To promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the traditional publishing industry.
From airport newsstands to Newsweek, Christian fiction continues to grow in
popularity, resonating with readers looking for both faith and fiction. The
growth of the genre has birthed many new writers, as evidenced by the American
Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
ACFW has over 2000 members worldwide, consisting of authors, editors, agents,
publicists and aspiring writers and was organized in 2000 under the name of
American Christian Romance Writers (ACRW). In 2004, the group changed the
name to American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in response to the diverse
needs of its membership, who write across many genres.
The group offers a variety of services and benefits to members in an effort
to fulfill its mission to encourage writers of Christian fiction, develop
their skills, educate them in the market, and serve as an advocate in the
traditional publishing industry. Members are invited to join an e-mail loop
and participate in the forums, both of which provide venues for discussions
about writing and the business of publishing. Mentor groups, critique groups,
and monthly online workshops offer aspiring authors the training and
interaction they need to develop their craft to a publishable level. Further,
members can join regional and local groups and develop relationships with
other writers in their area.
Published authors enjoy the promotional benefits provided by the group which
include announcing new book releases, the opportunity to have a book
featured in the ACFW Book Club, and the Featured Author interviews published
on the web site, which attracts thousands of visitors each month.
In addition, ACFW hosts an annual national conference that has become the
premier event among Christian fiction writers and other industry
professionals for the quality classes and networking opportunities provided
there. The first national conference, held in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2002
attracted 100 attendees. In September 2010 ACFW expects over 500 conferees
to come to Indianapolis, where Tim Downs (shown left) will serve as keynote
speaker. Past conference keynote speakers include Francine Rivers,
Robin Lee Hatcher, Karen Kingsbury, Karen Ball, James Scott Bell, and
Angela Hunt, all popular, best-selling authors in the inspirational market.
Download a printable information
sheet about ACFW to take to your writer's group.
