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David Bennett is the managing editor of HomeLife and Open Windows, flagship publications of Lifeway Christian Resources. He authored Critical Decisions: Clarity in the Journey and co-authored Share Jesus Without Fear. His writing contributions span The Athlete’s Bible (FCA), Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Camps, devotionals, and scripts for stage and video.

David played a key role in producing Beth Moore’s first student resource, co-hosted the Experiencing God Youth Video Series with Henry Blackaby, and coordinated initiatives like youth Vacation Bible School and the Positive Impact Teen Violence Intervention Campaign. 

David attended Clemson University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Kimberly, have three daughters.

If you're not careful, writing about what you believe, who you love, and how you live your life could get you published. In this three-part class, under the guidance of the managing editor for HomeLife, you'll have the chance to submit articles tailored for his and other faith-based magazines.   

Nonfiction: articles, Bible studies, Christian living/ministry/evangelism, church growth/life/renewal, devotionals, discipleship/personal growth, marriage/family/parenting, memoir/personal experience, prayer & spiritual warfare, women’s interests

Karen (Linamen) Bouchard is a bestselling author, Managing Editor of David C Cook’s Power for Living quarterly publication, and a Book Coach with Illumify Media, a publishing company currently contracting 50-60 titles annually. She provides one-on-one coaching to writers—published and not published—of all genres who want to polish their craft, publish their books, or grow their platforms. Karen has more than 30 years’ experience in writing and publishing, having written hundreds of magazine articles and authored fifteen books of her own under the name “Karen Linamen.” Her books include the bestselling Just Hand Over the Chocolate and No One Will Get Hurt, The Chocolate Diaries, Sometimes I Wake Up Grumpy (And Sometimes I Let Him Sleep), and more.

If you are telling a story—fiction, nonfiction, short, or long—where do you begin? What events should you include in your story, and in what order? Where do you put backstory or flashbacks? When a story isn’t “working,” how do you troubleshoot the problem? Do you need to simply massage a few paragraphs, or does the problem lie deeper than that? In this workshop, I’ll teach you a style of writing called dramatic nonfiction. This includes development techniques that are sheer magic and can be applied to nonfiction stories as well as works of fiction.

 Illumify: ALL Nonfiction, Fiction, YA, Children

Power for Living: Feature Articles 1200-1500 words; Short Articles or Columns 750 words; Poetry 20 lines or less.

Go to https://davidccook.org/submissions-and-writer-guidelines/ for specific writing guidelines. 

Tamara Clymer is a recovering journalist who traded breaking news for faith-filled storytelling. Born and raised in the Midwest, she earned a journalism degree from Kansas State University and spent years covering everything from school board debates to presidential elections—sometimes with a notepad, sometimes with a camera, always chasing a great story. In 2010, she founded CrossRiver Media Group, publishing award-winning books, including Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year and SELAH Award winners.

Married to her high school sweetheart, Shad, for more than 35 years, Tamara now enjoys life in an empty nest—except for a devoted Pug and a grumpy cat named Gracie. She’s fueled by hot chocolate, a love of camping, and an unshakable belief in the power of a well-told story.

We’re looking for books that are specifically written for women that fit our brand tag – Bold Faith Starts Here. Specifically we are interested in Christian Living (parenting/family, faith-building, etc.), Bible studies, Historical Fiction (would love to see some Biblical fiction; not interested in American history at this time), open to some faith-based fantasy or dystopian (end times, etc.), no contemporary fiction at this time. We do not publish Children’s books.

 https://bit.ly/CrossRiverSubmissions

Cheri Cowell, Founder and CEO of EABooks Publishing, brings a unique blend of publisher and author experience EABooks Publishing. As an author and speaker, with four traditionally published books including 365 Devotions for Peace by Zondervan, and Parables and Word Pictures, a Bible study by AMG, she understands the traditional publishing world. She also has several books published by EABooks Publishing, including One Story, One Mission, One God Bible study, and Living the Story: Reaching Outside the Church Walls.

Cheri began EABooks Publishing with a passion to help others see God's Word come alive. Says Cheri, "Whether your vision is e-books, print, or audiobooks, we can help you expand your reach with the message God gave you." EABooks is a full-service publisher with editing, illustrating, and author marketing services.

For more information: www.EABooksPublishing.com 

It’s true—No one wants to hear about you and your book after the third week of your book’s release, so how do you market your book without talking about your book? Learn the proven strategy that turns marketing into ministry AND sells books without becoming one of those authors. 

Non-fiction, Fiction - all sub-genres, Poetry, Devotional, Story Collection, Bible Study, Children's Books, Young Adult, Drama, Novella, Memoir 

 Jane Daly is the author of thirteen traditionally published books. With her wealth of experience and knowledge, she speaks at writer’s conferences, sharing insights on the intricacies of the craft. Jane also serves as acquisitions editor for Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., utilizing her expertise to guide writers towards securing book contracts.  

Elk Lake is looking for:

Women's Contemporary Fiction

Historical Fiction

YA

Romantic Suspense

Men's contemporary fiction

Amish

Speculative

Pretty much anything except children's

https://www.facebook.com/janedalyspeakerandauthor/ - link to author's style sheet for submissions

 Blythe Daniel is a literary agent, author, and marketer. Her agency markets books through podcasts, blogs, launch teams and traditional media. She represents adult non-fiction and select fiction along with several children's fiction and non-fiction. Blythe has been the publicity director and marketing director for Harper Collins Christian Publishing, and has spent the last 20 years as a literary agent. 

Blythe and her mother, Dr. Helen McIntosh, co-authored Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters (Harvest House) and I Love You Mom: Cherished Word Gifts from My Heart to Yours (Tyndale). Blythe and her daughter Calyn co-authored Let’s Be Friends: A Tween Devotional on Finding and Keeping Strong Friendships (Harvest House). Blythe, her mom, and Blythe’s son William wrote I Love You, Dad: Words to Honor and Humor You (End Game Press). Blythe lives in Colorado with her husband and three teens. 

How do you take what you want to write and align it with the audience you reach? Knowing what to write to those who will read is a key piece for writers. In this workshop, we’ll look at how to know who your audience is and how to write what you want to write in a way that lines up with what your audience would want from

you. We’ll also talk about crossing genres and how to stay true to your writing and the needs of your audience. We’ll look at not just what you write, but how you write to make sure that your words, tone, and stories are what readers want in today’s reading experiences.

 I'm acquiring books that meet a felt need for men, women, mothers, fathers, and children. In fiction, I have represented some fiction books for adults (women’s, historical, romantic comedy, romantic suspense and bookish fiction) and children (creative picture books – no rhyme – early readers and middle grade). For nonfiction, I am looking at books written by leaders for leaders and topics of: evangelism, discipleship, mental health, the present and future of the church, lifestyle books from a spiritual perspective. Overall I’m looking at themes and concepts that we have not heard before with a message that is faith-based (included in the story from light to moderate use).

I am not acquiring anthologies, short stories, speculative fiction, thrillers, or young adult fiction. I’d like to see the author’s connection to the book and the target market and how they already and will continue to build their reach to that audience. A marketing plan would be helpful to include in a book proposal.

Rachelle Gardner is a literary agent and owner of Gardner Literary, an agency with five agents working in the Christian and general markets. She has been an agent for 15 years and currently represents an impressive list of about 50 authors with many bestsellers and award-winners among them. She is looking at both fiction and nonfiction.

Every author needs to master the art of pitching their book. This workshop is full of concrete examples and instructions on how to create winning submission materials. Boiling down 100,000 words isn't easy, but this workshop takes the mystery out of it. You'll learn exactly how to identify what needs to be in your pitch and what to leave out. Attendees can bring a printout of their query letter and we’ll workshop a few of them. Let’s find out how to craft pitches that will "WOW" editors and agents.

Non Fiction: faith-related topics, deeper spirituality and prayer, marriage and family, psychology and self-help, history, behind-the-scenes in any profession, thoughtful nonfiction on just about any topic. NO memoir.

Adult Fiction: Full-length 75,000 to 100,000 words. Contemporary women's fiction, romance and rom-com, suspense or romantic suspense, historical or historical romance, southern fiction, thrillers. NOT looking at fantasy, sci-fi, children's or YA.

Debbie Hardy, the Queen of Resilience, is the author of Free to Be Fabulous: 100 Ways to Look and Feel Younger at 40, 50, and Beyond; How to Write a Book AND Get it Published; and Stepping Through Cancer, A Guide for the Journey. A Colorado resident, widow, grandmother, and accomplished pianist, Debbie is a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, National Speakers Association of Colorado, and several writers groups, where she mentors aspiring authors. She contributes to anthologies, writes devotions, speaks, and teaches at retreats, seminars, and writers’ conferences. Debbie’s positive outlook and joy in Christ have helped her transition from corporate America to writing, speaking, and encouraging others. 

Unlike movies would have us believe, writing and publishing a book involves more than just handing some pages to a publisher. We’ll go through the basic steps, from getting your idea and putting it on paper to seeing your book in print and marketing it. Learn how you can become a published author this year.

Learn to write concisely, share your experiences, and, most importantly, touch hearts and change lives through devotions. We’ll learn to write for ChristianDevotions.us, but the method can be adapted to other devotionals and publications.

Devotion guidelines: Write from the heart—make your devotion personal yet relatable. Use and reference only one Scripture, noting the Bible version.

For more specific guidelines: Write for Us | Christian Devotions Ministries

Michael J. Klassen spent 28 years pastoring churches while ghostwriting, editing, or authoring 70 traditionally-published books. Thomas Nelson released his most recent book, Battle Prayers, in 2023. He now enjoys releasing books that change the world through his hybrid publishing company, Illumify Media (IllumifyMedia.com).

Did you know that ChatGPT can help cut your writing time in half? Discover how it can revolutionize your writing when Michael J. Klassen shows you, 10 Ways ChatGPT Can Make You A Better Writer.

By the end of your workshop, you will know how to use artificial intelligence to

1. Spark Your Creativity

2. Conduct Your Research

3. Improve Your Copywriting

4. Refine Your Writing

5. Add Humor, Sarcasm, or Style

6. Edit Your Work 

7. Create Lists and Action Points

8. Evaluate Your Writing Skills

9. Outline Your Next Chapter, Book, or Speech

10. Tame the Social Media Beast

It’s like hiring a personal assistant—for free!

We’ll also take time to discuss copyrights and ethics.

Nonfiction: ALL. Fiction: ALL. Children & YA: ALL.

Sherri Langton, associate editor of the Bible Advocate magazine and of Now What? e-zine, has worked 35 years in Christian publishing. She is an award-winning freelance writer whose work has appeared in Focus on the Family, In Touch, Upper Room, Today’s Christian Woman, The Quiet Hour, Discipleship Journal, Decision, LIVE, and other publications. She currently writes on assignment for AG News and Standard. Sherri also has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes, Christmas Gifts: True Stories to Celebrate the Season, Teatime Stories for Women, Faces of Faith, Hurray God! and other book compilations. In addition, she teaches workshops at several Christian writers conferences.

You just went through an experience and can’t wait to write about it. Perhaps you’ll write an article. But is that all there is? The same experience can be “juiced” to get more out of it: a devotional, opinion piece, profile — and more. Bring your ideas, and even reprints, and see how much you can “squeeze” from them for different publications!

What really goes on behind a magazine editor’s desk? Why do editors revise your manuscript? What kind of writers do editors enjoy working with? We’ll answer these questions and more, including copyright/fair use issues and how to keep up with the changing world of publishing.

—Bible Advocate

Nonfiction: articles, some personal experiences

—Now What? e-zine

Nonfiction: personal experiences

Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award winning author, speaker, pastor's wife and mother. She is a regular contributor for ibelieve.com and crosswalk.com and is the host of The Spiritual Reset Podcast. She also is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.

You’ve gone to the workshops. You’ve met with publishers. They’ve shown interest in your book. So now what? In this workshop, Michelle shows you the five essential elements to flesh out your book idea and turn it into a proposal that captures a publisher’s attention. At the end of the workshop, each attendee will receive the resources needed to create a proposal worthy of submission to agents and publishers. 

Christian Nonfiction (No devotionals or memoirs)

Christian Fiction: I don’t represent it, but I will pass it on to those in our agency who do.

Children: nonfiction and fiction (I am NOT looking for board books for children.)

Rachel Pfeiffer serves as Editor of Focus on the Family Clubhouse and Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr. magazines. As an editor for these magazines, she acquires and crafts stories to entertain and disciple children. She graduated from Taylor University with a degree in professional writing and Moody Theological Seminary with an MA in Biblical Studies. When she’s not curled up with a good book, she can often be found hiking the beautiful Colorado Rockies.

Focus on the Family offers publishing opportunities for a wide variety of genres in their children’s publications, Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. Learn what editors are looking for and where to send your submissions.

Children & YA: short fiction stories and short nonfiction stories for early readers, kids aged 6-8, and kids aged 9-12. No books or long-form stories.

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/clubhouse-magazine/about/submission-guidelines/

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/clubhouse-jr-magazine/about/submission-guidelines/

Linda Evans Shepherd is a bestselling author, speaker, and leader in Christian publishing. She is the founder of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), as well as the Golden Scroll and Christian Market Book Awards. She also serves as the publisher of Leading Hearts Magazine and the daily devotional Arise Daily.

With over 38 books to her name, Linda is passionate about teaching people how to connect with God and experience His renewal in their lives. At the same time, she equips writers to craft messages that heal, inspire, and transform—helping them impact the world through their words.

Through her writing, speaking, and mentoring, she influences both readers and writers, sharing the hope and power of Christ.

Women today are searching—searching for truth, peace, and purpose. As writers, we have the opportunity to meet them in that search, offering words that heal, uplift, and point them back to God. Whether through devotionals, testimonies, fiction, or nonfiction, our stories can speak to the deepest needs of the heart.

Now more than ever, our voices are rising—mama bears, modern-day Esthers—women ready to stand in faith and lead with courage. The question is, how do we reach those who need our messages?

Join us as we explore the art of writing with impact—crafting messages that resonate, inspire transformation, and spark renewal.

Revival isn’t just something we read about—it’s something we experience. In 2022, Linda Evans Shepherd and fellow writers encountered a powerful move of God at Asbury’s Hughes Auditorium, stepping into His presence in a way that renewed their hearts and callings. Just months later, the world watched as revival swept through Asbury once again.

But revival isn’t confined to a place or a moment—it’s for us. As writers, we need renewal, not just for ourselves, but so we can bring hope, freedom, and healing to others through our words.

Are you ready to surrender, be refreshed, and let God’s Spirit move through your writing? Step into the renewal that will ignite your calling.

Nonfiction: Christian living/ministry/evangelism, church growth/life/renewal, discipleship/personal growth, marriage/family/parenting, women’s interests

To get a free subscription to Leading Hearts magazine, go to LeadingHearts.com