September 14, 2020 Edition

ECPA releases September Christian Bestseller lists

The Christian bestseller lists for September are posted in 10 categories including Nonfiction and Fiction; juvenile; Bibles; Spanish; and New Releases.  Eight new releases made the Top 50 list.

View the lists.

Christian Book Award® submissions:  Two more weeks at reduced rates

The submission period for the 2021 Christian Book Award program is now open in 12 categories until September 30 for books published between October 2019 and October 2020.  This year, ECPA reduced the cost for submissions for publishers. For more information, visit the Christian Book Awards website.

First 100 to register for Art of Writing webinar series to receive Christy Celebration Kit

The first 100 registrants for the Art of Writing webinar series will receive an exclusive Christy Award® Celebration Kit to arrive before the November 12th Winners Webcast, including a surprise finalist book, a few party treats, and other fun customized goodies to help you celebrate in style. The five-part Art of Writing webinar series will occur on Thursdays, from October 8 to November 5 and is priced at $79 for the full bundle, including recordings. The Christy Award finalist reveal and winners webcasts on October 8 and November 12 respectively are free, but registration is required.

Register.

Editorial panel on Diversity & Inclusion kicks off week three of PubU Online

What is the role of editorial in securing a more diverse and inclusive Christian publishing industry?  A robust conversation with Ed Gilbreath (IVP), Patnacia Goodman (Bethany House) and Ashley Hong (Random House), was moderated by Dr. Theon Hill with many key take-aways about recruiting and retaining editors of color, and their crucial role in the future of publishing.  Gilbreath stated that Christian publishers need to be intentional about building diversity & inclusion values into their mission; make it a priority; and build accountability around their progress.  Patnacia and Ashley encouraged other publishing professionals of color to speak up boldly and to seek out mentors.

Three more live webinars will commence this week in marketing, editorial, and production – as well as continued on-demand master classes and the opportunity to view the recordings of webinars already conducted. PubU Online will continue for almost 3 more weeks, concluding on October 1st with a plenary session that will feature the 2020 Top Shelf Book Cover Design Awards, followed by a special presentation by award-winning author and artist Ruth Chou Simons on “Art That Heals in a Time of Crisis.”

It’s not too late to register and receive the recordings of the webinars you missed in the last two weeks and participate in the webinars and discussions in the coming three!  REGISTER

ECPA presents Gold Award to “The Hideaway” for 500,000 sales milestone

ECPA recently presented a Gold Award to Thomas Nelson, recognizing 500,000 in sales for “The Hideaway” by Lauren K. Denton.  The title was Denton’s debut novel published in April 2017 which received Gold Award status in March of this year.  Congratulations!

More on the ECPA Milestone Sales Award program

Bible Gateway interviews Jared Byas, author of “Love Matters More”

What does the Bible mean when it instructs us to “speak the truth in love”? Does a biblically based Christian life mean you have all the answers? What should it look like for Christians to love their neighbors deeply and authentically? How is truth lived out in love in practical ways every day? Is what we believe less important than how we believe it? Bible Gateway interviewed Jared Byas (@jbyas) about his book, “Love Matters More: How Fighting to Be Right Keeps Us from Loving Like Jesus” (Zondervan, 2020).

Read this interview.

Musician and author of “Once A Shooter” TJ Stevens on Jesus Calling Podcast

Singer/songwriter TJ Stevens recently joined the Jesus Calling Podcast to share how after an abusive childhood and several suicide attempts, TJ walked into his Virginia high school with a gun, filled with a darkness driving him to do things he’d have never thought possible. But when TJ was on his knees in desperation, he felt God moving him toward a different outcome. As TJ says, “It’s never too late to turn around and do the right thing.” Stevens’ book, “Once A Shooter,” is available from Salem Books.

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