Editor Appointments
The opportunity to have personal, fifteen minute appointments with Editors, Agents , Mentors, or PR/Media Professionals is a valuable highlight of the conference. These provide a great way to learn first-hand about the writing industry, to pitch your manuscript or work-in-progress, and to brainstorm ideas, get encouragement, and benefit from industry professionals.
All appointments are available on a first pay, first slotted basis. Appointments will be scheduled by the Conference Appointment Coordinator, Casey Miller. You will select multiple choices for your appointment needs when you register for the conference.
Title: Associate Editor
Web Site: www.simonandschuster.com
Beth Adams joined Howard Books as a Senior Editor in 2012. Previously, she worked for Guideposts Books, where she headed the direct mail fiction program, and Random House. She has degrees from Princeton and New York University and teaches a class about publishing to Christian college students. She has written a number of novels under various pen names, which she will reveal for the right price. She works out of the main Simon and Schuster office in New York, and she lives in Brooklyn with her husband and young daughter.
Currently Seeking: Howard is always on the lookout for great Christian fiction. This includes Christian suspense, Biblical fiction, Women’s fiction, and Christian Romance. We are especially interested in stories with a compelling hook and a strong voice.Howard is NOT interested in children’s books, YA, poetry, novellas, sci-fi, fantasy, or anything that may be offensive to our Christian readers.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
For fiction we generally like to see a proposal and a full manuscript.
Guidelines:
Title: Acquisition Editor
Web Site: http://www.zondervan.com/cultures/en-US/Product/Kidz
Jacque Alberta is the Acquisitions Editor for young adult fiction and nonfiction at Zondervan. She’s been with the team for eight years, and prior to her four years focusing on YA literature worked on everything from picture books to storybook Bibles and middle grade fiction and nonfiction. She is on the hunt for manuscripts that appeal to teens thirteen to eighteen, as well as talented new authors. Jacque enjoys being surrounded by books—you don’t want to see her office, seriously—is now obsessed with Divergent and anything by Lauren Oliver, has a strange affinity for gnomes, knits for sanity, and lives with her cat, Bailey, just outside Grand Rapids, Michigan.
What I DON’T want is chick or clique lit, books that seek to teach a lesson, or historical fiction without another compelling hook. I also don’t want books that are very similar to a secular title—it can be a similar genre or germ of an idea, but I really get excited when a proposal is a fresh look that will bring the genre forward, or simply break new ground on the market.
I’m also on the lookout for writers willing to write on spec, taking an idea thought out by our editors and making it a reality.
YA NONFICTION: Since I know there are people who do fiction and nonfiction … I‘m looking for devotionals with a compelling presentation—something the market doesn’t currently offer, which would still appeal to teens. I’m open to books on dating for sixteen- to eighteen-year-olds and books on issues teens face—both done in a voice and presentation teens will enjoy. I’m also looking for people willing to write nonfiction on spec as a work-for-hire arrangement.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
For appointments, I’d like a one-sheet, with sample chapters printed and available if I need to request them. Completed manuscripts are a plus—a lot of times, if I like the idea and sample, I need to see the entire book thereafter to make sure the entire book follows through on the premise. But that’s not a deal breaker at the appointment stage.
Addresses printed on the sample and one-sheet are also great—business cards are very easy to lose or have slip out of something, but I tend to keep all the 8-1/2 x 11 appointment sheets together in one folder so they’re harder to lose.
Guidelines: http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Company/ContactUs.htm?QueryStringSite=Zondervan
Title: Associate Editor
Web Site: www.kregel.com
An ACFW editor of the year finalist in 2008, Dawn Anderson passionately loves the career to which God has drawn her. A graduate of Cornerstone University with an English major and a psychology minor, she began proofreading professionally in college, but took the circuitous route through typesetting, teaching high school English, homeschooling, and play directing, before she finally settled down to editing full time. Wife of twenty years, mom of tweens and teens, and involved with youth at church, she hasn’t left time for hobbies beyond reading.
Full-length, completed manuscripts for the Christian market, with series potential. Mystery, Suspense, Historical (especially pre-WWII), Bonnet and similar, Family saga, Speculative.
What Kregel is not looking for in fiction:
Nothing for kids, tweens, or YA. Nothing strictly romance.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
I’m willing to meet with those who are writing in the genres mentioned above. To be considered for publication, however, Kregel needs a completed manuscript plus synopsis of potential series development, along with a proposed marketing plan.
Guidelines: www.kregel.com
Title: Series Fiction Editor
Web Site: http://www.guideposts.org/
Jessica Barnes has worked with inspirational fiction her entire career. She spent six years at WaterBrook Multnomah, working on award-winning titles, and is now the Editor, Series Fiction at Guideposts.
We are interested in small-town stories about family and friendships. Cozy women’s fiction that focuses on community and the importance of the relationships in our life.
We are NOT interested in seeing: romance, Amish, YA, mysteries other than cozy, suspense, sci-fi, most historicals.
Guidelines:
Title: Executive Editor, Fiction
Web Site: http://www.zondervan.com/
Sue Brower is Executive Editor and Editorial Director for Fiction at Zondervan. With six New York Times bestsellers in 2010, she leads the fiction team for the novels of such notable writers as Karen Kingsbury, Terri Blackstock, Robin Jones Gunn, Brandilyn Collins, Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall, and many others. “I love coming to ACFW each year. I never know who I will meet or what kind of project I will be able to acquire. Notable acquisitions from ACFW appointments include Camy Tang, Lisa Harris, Deborah Vogts, Cheryl Ricker and Karl Bacon. Prior to taking on this role, Sue was Sr. Director of Marketing for Fiction and Inspirational product for over thirteen years. Fiction is business as well as pleasure for Sue as she is an avid reader of both inspirational and mainstream novels.
Sue is on the Advisory Board for the Christy Awards and a member of ACE (Academy of Christian Editors. She was ACFW 2010 Editor of the Year. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with husband, Todd, and “kidz”, Pepper, Ollie and Shep.
Guidelines: http://www.zondervan.com/cultures/en-US/Company/Policy/Submission.htm
Title: Editor
Web Site: http://www.zondervan.com/cultures/en-US/Product/Kidz
Kim Childress has worked in the children’s publishing industry for more than 19 years in a variety of roles. As a freelance writer and book reviewer, she's reviewed books for Girls Life Magazine since its debut in 1994. As a mom of four children ages 9-17, Kim built and maintained a freelance editing and writing career through diapers, doctor's visits, stitches, broken bones, middle school, high school, and all the adventures that come with motherhood, some of which she has shared in the Focus on Your Child parenting newsletters. She's interviewed Larry the Cucumber (Mike Nawrocki ) and Jim Dale, narrator extraordinaire, whose works include the Harry Potter books. She's published over 200 articles and short stories for kids and parents. In 2011, she joined the Zondervan team as middle school acquisitions editor.
Besides writing and editing, she's worked as an advertising account executive, bookseller, waitress, landscaper, real estate title searcher, movie theater check-in girl, ice cream scooper, ear-piercer, and Frontier Fruit and Nut girl. But her favorite job remains reading! For more information about Kim, you can go to her web site, ChildressInk.com.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
I prefer a full proposal including biography, marketing ideas, and a writing sample for a previously published author, full-manuscript for new authors. Marketing ideas are crucial in the current publishing atmosphere and required when we propose titles for consideration. Proposals that “shine” for me will also include sales figures of any previously published works, comparable sales titles, and reasons why you’d like to be published with Zondervan.
Guidelines: http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Company/ContactUs.htm?QueryStringSite=Zondervan
Title: Executive Editor
Web Site: http://www.revellbooks.com
Vicki Crumpton, Executive Editor for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has over twenty years of publishing experience. A recipient of AWSA’s Editor of the Year award, she has acquired a number of award finalists and winners, as well as several New York Times bestsellers, including 90 Minutes in Heaven. She holds an M. Div. and Ph.D. from Southwestern Seminary, is a Mensa member, and works from her home in Western Kentucky. When she’s not taking care of the menagerie, you can often find her riding a road or mountain bike, paddling a kayak, or taking photos.
Currently Seeking: Contemporary women’s, contemporary romance, historical fiction though we have a lot of this, will look at biblical fiction though we have a lot of this, suspense, romantic suspense, mystery, some YA.NOT interested in: Fantasy, sci-fi, children’s
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
We will talk to an author who has something in writing to present. Need some chapters and a complete synopsis from previously published novelists; from new novelists,a full manuscript is required to move beyond initial meeting.
Guidelines:
Title: Acquisitions Editor
Web Site: http://www.eharlequin.com/
Kathy Davis joined Harlequin in May 2012 after fifteen years in Christian publishing houses and two years as a freelancer. A graduate of the University of South Florida and Wheaton College, over the years she has edited a magazine, children’s books, and a nonfiction marriage and parenting line. Now she gets to be a romance editor, something to which she always aspired. When she’s not telecommuting from her home office in North Alabama, she’s either out on the farm with the horses, donkey, chickens, guineas and dogs, or she’s on a trip somewhere. Kathy has been married for years and years to her Original Husband No. 1, and they have three grown kids, a son-in-law, and two grandkids. She is a member of the Academy of Christian Editors (ACE).
Currently Seeking: Currently Seeking: We publish two contemporary and two historical romances each month (45,000-50,000 words). Contemporaries should be set in the present day. Historicals should be set during WWII or before. Both contemporaries and historicals can be set in any locale, including foreign countries. Cowboy and western stories are very popular. We are open to Amish. We’d like to see more from 1900-1930, especially WWI.We are seeking series rather than one-off titles. A series proposal should include a one-page series overview along with a 5-8 page synopsis and 3 chapters for each book.
Currently we’re more in need of historicals than contemporaries.
Not Interested In: Romantic suspense, although any romance can have suspense elements. Suspense should not overshadow the romance. No chick lit. Nothing preachy (it’s a romance novel, not a sermon.) We don’t want to see the occult, offensive language, or divorced main characters (hero/heroine). The hero and heroine should not drink, smoke, curse, dance (except in historical titles), or gamble. This line is very clean and focuses on romantic tension rather than physical affection, although hugs and kisses are acceptable.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
We’re very open to first-time authors as well as seasoned writers. Please come prepared to describe your story in one sentence. Provide a one-page overview and the first chapter. You may later email a full proposal if requested to do so.
Guidelines:
Title: Associate Editor
Web Site: www.simonandschuster.com
Amanda came to Howard Books in August 2011 from the Simon & Schuster office in New York City. There she was a managing editorial assistant working for three imprints including Howard and before that she was a freelancer for the digital department. She began her publishing career in 2009 at Simon & Schuster after graduating in May of that same year from the University of Virginia and after completing the Summer Publishing Institute at New York University. Amanda holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature and has a certificate in publishing. Amanda has worked with bestselling authors such as Squire Rushnell, Tosca Lee, and Dr. Charles Stanley. She is interested in acquiring and developing her own list of titles with a focus on commercial fiction, thrillers, Biblical fiction, and historical fiction for the Christian market.
We are not looking for children’s books, YA, poetry, novellas, sci-fi, fantasy, or anything that may be offensive to our Christian readers.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
For fiction we generally like to see a proposal and a full manuscript.
Guidelines:
Title: Executive Editor
Web Site: http://www.revellbooks.com
Andrea is an executive editor with Revell Books, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group, with 20 years publishing experience in academic, ABA, and CBA based companies.
She holds an M.A. in English/Creative Writing from the University of Maine, and has published several children’s books and short stories, and when not reading loves to be in or on the water, swimming or sailing with her husband.
NOT interested in: Fantasy, sci-fi, children’s
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
We will talk to an author who has something in writing to present. Need some chapters and a complete synopsis from previously published novelists; from new novelists,a full manuscript is required to move beyond initial meeting.
Guidelines:
Title: Senior Fiction Editor
Web Site: http://www.guideposts.org/
Susan Downs serves as a senior fiction editor for Guideposts Publications. Included in her responsibilities is the oversight of a direct-to-consumer mystery series, which releases a book every four weeks. Until recently, she supervised a retail fiction line under Guideposts’ Summerside Press imprint.
Susan’s editorial career began at age 10, when her newspaper-publisher father paid her a nickel for every error she could find while proofreading copy. As a multi-published author with experience as an acquisitions editor for another CBA publisher, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her editorial assignments.
Guidelines:
Title: Executive Editor
Web Site: http://www.revellbooks.com
Lonnie Hull DuPont is an editor and writer who has worked in publishing for many years. After employment at Spring Arbor Distributors, Guideposts Books, Harper San Francisco, and Thomas Nelson, she ran her own editing service in California and Michigan. She currently serves as Executive Editor at Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
NOT interested in: Fantasy, sci-fi, children’s
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
We will talk to an author who has something in writing to present. For me to present to my Revell colleagues, I would need some chapters and a complete synopsis from previously published novelists; from new novelists, I would need a full manuscript to move beyond initial meeting.
Guidelines:
Title: Founder
Web Site: http://www.marcherlordpress.com
Jeff Gerke is the founder of Marcher Lord Press, a small, independent press that specializes in Christian speculative fiction. He has published six novels ( under the pen name Jefferson Scott) and three non-fiction titles. His fiction how-to book, The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction is available through Amazon or Marcher Lord Press, and Plot Versus Character, his first craft book from Writer’s Digest Books, released in 2010. His new WD fiction craft book, The First 50 Pages, releases in late 2011. Jeff lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, teenage daughter, 11-year-old son, and 3-year-old adoptive daughter from China.
Currently Seeking: Looking for full-length novels for Christian adults, teens, and older YA readers (11 and up) in the speculative categories only: science fiction, fantasy, superhero, steampunk, time travel, etc.No chapter books, picture books, or early readers.
Guidelines: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/write_for_mlp.html
Title: Associate Editor
Web Site: www.thomasnelson.com
Hailing from the Alabama Gulf Coast, Jodi Hughes graduated cum laude from Samford University in 2009 (B.A. Classics) and has been working at Thomas Nelson ever since. After serving as a catch-all intern she was hired full-time with the nonfiction marketing and publicity team. During this time Jodi worked on campaigns for New York Times bestsellers Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World by Dr. David Jeremiah, Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore, and Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo (2011 best-selling book of the year by Nielson BookScan). In February 2011, Jodi was thrilled to join the Fiction team as the Editorial Assistant and she is now the Associate Editor for the HarperCollins Christian Publishing Fiction team. Jodi loves country music, reading Jane Austen, and lives happily in Nashville, Tennessee, with her sweet dog Bella.
NOT interested in seeing fantasy or science fiction.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION Please only request a meeting with me if you have a completed manuscript. Please do NOT bring a proposal and sample chapters to your appointment, but a one-sheet would be appreciated.
Guidelines: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/dept.asp?dept_id=1117900&category=Contact-Us#Submissions
Title: Vice President and Publisher, Fiction
Web Site: www.thomasnelson.com
Daisy Blackwell Hutton was born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After completing her education at the University of Mississippi (B.A. English & French) and Washington University in St. Louis (M.A. Comparative Literature), she moved to New York in to work in the publishing industry. Her first job was answering the phones and reading manuscripts at Grove/ Atlantic, and from there, she went on to spend time at the Georges Borchardt literary agency in New York, and the Perseus Books Group and Harvard Business School Publishing in Boston, before moving to Nashville in 2008 to join Thomas Nelson as VP of International Licensing. Daisy is a passionate fiction reader, and her areas of particular interest include mystery/ suspense, fiction in translation, and the 19th century novel. Daisy is married to Matthew Hutton, a musician and English teacher, and they have two young sons, Leo and Silas.
We will consider all genres but are less interested in sci-fi and fantasy.
Guidelines: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/dept.asp?dept_id=1117900&category=Contact-Us#Submissions
Title: Senior Editor
Web Site: http://www.eharlequin.com/
Tina James is senior editor of the Love Inspired Historical and Love Inspired Suspense lines. She has worked at Harlequin since 1995 when she joined the company as an editorial assistant. She is actively acquiring for the Love Inspired franchise and looking for stories in a variety of genres including heartwarming inspirational romance, inspirational romantic suspense and inspirational historical romance.
For Love Inspired, books should be set in present day in North America, and the relationship between the hero and heroine should be the focus of the book. All secondary characters and plotlines should directly support the main romance. The romance should be the focus of the story and should not be overshadowed by secondary plotlines.
For Love Inspired Suspense, stories should be equal parts romance and suspense. One should not take a backseat to the other. We are looking for riveting, heart-pounding romantic suspense.
For Love Inspired Historical, we are always looking for exceptional stories set in the West. But we are actively focusing on acquiring manuscripts with non-Western settings, too. Americana (post-Civil War), European historical eras (e.g. Tudor, Regency and Victorian England, eighteenth-century Scotland, etc.), twentieth-century (turn-of-the-century through World War II) and foreign settings are all welcome.
We are not looking for first person stories.
Guidelines: http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=538&chapter=0
Title: Acquisitions Editor
Web Site: http://www.moodypublishers.com
Deborah Keiser is the Associate Publisher for River North fiction by Moody Publishers. She is a graduate of Arizona State University. For eight years she worked at InterVarsity Press in production and marketing. She is also a graduate of the Harrington Institute where she studied design, and worked freelance for 10 years. Deborah and her husband, Jeff, live in the far west suburbs of Chicago and have two grown sons.
Currently Seeking: Publishing House Description:At Moody Publishers, we are committed to helping our readers know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. We publish titles that have biblical integrity, practical insight, and literary merit. Our primary themes of focus for fiction include:
River North Fiction by Moody Publishers
We are looking for adult Christian novels which fulfill our mission in the categories of historical fiction, romance, contemporary, and suspense/ mystery. We acquire standalone titles as well as series and the word count should be between 80,000-115,000 words.
We are not currently looking to acquire speculative fiction nor expand our children’s or YA titles.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Would love to see the work of first-time authors who have the complete manuscript finished, and can provide a proposal at the conference. Published authors and those with agents can provide a proposal with three written chapters and a strong detailed summary.
Guidelines: http://www.moodypublishers.com/Media/MediaLibrary/ProposalSubmissionGuidelines.pdf
Title: Editorial Director
Web Site: http://www.revellbooks.com
Jennifer Leep is Editorial Director for the Revell division of Baker Publishing Group, where she leads a talented group of editors acquiring both fiction and nonfiction. She’s been part of the Baker Publishing Group team for more than 15 years and loves the fact that every day she’s part of bringing life-changing messages into the lives of expectant readers. When she’s not busy acquiring or editing books, you'll often find her playing the piano—or hanging out with family, friends, and the high school students at church where she’s involved in youth ministry.
NOT interested in: Fantasy, sci-fi, children’s
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
We will talk to an author who has something in writing to present. For me to present to my Revell colleagues, I would need some chapters and a complete synopsis from previously published novelists; from new novelists, I would need a full manuscript to move beyond initial meeting.
Guidelines:
Title: Senior Acquisitions Editor, Fiction
Web Site: http://www.bethanyhouse.com/
Dave Long is the Senior Acquisitions Editor, Fiction, with Bethany House Publishers where he’s been working with talented, best-selling, and award-winning novelists across many genres since 2004. Prior to migrating to the editorial side of the company, he spent six years in the marketing department.
Not seeking: Fantasy or sci-fi; end-times; supernatural thrillers; bonnet fiction; “issue” fiction.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
If you’re a first-time novelist, you’ll need to have completed your novel to submit with Bethany House.
Guidelines: http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=9FC2E1F4E2464E5EADE1430BB2DF94E0&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&gid=7F623735BC6548ADA400EDEBF235C8E4
Title: Senior Acquisitions Editor
Web Site: http://www.thomasnelson.com/
Ami McConnell is Senior Acquisitions Editor for the Fiction division at Harper Collins Christian Publishing. Her editing credits include New York Times bestsellers and Carol and Christy award-winners. She has edited renowned authors Colleen Coble, Ted Dekker, Homer Hickam, Karen Kingsbury, Max Lucado, and Frank Peretti, among others, and has been recognized for excellence by the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She serves on the Advisory Board of The Buechner Institute at King College and lives with her family near Nashville, Tennessee.
Currently Seeking: Information coming soonGuidelines: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/dept.asp?dept_id=1117900&category=Contact-Us#Submissions
Title: Editorial Director, Fiction
Web Site: http://www.summersidepress.com/
Rachel Meisel is the editorial director of fiction for Summerside Press, an imprint of Guideposts. Rachel enjoys working with talented authors of inspirational romance. Prior to joining Summerside in 2007, she worked as an editor and writer for both the Christian and general markets. She has an MA in English Literature and spent two years teaching college writing classes. Rachel lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons.
Currently Seeking: We will consider proposals for inspirational romance only. This includes historical romance, contemporary romance, seasonal romance, and Amish romance. Proposals will be more strongly considered if they fit into one of our existing fiction lines (American Tapestries™, Love Finds You™, or Songs of the Season™). Please see our guidelines for more details.Not Seeking: Suspense, mystery, women’s fiction, biblical fiction, speculative, chick lit, YA, fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural, or thrillers.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
At appointments, I like to get to know you and your vision for the book. You may bring a one-sheet. Please familiarize yourself with Summerside’s fiction offerings and be prepared to explain how your project would be a good fit for one of our fiction lines. If I’d like to see more, I’ll request that you send a proposal via e-mail after the conference.
Guidelines: http://summersidepress.com/Submissions.aspx
Title: Senior Editor
Web Site: http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/
Kim Moore, a senior editor at Harvest House Publishers, has been in publishing for 17 years. Besides being an acquiring editor and a member of the fiction committee, she does everything on her projects from substantive editing to copyediting—and she believes handholding is an important part of the process. Though she has a passion for fiction, Kim works with both fiction and nonfiction authors, including Mindy Starns Clark, Leslie Gould, and Stormie Omartian. Kim shares her life with three gorgeous cats, and she and her housemates make their home in the green and beautiful Pacific Northwest.
We are NOT looking for biblical fiction, speculative fiction, chick lit, or YA.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
I prefer to review complete novels, mostly because I have seen so many that began well but didn’t finish well. Novels do not have to be complete for the appointment. I do not review writing when I meet with people. Rather, I want to get to know the author and listen to their vision for the book. I want every appointment to be a relaxed, enjoyable time for the person sitting across from me. If I think a project would be a good fit for our house, then I’m happy to review a proposal after the conference. A nice one sheet is so appreciated. Except for rare cases with authors who have a very well-known name, we are currently looking for projects of 100,000 words or more.
Guidelines:
Title: Editor
Web Site: http://www.bethanyhouse.com/
Charlene Patterson has held about every position there is in the editorial department of a book publisher and now is managing editor of fiction at Bethany House, where she’s worked since 2003. Some of her favorite things are hiking, mountains, cats, exploring the U.S. with her family, and American history. She lives in a suburb of Minneapolis, MN.
I am NOT currently seeking fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural, or thrillers.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
I accept one-sheets at appointments and will request a proposal via email if I’m intrigued by the author’s pitch. At appointments, I enjoy hearing a well-thought-through pitch, especially why the project is a match with Bethany House and the current CBA market. Generally we need to see a complete manuscript before signing a first-time author.
Guidelines: http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=9FC2E1F4E2464E5EADE1430BB2DF94E0&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&gid=7F623735BC6548ADA400EDEBF235C8E4
Title: Vice President & Editor-in-Chief
Web Site: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/
Ken Petersen is VP and editor-in-chief of WaterBrook Multnomah, imprints of the Crown Group, Random House. A graduate of Wheaton College, he’s worked in Christian publishing for more than 40 years, formerly with Tyndale House Publishers, where he developed and guided its fiction program in the 90s. Today he leads the fiction and non-fiction team at WaterBrook Multnomah, which seeks to publish quality Christian fiction in a variety of genres.
Currently Seeking: The team at WaterBrook Multnomah longs to add our list of exceptional fiction with innovative ideas and quality writing within women's fiction, both contemporary and historical, unique voices, can't-tear-my-eyes-off-the-page storytelling featuring wit, thrills & chills (specifically psychologically-smart romantic suspense novels), and/or true happily-ever-after love.We are not currently reviewing military novels, paranormal romances, Amish romances, zombie or robot stories, and in particular, military-alien romances featuring buggies and robots.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Writers are recommended to have completed at least one manuscript - which does not have to be the one being pitched- and that those who make appointments bring writing samples, not just a one-sheet.
Guidelines:
Title: Associate Acquisitions Editor
Web Site: www.zondervan.com
Becky Philpott is an Associate Acquisitions Editor at Zondervan, mainly focusing on fiction. Her favorite books are ones with compelling characters and story—whether real or fictional. Becky lives just outside of Grand Rapids, MI, with her husband and two black cats. In her spare time, she figure skates competitively and dabbles in interior design.
What I’m not looking for: young adult, children’s, fantasy, sci fi, visionary, apocalyptic, futuristic, issue-oriented fiction, dark, edgy fiction, western
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
For unpublished authors, please only request a meeting if you have a completed manuscript and if you are writing in the genres listed below. All authors should come prepared with a one sheet that includes a 25-word “elevator pitch,” the genre, a 300-500 word description of your work plus your one-paragraph bio with contact information, website and blog site (if applicable), etc. If you have an agent, please provide his/her contact information. If we want a complete proposal, we will ask for one to be emailed to us.
Guidelines: http://www.zondervan.com/cultures/en-US/Company/Policy/Submission.htm
Title: Fiction Editor
Web Site: http://abingdonpress.com
Ramona Richards, fiction editor for Abingdon Press, started making stuff up at three, writing it down at seven, and selling it at eighteen. She’s been annoying editors ever since, which is probably why she became one. She’s edited more than 350 publications, including novels, CD-ROMs, magazines, non-fiction, children’s books, Bibles, and study guides. Ramona has worked with such publishers as Thomas Nelson, Barbour, Howard, Harlequin, Ideals, and many others. The author of eight books and an avid live music fan, Ramona loves living in the ongoing street party that is Nashville.
Currently Seeking: Mainly looking for women's fiction, suspense, western romances (contemporary and historical), contemporary romances, and historical romances (1750-1960), and speculative.No YA, historicals, end times, or spiritual warfare.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
At appointments, I like a business card only, but bring anything that helps you with the pitch.
Guidelines: http://abingdonpress.com/forms/DynamicContent.aspx?pageid=517&id=98
Title: Editor
Web Site: http://www.eharlequin.com/
Emily Rodmell has been with Love Inspired for 8 years, working on Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense and Love Inspired Historical lines, and has acquired more than 30 new authors during that time. Prior to coming to Harlequin, she worked as a newspaper editor and at the publisher Scholastic. She hails from sunny Florida but calls NYC home now. She’d love to see stories that keep her guessing. So send her your high-intensity romantic suspense novels and unique and interesting contemporary and historical romances.
For Love Inspired, books should be set in present day in North America, and the relationship between the hero and heroine should be the focus of the book. All secondary characters and plotlines should directly support the main romance. The romance should be the focus of the story and should not be overshadowed by secondary plotlines.
For Love Inspired Suspense, stories should be equal parts romance and suspense. One should not take a backseat to the other. We are looking for riveting, heart-pounding romantic suspense.
For Love Inspired Historical, we are always looking for exceptional stories set in the West. But we are actively focusing on acquiring manuscripts with non-Western settings, too. Americana (post-Civil War), European historical eras (e.g. Tudor, Regency and Victorian England, eighteenth-century Scotland, etc.), twentieth-century (turn-of-the-century through World War II) and foreign settings are all welcome.
Guidelines: http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=538&chapter=0
Title: Editor
Web Site: http://barbourbooks.com
Annie Tipton started her gig as Barbour Publishing’s acquisitions editor for fiction in March, but has been with the publisher since 2006 on the editorial/production team as an assistant and then managing editor. A fiction reader from a young age, her first favorites included The Chronicles of Narnia, Anne of Green Gables, and anything written by Judy Blume. Now her tastes are much more sophisticated as she reads and (re-reads) all 7 Harry Potter titles (along with lots of other books). Annie holds a communications degree from Milligan College (Tennessee). Originally from Wooster, Ohio, she enjoys singing and playing the acoustic guitar on her church’s worship team, acting on the local community theater stage, sushi, beach vacations, and spending time with friends and family.
· Historical romance – the more unique setting and/or time the better
· A new take on mystery (I’m looking for more than just a dead body and a case closed at the end – in fact, a mystery that doesn’t include a dead body would be even better.)
· Rags to Riches/Riches to Rags
· I am personally interested in humorous stories – I especially identify with characters who can find humor in everyday situations, even when life isn’t perfect.
· I’m also interested in storylines and characters who are living out/processing/working through their personal faith. I’m looking for authentic struggles and conversions (where applicable).
· Suspense
I am NOT interested in seeing
· Fantasy/speculative fiction
· Sci-Fi
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Story synopsis, chapter-by-chapter outline, first chapter
Guidelines: http://barbourbooks.com/pages/writersguide.aspx
Title: Acquisitions Assistant
Web Site: www.tyndale.com
Shaina Turner is the acquisitions assistant for fiction at Tyndale House Publishers. She has been with Tyndale since 2010. Having graduated with majors in English and Interactive Media, her expertise lies in navigating the ever changing world of social media. While at Tyndale she has had the pleasure of working with authors such as Susan May Warren, Denise Hildreth Jones, Pam Hillman, Randy Singer and many more. She lives in the Chicago area.
Our corporate purpose is to minister to the spiritual needs of people, primarily through literature consistent with biblical principles. Tyndale publishes Christian fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and other resources, including Bibles in the New Living Translation (NLT). Products include many New York Times bestsellers, including the popular Left Behind fiction series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, novels by Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, and Joel C. Rosenberg, plus numerous nonfiction works.
Visit www.tyndale.com to learn more about our product line, company history, and corporate identity.
Our team focuses on developing a fiction line along a broad spectrum of genre and content: suspense, women’s fiction, romance, historical, and contemporary. (We are currently not accepting sci-fi or fantasy proposals.) We are not aiming to fill specific genre slots. Instead, we are always seeking well-written stories with great hooks.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Please do not bring content – one-sheets, proposals, etc. to the appt. This reduces the risk that I might lose your proposal transporting it back to the office. I prefer to meet with authors who have completed their manuscript. I’d like them to share the hook of the story as well as talk through a brief summary. If I am interested in seeing a proposal, I will let the attendee know what I’d like them to send and will provide the needed contact information.
Guidelines: www.tyndale.com
Title: Author Liaison
Web Site:
Christine Whitaker is the author liaison and production coordinator at Whitaker House, where she has spent eight-plus years working in communications and development of fiction and nonfiction books alike. She has had the privilege of working with such acclaimed fiction authors as Sharlene MacLaren, Loree Lough, Vanessa Miller, Laura Hilton, and Penny Zeller. Christine is part of the third generation of the Whitakers, a family committed to publishing and proliferating Christian books that engage and inspire for over forty years.
Christine loves meeting writers and hearing about the stories they are developing and the inspiration behind them. She believes we all have a story worth telling, and she is grateful to be part of an industry that has a deeper purpose behind every word.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
For appointments, a one-sheet and a short writing sample are sufficient. For unpublished writers to be considered, a full manuscript must be complete.
Guidelines:
Title: Associate Editor
Web Site: http://www.guideposts.org/
Jon Woodhams has been involved in Christian publishing for more than twenty years, beginning with David C. Cook Publishing and its curriculum line, and then Cook’s trade book group. He also worked for WaterBrook Multnomah in Colorado Springs before joining Guideposts, where he is Associate Editor for fiction.
We are NOT interested in seeing: Romance, Amish, YA, Mysteries other than cozy, Horror, Sci-fi, most historicals
Guidelines:
You must be 18 years old to attend conference without a parent/guardian present with you at all times.
Participation of an individual presenter, agent, editor, or publisher in the ACFW conference does not constitute endorsement by ACFW. Conference attendees are advised to use due diligence and take personal responsibility when choosing industry professionals with whom to schedule appointments or enter into agreement.