So many of you loved the August 12th edition of Fun Fridays that we must bring to you the next episode of Awesomeness.
I want to try it!
Archives for 2011
Writing Contests: Panacea or Waste?
At a recent conference, a lovely writer who had finaled in a contest but wasn't chosen as the winner asked if she could still submit a proposal to me. I told her "Yes! Of course!"
Her question brought to mind the role contests play in a writer's career. I'm asked questions about contests at least once a month. I'll try to answer two key questions here.
Should I Enter?
When considering …
News You Can Use – Oct. 11, 2011
Inside Scoop on Publishing – Three editors bring a fresh take on the subject of today’s market
Your Book Still Has to be Amazing – Literary Agent Scott Eagan makes a strong case. He is right on the money. I quote“…this is probably the biggest change we are seeing right now in publishing. It isn't the fact that we see the e-reader technology taking over, but a change in the way the readers are …
Fun Fridays – Oct. 7, 2011
What is Your Favorite Candy?
Need a break from a tough week? Play the Candy Smackdown game. Then tell us both your final four and your ultimate winner in the comments below.
In case you are wondering, last year's overall winner "Reese's Peanut Butter Cup" has been retired from the competition (placed in the Candy Hall of Fame) to insure there are no repeat winners.
Either click the …
Conference Proposal Requests
The recent ACFW conference (attended by nearly 700 writers and industry professionals) has writers, agents, and editors in overdrive as we all attempt to follow up on conference proposal requests. Writers are working feverishly to get proposals to editors. Some are thinking, "Surely the editor who seemed so excited about my proposal is checking email at least once or twice a day looking for it. I …
What Makes a Christian Book “Christian”? (Part Three)
So, there I were, surrounded by publishing professionals, faced with the question of whether or not we liked--or respected--our end consumer: the reader.
Publishing folk are a freaky bunch. They love to think and debate and share ideas and dissect and explore. Get a whole room of editors going and nothing is sacred. At the same time, everything is. At their core, publishing professionals …
News You Can Use – Oct. 4, 2011
The Future of the Book – An essay by the atheist and bestselling author Sam Harris. Do agree or disagree? His thought are provocative.
Things We Know and Don’t Know About E-books – A brilliant assessment by Mike Shatzkin.
The Future of Books – a Dystopian Timeline – John Biggs writes this depressing prediction of the demise of books for TechCrunch. Do you agree that all publishers will die …
Bestseller List News – October 3, 2011
Some of our authors have recently hit the bestseller lists! Congratulations to all.
Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall hit #22 on the tradepaper fiction New York Times extended bestseller list for August 28st. And is #2 on the ECPA "Multi-Channel" bestseller list for October.
Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee (Center Street) hit #17 on the hardcover fiction New York Times bestseller …
Loving to Laugh
At least once a week I'm asked if romantic comedy is currently marketable. While sometimes this category seems hot and then cold, I'd say that sharp, witty, well-executed romantic comedy can find a good home no matter what the publishing season. Note that I take the adjectives I used seriously. This is not a category that most writers can whip off with little effort. Successful writers of romantic …