without an obvious “moral.” The characters should be well-developed, the story line fast-moving and interesting, and the prose descriptive and carefully constructed. Our stories are not always explicitly Christian, but they should be built upon a foundation of Christian beliefs and family values. Humor and charm are key elements in a strong story.

Length:          
For beginning readers:            250-750 words
For parents to read aloud:       700-1000 words

NONFICTION
Nonfiction articles should be concisely written in short caption-style format. Science and nature articles should be handled from a unique perspective, giving information that a child wouldn’t find in a nature magazine. Articles about real children or adults with interesting experiences are also accepted. We love hearing about modern-day and historical heroes of the faith. The most successful articles are those that teach the audience in an amusing way and don’t go over their heads with information.
Length:             No longer than 600 words

BIBLE STORIES
Bible stories should be imaginative yet accurate retellings of Scripture. We generally favor the lesser-known stories from the Bible. The best styles are short captions, easy reader or comic-strip versions. A nonfiction sidebar highlighting accurate facts about the subject is a plus.
Length:            No longer than 800 words

REBUS STORIES
These picture-story pieces are written with the intent of encouraging parent/child interaction. Repetition of images, concise word choice and a humorous, insightful ending are the most important aspects of a successful rebus. Careful study of past issues provides the best source for understanding this genre.
Length:           No longer than 350 words

POETRY
Poems should reflect real-life experiences of young children. We generally publish humorous, descriptive poetry that tells a story and has a Christian-based message.
Length:           No longer than 250 words

ACTIVITIES/CRAFTS
Activities and crafts should offer creative, fairly easy ideas for parents and children to accomplish together. Materials should consist primarily of common household items. Short crafts and activities or longer articles combining a number of activities and/or crafts on the same topic are accepted. Most such articles are staff-written; we purchase only a few each year.

Length:           No longer than 500 words

PUZZLES
Puzzles should be creative, fun and usually biblically based. Nearly all the puzzles published in the magazine are staff-written. Standard types, such as word searches and crossword puzzles, are not accepted.
Length:           One-page puzzles only

SUBMISSIONS
All manuscripts should be typed or computer printed, double-spaced, on one side only of 8 1/2" by 11" paper. The author’s name, address, phone number and an approximate word count should appear on the first page. We accept completed manuscripts only; no query letters, please. Material will not be returned unless a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage is included. Seasonal material should be sent at least six months in advance.

Address all submissions to:   
Joanna Lutz
Clubhouse Jr. Assistant Editor
8605 Explorer Drive
Colorado Springs CO 80920

We respond to manuscripts within 8 weeks.

Payment:
Unsolicited fiction, nonfiction and Bible stories pay $100–$200, depending on how much editing is required (and other factors). An average payment for poetry is $50–$100. Puzzles pay $30–$80, and rebus stories pay $75–$150. Contributors are paid on acceptance and receive three complimentary copies of the issue in which their work appears. We purchase first rights only, and simultaneous submissions are not accepted.

Assignment Writing:
We generally begin to consider authors for assignment work after at least three unsolicited manuscripts have been purchased. We do not give assignments to writers who have never had a story published in our magazine.

A Suggestion for Success:
The most published authors in our magazine are those who understand the needs of our audience. The best way to find out what we’re looking for is to read past issues and model your work after our style. It’s also helpful to present your stories to children in the age group for reactions. After all, who knows better what kids like?

Seed Faith Books
David and Helen Haidle
http://www.seedfaithbooks.com

Seed Faith Books is not accepting unsolicited manuscripts. However, during the summer coaching conference they will be open to reviewing ideas to expand their current emphasis on Psalm 23 and Creation (see resources on their Web site), as well as new ideas for pocketbooks and booklets (see Web site pocket books). Seed Faith Books is open to receiving submissions of 200-word short stories for a compilation of inspirational true stories to be published in the coming year. These stories should be written in first person about something you experienced in your life that focuses on God’s work in your daily life or how you saw God at work in your circumstances. Along with your testimony, include an appropriate Scripture verse and also a photo of yourself (can include a photo of anyone else in your story). Write your experience as an encouragement for the reader with no lecturing or sermonizing. Bring a hard copy of your story to conference. Also: Seed Faith Books is also open to helping others self-publish books for ministry purposes.

More details will be posted at a future date on their Web site.

Christian Light Publications, Inc. (Storymates, Partners, Companions)
Mary Hake
http://www.clp.org/

PURPOSE OF GUIDELINES
These guidelines have been prepared to help writers writing for Christian Light Publications’ Sunday school take-home story papers. The general guidelines apply to all three papers. Specific needs for each follow.

PURPOSE OF STORY PAPERS
CLP story paper stories and articles are published for children, young people, and adults. They are to foster reverence for God as Father and Creator and appreciation for His plan of salvation. They will present God’s Word as Truth to trust and obey, and warn of the dangers and deceptions of the world. They are to build conviction and Christian character and to promote godly living. They should impress readers with the joy of serving Christ. Their purpose is edification, not entertainment.

WRITER QUALIFICATIONS
A good and effective message comes from a good heart. A good life adds credibility and weight to a message. A writer’s material is not usable if his life and testimony are in question. We appreciate and use stories and testimonial articles by women writers. Bible exposition and instructional articles by women are not acceptable unless directed to women.

CONTENT GUIDELINES
1.       Bible Version: Only the King James Version will be used.
2.       Spiritual Lessons: Consider your story’s content. Is there a biblical, spiritual lesson? Is it clear? Merely mentioning God somewhere in a story is not enough. Generally, it is more effective to “show” the lesson than to “tell” it through conversation and explanation. Avoid strong positions on local applications. Stressing black hats and banning volleyball could alienate a large portion of CLP’s readership. Instead, emphasize the principle of nonconformity and the danger of the world’s focus on fun.
3.       Quality Writing: Write with excellence, following the best methods of short story craft. Give attention to plot, character development, story conflict and resolution, and writing style. Is it interesting, readable, easy to follow, and grammatically correct?
4.       Suitability for Age Level: The reading level should be appropriate for the intended readers. Story characters’ activities, attitudes, and experiences should be typical for readers’ age groups. Conversion is beyond Story Mates; sandbox play is beneath Companions.
5.       Language: Words can say more than they mean. Handle and prune carefully. Avoid popular “mod” forms of expression—Oh boy, swell, cool, wow, and their like. Generally refer to “children” rather than “kids,” scamps,” or other demeaning terms. Use care with “yeahs” and other casual language.
The following are not acceptable:
·     Slang and by-words such as “gee,” with roots in words that take the name of our Lord in vain.
·     Euphemisms such as “heavens,” “bloody,” or “blazes” akin to and used as curses.
6.    Pursuit of Fun and Amusement: The world is obsessed with thrills and good times. A “let’s have fun” focus surfaces even in churches. Our story details should not portray Christians involved in the following or similar activities:
·     Commercial or public sports participation or attendance.
·     Ballgames between churches.
·     Overemphasis on games, sports.
·     Movies, bowling alleys, skating rinks, golfing, skiing, circuses and clowns, fairs, theater attendance, etc.
·     Use of radio, TV, VCR, computer multimedia or games.
·     Using musical instruments.
·     Partying, excessive hilarity, etc.
7.    Appearance: Our society spends many dollars and hours dressing, adorning, and displaying the body for vanity and admiration of others. In contrast, Christians adorn the inward man of the heart as they follow Christ. Their clothing is functional, simple, modest, and unadorned. Don’t give undue attention to clothing and appearance (Sharon put on her pretty blue dress with the lacy collar) except where needed to describe a character or teach a lesson related to appearance. The Christianity displayed in our stories doesn’t approve of:
·     Loud, bright colors, and bold prints on clothing.
·     Frills on dresses or neckties on men.
·     Skirts and blouses on women and girls.
·     Shorts, women in slacks, or any immodest clothing.
·     Cut hair on women or long hair on men.
·     Wearing jewelry.
8.      Compromising Involvements: Modern Christianity has been stained with unholy mixtures. Paul warns of the unequal yoke, the fraternizing of the saved and unsaved, the incompatibility of light and darkness, the Christian and the world, and Christ’s kingdom with those of earth. Our papers will not portray Christians taking part in:
·     Government, politics, swearing of oaths, voting, law enforcement, the military, defense manufacturing, or military organizations.
·     Patriotic events such as Fourth of July or Veterans’ Day.
·     Secret societies.
·     Worldly holiday practices, decorations, and celebrations (Easter bunnies, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Valentine’s Day, etc.).
·     Honor-seeking contests and shows.
·     Controversial health practices. We recognize that there are valid medical practices both in traditional medicine and so-called alternative medicine. However, we want to warn of questionable practices among medical doctors and alternative practitioners that would call on powers beyond the Godhead for healing. Certainly, such things as transcendental meditation, yoga, and the use of pendulums are out for the Christian. (We would not label all chiropractors as purveyors of the occult, however.)
9.      Inappropriate Behavior. Christians characterized in story papers should not be depicted taking part in:
·     Public or mixed bathing.
·     Smoking or drinking.
·     Improper Sunday activity (including eat out and buying and selling).
·     Flirting or other inappropriate boy/girl relationships. Improper courtship practices (embraces, late night dates, etc.).
10.     Inappropriate Worship. New Testament teachings and the historical record encourage us to worship in Spirit and in Truth. To encourage its purity and continuance, we will avoid sanctioning these practices:
·     Choirs, candles, etc. in church.
·     Musical instruments in worship.
·     Christian drama.
·     Raising hands in prayers and songs during services.
·     Highly emotional worship.
·     “House worship” that replaces church fellowship.
11.     Doctrinal Errors and Misplaced Emphases: We must take care that the truth is both promoted and protected. Stories should leave no confusion about doctrinal positions. Guard against infiltration of:
·     Child evangelism. The age of conversion varies. However, recognizing that children are safe in Jesus, we reject the notion that children must be “saved” at a very young age. Our material will try to help prepare them to make the transition from obedience to their parents’ authority to personal surrender to the authority of Christ. Since conversion is beyond the experience and understanding of Story Mates readers and many Partners readers, any stories on these age levels that include a person’s conversion must in no way pressure readers who have not reached the age of accountability to make decisions they are not ready to make.
·     Speaking in tongues, faith healing, and other sensational emphases of the modern charismatic movement.
·     Eternal security, faith only, and other Calvinistic teachings.
·     “Name it and claim it” health and wealth faith teachings.
·     Sensational emphasis on demons and demon possession. While we want to warn of practices that are clearly occult, we avoid an emphasis on casting out demons or confession of ancestral sins as the way to solve physical and emotional problems. The Scripture strongly emphasizes repentance, confession of personal sin, and personal responsibility.
·     Modern psychology. Modern psychology is a mixture of truth and error and has made inroads into the modern church. We want to avoid promoting such things as guided visualization, shifting blame onto parents or others for one’s sins, and an overemphasis on the influence of our past. Be very cautious in using psychological buzzwords such as emotional pain (hurt), emotional healing, visualize, self-esteem, learning to love ourselves, etc. We are on safe ground when we stay with biblical terminology and concepts.
·     Humanism and evolution. Avoid an emphasis that people are innately good and can solve their own problems without biblical guidance or though the power of the mind. Evolution includes not only the theory of evolution but also the idea that man can improve himself apart from Christ.
·     Criticism of church standards or Mennonites. Avoid an anti-standards mentality or the idea that if people are truly spiritual they will not need written standards. Any “criticism” of Mennonites must be that which emphasizes dealing with inconsistencies and will build people in the faith, not turn people away.
12.     Promote Family: Stories should promote godly parental leadership in the home with family worship, wise guidance, and loving discipline. Don’t put parents in an unfavorable light that might encourage young people to take the attitude, “my parents didn’t do their part.” Respect and proper responses to parents should be cultivated even when parents are not Christian. Stories with lessons primarily for parents are not appropriate for children’s papers.
13.    Respect for Authority: All authority comes from God. Stories should foster respect and obedience to parental, church, or governmental authority. Do not give tacit approval, recognition, or praise to “getting away with something,” disrespectful talk (sassing, arguing), behind-their-back communication (winking, notes, whispers), or misbehavior. Parents and church leaders are to be respected and obeyed, and their counsel highly regarded. Passive or violent resistance or demonstrations against government policy are unacceptable. Christians cheerfully pay their taxes, obey speed limits, and respect building codes.
14.    Restitution: Where there are known wrongs, stories should make clear the importance of trying to make things right.
15.    Reproduction and Sexuality: We don’t ignore sexuality in our materials, but we avoid the world’s casual, easy reference to this sacred aspect of life. “Pregnant” could be replaced with something less sensitive as “with child” or “expecting a child.” Use caution with the term “sex.” Avoid expressions like “having sex.” Rape, fornication, adultery, sexual abuse, etc. would not generally be story material. Where immorality is a necessary part of a story, it shall not be expressed in a sensual way that arouses impure thoughts.
16.    Violence: The world’s entertainment includes violence to add excitement. Christians abhor it, but acknowledge that it is characteristic of the world and its history. Murder, suicide, kidnappings, gang warfare, etc. are normally not acceptable. In true stories or historical fiction, violence shall be described “tastefully,” not in gory detail.
17.    Fiction: Fiction should feel true to life. Fantasy’s impossible happenings are inappropriate for our purposes. Stories of people’s dreams and visions are of questionable value to others. Legends, allegories, and satire would need to be considered on an individual basis, and if used, clearly noted as such.

Fiction in Bible Settings. Fictional stories set in Bible times may mention Bible characters and incidents if the references are faithful to the biblical account. Other characters and incidents must be in harmony with the facts of Scripture and the period. There would not be interaction with Bible characters. (For example, a story may mention story characters meeting Paul in Corinth, but the story would not give details of such a meeting.) We would see only very limited use of such material.

Historical Fiction. That it is fiction should be made clear at the beginning. The facts around which a story is built should be substantiated. When historical characters are part of a plot, what they do or say should be in harmony with facts about their life and personality. Menno Simons giving a word of encouragement would be in character. Nero visiting a Sunday school and patting a child on the head would not be in keeping with his character as we know it.

Preparing and Submitting Manuscripts

• Manuscripts should be submitted typewritten, double-spaced on 8½ in. x 11 in. white typing paper. Use a simple typestyle, not script or decorative. If you use a word processor or computer, we prefer non-proportional typestyles such as Courier, in a size of 10 or 12 characters per inch, with exact 24-point spacing between lines. (This equals double-spaced copy on a typewriter and makes it easier for some of our editors to measure the manuscript for copy fitting.) Please do not justify the right-hand margin.
• Place your applicable contact information (name and address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address) in the upper left corner of the first page. Word count and rights offered should go in the upper right corner. If your manuscript is for a specific theme or date, place the intended date in the right-hand corner also. (Or use a sticky note for the date if you do not want to type it on the manuscript.) Subsequent pages should carry title, author’s name, and page number.
• Begin the first page about one-third of the way down. Under the title, type your name (or pen name) as you want it to appear in print. (Pen names must include a first name or initial and last name. We do not use first names only.)
• Be sure to include an answer key for all puzzles.
• Please enclose a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage for sending payment or returning unused manuscripts. Contributors who live outside the United States and cannot conveniently get U.S. postage may enclose a self-addressed envelope without postage.
• Seasonal or dated material must be in hand six and one-half months prior to the month of publication (five months prior for Companions).
• We reserve the right to alter manuscripts for space purposes, rewrite copy, or make any other changes to make material more useful to us. Copy will be returned to you or you will be contacted where major revision is deemed necessary.

RENUMERATION AND RIGHTS
We pay on acceptance. Rates may vary, but in general are up to the following amounts:
Stories and articles (per word rates)—
·     5 cents for first rights
·     6 cents for first rights with multiple-use permission
·     4 cents for reprint rights
·     5 cents for reprint rights with multiple-use permission
Poetry (per line rates)—
·     65 cents for first rights
·     75 cents for first rights with multiple-use permission
·     50 cents for reprint rights
Puzzles and other activities—$10.
You will receive a free copy of the paper in which your contribution is printed.

Please state on each manuscript what rights you are offering.
· “First Rights”—CLP will be the first to print the item. You are not free to submit it to anyone else until we have printed it. After we have printed it, you may sell reprint rights to other publishers. “First Rights With Multiple-Use Permission”—Adds the right for CLP to reuse the material later as they choose with no additional payment.
· “Reprint rights”—The manuscript has been printed by some other publisher previously. CLP may now reprint it one time. (As the writer, you are responsible to clear with the first publisher that you have permission to sell reprint rights elsewhere.) With your manuscript include the name of the publisher (or publishers) who printed it, the name of the publication (or publications), and when it was printed.
· “Reprint Rights With Multiple-Use Permission”—Adds the right for CLP to reuse the material later as they choose with no additional payment. With your manuscript, include the name of the publisher (or publishers) who printed it, the name of the publication (or publications), and when it was printed.

We do not normally publish material that requires a credit line from another publisher.
If one of our three papers has used a given item, do not submit it to another of the editors later.

Story Mates
Editor: Crystal Shank

Story Mates is for preschool and primary children, ages 4 to 8. Since this paper is aimed at children who have not yet reached the age of accountability, we do not use stories portraying the children as being or becoming Christians, but in their innocent years learning how to live in ways that please God.

Needs
·     Stories (up to 800 words)
·     Picture stories (not longer than one printed page, around 120–150 words)
·     Bible puzzles and craft ideas; new and different full-page activities
·     Poems of various lengths (some that tell a story)
·     Material related to the Sunday school lesson theme for a given date. Theme lists are available upon request with an SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Partners
Editor: Etta Martin

Partners is for juniors and intermediates, ages 9 to 14. Since some of these readers have reached the age of accountability and others have not, we do use stories or articles telling about someone’s conversion experience or giving instruction to young Christians. We want to encourage readers to accept Christ when the Holy Spirit calls them, but not pressure them to make that decision if they have not yet felt His conviction. We do not use material that would encourage or assume that these readers are developing special boy/girl friendships.

Needs
·      Stories (up to 1600 words or a little more)
·      Serial stories (up to 1600 words per installment)
·      Short, short stories less than 400 words
·      Short articles illustrative of some biblical truth
·      Poems of various lengths (some that tell a story). We prefer regular rhyme and rhythm patterns rather than free verse.
·      Puzzles and activities on biblical themes
·      Material related to the Sunday school lesson theme for a given date. Theme lists are available upon request with an SASE.
·      Stories or articles of varying lengths (200–800 words) for the following columns:
Character Corner (character-building gems)
Cultures and Customs (customs or information about other times and cultures as they relate to biblical truth or aid in understanding of Bible accounts)
Historical Highlights (interesting facts or stories highlighting biblical and/or Anabaptist history)
Maker’s Masterpiece (articles highlighting God’s crown of creation, man—“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”)
Missionary Mail (stories or interesting facts related to mission work in various fields)
Nature Nook (interesting facts about plants, animals, insects, etc. However, facts alone are not enough. To give these articles real value, they should point out a spiritual lesson we can learn from the subject. “Behold the fowls of the air: for …”)
Torches of Truth (thought-provoking nuggets)

Companions
Editor: Roger Berry (some columns edited by others)
Companions is for youth and adults, ages 15 and up.

Needs
·     Stories-Serials to be run in weekly installments, two or more, 1800 words and up. Short stories to be run in single installments, 1000 to 1800 words. Character-building biographies, personal experiences, and true-to-life fiction are acceptable.
·     Truth for Youth column—Articles, essays, poems, up to 750 words. Should speak to particular problems of youth with direct spiritual emphasis and application. Must be interestingly written.
·     In Search of Truth—A bimonthly column of Bible study outlines for topics, discussion groups, Sunday evening programs. Total 750–800 words. The outline should contain four main points or headings so that it would be useful for planning multiple topics or programs.
·     Science and the Scriptures column—Short articles clarifying scientific issues from a biblical perspective. 400–600 words. Submit material to: Paul Reed, Editor, Science Column, Companions (at the office address).
·     Archaeology and the Scriptures column—Articles on archaeological discoveries in Bible lands or discoveries that bear out biblical truths. 400–600 words.
·     Poetry-Poems on various subjects with a strong spiritual emphasis: nature, Christian living, devotional, spiritual themes. Free verse is not usually acceptable. We accept lengths of 6–30 lines.
·     Miscellaneous Features—Nuggets of church history (especially early church and Anabaptist), scriptural interpretation of current events, hymn stories, personal experiences of God’s leading, devotional themes, etc. 200–500 words. Fillers, 100 words or less.

Lin Johnson, Church Libraries, Advanced Christian Writer, and Christian Communicator

Church Libraries
http://www.ECLAlibraries.org
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Our Purpose: To assist church and Christian school librarians in setting up, maintaining, and promoting libraries and media centers.

Our Needs

• How-to articles on running a church library and special promotional events
• Profiles of church libraries with photographs (prints or high resolution electronic, some vertical)
• Book and media reviews are by assignment; e-mail for openings and application form.
• Query or complete manuscript via e-mail only.

Length: Articles: 500–1500 words

Rights Purchased: First or reprint (identify original publication and date)

Payment
Articles: 5¢ per word on acceptance
Reviews: free product

Mechanics

• Include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address at the top of each submission.
• Include subheads (not all caps) in each manuscript (except roundups).
• E-mail articles, typed single-spaced.
• Identify sources of all quotes and mail or fax photocopies of the originals after acceptance.
• Include a one-sentence bio, identifying who you are (i.e., librarian at xyz church in x city, freelance writer + any connection you have with church or school libraries).

Advanced Christian Writer
Lin Johnson
http://www.ACWriters.com
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Advanced Christian Writer is a bimonthly, eight-page newsletter targeted for published authors. Our readers are beyond the basics and are looking for practical help for building their freelance careers.

Purpose
To provide practical information about the business/publishing/ freelance side of writing for published authors and a forum for constructive dialogue about publishing concerns.

Manuscripts
Manuscripts must relate to the business/publishing side of writing or types of freelance jobs and target published authors.
• Articles, 700–1000 words.
• “Behind the Scenes” look at a publishing house (how it started, how editorial operates, current needs, submission procedures), 700–1200 words. Query with name of company.
• “Open Forum” guest editorials with practical application, 500–700 words.

Payment
$20, on publication.

Rights
First or reprint (note where/when published)

Submission Guidelines
• Include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address at the top of each submission.
• E-mail all queries and manuscripts, typed single spaced. Scan and e-mail, fax, or mail photocopies of all quotes from published sources after acceptance.
• Include subheads (not all caps) in each manuscript except reviews and anecdotes.
• Include a one- or two-sentence bio with some of your writing credits at the end of each manuscript, except for anecdotes.
• Interviews/publishing house profiles: Send e-mail statement from the subject/contact that he or she has read your manuscript for accuracy and gives permission to have it published.
• Photos of interview subjects: black/white or color photographs or high resolution scans. Mail or e-mail after acceptance.

Christian Communicator
Lin Johnson
http://www.ACWriters.com
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Christian Communicator is a 20-page, monthly (Nov/Dec combined) magazine for Christian writers and speakers. Most of our readers are at the beginning and intermediate levels.

Purpose
To help communicators improve their writing craft and speaking ability, keep them informed about writing markets, and encourage them in their ministries.

Manuscripts
• How-to articles on writing different genres, creativity, researching, and speaking: 650–1,000 words.
• Interviews with editors at Christian publishing houses, introducing them and their houses with sidebars of current editorial needs and contact information: 650–1,000 words. (For narrative interviews that are not Q&A format, send a query first.)
• Interviews with well-published Christian authors who have unusual or distinctive angles: 650–1,000 words. (For narrative interviews that are not Q&A format, send a query first.)
• Reviews of recent, recommended books on writing, speaking, or publishing or recommended software for writers: 250–350 words. Include bibliographic information—for books: author, publisher, pages, price; for software: producer, operating system, price.
Query title.
• “Heart of a Communicator”—First-person pieces in which you share your spiritual struggles and victories during the creative process of writing or speaking: 600–650 words.
• Articles pertaining to writers’ conferences (i.e., benefits, how to attend, how to choose): 650–1,000 words. Cannot promote a specific conference.
• Poems that deal with writing, editing, publishing, or speaking: no longer than 20 lines. Send poetry to Sally Miller at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Anecdotes
• “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Becoming a Communicator”—A humorous incident that happened to you as a writer or speaker: 75–300 words.

Payment
$10 for manuscripts, $5 for reviews and poems, ACW CD for anecdotes. Paid on publication.

Submission Guidelines
• Include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address at the top of each submission.
• E-mail all queries, manuscripts, and anecdotes, typed single spaced. Scan and e-mail, fax, or mail photocopies of all quotes from published sources after acceptance.
• Include subheads (not all caps) in each manuscript except reviews and anecdotes.
• Include a one- or two-sentence bio with some of your writing credits at the end of each manuscript, except for anecdotes.
• Interviews: Send e-mail statement from the subject that he or she has read your manuscript for accuracy and gives permission to have it published.
• Photos of interview subjects: black/white or color photographs or high resolution scans. Mail or e-mail after acceptance.

Sherri Langton, Bible Advocate and NOW WHAT?
http://www.cog7.org/BA
http://nowwhat.cog7.org

Bible Advocate

This periodical was #28 on the 2003 Top 50 Christian Publishers list.

Church of God (Seventh-day). Adult readers; 50% not members of the denomination. Monthly (8X) mag.; 32 pages; circulation 13,500. Subscription free. 25–35% unsolicited freelance. Complete manuscript/cover letter; no phone/fax/e­-query. Pays $25–55 on publication for first, one-time, reprint, electronic, simultaneous rights. Articles 1,000–1,500 words (10–20/yr.). Responds in 4–8 weeks. Seasonal 9 months. ahead (no Christmas or Easter pieces). Accepts simultaneous submissions & reprints (tell when/where appeared). Accepts requested manuscripts by e-mail attachments. Regularly uses sidebars. Prefers NIV, NKJV.

Guidelines/theme list (also on Web site); copy for 9x12 SAE/3 stamps. (No ads)
Poetry: Buys 6–10/yr. Free verse, traditional; 5–20 lines; $20. Submit max. 5 poems.
Fillers: Buys 5–10/yr. Facts, prose; 100–400 words; $20.
Special Needs: Articles centering on upcoming themes (ask for theme list).

Tips: “If you write well, all areas are open to freelance, especially personal experiences that tie in with the monthly themes. Articles that run 650–700 words are more likely to get in. Also, fresh writing with keen insight is most readily accepted. Writers may submit sidebars that fit our theme for each issue.”

nOW whAT?

Box 33677, Denver CO 80233. (303) 452-7973. Fax (303) 452-0657. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: http://nowwhat.cog7.org.

Church of God (Seventh-day). Articles on salvation, Jesus, social issues, life problems that are seeker-sensitive. Monthly online magazine; available only online. 100% unsolicited freelance. Complete manuscript/cover letter; no query. Pays $25–55 on publication for first, one-time, electronic, simultaneous, or reprint rights. Articles 1,000–1,500 words (20/yr.). Responds in 4–8 wks. Accepts simultaneous submissions & reprints (tell when/where appeared). Accepts requested manuscripts by e-mail (copied into message—preferred—or attached). Regularly uses sidebars. Prefers NIV. Guidelines (also on Web site); copy of online article for #10 SAE/1 stamp. (No ads)

Fillers: Buys 5–10/yr. Anecdotes, facts, prose, quotes; 50–100 words; $20.
Special Needs: “Personal experiences must show a person’s struggle that either brought him/her to Christ or deepened faith in God. The entire Now What? site is built around a personal experience each month.”

Tips: “The whole e-zine is open to freelance. Think how you can explain your faith, or how you overcame a problem to a non-Christian. It’s a real plus for writers submitting a personal experience to also submit an objective article related to their story. For this publication, we’ve done a lot on the subject of grief (death of spouse/child), troubled marriages, and physical problems, so I suggest staying clear of those subjects.”

The Christian Journal
Chad McComas
http://www.thechristianjournal.org

Dedicated to sharing encouragement with the body of Christ in southern Oregon and northern California. Monthly & online newspaper; 16–24 pages; circulation 15,000. Subscription $20; most copies distributed free. 50% unsolicited freelance; 50% assigned. Complete manuscript; phone/fax query OK. Pays .01/word on publication for onetime rights. The Christian Journal needs short articles on our monthly theme (see liftingthecross.com for a theme list) or any topic of Christian living and faith. Personal testimonies are always welcome. Theme articles get first choice. Articles & fiction 300–500 words; reviews 300–500 words; children’s stories 500 words. Prefers articles by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (attached file). Also accepts submissions from children or teens. Guidelines/theme list by mail or on Web site; copy $1.20/9x12 SAE/3 stamps. (Ads) Poetry : Accepts 12–20/yr. Free verse, haiku, light verse, traditional; 4–12 lines. Submit max. 2 poems. Fillers: Accepts 50/yr. Anecdotes, cartoons, jokes, kid quotes, newsbreaks, prayers, quotes, short humor, or word puzzles; 100–300 words. Columns/Departments : Accepts 6/yr. Youth, 300-500 words; Seniors, 300–500 words.; Children’s stories, 300–500 words.

LIVE (A/G Publications)
Paul Smith
http://www.ag.org

LIVE is a take-home story paper distributed weekly in adult Sunday school classes. It is freelance and has a circulation of about 50,000. The audience is Christian adults. We seek to encourage Christians in living for God through stories that apply biblical principles to everyday problems. Solutions to life’s problems can be found in the Scriptures.

LIVE publishes true stories, based on true stories, nonfiction, “how-to” articles, and fiction (please indicate the category). Poems, first-person anecdotes, and short humor are used as fillers. LIVE presents realistic characters who utilize biblical principles to resolve their problems Scripturally.

Writing Tips:
We do not accept science or biblical fiction. The stories should be encouraging, challenging, humorous. Even problem-centered stories should be upbeat.
Stories should not be preachy, pat, critical or moralizing. We accept first and second rights and reprints.

Manuscripts are published about 12 to 18 months after acceptance. Payment is made upon acceptance but does not guarantee publication. Manuscripts may be edited for clarification or length.

Plot: Stories should consist of action, not just thought-life—interaction, not just insight. Heroes and heroines should rise above failures, take risks for God, and prove that scriptural principles meet their needs. Conflict and suspense should increase to a climax! Avoid pious conclusions.
Characters: Characters should be interesting, believable and realistic. Avoid stereotypes. Characters should be active, not just pawns to move the plot along. They should confront conflict and change in believable ways. Describe the character’s looks and reveal his personality through his actions to such an extent that the reader feels he has met that person. Readers should care about the character enough to finish the story. Feature racial,
ethnic, and regional characters in rural and urban settings.

Style: Use precise, active, vivid verbs. Avoid overworked adjectives and phrases. Keep a consistent perspective (voice) on both time (past or present) and point of view (first person, second person, etc.). Avoid flashbacks.

(The following guidelines are not for the OCW manuscript program—follow the guidelines in the preceding letter for their manuscript program.)

PREPARATION OF COPY:

• Type copy double-spaced with 1-inch margins.
• Type your name and complete address in the upper left corner of page 1.
• Type the approximate number of words in the upper right corner of page 1.
• Indicate if you are submitting the story as first or second rights and if it is a simultaneous submission.
• Under the title of the article, indicate if stories are nonfiction, true, based on a true story, or fictional. (The phrase “as told to” indicates a true story.)
• Number each page and include the title and your name on each page.
• Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so your manuscript can be returned to you.

DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR ONE AND ONLY COPY!

WORD LENGTHS:
Longer Stories: 800 to 1,100 Shorter Stories: 400 to 600 Fillers: 200 to 400 Poetry: 12 to 25 lines
Note: Each issue has two stories, one longer, one shorter. There is often a need for shorter stories, as the majority of submissions tend to fall into the longer story category.

SEASONAL MATERIAL:
All seasonal materials should be submitted more than 18 months in advance. We use stories and poems that relate to these holidays and special days: New Years, Sanctity of Life Sunday, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Pastor Appreciation Sunday, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. There is no theme or topic list.

PAYMENT:
First rights: 10 cents per word. Second rights/reprint rights: 7 cents per word. Poetry: $35 to $60
You will be notified within 6 weeks of receipt if your manuscript was accepted for publication.

E-MAIL TO: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . If possible, please submit your manuscript as an attachment to an e-mail, ensuring the document has been saved as an MSWord file or rich text file (rtf). Or, mail to:

LIVE, EDITOR
1445 N. BOONVILLE AVENUE
SPRINGFIELD MO 65802

Stories Needed: Occasionally we experience a need for a story for a particular holiday or special day, or sometimes we want a story that complements one we already have scheduled. If you would like to receive periodic updates via e-mail of needed stories, please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Updates will be sent out as needs arise, not on a regularly scheduled basis.

DAYSPRING CARDS
Trieste Van Wyngarden
http://www.dayspring.com/

THE MINISTRY OF DAYSPRING CARDS

At DaySpring we are committed to the publication of greeting cards as a ministry. We believe the ministry of our cards is found in the truth of Scripture and in the heart of God. We see greeting cards as tools to help Christians communicate their hearts and God’s heart to the hearts of others. The quality of one of our cards is meant to enhance the presentation of its message.

It is our purpose to create greeting cards that are relevant, meet specific needs, help express God’s loving intentions for mankind, and bring encouragement in the Lord.

We believe the ministry of DaySpring cards can touch others for good by bringing hope, encouragement, and comfort to those who are hurting. This ministry can also act as a seed to plant truth, a messenger to bring good news, a flower to spread joy, or a friend to show care and concern. Each DaySpring card is an opportunity, given by God, to speak something positive, wholesome, and redemptive into the life of someone else.

The use of Scripture is a vital part of DaySpring product. Through it we communicate the heart of God to others.

OUR COMMITMENT

DaySpring is a name given in Scripture to the person of Jesus Christ. “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78–79).It is our purpose to honor and uphold that name by creating products that accurately reflect His character, His nature, His kindness, and His life and doing what is best for others and for His kingdom.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

Currently we are only accepting submissions from writers who have previously had work published.

STYLE: We use several writing styles in our sentiments; however, the majority of what we purchase is conversational style. The best way to understand what we are looking for is to read a selection of our cards at your local Christian bookstore.

FORMAT: Writers should create a complete greeting card idea, including a cover caption, inside/outside message, closing tag line, and appropriate Scripture, including version. Please put each submission on a separate sheet of paper. Identify each piece with your name, address, Social Security number, and copy identification number. Please do not send more than 10 pieces at a time. You may also e-mail your copy to us including the same information. Please put a page break between each card idea or add each one as a separate attachment.

PUBLISHING RIGHTS: It is essential that no part of your copy has been taken from any other copyrighted work and that your work submitted has not been registered at the U.S. Copyright Office. DaySpring has exclusive rights to any copy purchased. The copy must not have been sold to another company prior to or after DaySpring’s purchase of it.

PURCHASE PRICE: DaySpring pays $60 for each piece of copy purchased. Payment is made within 30–45 days upon our receipt of the writer’s signed purchase agreement.

(The following guidelines are not for the OCW manuscript program—follow the guidelines in the preceding letter for their manuscript program.)

SUBMIT TO:
DaySpring Cards                               
Editorial Department
Attn: Freelance Editor                                   
P.O. Box 1010                                   
Siloam Springs AR 72761

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please include in the lower left corner of your outside envelope the words “Previously Published,” or your submission will not go through the review process.

REVIEW TIME: Review time is approximately four to eight weeks. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with submissions for returning copy. Submissions sent to DaySpring by e-mail will be returned by e-mail.

DAYSPRING PRODUCT COPY EVALUATION

The following questions will be applied to all DaySpring copy that is being considered for product use:

1. Does the copy have ministry value? What specific need is the product meeting? (To whom would you send the card?)
2. Does the Scripture effectively speak to the expressed need the product is meeting? (Do copy and Scripture work together?)
3. Does the copy enhance the giver/receiver relationship? (Is the copy limiting? Is the copy focused on the receiver? The most important word in a greeting card is “YOU.”)
4. Is the copy God-glorifying? Are thoughts in agreement with the truth of God’s Word? If a statement is made about Scripture, is it accurate?
5. Is the copy free of controversy? Does it stay in the center of Christian truth and is it in harmony with DaySpring’s statement of faith?
6. Is the copy edifying and encouraging? Does it build up instead of tear down? Is it fresh and innovative? (Has a familiar thought been stated in a new way?) Does it have that something “extra,” and is it refreshing?
7. Does the copy have integrity—is it honest and believable? Does it convey Christian principles or values?
8. Is the copy original? (Did the writer think of the idea and write it?)
9. Is the message quickly grasped and the concept clear? (Is the copy put in a positive context instead of a negative one?)
10. Does the copy help fulfill the heart and mission of the company? (Will it touch someone’s heart and leave something good with that person?)

STATEMENT OF FAITH

DaySpring ministers to Christians and helps them express their faith and love through the creation, production, and distribution of greeting cards, gifts, and related paper products.

THE BIBLE
We believe that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the divinely inspired and only authoritative Word of God; supreme and final in its authority in matters of faith and practice.

GOD
We believe in the triune God of the Bible, the God who created the world, who made man in His own image, and who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for man’s redemption.

CHRIST
We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, and that He is coeternal and coequal with God the Father. We believe the biblical account of His virgin birth, sinless life, words, works, vicarious death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and promise of His personal return. Christ came into the world to provide salvation through faith in Him as Savior and Lord, and to restore men to fellowship with God.

THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that God the Holy Spirit, as revealed in the Bible, is a person coequal and coeternal with God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit brings an awareness of guilt, brings about the new birth, and indwells the believer so that he may lead a godly life. The Holy Spirit strengthens faith, brings comfort and peace in time of sorrow and distress, enlightens our hearts and minds to understand and apply the truth in Christ and the Bible, and empowers us to serve God more effectively.

REPENTANCE
We believe that men become children of God by true repentance, turning from sin, and turning to Christ as Savior. True repentance results in a changed life. The believer now seeks to live his life according to the will of God.

FAITH
We believe that men who have received God’s forgiveness for sin through Christ’s atoning death and triumphant resurrection possess saving faith. The faith is awakened and strengthened by the hearing of the Word of God. Believers strive to express this saving faith through the total commitment of their lives to Christ as Savior and Lord.

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
We believe the Christian life is lived by trust in Christ and fellowship with Him, for He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” The Christian life manifests itself in service to God and fellow men of all races and stations in life. It is also expressed as a graciousness in our relationships with others. It is summed up in the two great commandments: to love God with all our hearts, souls, strength, and minds; and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

THE CHURCH
We believe that the Church, described in the Scriptures as Christ’s body, is composed of all people who have accepted Christ in faith and have committed their lives to Him. In any local community the Church consists of all such people, regardless of the Christian group with which they are affiliated. The Church, spiritually conceived, is a living organism which expresses itself through dedicated Christians in all groups of believers, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD
The Kingdom of God is the rule of God, which has as its final goal the overcoming of every force that resists God’s will. The Kingdom of God now manifests itself in daily life through Christ’s rule in the lives of individual believers, those who have accepted and responded to the claims of God’s Kingdom through Christ. The Church, while not identical with the Kingdom of God, is a present manifestation of it. The Kingdom of God will be consummated when Christ comes again.

ETERNAL LIFE
We believe eternal life begins here in this world, when one comes into a transforming, saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It means also life after death for all ages to come. Eternal life further means a certain kind of life, a quality of life that God imparts to those who become children of God. Those who have rejected Christ as Savior and Lord are eternally separated from Christ, and thus are excluded from the everlasting bliss reserved for those who have accepted the love and forgiveness of God revealed in Christ.

DAYSPRING MISSION STATEMENT

To know God, to demonstrate His kingdom, and to help people throughout the world know and share His love by providing Christians with tools of communication that express God’s heart in fresh, new ways.

20984 Oak Ridge Rd.
P. O. Box 1010
Siloam Springs AR 72761

LITERARY AGENTS

Sandra Bishop, MacGregor Literary
http://www.macgregorliterary.com

Sandra is open to meeting with fiction and nonfiction published authors and unpublished writers. If you want to discuss a particular project, please come prepared with a writing sample, succinct synopsis, and table of contents.

Terry Burns, Hartline Literary Agency
http://www.hartlineliterary.com

Terry is an agent with Hartline Literary and also writes inspirational fiction. As a writer, he has over 30 books in print, including 10 novels. He has a new 4-book series from Port Yonder Press entitled “The Sagebrush Collection” of his collected short works. The first, entitled On the Road Home, released March 2010. A Young Adult entitled Beyond the Smoke came out from BJU Press in January 2009 and won the Will Rogers Medallion, and a new book Survive Your Way to Publication also from Port Yonder Press was developed out of the month-long course he held for ACFW. He is consistently listed in the top five of agents placing debut authors on Publisher’s Marketplace. A popular speaker at workshops across the country, a bookstore of his available works as well as a regular blog can be found at http://www.terryburns.net. As an agent Terry says, “I’m looking for a good book, well-written in a unique voice, aimed at a market that looks promising, and where I feel I have the contacts appropriate to be able to sell the book in that market. I’m pretty open as to genre but I don’t do children’s, sci fi or fantasy. He’s a member of the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR).

Bill Jensen, William K Jensen Literary Agency
http://www.wkjagency.com/

The William K Jensen Literary Agency is interested in most types of Christian books, including but not limited to: adult fiction (no science fiction, fantasy, or youth), Christian living, devotional, marriage, family life, apologetics, biography, children’s, gift books, cookbooks, prophecy, humor, health, inspirational, political, social issues, women’s issues, and men’s issues.

Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary
http://www.chipmacgregor.com

Chip is open to meeting with fiction and nonfiction published authors and unpublished writers. If you want to discuss a particular project, please come prepared with a writing sample, succinct synopsis, and table of contents.  No short stories, children’s books, science fiction, derivatives, end-times material, or biblical fiction.

David Sanford, Credo Communications
http://www.credocommunications.net

Credo Communications is accepting a limited number of new authors right now, but I’m always looking for great writing, strong platforms, and fresh ideas in nonfiction Christian living. Should address a felt need, be firmly grounded in biblical truth, and provide practical and encouraging insights to which readers can relate. No children’s books, memoirs, or books on marriage and parenting, please. Check out http://www.credocommunications.net for more information about our agency.

Les Stobbe Agency
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

I consider adult fiction and nonfiction. If an author of YA fantasy has had a couple of editors at a Christian writers’ conference give the go-ahead to send a full proposal, I will represent theYA fantasy.

(The following guidelines are not for the OCW manuscript program—follow the guidelines in the preceding letter for manuscript program.)

Outline for Nonfiction Proposal
1. Title page with your name and address upper left, word count upper right. Below that in the middle: Nonfiction Proposal, then title, sub-title (if there is one), name of author.
2. Starting on page 2, the following:
a. Hook—I call it the selling hook—of 35 or so words. This is an extremely important summary of why a reader will want to buy the book.
b. Synopsis: A minimum of half a page single-spaced and up to one and one-half pages. This is a summary of the book—not why you wrote, how you wrote it, just the contents. It is important that the editor gets a feel for whether it is story-oriented or not.
c. Uniqueness: What makes this different from other similar books out there? Are you a fresh voice? What might be close competition?
d. Author Credentials: What qualifies you to write this book: education, training, experience?
e. Market: How large is your circle of influence—how well-known are you nationally? Who will buy because it is your book? How can you contribute to marketing?
f. Table of Contents, with each chapter having a very brief summary.
3. The first three chapters, even if you have an introduction. No chapters beyond the third chapter because if you have not grabbed/convinced the editor by then, forget it.
4. Submit as ONE document attached to an e-mail. No hard copy submissions, please.

Outline for a Fiction Proposal
1. Title page with your name and address upper left, word count upper right. Below that in the middle: (Genre) Fiction Proposal, then title, sub-title (if there is one), author name.
2. Starting on page 2, the following:
a. Hook—I call it the selling hook—of 30 or so words. Extremely important summary of why a reader should buy the book.
b. Synopsis: A minimum of one page single-spaced and up to three pages. This is a summary of the story—not why you wrote, how you wrote it, just the story. Editors want a clear presentation of the plot outline and action in it. It does not need all the minor characters.
c. Uniqueness: What makes this story different from other novels out there? What might be several similar novels?
d. Author Credentials: What qualifies you to write this novel? Education, journalism or writer training, specialized fiction study, research, reading patterns.
e. Market: Who will buy just because it is your book? How can you contribute to the marketing process beyond your circle of influence? Do you have a functioning Web site on which you can put a teaser chapter or two?
f. Table of Contents, providing a two- to three-sentence summary showing the flow of the story action for each chapter.
g. Some editors like a list of the key characters, with brief descriptions.
3. The first three chapters—they have to be your best chapters or there will be no sale.
4. Submit as one document attached to an e-mail. No hard copy submissions, please.

BOOK PUBLISHERS

Multnomah Books: We believe that Jesus Christ transforms lives in extraordinary and astonishing ways; our opportunity is to find the words and language that people will see as real and authentic so they might open themselves to the personal and spiritual change found in Him. Our desire is to meet the needs of generations, people who desire life change, and those who are seeking to make their faith vibrant and relevant and significant in the world. Our rich legacy holds core values of biblical truth and integrity, which we carry into the future. We also seek to address the challenges of our time and culture with fresh vision, language, and focus.

Alice’s favorite projects include faith-in-action stories that deliver authentic experience and inspiration, and messages that enhance relationships and break through to life change. Books for people of faith desiring personal change and seeking an authentic connection to God.

Primary acquisition genres:
·  devotional
·  inspirational
·  marriage
·  parenting
·  relationship
·  Christian living

Jeff Gerke, Marcher Lord Press
http://www.marcherlordpress.com

I’ll look at anything speculative: SF, fantasy, time travel, supernatural thriller, superhero, etc. Marcher Lord Press specializes in full-length Christian speculative fiction for adults (no YA; no short stories; no poetry). If you’ve written a Christian fantasy, science fiction, time travel, vampire, spiritual warfare, or other wonderfully weird novel, Marcher Lord Press might be interested. Go to http://www.MarcherLordPress.com and click on the write for us link to get to the acquisitions form.

Lindsay Guzzardo, Guideposts Fiction
http://www.guideposts.com

Lindsay is looking to acquire high-concept fiction in all genres (women’s, historical, literary), cozy mysteries, voice-driven memoir, and narrative nonfiction. Writers with credentials and platforms a plus, though those without credentials can win her over with engaging and polished writing.

Nick Harrison, Harvest House
http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Fiction: Historical fiction is still popular in our market. Contemporary is currently much harder to sell. We’re not looking at spiritual warfare fiction, biblical fiction or fantasy fiction.
Nonfiction: No personal stories, no devotionals, no gift books. How-to books work best for us.
No children’s books—fiction or nonfiction.

Tips: Show me a proposal that will make me say, “That’s a great idea! Why hasn’t anyone thought of that before?” If we have an appointment, let me ask some questions; don’t just start in nonstop on your pitch—particularly if it’s fiction. I don’t want you to tell me the plot verbally.

Kathleen Kerr, Zondervan
http://www.zondervan.com

We acquire books for children ages 0–18, including board books, picture books, early readers, middle grade, and YA fiction and nonfiction. These books must be founded on biblical principles. Overall, we’re looking for:

1. Great Easter and Christmas books
2. Strong character-driven picture books that could potentially be developed into a brand
3. Innovative and excellent storybook Bible concepts
4. Writers who could work on I Can Read projects
5. Books that fit into our Faithgirlz! brand (http://www.faithgirlz.com)
6. Stand-alone literary fiction for middle grade and YA
7. Books that include an online component

Overall, I’m looking for true excellence. I want to see skilled writing that isn’t the same re-hashed plotline that we’ve already seen in the market.

Angela Meuser, Borderline Publishing
http://www.borderlinepublishing.com

Borderline Publishing is a short-run publisher that offers the best of both traditional publishing and self-publishing. The authors have full creative control while Borderline handles marketing and distribution. Though they are new, their books have been picked up by Barnes and Noble, endorsed by best-selling authors like Les Parrott, and reviewed as “Best Book of 2009” by The Rabid Reader. Short-run publishing isn’t for everyone, so do your homework and read my article at http://borderlinepublishing.blogspot.com/2010/01why-pay-to-publish.html. I’m currently interested in looking at self-help/psychology, memoir, romance, women’s fiction, historical, suspense, and young adult.

Kat O’Shea, Leap Books
http://www.leapbks.com/

Leap Books publishes fiction for teens and tweens in a variety of genres, including inspirational, fantasy, contemporary, mystery, and humor. We’d love to see more multicultural titles. The best way to get published with Leap Books is to write a well-plotted novel with strong characterization. We’re looking for novels with heart and voice. If a character jumps off the page and the plot arrests our attention from the beginning, your story will most likely be a keeper.
We only accept manuscripts from agents or from authors that one of our editors has met at a conference. All submissions go through a two-level process prior to approval by an editor. A committee composed of editors, educators, librarians, and marketers who are familiar with the target audience will read the manuscript. If they agree it has potential, it goes on to a teen focus group for review. Only those submissions that get a unanimous and enthusiastic thumbs-up from both panels will be considered for acceptance.

Karen Schurrer, Bethany House Publishers, Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group
http://www.bethanyhouse.com/

Karen is an editor in the Adult Fiction department at Bethany House, a leading publisher of Christian fiction. She has worked with authors in a wide variety of genres and particularly enjoys working with new authors and growing with those authors as they continue to write. Karen lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, Jeff.

Please check out Bethany House’s current list and familiarize yourself with what we publish to see if your book would be a good fit with our company. Those books are examples of the types of novels we feel our readers are most interested in reading. However, while they represent the stories we are currently working with and are most eager to consider, and though we have found there are a few subgenres that do not sell well in our industry, our guiding principle is that there is potential for great stories with compelling characters in almost every genre, and thus we consider nearly all styles and genres of fiction.

Successful BHP novels include the following elements:

• an intriguing, well-written story with well-developed characters, a compelling plot, colorful description, and a strong authorial voice
• a coherent, identifiable theme and/or particular characters who reflect Christian values or teachings without being preachy
• historical/geographical/social accuracy
• relationships that portray the true meaning of love—commitment and responsibility rather than merely emotional and physical attraction
• clever, original ideas and use of words
• approximately 90,000 to 100,000 words—depending on genre

Currently Seeking: Historical Romance/Historical Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Suspense/Thriller/Mystery, Young Adult Fantasy with potential for adult crossover.

Ellen Traylor, Port Hole Publications
http://ellentraylor.com

A cooperative publisher requiring financial investment on the part of the author, along with a standard contract and optional marketing packages.

Tips: “We are open to publishing family-friendly and/or Christian content books of any length or genre. We are especially open to thought-provoking books on being a Christian in this difficult world, terrific fiction, Christian philosophy, short-story collections and poetry. (No sermons, please.)” Recent publications: Something Like Scales: Finding Light in a Dark World; Jumping Through Time: A History of Ski Jumping in the US and SW Canada; Haiku and High Timber: Poetry for the Northwestern Heart; Journalism’s Giants: Pulitzer and Hearst; Mother Goose for Eggheads.

PO Box 205
Westlake OR 97493
(541) 902-9091
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Jamie West
White Rose Publishing - http://www.whiterosepublishing.com

Terry Whalin, Intermedia Publishing Group
http://www.intermediapub.com

Terry is looking for fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, children’s books, young adult books, devotions, Bible studies, cookbooks, Christian, general market, etc. The possibilities are endless.

Joshua and Josiah Williams, WinePress
http://www.winepresspub.com/

WinePress helps authors self-publish professionally and accepts manuscripts of all genres and levels. We don’t need a proposal, but it helps if you have a marketing plan in mind. We help authors build their platform. In addition to book production and printing, we offer editorial services, promotional and publicity programs, Web site and blog development, and warehousing and distribution.