Product Description
"Write so heaven will be different," author Lee Roddy encouraged Christian writers at a conference years ago. Those words have given direction to Lin Johnson in her decades-long writing career, and they shape the program each year for the Write-to-Publish Conference on the Wheaton College Campus outside Chicago, Illinois.Writing So Heaven Will Be Different has compiled articles by others who have also made that their goal. Whether you're an experienced Christian writer or on your way to becoming one, you'll get caught up in the encouraging success stories in this book as alumni and faculty of the Write-to-Publish Conference pass along skill-building writing tips and practical encouragement for building a writing career and ministry "so heaven will be different."With this book, its editors and contributors celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Write-to-Publish Conference and pour out their most profound love and gratitude to Lin for her faithfulness in directing this stellar conference.Joyce K. Ellis (www.joycekellis.com), an assistant director for the Write-to-Publish Conference and a former magazine editor, has published hundreds of magazine articles and more than a dozen books, including The 500 Hats of a Modern-Day Woman. She has served on the editorial staff of two magazines and now also mentors students of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild correspondence course, teaches at writers conferences, and speaks for women's groups and retreats across the country. Mother of three and grandmother of three, she lives with her husband in Minnesota.Tammie Edington Shaw, who serves on the staff of the Write-to-Publish Conference, has been an editor for a weekly newspaper, a production coordinator for a magazine and a product coordinator for David C. Cook. Her work has appeared in Today's Christian, Live, Standard, Evangel, Christian Communicator, Family Focus, and Pathways to God. She lives with her husband in Illinois. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Encouraging
The Writing-to-Publish Conference is held each year at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois near Chicago. I read this little gem just weeks after the 2010 conference took place. I wish I had read it earlier in the year. If I had, I probably would have made plans to attend. It sounds like a wonderful, rewarding experience. I have it on my calendar for next year.

Networking is the important buzz word today. This book is a testament to the advantages of networking as an author and shows the compassion and helpfulness of Christian writer's towards those who are just making their way up the ranks or for those who are wondering if they even belong in the ranks.

A heavenly book.
This book has well-written, short and encouraging writers stories. All the contributors are published authors that share a slice of the writing life with their reader. They offer comfort, encouragement and several hours of reading pleasure. It will make you smile, chuckle, sympathize if you are a writer, and just give you a good feeling that you read it.

Great book for inspiring Christian writers.
Not only does Writing so the Heaven will Be Different include stories from 35 different authors who advanced their career by attending a writers' conference, but sage advice to the inspiring writing is included in every chapter. ... Read more

Product Description
A simple, practical primer on the process, the character and the practice of meditative writing as a way of living more soulfully. For anyone interested in creative writing, self-discovery and personal and spiritual renewal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

getting past writer's block
Most books about writing and journaling are intimidating.Reading these books about writing, I end up feeling even more inadequate and unable to write.Reading this little book was like having a gentle kindergarten teacher sitting with me, encouraging me, showing me that I can do it.Think Mister Rodgers.And there is a big plus.This is not just about keeping a diary.This is about meditation.This is using writing to turn inward and connect with your Inner Teacher, your Inner Guide.Father Fran teaches a very simple step by step process for going deep into an altered state of mind, a meditative state of mind.It's as simple as imagining yourself leaving the marketplace, stepping up on the porch of your inner mansion, stepping across the threshold, and into the living room and kitchen of your mind.He makes it as simple as remembering your childhood home.With each step he invites the reader to write about what comes up.What comes up in your mind, your thoughts, memories, feelings as you stand on the threshold?He makes what was impossible into something that is enjoyable and do-able. ... Read more

Product Description
Many books on writing tell you how to think more creatively, how to conjure up an idea from scratch.Many, once you have an idea, show you how to express it clearly and elegantly. And many handbooks offer reliable advice on the use of commas, semicolons, and so forth.But The New Oxford Guide to Writing does all three, so that no matter where you find yourself in the writing process--from the daunting look of a blank page, to the rough draft that needs shaping, to the small but important questions of punctuation--you will find what you need in one handy volume.

Highlighted by numerous examples of successful prose--including marvelous, brief excerpts from Mark Twain, Joan Didion, H.L. Mencken, E.B. White, and Annie Dillard--this stimulating volume covers the entire subject step-by-step, clearly and authoritatively.It shows:

* How to use commonplace books and journals to store

ideas, how to brainstorm, how to explore a potential

topic systematically

* How to use a statement of purpose or an outline to

give preliminary shape to your material, how to use

drafts and revisions (and more revisions) to refine

your ideas

* How to open an essay clearly and interestingly, how

to lead the reader subtly, how to use qualifications

to express complexity without sacrificing impact

* How to organize ideas into a coherent paragraph, how

to vary sentence structure and length for variety and

emphasis

* How to select words that convey both information and

point of view

* And much, much more

In addition, it contains a useful appendix on punctuation, ranging from commas and periods to underlining and capitalization.

Whether you write for business or for pleasure, whether you are a beginner or an experienced pro, The New Oxford Guide to Writing is an essential addition to your reference library, providing abundant assistance and encouragement to write with more clarity, more color, and more force.Amazon.com Review
There is an apparently endless supply of books aboutwriting. Very few of those books, surprisingly, offer a thorough andscholarly approach to the basics: words, sentences, andparagraphs. The New Oxford Guide to Writing does. According toauthor Thomas S. Kane, writing is "an exercise of mind requiring themastery of techniques anyone can learn." Kane's not claiming he cancreate a genius, but, as he says in his introduction, "you don't haveto be a genius to write clear, effective English." The writing thatKane refers to here is expository and persuasive in nature--writingmost likely to be required in day-to-day life. In great detail Kaneexplores the building of an essay, the development of paragraphs, thestyling of sentences, the use of diction, and, finally, issues ofpunctuation. It is unlikely that very many writers have scrutinizedthe building blocks of language the way Kane has, but it's never toolate. Rare is the sourcebook that can offer so much both to beginnersand experts alike. And anyone who loves words will thrill toencounter--if he or she hasn't done so already--the freight-trainsentence, parataxis, the triadic sentence, polysyndeton, asyndeton,collocation, and zeugma. --Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

I am terribly upset I didn't learn of it sooner.
It's great. Add it to a couple of books on basic grammar and usage and you're ducky.

Know all the techniques and why they work. Write with class.
This is the best book on writing I've read so far. It would be more precise to say this is a book on how to dress your thoughts in words most effectively.

I still remember an illustrative example somewhere in the initial pages. What is not so good about the sentence "She dresses in a beaatuful manner" ?. Well, it becomes more effective when written as "She dresses beautifully". In the long phrase "in a beautiful manner", the focus is dissipated over many words. Whereas, "beautifully" compresses meaning in one word and what's more, it sits at the end of the sentence, tending to stay in the reader's mind longer.

The book is full of such fine points and subtle techniques. Kane has taken a wonderfully orderly approach to teaching the writing process right from the basic element - the sentence, to the whole picture - the essay. Gradually building layer on layer, you see how the parts make the whole and how different aspects of writing contribute to the reader's final experience.

There are many meaningful exercises that will make you understand the huge number of tehcniques. Another important feature of the book is its examples of different types and styles of writing taken from a wide range of well known authors -Bertrand Russell, Samuel Johnson, E B White, Virginia Woolf, G K Chesterton, H G Wells, Mark Twain and so on. Kane takes each excerpt from these authors and explains why they work.

With a little effort, you can start writing almost as well as them, at least you'll know how those great authors thought before penning their ideas.

The book is set in very eye-pleasing font and wellpresented. Get the hardback if you can. If you're really interested in writing, this is a book you'll want to treasure.

The essential book for writing instructors
The New Oxford Guide to Writing is vastly superior to the grammar manuals and reference books that writing instructors usually assign their students. Kane doesn't merely prescribe rules for students to memorize; he imparts genuine understanding of the mechanics and conventions of good prose and takes you through the entire writing process, from facing a blank page to polishing a finished piece. By demystifying this process, Kane's guide empowers students to find their own voices and to keep improving their skills for years to come.

Everyone, from beginner to professional, should have a copy of this book.

Entertaining and useful
The entertaining aspect is the quotations illustrating various techniques of style. The useful aspect is the identification of many features of style unnoticed by me.

It may indicate the age of the author that on p. 32 herecommends "If you type .... Keep the keys clean and invest now andthen in a new ribbon." He has no special advice for users of a wordprocessor, and I'd guess he never used one. He refers to Webster's SeventhNew Collegiate Dictionary, which gives an idea of how new "new"is.

I'd put this book at a high-school to first-year college level. Theauthor's style is that of a friendly and knowledgable advisor,pedantic attimes, but usually not.

I found the examples really made the points, andthe overall view of techniques shows what can be done. ... Read more

Product Description

Religious faith may seem to be so personal that it has no place in the composition classroom. But Negotiating Religious Faith in the Composition Classroom demonstrates the myriad and profound ways that religious faith shapes the work of composition students and instructors, whether or not they are believers. Elizabeth Vander Lei and bonnie kyburz invite you to consider anew how religious faith can help writers and teachers accomplish the goals of composition by addressing questions such as:

Product Description
There's uniqueness to crafting scripts for the church that writers with any level of experience need to know and embrace. Combine a widely published and performed writer with a writer and editor of thousands of scripts, and you find out just how to get a grip on creating a writing ministry in your church and beyond. Paying particular attention to short scripts with concepts that cover all the bases of scriptwriting, this book teaches skills while reminding the playwright of the calling that goes with writing for the church audience. In addition, top writers in the field offer advice in writing process, development, revisions, passion, and more. Every writer will benefit from this knowledge-packed book. ... Read more

Product Description
Writing is one of the most difficult tasks children must do but one of the most creative and rewarding. Not Another Writing Assignment! will help children become better writers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book - very encouraging!
I found this book very easy to read, and very encouraging.I have been inspired to look more for God's will in my every day living and to go out and spread God's love and joy to others, through the stories in this book.It is very easy to relate the author's anecdotes to my life, and I think the author speaks truth from the heart.This is a bold book and the theme flows well throughout the book. It makes me want to get out and be the hands and feet of God!You will be blessed!

FIVE STARS!!!......Totally inspiring!
This is one of those books you can't put down after you start...not because it keeps you in suspense, - it doesn't, but because its amusing and ispiring at the same time.The author helps the reader to relate to god by giving him/her simple, real life examples of god's plan at work.Plain, everyday incidents that no-one would ever really stop and think about all of a sudden make perfect sense as they fit into god's overall plan.The reader is drawn in and invited to sketch his own parallels.God is portrayed as a good, forgiving, and understanding god, giving hope to people, who like myself, stray off the right path from time to time.The book is encouraging and helps the reader to understand that perfection in life, while noble in concept, is unrealistic in the real world.We are all sinners.But some of us strife to follow god's word, and some of us don't.The books message is simple:God loves all of us; but to feel the love we have to open our eyes to see and welcome god into our lives.I highly recomment this book to anybody who's ever wanted to read about god but found the thousands of pages of the King James Bible difficult to parse and confusing.Because it is written in plain and easy to understand english, this book is not only a joy to read for adults but also makes a fantastic gift for a child .I have read the book twice, and will probably read it again soon.

Must Read!
I find this book down to earth, and inspiring to the point that we can see that miracles are still being performed.The revelation of the character's spiritual transformation is quite motivating.The book should be a "must read" for those who are incarcerated and who claim to experience the Spirit of God.The supporting Scripture references are also beneficial when using the book for teenage reading groups or any spiritually motivating group discussions.

Incredible Book... More than inspirational!!!
God's perfect, unconditional, and never-ending love is brought to light as this semi-autobiographical story of a man who didn't graduate from high school or college is revealed. Mr. T. R. Cosby's unique approach to delivering the promises of God will have you feeling uplifted, laughing hysterically, and wanting to attack life in a way that will hardly let you put this book down!!! His refreshing style will lure and captivate the reader through the entire book. Designed to reach the "blue collar" society, along with America's misguided youth, Help Me Lord! I Can't Write a Book is an inspirational masterpiece that will be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Whether you are a teen-ager, a young adult, or a man or woman in your 40's, 50's, or even 60's, this book will cause your spirit to soar. Victory will be shared by many as this inspiring tale unfolds!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Aristotle defended the art of rhetoric, while Plato was suspicious of its manipulative power to persuade. This study examines rhetoric in the context of different kinds of religious texts, from sacred scripture, to liturgy, to contemporary and postmodern writing and religion. How does the believing negotiate rhetorical power-games which may be exercised upon it, and do we have to be bold to see the ironies and the joke which may be played upon us in the name of the truth of religion. "Rhetoric, Power and Community" is an exercise in rhetoric which is itself suspicious of the rhetorical arts. Its main concerns are theological, though perhaps offensive to theology as it is often practised in the church and the academy. ... Read more

Product Description
This book presents information on how high school students ought to approach the research and writing process. A research paper is a student'sown creation, based on the Bible, his own thoughts, and the information gathered to gyide him through this process–from selecting a topic all the way to publishing the final draft. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I was hoping for more
I was hoping this would teach my junior high student step by step how to write a research paper.After reading it through, it just seems quite dry and written at the high school level for a motivated student.The mechanics are there, such as how to cite a footnote and how to narrow your topic, but I find it dry and very "textbooky".Sorry to leave such a negative review, but I was hoping for more. ... Read more

Product Description
Technical Communication in the Twenty-First Century (TCTC) prepares readers to be successful writers and readers of technical communication, regardless of their career path. Featuring a wealth of examples and cases, it emphasizes problem-solving, collaboration, visual rhetoric and usability. Its approach analyzes why something worked or did not work, as well as how to produce the appropriate communication. Now available with the MyTechCommLab online learning tool, this edition features more focus on transnational communication, forty-five new case studies, and new information on the relationship between technology and communication. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Dobrin, et al a winner
I recently redesigned my tech writing course from the ground up, looking at all the top TCOM texts. There are other very good choices, but I selected Dobrin and feel pleased with the decision. Students find the book readable, and some even claim to refrain from selling it at the end of the semester. The online resources are rich and useful. Students like the video cases, although they smile at the acting. I am a little disappointed that a new edition came out so soon, requiring me to completely revise schedules and syllabi when the only change seems to be addition of a single chapter.

Note that the negative reviews on this book are about shipping and vendors, not about the book itself.

Late item
I placed my order for this product on January 7th, with an expectant delivery date of Jan. 14- 30th. Today is Feb 10th, I still have not received my package. I sent an email, and still no response or update on the status of my order.

Very happy with this purchase
I received the book I ordered faster than I had expected and it was brand new.
I couldn't be happier.
Would do business with this seller without any hesitation. ... Read more

Product Description
Nine Americans from different points of the religious compass discuss how their work is nourished by spiritual concerns and how they try to use those lessons and intuitions in their literature, poetry, and history. The contributors are Diane Ackerman, David Bradley, Frederick Buechner, Allen Ginsberg, Mary Gordon, Patricia Hampl, Hillel Levine, Hugh Nissenson, and Jaroslav Pelikan. Together, as William Zinsser notes in his introduction, these writers are on "a pilgrimage to find the source of their faith as individuals and their strength as artists."Amazon.com Review
Going on Faith is an expanded version of SpiritualQuests (1988), a collection of essays--originally a New YorkPublic Library lecture series about religious writing--by DavidBradley, Frederick Buechner, Mary Gordon, Hugh Nissenson, AllenGinsberg, and Jarozlav Pelikan. This new edition coincides with whatthe book's editor, William Zinsser, calls "a new interest in mattersof the spirit." Its list of contributors has grown to include HillelLevine ("a Jewish writer talking out of a lifelong spiritual search"),Diane Ackerman ("a writer who finds religion everywhere except inchurches"), and Patricia Hampl (who explores "the life of religiouscontemplation").

Mary Gordon's thoughts about the effect of her Roman Catholicupbringing on her fiction writing (for example, Final Payments) areamong the book's highlights. "Regular attendance at Mass," she claims,was "an excellent training ground ... for an aspiring novelist"--andnot just because of the resemblance between the form the Mass takesand the form a novel takes. "An hour a day in a confined space like achurch, where one has the leisure or the boredom to observe others ofone's kind when they imagine themselves to be in private communionwith their deepest souls," says Gordon, "is as useful for aprospective novelist as a wiretap." In his essay, Frederick Buechner(Godric)contemplates the similarities between faith and fiction. "You fashionyour story," Buechner says, "as you fashion your faith, out of thegreat hodgepodge of your life--the things that have happened to youand the things you've dreamed of happening." But perhaps what faithand fiction "have most richly in common," says Buechner, "is that theyare a way of paying attention."

Not all of the book's contributors are traditionally devout. HughNissenson professes to make a religion of his atheism. David Bradley,who comes from a long line of Methodist preachers, claims writing ashis religion. And Diane Ackerman (A Natural History of theSenses) doesn't believe in God. Nevertheless, she says, "evenwithout an organized religion or a church I often find myself in aposition of praise or prayer.... I also find myself constantly goingon pilgrimages and quests." --Jane Steinberg ... Read more

Product Description
Best-selling Christian fiction writers have teamed together to contribute articles on the craft of writing. A Novel Idea contains tips on brainstorming ideas and crafting and marketing a novel. It explains what makes a Christian novel “Christian” and offers tips on how to approach tough topics. Contributors include Jerry B. Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, and many other beloved authors. All proceeds will benefit MAI, an organization that teaches writing internationally to help provide literature that is culturally relevant. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A Very Practical Help for New/Aspiring Writers
I found this book to be a good resource for new or aspiring writers, with very practical sections on how to come up with a story, outlining, plot, point of view, voice, etc., all the way through an author's development to revision and critique, marketing, and dealing with post-publication authorial challenges.Each section is composed of sub-sections and sidebars by well-known Christian authors, with a helpful bibliography of other books to consult.

This would be a good book for a new or aspiring writer, for a brief and helpful primer to get into the craft.For experienced writers, the later sections are more useful, but the earlier sections are also interesting and inspiring, to see how published authors approach their challenges.

Overall, this book is worth investing in for the writer's reference shelf.

The Write Stuff
What would it be like to have a conversation with the best Christian fiction authors in the business? What if they could give the aspiring writer information, encouragement and motivation that made a life-long impact on the writers career? What if the same writer needed help developing the tone of their writing, or had questions regarding pace, point of view, dialogue? Help is here and it arrives through the mentoring voices of Jerry B. Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, Francine Rivers and more. But before I get ahead of myself, let me be quick in saying A Novel Idea is for the reader, writer, reviewer and editor of Christian books.

I can say that because I wear all of the above hats. A Novel Idea is broad in it's audience, which is almost impossible to accomplish, yet brilliant if you can pull it off.

As a reader, I want to see more Christian fiction that actually has a Christian plot. The characters shouldn't compromise to gain a cross-over audience and sad to say, I've read quite a few lately that did just this.

As a writer, I found the advice hit the nail on the head and approached the exact needs I encounter in my own writing. A Novel Idea is a writers education in itself!

As a reviewer, I can attest to the substance and clarity of the information presented. It was not only informative, but entertaining and interesting at the same time.

As a content editor of Christian fiction, I won't allow a Christian manuscript to bear my approval unless it can be held to the highest of Christian standards. Do the characters wrestle with an element present in every Christians daily walk and by the end of the book, do they come to terms with their dilema? Are gratuitous writing aspects of secular novels missing in the so-called Christian manuscript-is profanity, sexual situations and other unnecessary elements absent? A Novel Idea echoes the passion I've held manuscripts to for as long as I have edited. It's comforting to know other authors have the same idea and strive to make the word Christian mean something.

Whether you are a reader or writer, this book is for you. When the subtitle claims "Best advice on writing Inspirational Fiction" it does just that. In a big way, and through some big names! Make sure your Christian manuscript is up to the challenge and read A Novel Idea first before submitting it!

A Novel Idea
I'm still in the process of browsing through this book and know it'll be used for some time to come. A great reference on every facet of the writing game, this will surely stand the test of time & publishers demands. The opinions of its multi-published contributors gives the reader a host of well-researched insights! Wonderful. Kudos to these authors for sharing from their rich experiences!

I love, love, love this book!
I love, love, love this book!I have had this for months now and have read and re-read it, highlighting and underlining as I go.This will be a book I reference frequently and keep close to hand.I've been so busy dissecting this book, that somehow I never got around to reviewing it until now!Crazy, I know.

Opinions are often different, methods often vary, and even the answer to what makes a Christian book Christian differs.And this is exactly what I love about this book.There is so much to learn from different authors.One method may not fit your personal style, another may.One tip may leave you scratching your head but the next has you nodding your head and frantically underlining and taking notes.

Topics include pre-writing, outlining, character development, writing plot twists, great settings, dialogue, etc.- pretty much every topic you can think of that pertains to fiction writing.One of my favorite chapters was written by an author whose book I had read previously and found to be just so-so.After reading her excellent advice, I am wanting to try another book of hers and see if the last was just a fluke.

After sharing general writing tips, the sections move into writing disciplines, finding your "voice", handling rejection, etc.and then various perspectives on fiction and Christianity.It winds up by discussing publishing, networking, and marketing.

A Novel Idea is a gold mine of information and perspectives and I highly recommend it to Christian authors or wanna-be Christian authors like myself.

A Novel Idea - Help for Christian-fiction Authors
Tyndale has recently published a great reference book for those inclined to write Christian fiction. If you've perused the sections in a Christian bookstore you will find many shelves devoted to this writing. If you venture into a mainstream bookstore you even will find many of the same books in stock. Unfortunately, if you've picked them up you may have been disappointed with the story telling. Just because someone has added God content to their pages doesn't mean that the book is worth reading. Honestly, some of the worst books I've ever read fit into this genre. It seems too easy to give an author an easy pass on their writing just because their characters go to church, make good decisions, and don't have premarital relations or affairs. Maybe Tyndale published this book hoping to get a better quality of writing into the field. If so, good for them!

A Novel Idea is a collection of advice from "Top Selling, Inspirational Authors" including Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, Terri Blackstock, Robin Jones Gunn, Jerry Jenkins, and Angela Hunt. There are other Christian fiction writers that I wish had been included in this book based on their quality of writing, but I digress.

Part one of the book covers the "Fundamentals of Fiction" with chapters on plot, characters, dialogue, point of view, pacing, setting, and descriptions.

Part two covers, "Developing Your Craft" with chapters on preparation, the discipline of writing, finding your voice, writing with expression, and handling rejection.

The third section specifically covers the areas of discerning your calling and the distinctives of Christian fiction.

The last section covers networking and marketing with chapters on breaking into publishing and specific areas of marketing like blogging and promotion through social networks.

This book was extremely valuable to read through and instead of going to my "have read" book shelves, this resource will stay within arms reach for its insight into these areas of writing. If you are interested in writing, or you are a mediocre Christian-fiction author, please read this book. ... Read more

Product Description
For more than 25 years, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has been the most comprehensive and highly recommended resource for Christian writers, agents, editors, publishers, publicists, and writing teachers on the market.
In addition to providing a wealth of ideas and tips for publishing in the Christian industry, the CWMG also includes up-to-date information on more than 400 book publishers, more than 600 periodicals, and hundreds of agents, contests, conferences, editorial services, niche markets, self-publishing services, and more.
This is the ultimate reference tool for Christian writers. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Resource for Successful Christian Writers

Do you want to get your work published–or keep your work published–but you don’t know where to start? With current information on over 1,200 markets for the written word, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide is an indispensable resource for Christian writers.

The nineteenth edition of this guide includes topical listings for magazine and book publishers, helpful market analysis, lists of literary agents, and contact information for special markets, editorial services, writers’ conferences and groups, photography markets, and more. The most complete and accurate publishing resource for Christian writers, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide provides what no other resource can.

“An indispensable tool. For all you writers on Christian topics, this is the reference you have to buy.”
–Writers’ Journal

“An essential reference for anyone seeking to be published in the Christian community.”
–The Midwest Book Review

“Stuart’s guide stands out from the rest with its wealth of information and helpful hints.”
–Book Reviews for Church Librarians

“The single most valuable tool for those who wish to get their writing published.”
–CLASS Communiqué
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Just a quick word...
To add to the previous reviewer's excellent review, I would like to mention that this guide mentions some markets not listed in the (Writer's Digest) Writer's Market books.

A wise investment for the serious Christian writer
The Christian Writer's Market Guide by Sally Stuart should be required reading for every potential author and self publisher interested in writing for the Christian market.

It is an indispensible tool, and should be on the desk of every serious author. It covers everything from sending query letters to writing Bible tracks and greeting cards in addition to submitting your work to the more conventional publishing houses. It lists support organizations, as well as professional publicists, agents, reviewers, etc.

It should be the first investment a writer makes; it's certainly one of the wisest investments a writer could make!

1,000+ Markets, Sensibly Organized, Cross Referenced
The yearly directory "Christian Writers' Market Guide," published by Shaw Books, is coming into its own. Always a fine collection of publishers of Christian poetry, prose and nonfiction, this year's edition adds some new features and loads of new content. As with each edition, this book continues to reign as the best resource for those writers wanting to publish Christian material.

Possibly because of the popularity of "The Passion of the Christ," the "Left Behind" series, or the religious titles showing up in the New York Times Bestseller List, or even because of the new age spirituality and occasionally Christian viewpoint ofPAX-TV, publishers are recognizing that there is a market beyond the usual secular fare. Christian fiction has grown and broadened, and the quality has returned to the level of C. S. Lewis and Gerard Manley Hopkins. Stuart has been able to add over 100 publishers and periodicals as a result.

As the quality of Christian publishing grows, so does the sophistication of acquisition. Stuart provides agents and other kinds of manuscript screening services. In the case of major publishers, an agent is the only way in. Shaw Books, publisher of "Christian Writers' Market Guide," will accept queries only. Unsolicited manuscripts must be submitted through a third party, The Writer's Edge, a service used by many others including "Left Behind's" Tyndale House Publishers.

Each entry includes, as appropriate, the name of the publisher, the contact information, a URL, the editor and his or her title, a description of focus, number of titles published, how many titles from new authors asre published each year, how quickly they publish chosen material, whether or not they accept simultaneous submissions, how quickly they respond to submissions, how to acquire guidelines, and a decsription of their current needs.

Although many of the entries tend to lean toward Protestant thinking, Catholic publications are also listed, like "St. Anthony's Messenger," the "Liguorian," and "Catholic Digest."

The list of websites has increased. Since many of the publications are denominational or have small print runs, finding print copies may be difficult. Checking the publisher's website not only will allow a look at the tone, but also provide writer's guidelines.

One feature worth mentioning is the dollar ($) sign. Are you looking to make a few bucks? Then look for that symbol before the listing. Not everyone pays, but many do. Likewise, an (s) in front of the publisher indicates it is a subsidy or POD (print on demand) publisher. These kinds of tools help speed up the process of sorting through the hundreds (over 1,000) markets.

Included once again is the remarkably thorough "Topical Book Listings," useful, for example, the writer looking to submit an article on forgiveness or on an aspect of liturgical studies. Topics includes where to send photographs, poetry, pastoral and leadership articles, ethnic and multicultural pieces, and historical romances.

Without this book, I never would have submitted my poetry to "Decision Magazine," which has purchased several poems. I also would never have learned about the vast number of other publishers which might be interested in my short fiction.

Still lacking in this otherwise terrific resource is a digital version. Searches and personal submission databases would be so much easier to configure and manage with a CD. The secular book "Writer's Market," also required by any writer, offers a website packed with this kind of information.

I fully recommend "Christian Writers' Market Guide" by Sally Stuart. The expanse of Stuart's research is impressive, and can be both inspirational and practical.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com ... Read more

Product Description
Twenty Years of Equipping Christian Writers.

Countless books can help you hone your writing skills, but The Christian Writers’ Market Guide is the one reference tool that helps you get what you write into the hands of the industry’s top publishers and marketers. The most up-to-date marketing resource for Christian writer–and the only one written exclusively for this specialized market–the twentieth edition of this reference guide includes information on agents, editors, publisher guidelines, specialty markets, and more.

Whether you are a beginning or advanced writer, full-time freelancer, agent, editor, publisher, publicist, instructor, or student, The Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2005 is your best link to new or expanded publishing success.

“An indispensable tool. For all you writers on Christian topics, this is the reference you have to buy.”
–Writers’ Journal

“An essential reference for anyone seeking to be published in the Christian community.”
–The Midwest Book Review

“Stuart’s guide stands out from the rest with its wealth of information and helpful hints.”
–Book Reviews for Church Librarians

“The single most valuable tool for those who wish to get their writing published.”
–CLASS Communiqué
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Christian Writers' Market Guide 2005
Christian Writers' Market Guide 2005 is the 20th Anniversary Edition of this invaluable resource. Christian Writers' Market Guide is published on a yearly basis. Each year new markets are added and even more information is included.

If you write inspirational, self-help, spiritual, poetry, or Christian articles, ebooks, books, or music this publication needs to be on your bookshelf. The information in this book includes both online and print media for domestic and international markets with each entry detailing the contact information (snailmail, fax, and email), submission guidelines, genre specialities, payment rates, and tips. These entries are cross referenced by media, market, genre, and denomination.

In addition to this helpful information, this guide also includes entries for reviewers, publicists, and distributors as well as detailed lists of associations, books, and online resources for writers. There is even a section listing contests and awards for Christian writers.

Specialized Help
This resource for Christian writers is very thorough, with the notable exception of website addresses for the listed publishers.Now that Ms. Stuart has established a computerized data base, I'm hopeful this will be included in future versions.

Great job, Sally
This book is a great and plentiful resource for any serious Christian writer. It leaves absolutely nothing undone. Kudos to the author. Incidentally, she actually does answer emails and is very willing to help with her many other publications as well as her expertise. She is very approachable. Thanks for all the hard work!

A Must Have for any Writer
My aunt bought this book for me as a gift and I have used it almost daily in my profession.The book is organized well and has listings of publications and publishers that are not found in other guides.It is easy to read and includes a wealth of information including pay rate, tips, and special needs.At the back of the book, it also includes workshops and conference listings.A must have for any writer!

1,100+ Markets, Sensibly Organized, Cross-referenced
The "Christian Writers' Market Guide" is still the reference book every Christian writer needs. Consider this a gimmee. Buy this year's edition. Buy next year's edition. Plan on the following year as well.

What you need to know about this edition:

* 1,180 markets. Pick a Christian denomination (Catholic and Protestant), and their publication is likely listed.

* Almost 700 periodicals, over 350 book publishers. Think of how many you are aware of? "Christianity Today," "New Man," "Decision" are probably at the top of your mind for periodicals. Tyndale, NavPress, InterVarsity Press are probably among the book publishers you know. Maybe you know a few more. Here, you'll discover how vast the Christian publishing world is.

Literary agents, contests, advice for various markets, editorial services, market analyses, specialty markets (like greeting cards) all have sections.

If you are looking to connect with other writers, you'll be happy to find the lists of writers' groups and clubs, and for conferences and workshops. A key group is the Evangelical Press Association, but there are smaller ones geared for denominations and market.

The structure is similar to previous editions, but, as always, the current year provides the most accurate data.

Each publication starts with symbols indicating if it is new, if the data is confirmed, and if they pay. There's the title, the contact info including a URL, an editor's name, a brief description, the page count and circulation number, the subscription cost, percentage freelanced, submission preference, payment style, and general content needs.

Missing but I hope soon changing, is a purely digital version. Searching through a book to find, for example, what periodicals pay for poetry, can be frustrating when I know a sensible CD version would allow me a complete list within seconds.

Weak also are listings for foreign markets, but this may as much a fault of the publisher as the guide's editor, or may be due to the limited number of international Christian publications.

Add up the above, and you will see how any writer aiming for the Christian market at large would find this an indispensable volume. It fills in the gaps left open by the very useful "Writer's Digest" market guides, and provides the required tools for connecting writer and publisher.

I fully recommend the "Christian Writers' Market Guide," as it remains the best option for any Christian writer.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com ... Read more

Product Description
The Reference Tool for the Christian Writer

Completely updated and revised * 1203 markets for the written word * 711 periodicals * 354 book publishers * 242 poetry markets * 138 card and specialty markets * 26 e-book publishers * 126 literary agents * 247 photography markets * 105 foreign markets * 95 newspapers * 29 print-on-demand publishers * More e-mail addresses, search engines, and Web sites * Writers’ conferences and groups * Pay rates and submission guidelines

In a time when it may seem impossible to get a publisher’s attention, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2006 offers the ideas, resources, and contact information you need.

For over twenty years, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has offered indispensable help to Christian writers. The 2006 edition includes up-to-date listings of over 1,200 markets for books, articles, stories, poetry, greeting cards, and more, including information on forty new book publishers, eighty-three new periodicals, and thirty-four new literary agents. Whether you are a first-time author or a seasoned veteran, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide will point you to resources that will help you get published, stay published, promote your work, and polish your craft. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Nothing like it
This is simply the most comprehensive complilation of data for the Christian writer endorsed by author's, publishers and agents.

Sally's book
I attended a Christian Writer's Conference two years ago, a dizzying initiation into the subculture that produces much of the written material that American (at least) Christians read.

There I heard reverential references to Sally Stuart's annual publication and dutifully picked up my copy at the bookstand.

It truly is a marvelous reference work, published annually in order to track the rapid changes in the industry. Major sections include resources for writers (you never knew there were so many), topical/subject and alphabetical listings of book publishers, similar listings for periodicals and specialty markets, and a section on helps for writers. The latter includes an extensive list of literary agents who will pitch (after perhaps rejecting or reshaping) your work to the right publisher.

Sally's book is what it is: an indispensible gathering in one place of the data you need to getpublished in this sector. If this is your desire, you'll want to make sure you pick up your copy annually.

Christian Writer's Market Guide 2006
I needed this book for the locations of publishers and agents, it is a great tool.

Everything there is to know about the business
The first time writer faces a whole series of problems in even getting some to take them seriously. Can you imagine what it must have been like to go to a publisher and tell them that you were writing this seven volume series about a boy going to Wizzard's school.

The key is to find a publisher that likes what you do. And that is basically a numbers game -- contact enough people and you will find one that likes what you write. This book is basically a list of people to contact. It covers not only the publishers (book and periodical) but also such things as writing groups, promotional contacts (book reviewers, publicists, writers conferences, agents) -- in short everything there is to know about the writing business with an emphasis on the Christian marketplace.

This book comes out every year, so you get up to date names, e-mail and physical addresses and of course the new publications that may not have a stable of writers.

A Crucial Reference Book for Every Christian Writer
Whether you dream of writing magazine articles or books for the Christian marketplace, you need this book on your shelf.

The key is beyond having it in your possession. Study the book and use the many tools built into the pages from marketing guru Sally E. Stuart. Every writer can benefit from her many years of expertise tracking the Christian marketplace.

Every aspect of publishing is constantly changing, Sally gives you the latest scoop in this solid reference book. Don't be caught using out-of-date information. How are you caught? When you submit to an editor who is long gone from a publishing house or a magazine. The annual edition of this book will serve you well.

Terry Whalin
www.bookproposal.wsor www.thewritinglife.ws ... Read more