EDITORS & AGENTS

The opportunity to have personal, fifteen minute appointments with editors and agents 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.

Editor and Agent Appointments will be scheduled this year by the Conference Appointment Scheduler, Wanda Dyson. You will select FOUR choices for both an editor and an agent appointment when you register for the conference. You will receive a form in your conference check-in packet with the confirmation and times of the appointments. Wanda will be on-hand throughout the conference for assistance.

Beth Adams

Name: Beth Adams Title: Editor Organization: Guideposts Web Site: Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Mystery, General Fiction, Non-fiction Beth is an Editor at Guideposts who works primarily with fiction. She has degrees from Princeton and New York University, and worked at Random House before coming to Guideposts in 2006. Guideposts is looking for authors for both our direct mail fiction program and our trade publishing division. For our direct mail program, we are looking for authors who can create strong, well-written stories with established characters, settings, and themes. For our trade line, we are looking for well-crafted manuscripts with a strong hook.

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Allen Arnold

Name: Allen Arnold Title: Senior Vice President & Publisher Organization: Thomas Nelson Web Site: http://www.thomasnelson.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery Allen would like to meet with authors who have two or more published novels.

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Jocelyn Bailey

Name: Jocelyn Bailey Title: Associate Editor Organization: Thomas Nelson Publishers Web Site: http://www.thomasnelson.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, General Fiction Jocelyn Bailey hails from the South, growing up in north Alabama and east Tennessee. In 2005 she graduated from Lipscomb University and moved to Boston, Massachusetts, to pursue graduate work at Boston College. While completing her master's degree in English and American literature, she worked at the university writing center and in the production department at Beacon Press. Jocelyn graduated from Boston College in 2007 and returned to Nashville, Tennessee, where she is currently an associate editor of fiction at Thomas Nelson Publishers. In her spare time, Jocelyn writes, reads, quilts, takes long walks, makes road-trips in her honda, searches for the perfect sushi roll, and teaches composition and literature at Lipscomb University.

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Karen Ball

Name: Karen Ball Title: Executive Editor Organization: B&H Publishing Group Web Site: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/fiction/ Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction Karen Ball considers it a gift that for the last twenty-five-plus years she’s been able, both as an author and an editor, to use her deep love of story to bring wonderful novels to readers. Currently the Executive Editor of fiction for B&H Publishing Group, she learned her craft while heading up fiction for Tyndale House , Multnomah, and Zondervan. Another inexplicable blessing is the fact that she’s acquired and worked with such notable authors as Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Gilbert Morris, Liz Curtis Higgs, Angela Hunt, and Robin Jones Gunn. An author herself, Karen’s most recent release, What Lies Within, was nominated as the Best Inspirational Novel of 2007 by the reviewers of Romantic Times magazine, and was a finalist in the Christy Awards for Excellence. She enjoys dogs, laughing, writing, reading, dogs, sports, nature, wildlife--did we mention dogs?--and finding wonder in everyday life. Karen lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, and their "kids," a 9-month-old mischief-making Siberian husky named Dasha, and Dakota, a terrier-aussie mix that should be named “Destructo.” B&H Fiction is an exciting, growing line of quality fiction of all genres. The first novel in our new line, Snow Angel by Jamie Carie, has received numerous awards and a great deal of attention from readers and retailers alike. We are currently publishing 14-18 novels a year, with the goal of publishing 20-24 by 2011. We're interested in all genres, though we have more slots available for suspense, contemporary, and historical. But what we're most interested in is the story that grabs us from page one--stellar writing with unforgettable characters, all working together to communicate God's truth to both believers in Christ and a weary, darkened world.

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Jessica Barnes

Name: Jessica Barnes Title: Associate Editor Organization: WaterBrook Press Web Site: http://www.waterbrookpress.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, General Fiction Jessica Barnes, associate editor, has been with WaterBrook Press for four years. Jessica is the go-to girl for WaterBrook editorial and a great starting point for any questions, concerns, or inquiries regarding our team, authors, and/or books. She works mainly with WaterBrook’s fiction line, where she has a hand in most of the titles that come through, either as a first-pass reader, line editor, or the project’s lead editor. Editorial Needs - WaterBrook is committed to creating products that both intensify and satisfy the elemental thirst for a deeper relationship with God. By communicating spiritual truth through books and ancillary products of the highest quality and creativity, we hope to provide a deep well of spiritual refreshment that will give readers a taste of the Living Water. When it comes to fiction, we like books with organic—even subtle—faith elements. We’re looking for unique voices, fresh twists on genre, and stories that keep us turning pages until long past our bedtimes. Right now, we’re looking for: books that combine different genres science fiction international intrigue thrillers, especially with a romantic or legal element We are not looking for: fantasy children's books – picture or chapter teen or young adult novels Amish fiction autobiographical novels

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Stephanie Broene

Name: Stephanie Broene Title: Acquisitions Editor, Fiction Organization: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Web Site: http://www.tyndale.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction Stephanie has been a fiction acquisitions editor at Tyndale for nearly three years and considers it a privilege to work with a variety of creative, talented authors. She is passionate about stories that illustrate the power of God's grace at work in our world and looks forward to discovering fresh voices and unique concepts. Tyndale fiction is currently seeking full-length novels, especially in the general contemporary, women's fiction, and suspense/thriller/mystery categories. We're also considering a limited number of historical novels but are looking for stories that have a very unique hook.

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Sue Brower

Name: Sue Brower Title: Sr. Acquisitions Editor Organization: Zondervan Web Site: http://zondervan.com Guidelines Genres: Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller Sue Brower is the Sr. Acquisitions Editor for the Fiction and Inspiration at Zondervan. Prior to taking on this role, she 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 lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with husband, Todd, and “kidz”, Pepper and Shep. Sue will be hosting a late night chat spotlighting Zondervan with Andy Meisenheimer. In addition, she will present the Workshop Publishing 101 which is an introductory workshop for the unpublished writer or anyone interested in learning more about the publishing process. Zondervan’s mission is to be the leading Christian communications company meeting the needs of people with resources that glorify Jesus Christ and promote biblical principles. And so we seek out those authors who are driven, compelled and gifted to fulfill that mission. The rich variety in our family of authors demonstrates our approach. Scanning the family album—Karen Kingsbury, Terri Blackstock, Robin Jones Gunn, Brandilyn Collins, Robin Lee Hatcher, Camy Tang, Brian Davis, James Scott Bell, Mike Snyder and others--illustrates that whether we first partnered with them as newcomers to the world of publishing, or as well-established voices, in each case with God’s help, our partnership effectively expanded their reach. Zondervan currently publishes 20 Fiction titles per year and at present is a leading publisher in the Contemporary and Suspense genres. Our publishing schedule is filled for releases through the year 2009, however I am looking for manuscripts in the Historical and Historical Romance genres for the 2010 list.

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Andrea Doering

Name: Andrea Doering Title: Senior Acquisitions Editor Organization: Revell Books Web Site: http://www.revellbooks.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Non-fiction Andrea Doering is senior acquisition editor with Revell Books, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group. She is the former editor-in-chief of Crossings Book Club, a position she held for 6 of the 14 years she was with the book club. Revell is the practical living imprint of Baker Publishing Group. For fiction we are seeking romance in every genre except chick lit, commercial women's fiction, urban fiction, and quality suspense.

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Susan Downs

Name: Susan Downs Title: Acquisitions Editor Organization: Barbour Publishing, Inc Web Site: http://www.barbourbooks.com Guidelines Genres: Mystery Susan Downs serves as the acquisitions editor for Heartsong Presents--MYSTERIES!, a subscriber-based book club that publishes 36 cozy-mystery titles per year.

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Miranda Gardner

Name: Miranda Gardner Title: Associate Editor Organization: Kregel Publications Web Site: http://kregelfiction.blogspot.com/ Guidelines Genres: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit, General Fiction, Non-fiction Miranda Gardner is an associate editor at Kregel Publications. She works on a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, and academic titles. She enjoys reading (of course!), discussing theology, analyzing movies, and writing music reviews for a community-run radio station. She’s looking for fiction that entertains, challenges, and edifies readers. Kregel Publications seeks to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.

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Rebecca Germany

Name: Rebecca Germany Title: Senior Fiction Editor Organization: Barbour Publishing Web Site: http://www.barbourbooks.com/ Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance A romantic and optimist at heart, Rebecca "Becky" Germany has enjoyed working with Barbour Publishing's fiction for 15 years -- because the majority of that fiction has been romance. She has had the pleasure over the years to see many authors get their start with short romance stories at Barbour and move on to publish numerous, well-received full-length novels in various genres. Currently she is acquiring full-length romances, both contemporary and historical settings. Barbour Publishing, based in Ohio, has been the leader in value-priced Christian books, publishing books that have appeal to a very wide audience at the most affordable price.

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Luke Hinrichs

Name: Luke Hinrichs Title: Editor Organization: Bethany House Publishers Web Site: http://www.bethanyhouse.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction Luke Hinrichs has served full time as a fiction editor for Bethany House Publishers in Minneapolis since 2000. Before joining Bethany House, Luke worked as an editor and technical writer with Merrill Corporation, a leading financial and legal publisher. He and his wife, Ann, live in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Authors Luke has partnered with include Athol Dickson, W. Dale Cramer, James Scott Bell, Tom Morrisey, Mark Andrew Olsen, Jack Cavanaugh, and Rene Gutteridge.

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David Lambert

Name: David Lambert Title: Senior Fiction Editor Organization: Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Web Site: Guidelines Genres: Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, General Fiction David Lambert is the author of nine published books, including the gold medallion award-winning Jumper Fables, coauthored with Ken Davis. Four of the nine have been fiction for juvenile or young adult readers. His short fiction has been published in periodicals as diverse as TQ, The Chariton Review, Sand, Virtue, Moody, Guideposts for Kids, and Story. David has an M.F.A. in fiction writing from the University of Montana. He has held a variety of positions in publishing, including managing editor of a youth magazine and founding editor of two others. He spent eighteen years as an acquiring editor at Zondervan, most of that time as Executive Editor for fiction. He is now senior fiction editor at Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. David also sits on the Editorial Board of Jerry Jenkins’s Christian Writers Guild and wrote the Guild’s fiction curriculum.

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David Long

Name: David Long Title: Senior Acquisitions Editor Organization: Bethany House Web Site: http://www.bethanyhouse.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction Dave Long is Senior Acquisitions Editor with Bethany House Publishers. Before migrating to the editorial side of the company, he spent six years in the marketing department. He’s authored two novels, one of which won a Christy Award, and is the voice behind the faith*in*fiction writing community. He acquires across genres and styles from historical romance and police procedurals to women's contemporary drama and literary fiction. Authors he's worked with include Deeanne Gist, Lisa Wingate, Kathryn Cushman, Siri Mitchell, Athol Dickson, Paul Robertson, and numerous others. A graduate of Penn State, he now lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife and three daughters.

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Andy McGuire

Name: Andy McGuire Title: Acquisitions Editor Organization: Moody Publishers Web Site: http://www.moodypublishers.com Guidelines Genres: Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit, General Fiction Andy has been an acquisitions editor at Moody Publishers for four years. At Moody we are looking for authors who write suspense, mysteries, contemporary, historicals, as well as books that defy genre delineations. We are particularly drawn to what we call "book club books." These are thoughtful and well-written without being elitist or, worse yet, dull. Some recent examples that we've published include "My Hands Came Away Red," "Feeling for Bones," and "Madman." All of our books must have a clear Christian worldview. We do NOT accept YA, romance, or fantasy.

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Andy Meisenheimer

Name: Andy Meisenheimer Title: Acquisitions Editor Organization: Zondervan Web Site: http://www.zondervan.com Guidelines Genres: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory, Historical Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction Andy Meisenheimer is beginning his sixth year at Zondervan, and his third year as an editor. Realizing that he is writing about himself in the third person, he hesitates to praise his keen editorial eye or his instinctual flair for finding great writing. And so instead he would like to call attention to his lovely wife, their adorable little boy, and his two dogs, who make their home with him in western Michigan. They are the best part of his life. At ACFW, Andy would love to see some sci-fi that doesn't involve aliens coming to a Saving Knowledge of Jesus Christ; or maybe a thriller that challenges the reader's preconcieved notions of right and wrong. Anything weird, unusual, or oddball is fair game. Just please accept his preemptive referral of all genres romance to his colleague Sue Brower.

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Kim Moore

Name: Kim Moore Title: Senior Editor Organization: Harvest House Publishers Web Site: http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com Guidelines Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction Harvest House Publishers is a conservative family-owned publishing company in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The core values of the company state that Jesus Christ is the answer to every human need. The staff endeavors to put that message of hope in every book published. Kim Moore has been with Harvest House since 1996. She has a passion for fiction and loves to interact with writers.

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Charlene Patterson

Name: Charlene Patterson Title: Managing Editor, Fiction Organization: Bethany House Publishers Web Site: http://www.bethanyhouse.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction Charlene Patterson is Managing Editor of the Fiction Dept. at Bethany House Publishers. She primarily would like to meet with authors who have completed manuscripts in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Literary, and Mystery.

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Emily Rodmell

Name: Emily Rodmell Title: Assistant Editor Organization: Steeple Hill Web Site: http://www.eharlequin.com/ Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense Steeple Hill’s Fiction that Inspires features wholesome Christian entertainment that will help women to better guide themselves, their families and other women in their communities toward purposeful, faith-driven lives.

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Karen Schurrer

Name: Karen Schurrer Title: Fiction Editor Organization: Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group Web Site: http://www.bethanyhouse.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction Karen is an editor in the Adult Fiction department at Bethany House, a leading publisher of Christian fiction. She has worked with authors in a wide variety of genres and particularly enjoys working with new authors and growing with those authors as they continue to write. Please check out Bethany House's current list and familiarize yourself with what we publish to see if your book would be a good fit with our company. Those books are examples of the types of novels we feel our readers are most interested in reading. However, while they represent the stories we are currently working with, and though we have found there are a few subgenres that do not sell well in our industry, our guiding principle is that there is potential for great stories with compelling characters in almost every genre, and thus we consider nearly all styles and genres of fiction. Successful BHP novels include the following elements: an intriguing, well-written story with well-developed characters, a compelling plot, colorful description, and a strong authorial voice a coherent, identifiable theme and/or particular characters who reflect Christian values or teachings without being preachy historical/geographical/social accuracy relationships that portray the true meaning of love—commitment and responsibility rather than merely emotional and physical attraction clever, original ideas and use of words approximately 90,000 to 100,000 words—depending on genre

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Barbara Scott

Name: Barbara Scott Title: Sr. Acquisitions Editor - Fiction Organization: Abingdon Press Web Site: http://www.abingdonpress.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit Abingdon Press is well-established in the religious publishing world as an imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House, in operation since 1789. Abingdon is well-known for its high-caliber academic, professional, inspirational, and life-affirming books, curriculum, and other resources to enrich church communities across the globe. Now beginning its ninth decade, Abingdon Press will launch its first fiction line in Fall 2009, publishing 18 to 20 novels per year. Barbara Scott, Sr. Acquisitions Editor for Fiction, is actively acquiring new voices, as well as published authors, in the genres of contemporary women's fiction, contemporary romance, historical romance, historical fiction, mystery, action/adventure, and suspense/thrillers. Abingdon is not looking for literary, supernatural, or apocalyptic manuscriptures. Barbara has more than 30 years experience in newspaper, magazine, and book publishing, including adult, youth, and children's fiction. She also has published two bestselling novels for Thomas Nelson with coauthor Carrie Younce.

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JoAnne Simmons

Name: JoAnne Simmons Title: Fiction Acquisitions Editor Organization: Barbour Publishing Web Site: hhtp://www.heartsongpresents.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance JoAnne Simmons is a fiction acquisitions editor for Barbour Publishing. JoAnne has been working with Barbour since 2003, first as a freelance copyeditor, then as an assistant managing editor, and now as manager of the Heartsong Present series. JoAnne has had a wide variety of writing and editing experience but loves Christian fiction the most. She is delighted to be in a career that she has dreamed of since childhood. She was born and raised in northeast Ohio and still makes her home there, now with her husband, Doug, and daughter, Jodilyn. Editorial Needs – Heartsong publishes sweet inspirational romance novels, both contemporary and historical, that stick to our detailed guidelines. We’ve been following a state-based theme for settings, and I’ll continue to look for strong geographical flavor. I’m always looking for creative elements—unique settings, occupations, little known landmarks and history—to put a new twist on the traditional romance story.

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Sarah Anne Sumpolec

Name: Sarah Anne Sumpolec Title: Movie Producer Organization: In Jesus' Name Productions Web Site: http://www.ijnp.org Guidelines Genres: Romantic Suspense, Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller In Jesus’ Name Productions is a not-for-profit Christian Movie Studio dedicated to making Christian films with Hollywood excellence but also maximum spiritual impact. For us, spiritual impact means that after seeing our movies, a person would either come closer to a relationship with Christ or grow in their relationship with Him. Sarah will meet with published authors who believe their book would make a fabulous movie. Some things to keep in mind though - a great book doesn’t necessarily make a great movie! Be prepared to tell Sarah what is compelling about your story (and we are particularly interested in ones that are based on true stories), the spiritual impact you believe it might have, and share two to three big-screen scenes (parts of your story that would be amazing on screen). Also have a one-page synopsis prepared which covers the arc of the story and the main character. In addition to her work with IJNP, Sarah is a multi-published author. Her series for teens, Becoming Beka, is from Moody Publishers.

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Karen Watson

Name: Karen Watson Title: Acquisitions Director, Fiction Organization: Tyndale House Publishers Web Site: http://tyndale.com/ Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction Tyndale Fiction authors are a regular presence on national best-seller lists. Beginning with the phenomenal success of the Left Behind series by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, our authors include New York Times best-sellers Joel Rosenberg and Karen Kingsbury and industry favorites Francine Rivers and Dee Henderson. Our goal is to use our fiction expertise to help both well-known and debut authors find a place on national bestseller lists. Tyndale fiction is currently seeking full-length novels, especially in the general contemporary, women's fiction, and suspense/thriller/mystery categories. We're also considering a limited number of historical novels but are looking for stories that have a very unique hook.

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Christine Whitaker

Name: Christine Whitaker Title: Author Liaison Organization: Whitaker House Web Site: http://www.whitakerhouse.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, General Fiction, Non-fiction Whitaker House is a family-owned publishing company. My grandfather started the company over 30 years ago printing books and storing them in his basement. Today, we are publishing roughly 50 books a year to minister to both the church and un-churched. We are located on one of the many fine rolling hills of Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh. We are looking for quality fiction with a national marketing platform. We are most open to high-quality, well-thought-out, redemptive, compelling pieces of work. As a publisher, we offer competitive royalty rates, assistance in promotion of your book by our in-house publicist, an editorial department that offers you the direction, support, and encouragement you need throughout the publishing process, a graphics department that designs cutting-edge, eye-catching covers and ads that are sure to attract potential buyers, a domestic and international sales and marketing team that will present your product to the major retail outlets in both the Christian and general marketplaces. As well as, a partnership with an established Christian publishing company that considers you to be not just an author or business affiliate, but also a brother or sister in the Lord and a co-laborer with us in our mission to reach the world with biblically based books that proclaim the enduring truth of God’s love to a lost world. Jesus ministered through parables or stories and we see fiction as a way to redeem and bring hope to readers. I look forward to meeting with you and hearing the heart behind your story.

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Sandra Bishop

Name: Sandra Bishop Title: Agent Organization: MacGregor Literary Web Site: http://www.macgregorliterary.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, General Fiction, Non-fiction Accepting new clients. A referral from a published author, a well rehearsed pitch, a brief chapter-by-chapter synopsis, and samples of your writing are keys to getting my attention. Yes, I want to learn about your characters and your story. Yes, I want to know that you have a writing track record and can help market your book. And yes, I would love to see that you’ve done some market research and can show me where you think your work best fits. But, I also want to learn what makes you unique; get a sense of the voice in your writing; and have an opportunity to get to know each other a bit before discussing representation. The ACFW conference is a great place to do this. I look forward to meeting you.

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Terry Burns

Name: Terry Burns Title: Agent Organization: Hartline Literary Web Site: http://www.hartlineliterary.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction, Non-fiction Terry writes inspirational fiction and is an agent with Hartline Literary. He is one of ten agents nominated by the American Christian Fiction Writers as Agent of the Year. As a writer he has a series that began with Mysterious Ways from River Oak Publishing and the series bears that name. The second, Brothers Keeper came out Feb 1, 2006 and Shepherd's Son came out January 1, 2007. That gives him 22 books in print counting the NF and short story collections. Other fiction includes Trails of the Dime Novel, a trade paperback from Echelon Press and in audio from JBS Publishing. He has published over 200 articles and short stories. A popular speaker at workshops across the country, his available works as well as a daily blog can be found at www.terryburns.net. As an agent Terry says, "I'm looking for a good book, well written, aimed at a market that looks promising, and where I feel I have the contacts appropriate to b e able to sell the book in t hat market."

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Mary Beth Chappell

Name: Mary Beth Chappell Title: Agent Organization: Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Web Site: http://www.zshliterary.com Guidelines Genres: Historical Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, General Fiction Zachary Shuster Harmsworth is a full-service, New York-based literary agency with a reputation for working with high quality authors who create deeply intelligent, beautifully crafted works intended for a wide audience. Mary Beth Chappell received a B.A. in Political Science from Brown University and a J.D. from Emory School of Law. Chappell attended New York University's Summer Publishing Institute and then joined Zachary Shuster Harmsworth in 2004. She seeks projects that involve compelling voices, captivating stories and unique perspectives. Chappell represents both fiction and nonfiction authors working in many genres. She is especially fond of historical fiction and inspirational fiction for the general market.

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Danielle Egan-Miller

Name: Danielle Egan-Miller Title: President Organization: Browne & Miller Literary Associates Web Site: http://www.browneandmiller.com/ Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction, Non-fiction Danielle Egan-Miller is president of Browne & Miller Literary Associates, Chicago’s only full-service, independent literary agency founded in 1971 by the late Jane Jordan Browne. Prior to joining the agency as Ms. Browne’s partner in 2002, Danielle held editor positions with McGraw-Hill Trade, NTC/Contemporary Books, and Dearborn Trade. She is a member of the AAR, MWA, RWA, the Author’s Guild, the Midwest Writer’s Association, and Chicago Women in Publishing. Browne & Miller currently represents a large clientele of authors writing in most genres of commercial adult fiction and non-fiction, as well as select young adult projects. We represent several best-selling and prize-winning novelists including Francine Rivers, Dee Henderson, Angela Hunt, Iain Lawrence, William Kent Krueger, and Sandra Dallas. We are most interested in commercial women's fiction, especially sweeping historical sagas, sophisticated romantic suspense, and thought-provoking, emotional contemporary stories that address “hot button” issues. We are also interested in: up-market light women's fiction; erotic romances; paranormal romances; time travel stories; and vampires; Christian/inspirational fiction by established authors; literary-leaning mysteries and thrillers, especially historical mysteries. We would also love a Chicago-set historical novel or a golf-themed contemporary mystery! YA fiction is also of tremendous interest, especially contemporary "coming of age" stories that explore the emotional pitfalls of growing up and which display an authentic, memorable voice. Timely non-fiction projects by well-qualified author-experts in a variety of subject areas also appeal to us. Areas of interest include: biography, prescriptive how-to, self-help, relationships, music, pop culture, popular reference, psychology, health, film/media, sports, and business.

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Rachelle Gardner

Name: Rachelle Gardner Title: Literary Agent Organization: WordServe Literary Web Site: http://www.wordserveliterary.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction, Non-fiction Rachelle Gardner is an agent with WordServe Literary Group, and has been in the publishing business for thirteen years. Previously she was Senior Editor at NavPress, where she launched their Fiction line that included three Christy Award finalists and an ECPA Award finalist in its first year. She has been a collaborative writer of eight books and edited more than sixty. Rachelle is looking to represent authors with long term publishing potential. She’s seeking all genres of adult fiction except fantasy and sci-fi (and not looking a YA). She prefers stories with strong characters and themes that encourage Christian faith without being overtly churchy or having the feeling of the “faith” aspect being tacked on. Not likely to take on novels that are too “issue” related or trying too hard to be “edgy.” Regardless of genre, the writing itself will be the most critical aspect of your book. However, the pitch in your one-on-one appointments is also important and practice makes perfect! Please don’t try to capture your entire book and all its plotlines and characters in your brief pitch. Convey the set-up (what happens in the first 30-50 pages of your book), especially the catalyst or the event that gets the story started. Make sure you include your main character, who they are, what their goal is, and the conflict keeping them from their goal. The purpose of your pitch is not to tell the whole story, but to make someone want to read your book.

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Michelle Grajkowski

Name: Michelle Grajkowski Title: Literary Agency Organization: 3 Seas Literary Agency Web Site: http://www.threeseaslit.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit, General Fiction, Non-fiction From the moment Michelle Grajkowski first opened her doors to the 3 Seas Literary Agency in August of 2000, she has been living her dream. (What could be better than surrounding yourself with great authors and their exciting and imaginative books?) Since then, she's successfully sold into major publishing houses including Harlequin, Steeple Hill, NAL, Berkley, Dorchester, Kensington, Avon, Pocket, Random House (both here and in the UK), Knopf, Andrews McMeel, Warner, St. Martin's and HarperCollins.

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Tamela Hancock Murray

Name: Tamela Hancock Murray Title: Agent Organization: Hartline Literary Agency Web Site: http://http://www.hartlineliterary.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, General Fiction, Non-fiction Tamela Hancock Murray is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency as well as the author of over 20 books. A literary agent since 2001, Tamela represents many best-selling, award-winning CBA authors and she has introduced readers to debut authors. She has few slots left on her roster at present for new clients, but is always open to speaking with writers to consider seriously the possibility of representation. Tamela seeks promising new authors and veteran writers. Hartline agents work together and she often recommends outstanding authors to her colleagues. Debating if this is the right time for you to engage an agent? Tamela will talk to you about your goals and help you map out your career path. Struggling with that proposal? Tamela can help you create an attention-getting pitch. Wondering if your work is ready to submit? Tamela brings her expertise as an agent and an author to you. Whatever you'd like to talk about in regard to CBA, Tamela looks forward to seeing you!

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Beth Jusino

Name: Beth Jusino Title: Literary Agent Organization: Alive Communications Web Site: http://www.alivecom.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit, General Fiction, Non-fiction Beth Jusino came to Alive Communications in 2004 with a love for words and a passion for serving a new generation of writers. She now represents a wide list of talented, best-selling, award-winning and recognized authors across genres, both fiction and nonfiction. Before becoming an agent, Beth contributed to dozens of books as a writer and editor, and spent six years as the Managing Editor for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International. Beth grew up near the New Jersey shore and earned her BA from Wheaton College, Illinois. For almost 20 years, Alive Communications has served a select group of authors who represent the best of the best. Located at the edge of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the agency is ultimately known by the company we keep: our authors tell the story of what we do. Ten books represented by Alive have reached the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Almost 100 of our titles a year appear on the Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists. We have represented novels that won the National Book Award, the ECPA Book of the Year, and dozens of RITA and Christy Awards. A complete list of the novelists we represent can be found at http://www.alivecom.com/authors.asp

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Natasha Kern

Name: Natasha Kern Title: President Organization: Natasha Kern Literary Agency Web Site: http://www.natashakern.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, General Fiction, Non-fiction Natasha Kern has personally sold more than 850 books and has a strong commitment to discover and develop new talent in inspirational fiction as well as developing writers careers. Her list includes: mainstream women's fiction, romantic suspense and romantic comedies; mysteries and thrillers; contemporary and historical novels; and multicultural fiction. Her clients include several New York Times best-selling authors, USA Today Best Sellers; and RITA winners. She represents Christy winners Robin Lee Hatcher and Michael Joens as well as Christy finalists Angela Benson and Harry Kraus and other popular CBA authors like Tamera Alexander. Natasha regards herself as a steward of ideas and stories that inspire hope, faith, insight and action. Information about the agency is available on the Internet at www.natashakern.com.

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Steve Laube

Name: Steve Laube Title: President / Literary Agent Organization: The Steve Laube Agency Web Site: http://www.stevelaube.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit, General Fiction, Non-fiction Steve Laube, a literary agent and president of The Steve Laube Agency, has been in the book industry for over 27 years, first as a bookstore manager and book buyer for a major national chain. While manager, his store was named National Store of the Year by the Christian Bookstore Association (CBA) in 1989, out of 4,000 eligible stores. He spent 11 years with Bethany House Publishers rising to the position of Editorial Director/Adult Nonfiction. In 2002 he was named the Editor of the Year by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. The agency has represented over 400 new titles. He has taught at writer’s conferences in more than 50 cities. His office is in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Chip MacGregor

Name: Chip MacGregor Title: President Organization: MacGregor Literary Web Site: http://www.macgregorliterary.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, Non-fiction Chip MacGregor has been in the publishing industry for more than 30 years, making his living as an author, editor, publisher, and agent. He is currently president of MacGregor Literary, and represents such ACFW favorites as Lisa Samson, Jenny B Jones, Claudia Mair Burney, Mindy Starns Clark, Susan Page Davis, Ginger Garrett, Susan Meissner, Irene Hannon, Chris Coppernoll, Mark Bertrand, Alison Morrow, Elizabeth Musser, Mark Mynheir, Janice Thompson, Kaye Dacus, Amy Wallace, Ann Tatlock, Nicole Young, and Chris Well. The authors he represents have hit just about every bestseller list, including the New York Times, LATimes, Denver Post, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Barnes & Noble, Amazon Hot 100, and CBA lists. They have also won numerous awards, including the Christy, RITA, and Gold Medallion. Chip has a comprehensive knowledge of the industry, having discovered some famous authors, and having shaped the careers of many others. He has contracted more than 1000 books, worked with every major publishing house, and become part of the fabric of the Christian book world. He has his master's degree from Biola and did his doctoral work at the University of Oregon in Policy and Management. Chip has spoken at more than 100 writing conferences across the country, and last year served as a writing professor in Taylor University's renowned Professional Writing Program. He and his wife, Patti, have been married for 26 years and live on the Oregon coast. His goal is to help authors produce books that make a difference.

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Joanna MacKenzie

Name: Joanna MacKenzie Title: Associate Agent Organization: Browne & Miller Literary Associates, LLC Web Site: http://www.browneandmiller.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Young Adult, Women's Fiction, Mystery, General Fiction Browne & Miller Literary Associates is a full-service, independent literary agency founded in 1971 by the late Jane Jordan Browne and located in Chicago, Illinois. Joanna MacKenzie joined Browne & Miller Literary Associates in 2003 and is now an Associate Agent. Joanna is involved in all aspects of agency business including recruiting potential clients, editing client manuscripts and non-fiction book projects, submitting manuscripts to editors and managing subsidiary rights for the agency (foreign translations and film options). She is a member of the AAR.

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Kelly Mortimer

Name: Kelly Mortimer Title: President Organization: Mortimer Literary Agency Web Site: http://www.mortimerliterary.com Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, General Fiction, Non-fiction Hey, Gang. What can I say? I'm the USC Trojan of agents. Either ya love me with a passion, or ya can't stand me. Why? I have a bad habit of being truthful. "Hedging" isn't in my vocab--neither are the words "politically correct." While I don't try to hurt anyone's feelings, I say what I think. I take a stand and, well, I stand by it. I'm stubborn and opinionated. But I'm the first to admit when I'm wrong. And I treat industry professionals with the respect due them (almost always). My mission is threefold: to get the pre-published published, to make people laugh, and to figure out who in the heck makes up “the committees.” If you've sold a book to a traditional publishing house in the last three years, sorry, you aren't eligible for representation. I only sign pre-published authors. (Yeah, I know. Did I mention I have my psychiatrist on speed dial?) I’m not looking for newbies, but those ready for this tough business who may require minor help with editing or plotting, or simply need someone to believe in them and fight for them. I keep a small list. I have 15 clients. With these 15, I've made the Publisher's Marketplace Top 100 Dealmakers list in less than two years. I'm in the top 10 in the romance category. My clients are like family to me, and I take this business personally. If I sign you, there's no time limit on your work. If I can't sell what you have, we'll sell something else. I'll stick by you and work my heart out. But I can't want it for ya more than you want it for ya. I'm looking for strong writers who are hungry, willing to promote, and open to suggestions on editing. Go-to guys and gals who beat their deadlines. If I’ve described you, and you write what I represent, it would be an honor if you schedule an appointment with me. Remember, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”

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Rusty Shelton

Name: Rusty Shelton Title: Managing Director Organization: Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists Web Site: http://www.phenixpublicity.com Guidelines Genres: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, Chick/Mom/Hen/Lady Lit, General Fiction, Non-fiction *Although I am taking appointments at the show, I am not a literary agent or editor* I am a literary publicist and my firm, Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists is widely recognized as one of the top literary publicity firms in the country. P&P has publicized thirty best sellers and has implemented successful publicity campaigns for books across every major genre. The company handles both general market and Christian books and most CBA publishers look at P&P as a great resource for crossover titles. Top CBA authors P&P has worked with include Vicki Courtney, Dr. Kevin Leman, Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott, Karen Kingsbury, Angela Thomas, Dr. John MacArthur, Stephen Baldwin, Leslie Ludy, Dr. N.T. Wright, Stormie Omartian, Nancy Rue, Henry Blackaby, Dr. Gary Smalley, Stephen Arterburn, VeggieTales, Marvin Olasky, Point of Grace, Ed Young Jr., Douglas Gresham, Rebecca St. James and many others. CBA publishers P&P works with include Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, WaterBrook/Multnomah Publishing Group, B&H Publishing Group, Howard Publishing, New Hope Publishers, Baker Publishing Group, Tyndale House, Harvest House and others.

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Les Stobbe

Name: Les Stobbe Title: Literary Agent Organization: Leslie H. Stobbe Agency Web Site: Guidelines Genres: Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Fiction, Suspense/Thriller, Mystery, General Fiction, Non-fiction Les Stobbe has been an agent for 15 years, with a focus on adult fiction and non-fiction. Last year he placed 44 books with publishers for 27 authors. Most of Les’s publishable proposals are coming via recommendation from clients, well-known authors, and editors, often at Christian writers’ conferences. He is looking for those fresh voices in both adult fiction and non-fiction who above all know how to tell a story with truth embedded in it. While he is convinced that outstanding writing by fresh voices ought to be a priority consideration when a manuscript is evaluated, he is well aware that breakthrough writers typically already have a platform. He is happy to provide outlines for both fiction and non-fiction proposals at lstobbe@alltel.com. Since he moved into the digital age years ago, Les expects all queries and proposals will come as one document attached to an e-mail.

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