CHICAGO, IL—After nearly 40 years in book publishing, Larry Norton, EVP and General Manager at Independent Publishers Group, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2019.

Norton joined IPG in July of 2016, when they acquired INscribe Digital in its bid to grow technology solutions for its publishing partners. It provided IPG’s client base with a state-of-the-art digital distribution platform.

“Larry Norton has made an enormous contribution to IPG by ensuring that the acquisition of INscribe Digital has been a success,” said Joe Matthews, CEO. “He has been a true champion of the value and benefits of ebook and print-on-demand publishing for our publishing partners. He will leave a legacy of profitable business initiatives that will position IPG for growth for years to come. His nearly 40 years of industry experience will be greatly missed.”

During INscribe Digital’s transition to IPG, Norton assumed the role of EVP, General Manager, and since then has overseen a doubling of IPG’s ebooks and print-on-demand revenues. Over the last three years, Norton was responsible for driving key business initiatives, bringing in new clients, partnering with consumer outlets for ebooks and leveraging resources within IPG on behalf of INscribe Digital’s clients.

Norton’s client acquisitions since then have ranged from those using software as a service model, ebook services for publishers, and print-on-demand and audiobook distribution services.

Prior to Norton’s tenure at IPG, he held several high-level positions in the industry, most notably SVP of Merchandising at Borders Group Inc. and President of Sales and Distribution at Simon & Schuster, Inc. He began his career as a marketing assistant at Basic Books in 1981.

About Independent Publishers Group (IPG)
Independent Publishers Group was founded in 1971 and was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and ebooks from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.

Contact: Alisse Goldsmith-Wissman, Publicity Manager, 312.337.0747, agoldsmithwissman@ipgbook.com

Engage is a thorough guide to the daily ministry of sharing Christ with the world.

BIRMINGHAM (October 8, 2019) —Iron Stream Media in collaboration with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary announces the release of Engage: Tools for Contemporary Evangelism. The handbook will further Iron Stream and NOBTS’s shared mission of evangelism and discipleship.

Engage contains more than thirty chapters and covers effective evangelism to various populations. The compilation handbook addresses the theology and context for evangelism while addressing practical strategies for sharing Jesus with children, senior adults, families, and those previously marginalized by the church. Thorough research and insights equip church leaders and those with a heart for evangelism to know how to share Christ in social work settings, missional contexts, and more.

The mission of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is to equip leaders to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandments through the local church and its ministries. Engage will serve this mission for years to come as it is referenced by seminary faculties, students, and the general population looking to learn more about effective evangelism.

Craig Price, general editor, remarked, “Engage holds a unique place in a wide offering of books on evangelism. We are excited to present a text with a diverse coverage of topics. These topics range from the biblical and historical basis for evangelism; theological issues in evangelism; a very large section on how to apply evangelistic principles in the local church; and we close with a section on preaching evangelistically and reaching multicultural groups with the gospel of Jesus Christ. This text will serve pastors, church staff, and church members alike, seminary students, and professors of evangelism.”

“Iron Stream Media is honored to publish Engage as a collaborative work between multiple departments at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. We are publishing it under the NOBTS imprint, which we will manage on behalf of the seminary. Hopefully Engage is the first of many collaborations. This was truly a labor of love on our part. We believe this work will be foundational for the work of evangelism for years to come and impact eternity for the kingdom. Dr. Price and the team of professors and friends on the project are to be commended. We look forward to a long future with NOBTS as we contemplate future projects,” commented John Herring, CEO of Iron Stream Media.

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, 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.

Media Contact: Meredith Dunn, Meredith@IronStreamMedia.com

Ada, Mich. (October 8, 2019)—Winners of the 2019 Carol Awards were announced during the annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference gala in San Antonio, Texas.

Four Baker Publishing Group titles were selected as winning titles in their genre. A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette (Bethany House) won in the Historical Romance category. The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House) took home the winning award in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category. Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon (Revell) was deemed winner of the Romantic Suspense category, and Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse (Bethany House) won the Speculative category. The Carol Awards were created to honor excellent Christian fiction.

For the complete list of winners, please visit https://www.acfw.com/carol/2019_carol_award_winners.

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A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764219863; ebook ISBN 9781493413614; $15.99)

Underneath Moriyah’s covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her. When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at a Levitical city of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face—and the unexpected allies she will encounter on her way.

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The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond
by Jaime Jo Wright
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764230295; ebook ISBN 9781493414734; $14.99)

Two women, separated by a hundred years, must unravel the mysteries of their own town before it’s too late and they lose their future—or their very souls.

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Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon
(Revell; ISBN 9780800727697; ebook ISBN 9781493415137; $15.99)

All is well until, one by one, people connected to Kristin Dane’s fair trade shop begin dying. Detective Luke Carter wants to know why. Before he can answer that question, however, the FBI weighs in and Kristin suddenly finds herself in the middle of international intrigue—and in the sights of the ruthless mastermind behind an ingenious and deadly scheme. Can this cold-blooded killer be stopped before more people die . . . including Kristin?

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Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764232220; ebook ISBN 9781493416165; $15.99)

As she becomes more entrenched in Ravenwood’s dark past, Selene longs to find out the true reason behind her family’s gift, believing that its original intent could not have been for such evil purposes. But she is torn about upholding her family’s legacy. Selene’s dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations.

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Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Ruth Anderson (616)676-9185 x8131  randerson@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Minnesota pastor Daniel Harrell named as new editor in chief, starting in early January

CAROL STREAM, Ill., Oct. 8, 2019 — Mark Galli announced his retirement as editor in chief of Christianity Today, where he has served in various editorial roles for the last 30 years.

“I’ve been EIC for about seven years now, and as it goes with many jobs, I think I finally understand what I should have been doing all along!” Galli said. “It has been quite a ride for the ministry, economically and journalistically. Some definite lows, to be sure, and some wonderful highs. Aside from a strong sense of God’s call, what’s given me most joy is the people I have worked with-men and women who are passionate about their faith and dedicated to their work, and have a sense of humor to boot.”

Galli will retire January 3, 2020, and will continue to write The Galli Report, a weekly newsletter discussing recent articles of interest. In April, Tyndale will publish his latest book, When Did We Start Forgetting God?: The Root of the Evangelical Crisis and Hope for the Future. Galli, who earlier served as a Presbyterian pastor and as an editor at Leadership Journal and Christian History magazines, is also the author of Karl Barth: An Introductory Biography for Evangelicals, Beyond Smells and Bells: The Wonder and Power of Christian Liturgy, and other volumes.

Christianity Today chief executive officer Dr. Timothy Dalrymple announced today that Galli will be replaced by Dr. Daniel M. Harrell, who has been senior minister of Colonial Church in Edina, Minnesota, since 2010. Before Colonial Church, Harrell was preaching minister for 23 years at Park Street Church in Boston. He holds a BA in Psychology and Religion from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College. He is also the author of How to Be Perfect: One Church’s Audacious Experiment in Living the Old Testament Book of Leviticus and Nature’s Witness: How Evolution Can Inspire Faith.

“Dr. Harrell brings to the role a profound understanding of the life of the church,” said Dalrymple, “along with a subtle mind and a beautiful writerly sensibility. I’m incredibly proud of everything Mark Galli has achieved, and equally excited about Daniel Harrell and the work he will do together with our outstanding writers and editors.”

“I believe he will represent CT extraordinarily well in his writing and in public settings,” Galli said, “continuing to demonstrate our commitment to beautiful orthodoxy.”

Christianity Today is a nonprofit, global media ministry centered on Beautiful Orthodoxy-strengthening the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel. Reaching over five million people monthly with various digital and print resources, the ministry equips Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and create culture to the glory of God.

Contact: Ted Olsen, Editorial Director, tolsen@christianitytoday.com

(October 2019, Colorado Springs, CO) – More than 70 Christian magazine publishing professionals from nine French-speaking countries in Africa came to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, last month for an intensive seven-day Introduction to Magazine Publishing course offered by Magazine Training International (MTI) for the first time. The course was specifically for those interested in Christian publishing in Francophone Africa and included a brand-new 252-page course book in French.

Held at La Sablière in Bingerville, Abidjan, 15-21 September, 2019, in collaboration with the Centre de Publications Evangéliques (CPE), a Chistian publisher in Abidjan, the conference was the second training event in MTI’s 10-year training program for Africa, which launched in Kenya in 2018.

The Introduction to Magazine Publishing course covered three primary emphases: the basics of magazine publishing, starting a magazine, and digital publishing. Each emphasis included magazine editing, design, and management topics taught by a team of six trainers from the U.S. and Kenya, all experienced magazine editors, designers, or publishers.

Participants responded to the course with enthusiasm, attending the optional evening sessions and staying late into the night for consulting sessions.

“They were eager to learn,” said Carla Foote, an editing trainer and MTI board member. “On the first day, when we had a question and answer time after a couple of presentations, many hands went up. They had questions about everything and wanted to understand the whole process of magazine publishing.

“After answering a number of questions, I told them we would get to the other principles in the following days,” she said. “It was only Monday; we had the rest of the week to build on the foundation. Their eagerness to learn and make the most of the training opportunity inspired me as a trainer.”

Trainer Francis Ayieko, publisher of The Shepherd newspaper in Kenya, agreed. “The Introduction to Magazine Publishing conference was a major boost to Christian magazine publishing in Africa,” he said. “It showed just how much MTI work is needed on this continent with very few established Christian publications. The enthusiasm with which the participants embraced the conference shows that such training is badly needed in Africa.”

Participants came from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, and the Republic of Congo. They included publishers, editors, and designers of existing magazines, as well as those who are considering starting a magazine.

“I had journalism training, but it was difficult to practice,” said one conference participant. “But now, with this training, it will be easy to work on the magazine I have been planning for seven years.”

Another participant said, “This training was great for me because it will permit me to effectively launch my magazine. Now I have all the tricks necessary to put out a professional magazine.” He expressed thanks “…to all, from near and far, who contributed to the success of this great historical event for me.”

Design trainers included Anne Elhajoui, graphic designer for Southeastern Guide Dogs, and founder of AEIOU Design, and James Njoroge, designer of Timazi magazine in Kenya. David Renard, a partner with mediaIDEAS, and Francis Ayieko, founder and publisher of The Shepherd newspaper, taught the magazine management sessions. Carla Foote, editor of Disciple! and One-to-One for the Navigators ministry, and Esther Nyaga, publishing manager of Publishing Institute of Africa, and editor of Leadership Today Africa, led the sessions on magazine editing.

In 2021, MTI will build on the 2018 Kenya training program with another English-language conference, this time in Nigeria.

“We need to continue the English-language training, but we are considering how we can further develop the French-language training,” said MTI President Sharon Mumper. “I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm of the participants. I hope the course book will serve as a valuable reference tool for those who took the course.

“Many of the participants expressed a desire to start a magazine. This will be a challenge. I hope we can find ways to encourage them,” she said. “This conference will be only a first step–not the only step. We have developed a relationship with the participants and we want to see them succeed.”

More information is available at on our website and on Facebook.

About Magazine Training International
The mission of Magazine Training International is to encourage, strengthen, and provide resources to Christian magazines as they seek to build the church and reach their societies for Christ. Over the last 30 years, MTI has offered 70 conferences, courses, and seminars in East/Central Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. In addition to courses and conferences, MTI provides online courses and workshops, free e-books, training videos, course manuals in a dozen languages, and other print, digital, audio, and audio-visual materials available in a resource-packed library on MTI’s website.

Media Contact: Sharon Mumper, President (719) 598-9743 smumper@magazinetraining.com
By Jennifer Howard

[NASHVILLE, TENN., October 14, 2019—] Award-winning singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson will release his first adult trade book, “Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making” (October 15, 2019, B&H Publishing).

The highly-anticipated “Adorning the Dark” is both a memoir of Peterson’s journey and an encouragement for artists, written in the hope that his story will provide practical tools to others stumbling along in pursuit of a calling to adorn the dark with the light of Christ.

The book has gained heavy media attention thus far, including “Christianity Today,” “The 700 Club,” The Gospel Coalition, Moody Radio and “That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs,” while Peterson is also completing a podcast tour. B&H is promoting a presale campaign offering an exclusive new song from Andrew Peterson for anyone who preorders the book and redeems at AdorningtheDark.com. 

Over the last 20 years, Peterson has performed thousands of concerts, published four novels, released ten albums, taught college and seminary classes on writing, founded a nonprofit ministry for Christians in the arts and executive-produced a film, all in a belief that “God calls us to proclaim the gospel and the coming kingdom using whatever gifts are at our disposal.” In 2008, Peterson founded a ministry called The Rabbit Room, which led to a yearly conference, countless concerts and symposiums, and Rabbit Room Press, which has published 30 books to date.

“Adorning the Dark” deals first-hand with the intersection of songwriting, storytelling and vocation, along with nuts-and-bolts exploration of the great mystery of creativity. Peterson describes six principles for the writing life: serving the work, serving the audience, selectivity, discernment, discipline and community. Through stories from his journey, he shows how these principles are not merely helpful for writers and artists, but they are for anyone interested in imitating the way the Creator interacts with his creation.

“Twenty-five years ago I asked God to let me sing and write about him. I’m so grateful that he said yes,” Peterson said. “I started this book when I was in the thick of a new record and kept up with it for a few years, hoping that somehow this glimpse into the creative process would encourage others in whatever creative field they’re in—whether they’re songwriters or painters, parents or pastors. All of us are image-bearers, called to speak light into the darkness. It’s my prayer that whoever reads this book, whatever their gifting, would discover a fresh passion to cultivate, beautify and illuminate their corner of creation for God’s glory.”

Peterson is the author of the award-winning, bestselling series for young readers, “The Wingfeather Saga,” a four-part fantasy-adventure that was later adapted into a short film. The second book in the series, “North! Or Be Eaten” (2009) won the Christy Award for Young Adult Fiction, and the fourth, “The Warden and the Wolf King” (2014) won Children’s Book of the Year in 2015 from “WORLD Magazine.”

“Andrew Peterson’s musical influence on the church has been one of lyrics that stir the spirit God placed in each of us to long for more. We don’t have to set aside our reality to worship through Andrew’s music. In fact, it’s through our reality that God has used Andrew to stir our hearts to a place of understanding God more fully and worshiping him more deeply,” said Jennifer Lyell, V.P. of Book Publishing and Merchandising, B&H Publishing.

“Now, in ‘Adorning the Dark,’ Andrew brings that same giftedness to book form, taking us from the place of broken sinners yearning to make a difference to redeemed sinners able to create for the glory of God and the good of his bride. We are thrilled to be the publisher with the honor of stewarding this unparalleled, important work.”

In addition to his new book, Peterson is set to release “Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ” Oct. 25, a completely re-recorded version of his acclaimed, bestselling Christmas album released in 2004. Reuniting many of the original cast of musicians that recorded the first album, including Andy Gullahorn, Andrew Osenga, Jill Phillips, Gabe Scott and Ben Shive, Peterson and team re-crafted the original album’s 12 songs, including fan favorites such as “Labor of Love,” “Matthew’s Begats” and “Deliver Us.” The new album also celebrates the 20^th anniversary of Peterson’s annual Christmas tour that has become a cherished holiday tradition for churches and families who pack venues each year.

For more information, visit AdorningtheDark.com 

Andrew Peterson is an award-winning singer-songwriter and author. The second book in his Wingfeather Saga, “North! Or Be Eaten” (2009) won the Christy Award for Young Adult Fiction, and the fourth, “The Warden and the Wolf King” (2014) won Children’s Book of the Year in 2015 from “WORLD Magazine.”

In 2008, driven by a desire to cultivate a strong Christian arts community, Andrew founded a ministry called The Rabbit Room, which led to a yearly conference, countless concerts and symposiums, and Rabbit Room Press, which has published 30 books to date.

He’s been married for 24 years to his wife Jamie, with whom they have three children. His eldest is an animation student at Lipscomb University, his second son is a touring drummer and record producer and his daughter recently released her first album. In his spare time Andrew keeps bees, builds dry stack stone walls, gardens, draws and sleeps.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of LifeWay Christian Resources, is a team of mission minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church and academic markets, titles include “The New York Times” No. 1 bestsellers “The Love Dare” and “The Vow,” No. 1 CBA bestseller “I Am a Church Member,” as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.

October 1, 2019—NetGalley LLC, the industry-standard provider of secure digital review copies and marketing solutions to readers of influence, today launched NetGalley Advanced for UK, French, and German publishers. Available in the United States since January, the premier level of service helps publishers track and analyze NetGalley trends across divisions, and make strategic decisions earlier.

NetGalley continues to dovetail with publishers’ current marketing, publicity, and sales strategies, while expanding their pre-publication reach to new audiences. Called “NetGalley Premier” in France and Germany, NetGalley Advanced gives marketers and publicists access to tools that will help them spend less time executing strategies and more time refining them. Plus, new charts and customizable reports help publishers understand how their strategies are working, and if they’re reaching their engagement goals. New insights about audience, correlations between promotions and activity, and simplified title management ensure that employees at various levels of a publisher’s organization have what they need to make the most of pre-publication efforts.

“NetGalley Advanced has been well-received by publishers in the U.S.,” says Kristina Radke, VP, Business Growth and Engagement. “We’ve continued to introduce new and expanded features every month since the launch in January, and now feel that this powerful tool is ready for European publishers. I’m excited to see how publishers in these markets will use the early insights about their strategies, title activity, and audiences.”

Learn more about NetGalley Advanced by watching the most recent demo here.
Interested publishers should contact your local representative:

• UK: stuart.evers@netgalley.com
• France: maria.bodmer@netgalley.com
• Germany: karina.elm@netgalley.com

About NetGalley
NetGalley (www.netgalley.com) is an industry-standard service to help readers of influence discover and recommend new books to their audiences. NetGalley delivers secure, digital galleys to early influencers on behalf of over 300 publishers in via NetGalley.com, NetGalley.co.uk, NetGalley.de, NetGalley.fr, and NetGalley.jp, to help promote and market new books, and offers a number of targeted marketing services to ensure publishers reach exactly the right influencers. NetGalley is part of Firebrand Technologies (www.firebrandtech.com) which provides leading software and services to help publishers achieve success.

Penned by the president and CEO of nonprofit Buckner International and published by Iron Stream Media, Hope Now tears down the walls separating evangelism and social ministry.

(October 1, 2019) —Iron Stream Media and Buckner International announce the paperback release of Hope Now: Peace, Healing, and Justice When the Kingdom Comes Near by Dr. Albert L. Reyes.

Dr. Reyes is president and CEO of Buckner International, a 140-year-old ministry dedicated to transforming the lives of orphans, vulnerable children, families and senior adults. In Hope Now, he explores evangelism versus social ministry and works to tear down any existing walls that separate the joint biblical calling to meet both the spiritual and practical needs of people.

“The inspiration for this book flowed out of my own journey as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth,” said Dr. Reyes. “Somewhere along the line we built these walls between meeting the practical needs of people and meeting their spiritual needs. You had to choose between one or the other, a notion I reject. I believe these needs are two sides of the same coin, and in Hope Now I explain how both are not only doable but must be done.”

Hope Now offers encouragement for holistic ministry showing how and why evangelism can and should be combined with social ministry and social justice efforts. The book offers inspiration for all interested in serving others, especially social workers and those who work with senior adults, orphans and at-risk children.

“You are bringing Christ’s  kingdom near when you meet both the physical and spiritual needs of others,” said Dr. Reyes.

Dr. Reyes’s experiences from more than a decade with Buckner are apparent throughout the book, where he references some of the nonprofit’s programs designed to protect children and build strong families. These programs include foster care and adoption, family transition programs, community-based family preservation programs and retirement services for senior adults. Buckner also provides humanitarian aid and crisis relief to poverty-stricken children and families.

Each chapter of Hope Now includes questions for consideration and discussion.

About Iron Stream Media:
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. With this in mind, Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, ministry leaders and nonprofits ranging from in-depth Bible study curriculum and Christian book publishing to custom publishing and consultative services. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study brands, Iron Stream Media provides web-based full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles and discipleship curriculum. Learn more at IronStreamMedia.com.

About Dr. Albert L. Reyes:
Dr. Albert L. Reyes is the sixth president and CEO of Buckner International, a faith-based, global nonprofit organization founded in 1879 in Dallas, Texas. Buckner International focuses on helping vulnerable children, families and seniors. Dr. Reyes is a former pastor and delivers sermons and keynote speeches at conferences and special events. With two doctoral degrees, Dr. Reyes is a lifelong learner and leadership development proponent. He is the author of two books:  Jesus Agenda and his latest, Hope Now. Learn more at AlbertLReyes.com.

Information Contacts:
Christopher Ruth
Director of Media Relations
Buckner International
630-536-9139 (cell)
cruth@buckner.org
 
Meredith Dunn
Iron Stream Media
Meredith@IronStreamMedia.com

Palm Bay, FL: During the Awards Gala at the 2019 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference in San Antonio, Texas, ACFW announced its 2019 CAROL AWARD WINNERS for the best in Christian Fiction published in the previous calendar year. Also announced during the Awards Gala were winners of the Genesis Award for as-yet- unpublished-authors, and other significant honors within the Christian Fiction community.

Included was the ACFW 2019 Lifetime Achievement recognition, which was awarded to prolific author, Angela Hunt.

The ACFW 2019 Carol Award winners are:

Contemporary

• Where Hope Begins by Catherine West – HarperCollins Christian Publishing – Editors: Erin Healy and Becky Monds

Historical

• The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts – HarperCollins Christian Publishing – Editors: Jocelyn Bailey and Julee Schwarzburg

Historical Romance

• A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette – Bethany House (Baker) Publishing – Editors: Raela Schoenherr and Jennifer Veilleux

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

• The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright – Bethany House (Baker) Publishing – Editor: Raela Schoenherr and Luke Hinrichs

Novella

• MissTaken Identity; The MissAdventure Brides Collection by Kimberley Woodhouse – Barbour Publishing – Editors: Rebecca Germany and Ellen Tarver

Romance

• Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh – Tyndale House – Editors: Stephanie Broene and Shaina Turner

Romantic Suspense

• Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon – Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing – Editors: Kristin Kornoelje and Jennifer Leep

Short Novel

• The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter by Jill Lynn – Love Inspired (Harlequin) – Editor: Shana Asaro

Speculative

• Mark of the Raven; Book 1 of The Ravenwood Saga by Morgan L. Busse – Bethany House (Baker) Publishing – Editors: Dave Long and Jennifer Veilleux

Young Adult

• Fawkes by Nadine Brandes – HarperCollins Christian Publishing – Editor: Becky Monds

Debut Author

• The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin – Enclave Publishing – Editor: Steve Laube

The 2019 ACFW Genesis Award winners (unpublished) are:

• Contemporary— Amanda Everett for Where Lupines Bloom
• Historical— Kendy Pearson for Voice of Thunder
• Historical Romance— Renee Ann Smith for If Dreaming Could Bring You Home
• Mystery/Suspense/Thriller— Matt Aynes for The Reaping
• Novella— Erin Gingrich for If Not for the Train
• Romance— Becca Kinzer for Dear Henry, Love Edith
• Romantic Suspense— Angela Carlisle for Secondary Target
• Short Novel— Sami Abrams for Saving Jess
• Speculative— Tanara McCauley for Tainted
• Young Adult— Elizabeth Mertz for Through Deep Waters

ACFW’s 2019 Editor of the Year honor was awarded to Raela Schoenherr from Bethany House Publishers (Baker Publishing).

ACFW’s 2019 Agent of the Year honor was awarded to Linda Glaz from the Hartline Literary Agency.

As an expression of gratitude for exceptional contributions, ACFW awarded the following:

• 2019 Mentor of the Year: Luana Ehrlich
• 2019 Volunteer of the Year: Heather Tipton
• 2019 Member Service Award: Emilie Hendryx Haney

ACFW congratulates each of these honorees as it celebrates Christian Fiction and the influence of storytelling. ACFW’s annual conference is representative of its investment to empower Christian novelists by inspiring them to join with God in the creative process, training them in the craft, and educating them in the publishing industry.

For more information about ACFW, contact acfwrelations@acfw.com or www.acfw.com.

 

 

Palm Bay, FL: At the Milestones Celebration Dinner on the opening day of the 2019 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, ACFW recognized members receiving Milestone Pins for reaching significant milestones in their publishing careers. Milestone pins were first awarded in 2018 to 52 members.

In addition to those 2018 pin recipients, those present at the 2019 conference who have reached levels of at least 25, 50, 75, 100, or 100+ published books (traditional and/or Qualified Independently Published) were:

• James Scott Bell: 50
• Vannetta Chapman: 25
• Suzanne Woods Fisher: 25
• Connie Fitzmartin: 25
• Cynthia Hickey: 75
• Kristi Holl: 50
• Angela Hunt: 100+
• Nancy Naigle: 25
• Allie Pleiter: 50
• Cynthia Ruchti: 25

Also honored during the Milestones Celebration Dinner were ACFW members whose writing careers have included novels that have reached the NYTimes, USAToday, ECPA, CBA, or PW bestseller lists, or have reached the Top 100 overall in Amazon Kindle or Paperback (paid) excluding anthologies, or have sold 75,000 or more copies. At the 2019 ACFW conference Milestones Dinner, 45 Honor Roll authors were so honored.

• Rick Acker
• Christy Barritt
• James Scott Bell
• Misty M. Beller
• Lynn Blackburn
• Hallee Bridgeman
• Kristy Cambron
• Robin Caroll
• Vannetta Chapman
• Colleen Coble
• Brandilyn Collins
• Mary Connealy
• Connilyn Cossette
• Rachel Dylan
• Nancy J. Farrier
• Miralee Ferrell
• Suzanne Woods Fisher
• Rachel Hauck
• Cynthia Hickey
• Pam Hillman
• Angela Hunt
• Denise Hunter
• Kelly Irvin
• Sarah Ladd
• Dana R. Lynn
• Debbie Macomber
• Lee Tobin McClain
• DiAnn Mills
• Tamela Hancock Murray
• Nancy Naigle
• Jolene Navarro
• Cara Putman
• Tina Radcliffe
• Deborah Raney
• Cynthia Ruchti
• Carrie Stuart Parks
• Sarah Sundin
• Jen Turano
• Carrie Turansky
• Becky Wade
• Susan May Warren
• Gina Welborn
• Cheryl Williford
• Karen Witemeyer
• Kathleen Y’Barbo

ACFW congratulates each of these honorees and thanks them for their faithfulness in telling stories with impact.

For more information about ACFW, contact acfwrelations@acfw.com or www.acfw.com.