For Immediate Release – April 17, 2026

The Christy Award Comes to Nashville on November 6

One Day. Two Signature Events. All In Person.

Registration Now Open for a Full Day of Inspiration, Learning, and Celebration

CHANDLER, Ariz. — April 17, 2026 — The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is pleased to announce that The Christy Award® will be held in person this year in Nashville, Tennessee, bringing together the Christian fiction community for a dynamic, one-day experience featuring two signature events: Art of Writing Conference and The Christy Award Gala.

Registration is now open at TheChristyAward.com.

Taking place at the Sonesta Nashville Airport Hotel, this highly anticipated gathering invites authors, publishers, agents, and readers to come together for a day centered on creativity, craft, and the enduring power of faith-filled storytelling. Attendees can expect a thoughtfully curated all-day experience designed to inspire, equip, and celebrate the Christian fiction community, throughout the day of Friday, November 6 with these events:

Grow Your Craft: THE ART OF WRITING CONFERENCE | 12:00–5:00 PM

The afternoon begins with the Art of Writing Conference, a focused, high-impact event for writers and publishing professionals.

Curated by Laura Wheeler, Senior Acquisitions Editor at Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins Christian Publishing), the conference features four sessions exploring key “pulse points” shaping today’s Christian fiction landscape.

With more than fifteen years of experience, Wheeler brings deep expertise across genres including romance, Southern fiction, women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction—guiding authors in crafting compelling stories that resonate with readers.

Designed for:

Aspiring and established authors
Storytellers refining their craft
Publishing professionals and industry insiders
Anyone passionate about Christian fiction

Attendees will gain practical insights, industry perspective, and meaningful connections to move their writing and publishing journeys forward.

Add-On: BEYOND THE BOOK – GET TO KNOW THE AUTHORS | 10:00 AM

Start the day with an exclusive networking opportunity. This optional add-on event offers attendees the chance to connect with authors in a relaxed, conversational setting. Available during registration.

Celebrate the Story: THE CHRISTY AWARD GALA | 7:00 PM

The evening culminates in The Christy Award Gala, a premier celebration honoring excellence in Christian fiction.

Hosted by Chris Fabry, award-winning author and radio host, the gala will feature a keynote address from Michelle Shocklee, recipient of the Christy Book of the Year for All We Thought We Knew (Tyndale House).

Continuing Christy tradition, awards in nine fiction categories plus The Christy Book of the Year and the Amplify Award, will be presented by recent honorees including Amanda Cox, Nicole Deese, Amanda Dykes, J.J. Fischer, Amanda Wright, and other distinguished 2025 winners—bridging past and present excellence in storytelling.

This unforgettable evening celebrates the power of faith in story, bringing together the full spectrum of the Christian publishing community.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Bundle & Save: The Best Deal
Early Bird Bundle (Conference + Gala): $149
(After September 16: $179)

Single Event Pricing
Art of Writing Conference: $119
Christy Award Gala Dinner: $99

Add-On
Beyond the Book: Author Reception (10 AM): $29

Partner Events:

ECPA PubU: Publishers attending ECPA PubU at the same Nashville hotel on November 4-5 can select the Art of Writing Conference as part of their registration and add the Gala Dinner separately. (PubU registration will open next month.)

Read Write Rendezvous: Attendees registered for the Read Write Rendezvous (organized by JustRead Publicity Tours) in Nashville on November 7 can receive $10 off Christy event registration with a discount code.

The finalists in each category will be revealed via webinar on Friday, September 18 at 11 AM (Central). Registration details are coming soon.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

Whether you are a published author or publisher, a write developing your first manuscript, navigating the publishing landscape, or simply passionate about Christian storytelling, The Christy Award in Nashville is a can’t-miss event.

Register now and be part of a day dedicated to craft, community, and celebration.

ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) is an international non-profit trade organization made up of member companies involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities for members to more effectively deliver transformational content. ECPA programs include The Christy Award®, the Christian Book Award®, the ECPA Christian Bestseller lists, Milestone Sales Awards, and industry training and networking events. ECPA.org.

The Christy Award® has honored and promoted excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, recognizing stories that illuminate faith, inspire hope, and reflect the richness of the human experience through storytelling.
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Media Contacts:
Jeff Crosby, ECPA President — jcrosby@ecpa.org, 630-989-0222
Cindy Carter, ECPA Awards Manager — ccarter@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 x806

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