Write His Answer

1. New YA imprint – Watershed Books – Nicola Martinez, Editor-in-Chief, Pelican Book Group emailed the following: “We’re preparing to launch a new imprint, Watershed Books, which will debut in the fall of 2013. This is a YA line, and we’re actively seeking submissions. Specific guidelines are on our website along with the GLs for White Rose & Harbourlight: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/write-for-us but we’re looking for any subgenre. Word count ranges: 25,000 – 65,000. Protagonists must be teenagers who are three-dimensional characters dealing with age-appropriate conflicts. All stories must hold a Christian message or lesson. Target audience is teens, but books should have a transcendent quality that would appeal to adult readers, as well.

2. Another agent! Sarah Joy Freese is an associate literary agent with WordServe Literary. She loves reading through queries and attending writing conferences to meet new excellent writers. Sarah especially enjoys working with authors to make their manuscripts even stronger. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in English and communications from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She also has an MA (emphasis in creative writing) and an MLIS degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Sarah is newly married and is enjoying life with her husband and two birds, Brewster and Simon. When she is not working, Sarah enjoys crocheting, watching NCIS and Grey’s Anatomy, and playing Euchre.

Currently, I am representing Christian romance, Christian historical romance, Christian suspense, and paranormal romance. In non-fiction I am representing Christian apologetics. I am looking for full-length fiction, 65,000-100,000 words in either the general or Christian market. I prefer women’s fiction, romance, suspense/thriller, romantic suspense, historical, Amish, Biblical, Americana, Regencies, and mainstream. Occasionally, I consider literary manuscripts if they can sell in a traditional CBA or ABA market. I will also accept shorter fiction that fits the requirements of Love Inspired, Love Finds You, and Avon Inspire. In non-fiction I will accept authors with a strong platform. Specific genres in which I am interested include current affairs, political, home life, marriage, crafts, parenting, health and diet, how-to, popular culture, psychology, narrative non-fiction, science, self-help, women’s issues, devotionals, and memoir. I especially like receiving manuscripts from Moms (or Dads) who are writing relevant, well-received, and popular parenting blogs.

3. Another periodical editor with a long list of editorial needs – Jeff McDonald, Managing Editor, Salvation Army National Publications – www.salvationarmypublications.org

*We are looking for fresh presentation of the truth of the gospel.

*Need professional, well thought out and well researched articles and features on the difference faith makes and on faith in action.

*Articles that include a connection with the Salvation Army are well received. Including photos where applicable adds value.

*We also consider articles that present a biblical perspectives on current events.

*Avoid submitting articles that list how to accomplish something (10 ways to Keep Satan at Bay, 5 Ways to Pray, etc.)

*Interviews in Question and Answer format. Query first.

*Avoid cliched pieces and reliance on standard jargon related to Christian religion.

*Articles related to seasonal holidays, civic, religious holidays.

*We accept a very limited number of poems.

*We are open to considering fiction, but have not published any in over a decade. Submissions would need to be superb and conform to our format (length).

4. One more earlybird workshop. Marti Pieper will teach “Master the Memoir ” Wednesday, 1:00 – 2:00. Do you have a life story the world needs to hear? Do you want to leave a legacy in print for family and friends? In this workshop, Marti discusses the do’s and don’ts of this popular genre, including the importance of a narrative thread, how thinking small makes a big difference, and the mystery of marketability.

5. Another book editor added after our brochure went to print – Kim Bangs, Author Relations and Contracts Manager, Acquisitions, Regal Books. Greatest Editorial Needs: Regal Books is looking for materials that engage culture – outside and inside the church – in meaningful, relevant dialogue. We currently do NOT publish fiction or children’s books. However, we are looking for books that strongly apply the Bible to life, encourage a deeper Christian life and move toward justice for all life. Kim will teach workshop 2A, “Author/Editor Relationship,” in place of Robyn Burwell who is unable to come. Kim’s description of this important workshop: Why this relationship is as critical to the writing process as a good manuscript. Trust, respect and open communication are three of the key elements to be discussed.

6. And one more magazine editor who also did not make the brochure.Amber Weigand-Buckley, Managing Editor, ONCOURSE magazine, also will be representing four other periodicals: Enrichment – A Journal for Pentecostal Ministry, God’s Word for Today, Live,and Take Five Plus Youth Devotional Guide. Check out her bio and editorial needs on the Periodical Editors page. Amber will be teaching “Writing for Teens: Helping a Generation Connect with Jesus and Filter the World” in place of Workshop 2G, “Writing Fiction Children Want to Read” that Tony Bonds, who is unable to come, was going to teach.

7. One-on-one appointments. CCWC offers Thursday through Saturday conferees the opportunity to meet one-on-one for 15-minutes with FOUR agents, editors, or authors with the opportunity to sign up for additional appointments Thursday after lunch.

It’s not too late to register or, if necessary, to request a partial scholarship and/or time payments.

Father, thank You in advance for all You will do through this year’s CCWC. I know lives will be changed for eternity through the words our conferees will write and publish