Palm Bay, FL: The 2023 American Christian Fiction Writers conference at St. Louis, Missouri’s Hyatt Regency at the Arch included the much-anticipated Awards Gala spotlighting this year’s Christian fiction industry awards.
Author, instructor, and writing craft resource expert James Scott Bell was honored with ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award. ACFW CEO Colleen Coble notes that “James Scott Bell has influenced so many experienced and up-and-coming authors in their careers. His engaging teaching and communications skills complement his devotion to our craft.”

Carol Award winners, left to right:
Becky Wade
Sara Brunsvold
Joanna Davidson Politano
Hallee Bridgeman
Janyre Tromp
Carrie Stuart Parks
Photo by Emilie Haney of EAH Creative
Among other recognitions, congratulations are due these Carol Award winning authors for taking top honors in their category along with their publishing houses and editors.
Contemporary
The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen; Kregel Publications; Editors Dori DeVries Harrell and Janyre Tromp
Historical
The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editors Barbara Barnes and Vicki Crumpton
Historical Romance
Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group); Editors Luke Hinrichs and Jessica Sharpe
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks; Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins); Editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healey
Novella
While Mortals Sleep (O Little Town collection) by Janyre Tromp; Kregel Publications; Editor Christina Tarabochia
Romance
Turn to Me by Becky Wade; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group); Editors Sarah Long and Raela Schoenherr
Romantic Suspense
Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editors Vicki Crumpton and Jessica English
Short Novel
Hunted in the Wilderness by Kellie VanHorn; Love Inspired (Harlequin); Editor Dina Davis
Speculative
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck; Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media); Editor Reagen Reed
Young Adult
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes; Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins); Editor Becky Monds
Debut Author
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editor Rachel McRae

Steve Laube, Editor of the Year
Brandilyn Collins, The Martha Rogers Member Service Award
James Scott Bell, The 2023 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award
Rachel Hauck, ACFW’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year
Photo by Emilie Haney of EAH Creative
ACFW congratulates the winners of the 2023 Genesis Contest for as yet unpublished Christian fiction:
Contemporary–Leslie DeVooght – The Heartfelt Formula
Historical–Jacinta Meredith – A Picture of the Past
Historical Romance–Erin Mifflin – A Child So Fair
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller–Cindy Rieke – In the Name of Treason
Romance–Lisa Kelley – Last Wish for Tomorrow
Romantic Suspense–Elaine Clampitt – High Altitude Abduction
Speculative–Andra Loy – Inverse
Young Adult–Andra Loy – Echo of Secrets
Also announced during the Awards Gala were the following:
Agent of the Year–Steve Laube (The Steve Laube Agency)
Editor of the Year–Becky Monds (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Volunteer of the Year–Rachel Hauck
Mentor of the Year–Tari Faris
The Martha Rogers Member Service Award–Brandilyn Collins
Special thanks to the contest coordinators: Genesis—Teresa Haugh, Carol Award—Gabrielle Meyer, ACFW Contests Administrator—Robert Turner, and to the judges, assistants, and ACFW staff.
ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. Its mission is to “help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.”
For more information about ACFW: https://www.acfw.com/
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 15, 2023) — Forefront Books, a Nashville-based independent book publisher, has announced the hiring of Becky Nesbitt as Publisher of her own imprints and Associate Publisher for Forefront Books. Nesbitt most recently was Editorial Director and Executive Editor at Penguin Random House.
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (Aug. 3, 2023) – Dr. Emily Smith, global health expert and creator of the popular Facebook page Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist, encourages readers to change the world through the simple act of loving their neighbor in her new book, The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors (Zondervan, Oct. 24, 2023).
(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, children are experiencing an increase of anxiety and depression at unprecedented levels. The challenges they encounter and feelings they experience can be overwhelming, leaving their hearts in need of comfort, and parents searching for resources to help their children cope and heal.
Iron Stream Media (ISM) is excited to announce two winners at the Golden Scroll and Christian Market awards. Awards were announced at the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) banquet on August 6, 2023.
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 toanother. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of Iron Stream, Iron Stream Fiction, Iron Stream Harambee Press, Iron Stream Kids, and Brookstone Publishing Group. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year, and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.
August 16, 2023 — This week marks the release of The CSB Life Counsel Bible—a collaborative effort between Holman Bibles and New Growth Press. The project is unique in how it was designed to explore practical biblical wisdom on everyday topics, and it was also brought to life to assist readers in navigating today’s complex cultural and mental health challenges.
“Rising rates of mental health struggles, moral confusion, deconstruction of faith—we live in an unsettling and often scary world,” said Barbara Miller-Juliani, Vice President at New Growth Press. “For The Life Counsel Bible, New Growth Press has assembled an experienced, thoughtful, full-of-grace team of biblical counselors who unpack the living truth of the Scripture and apply it to our modern struggles, sorrows, and failings. Pastors and counselors will find direction in how to apply Scripture to their counselees. Parents will be helped to apply God’s Word to their children’s struggles. Husbands and wives will learn about true love. And all will be pointed to Christ—the one who is the only soul anchor that will hold us fast in the storms of life.”
(August 16, 2023 — COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – David C Cook recently promoted Chris Baggett to Chief Marketing Officer. Baggett previously served as VP of Marketing for the Christian book, curriculum, and music publishing company. Baggett will lead marketing for both
WESTMONT, IL—
Carol Stream, Ill. — (August 17, 2023) —
(Nashville, Tenn.) August 14, 2023 – Influential podcaster, highly sought after speaker, and content creator Tim Ross has signed a two-book deal with Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The first book is slated to release in February 2024 and will be a reimagined version of Ross’s 2020 bestseller, Upset the World. Packed with fresh perspectives and accessible, actionable advice, this publication aims to empower readers to upset the monotony of the mundane and enter into the powerful, authentic, upside-down life of the Kingdom of God.




