First 100 to register to receive Christy Celebration Kit for November 12 winners webcast
Award-winning and bestselling Christian novelists Tessa Afshar, Terri Blackstock, Tracie Peterson, and Cynthia Ruchti will each present a 5-minute devotional as part of the ART OF WRITING WEBINAR SERIES for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators interested in Christian fiction.
They join renown novelists Lisa Wingate, William Kent Krueger, Steven James, Rachel McMillan – along with editors, publishers, and experts in Christian storytelling – to present five webinar intensives, scheduled each Thursday at 7 pm central from October 8 to November 5. They are:
October 8:
The Power of Story to Change Hearts and Minds with New York Times bestselling authors Lisa Wingate and William Kent Krueger
October 15:
The Essence of Story: Pathway to Transformation with writing coach and award-winning novelist Steven James with devotional by author Tracie Peterson.
October 22:
Tips for Cross-Promotional Strategies with author Rachel McMillan, marketer Thomas Umstattd, and fiction book buyer for Baker Book House, Chris Jager. Including a devotional by novelist Tessa Afshar.
October 29:
Conversations about Diversity in Christian Fiction with literary agent Jevon Bolden and a panel of editors, authors, and marketers; including a devotional by novelist Cynthia Ruchti.
November 5:
Learning from Fresh Voices with a panel of editors from the named finalists in the First Novel category — on what makes a proposal shine. Moderated by Art of Writing curator and Bethany House senior fiction publicist, Amy Lokkesmoe. Bestselling author Terri Blackstock will give a devotional at the start of this session.

The series is priced at $79 and the first 100 to register receive a Christy Celebration Kit for the free Winners Webcast on November 12 of The Christy Award program, featuring bestselling authors Chris Fabry, Lisa Wingate, Tamera Alexander, and Steve James.
The Finalist Reveal Webcast with Chris Fabry is scheduled for October 8 at 11 am central.
Registration is required for all events and available at ChristyAwards.com/registration.html. Recordings will be made available to all who register.
The Christy Award® is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, Christy, which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. ECPA assumed ownership and administration of the award in 2017 to focus and grow the unique opportunity of fiction in Christian publishing. TheChristyAward.
The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org
Media contacts:
Stan Jantz, ECPA President and CEO, sjantz@ecpa.org, 480-966-
Cindy Carter, ECPA Awards & Recognition Manager, ccarter@ecpa.org,
September 15, 2020 — Iron Stream Media is excited to announce a publishing agreement with The Readable Bible. The collaboration will begin with the release of Psalms, along with a special edition of Psalms–filled with inspirational reflections–for the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), an auxiliary of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one to another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, ministry leaders, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of New Hope Publishers, Iron Stream Books, Ascender Books, LPC Books, and New Hope Kidz. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study brands, they also provide web-based, full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.
Carol Stream, Ill. (September 17, 2020)—Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release Swept into the Sea, #26 in the Imagination Station series, on October 6, 2020.
Carol Stream, IL September 17, 2020 – Christianity Today hired Edward Gilbreath to serve on the ministry’s executive team as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, starting October 1.
CHARLOTTE, NC—The Good Book Company is excited to announce that Joni Eareckson Tada, founder of the international ministry Joni and Friends and author of several notable books, has signed a Childrens’ book deal with TGBC.
WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press is pleased to announce a second season of
WESTMONT, IL— InterVarsity Press has signed a contract with the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) for the release of The Road to Flourishing written by Al Lopus.
Palm Bay, FL: The American Christian Fiction Writers first virtual conference included a virtual gala, during which their 2020 honors were awarded. Among them were the winners of the 2020 Carol Awards, honoring Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year. Congratulations to these Carol Award winning authors and their publishing houses and editors.
CAROL STREAM, Ill.—September 10, 2020—Tyndale House Ministries (@tyndalehouse) has announced that Mark Taylor, Chairman and CEO, will retire at the end of the current fiscal year (March 2021) after serving 47 years at the company. Mark will retain his position as Chairman of the Board. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors of Tyndale House Ministries (THM), Vice Chairman Doug McConnell said, “Mark Taylor has been an exceptional leader not only for Tyndale House but for the greater Christian publishing industry. His influence has also touched ministries throughout the world through Tyndale House Foundation. As the Board searches for the next CEO, we are confident in the leadership team to carry forward the mission of THM.”
Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and also offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh, new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, contributing a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million dollars throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.
Colorado Springs, Colo. — Publisher David C Cook will celebrate ten years of The Action Bible with the release of an expanded hardcover edition. Arriving this September, The Action Bible will feature 25 new Bible stories and 23 expanded stories – all illustrated by Marvel and DC Comics artist Sergio Cariello.




