Cross-referenced with the Chicago Manual of Style (15th edition), this little guide will be a welcome resource for all Christian writers and editors.

An essential tool for writers, editors, proofreaders, designers, copywriters, production managers, and marketers too.The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style is an essential tool not only for writers of religious materials, but for their editors, proofreaders, designers, copywriters, production managers, and even marketers. Rather than simply repeating style information commonly available in standard references, this newly updated and expanded edition includes points of grammar, punctuation, usage, book production and design, and written style that are often overlooked in other manuals. It focuses on information relating to the unique needs and demands of religious publications, such as discussions on how to correctly quote the Bible, how to capitalize and use common religious terms, and how to abbreviate the books of the Bible and other religious words. Also included are rarely found items such as:• an author’s guide to obtaining permissions• guidelines for using American, British, and Mid-Atlantic styles• discussions of inclusive language, profanity, and ethnic sensitivities• discussions of Internet and computer-related language style• a list of problem words• style issues regarding words from major world religions• a discussion of handling brand names in text• a list of common interjections• issues of type design, paper, copy-fitThis edition has been completely updated since the 1988 edition and contains more than twice as much information as the previous edition. This is the most detailed and comprehensive guide of its kind.

The standard style guide of the Christian publishing industry, The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, 4th Edition, compiled by veteran Zondervan editor Robert Hudson, contains clear guidance on style questions related to religious writing, including many topics not addressed in other references or online. Nearly half of this fourth revision is made up of new material, including information about turning blogs into books, the effects of digital media on writing, “adverbial doubles,” “vanishing accents,” word-choice strategies, endorser guidelines, and much more. It also contains an all-new “Word List” which makes up more than a third of the book. The most needful information remains—entries on capitalization, abbreviation, citations, fictional dialogue, and more—but it has all been updated to keep pace with changes in English language usage. This fourth edition also corresponds with The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition (2010), though it isn’t afraid to chart new territory where that reference is unhelpful on issues of religious writing. Comprehensive yet easy-to-use, The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, 4th Edition, is a go-to resource for Christian authors, pastors, teachers, copy writers, editors, proofreaders, publishing and ministry professionals, executive assistants, and students—anyone who writes or edits as a part of their work or study—and for grammar aficionados everywhere.

An insider's view of Christian publishing that addresses topics that include agents, editors, industry trends, developing a book proposal, and more.

The Resource Guide to Getting Published A unique guide to publishing for Christian readers, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide 2008 offers the most proven and comprehensive collection of ideas, resources, and contact information to the industry. For more than twenty years, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has delivered indispensable help to Christian writers, from a CD-ROM of the full text of the book so you can easily search for topics, publishers, and other specific names; to up-to-date listings of more than 1,200 markets for books, articles, stories, poetry, and greeting cards, including forty-three new book publishers, fifty-one new periodicals, and fifteen new literary agencies. Perfect for writers in every phase, this is the resource you need to get noticed–and published. “An indispensable tool. The reference you have to buy.” Writers’ Journal “Essential for anyone seeking to be published in the Christian community.” The Midwest Book Review “Stands out from the rest with its wealth of information and helpful hints.” Book Reviews for Church Librarians Completely updated and revised the Guide features more than… 1,200 markets for the written word * 675 periodicals * 405 book publishers * 240 poetry markets * 114 card and specialty markets * 37 e-book publishers * 120 literary agents * 332 photography markets * 98 foreign markets * 98 newspapers * 53 print-on-demand publishers * writers’ conferences and groups * pay rates and submission guidelines * more resources and tools for all types of writing and related topics.

At last—a resource for librarians who wish to build or develop their nonfiction collection and use it to better serve the needs of adult Christian readers. Covering the three major branches of Christianity (Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox), the author organizes more than 600 titles into subject categories ranging from biography, the arts, and education, to theology, devotion, and spiritual warfare. Award-winning classics are noted. Introductory narrative frames the literature, and helps librarians better understand Christian literature; and learn how to establish selection criteria for building a Christian nonfiction collection.

For more than 25 years, The Christian Writer’s Market Guide has been the most comprehensive and highly recommended resource available for Christian writers, agents, editors, publishers, publicists, and writing teachers. Wherever an author is at on the spectrum of writing—from beginner to seasoned professional—this book will help them find what they are looking for. This is the must-have tool for getting noticed and published and the ultimate reference tool for the aspiring Christian writer. Detailed listings for more than 180 book publishers, subsidy publishers, and self-publishers Detailed listings for more than 170 periodicals by category with rates of pay Detailed listings for literary agencies, writing contests, conferences, workshops, editorial services, and writers’ groups Extensive information on electronic and print-on-demand publishing 100 bonus pages filled with a wealth of how-to information, ideas, and tips

They say there's nothing new under the sun, and the Christian fiction industry certainly didn't spring full blown with the advent of the Left Behindseries in 1996. Remember Christyby Catherine Marshall? Published in 1967, its inspiration was the life of Marshall's mother - and the Christy Award, presented annually since 1999 to recognize novelists and novels in several categories of Christian fiction, was named after it. What makes Christian fiction? There are several givens, despite the subgenres- the Christian worldview must be woven throughout both the book's plot and its character development. But must it put proselytizing before telling a good story? How much sex - if any! - is okay in a Christian romance? Is it all right to approach edgy subjects in a Christian mystery? Is it possible to seamlessly integrate a Christian message in a crackling good yarn? In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian FictionRon Benrey - himself the author of successful Christian fiction - offers readers chapter and verse of writing Christian women's, romance, thrillers and mysteries, warfare, historical, biblical, speculative, and young adult fiction that deliver strong, inspirational messages and sell!

Now updated for 2009 comes one of the most comprehensive marketing resources for Christian writers, with information on agents, editors, publisher guidelines, specialty markets, and more.

With over 300 quotations, this book invites the reader to delve into the writings of the great contemplatives and mystics of the past two thousand years. The Little Book of Christian Mysticism provides a user-friendly, insightful, and potentially life-changing introduction to the essential teachings of the greatest mystics in the western wisdom traditions, past and present, including Francis of Assisi, Hildegard of Bingen, Thomas Merton, Evelyn Underhill, Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Julian of Norwich. Readers can use this book to initiate themselves into this visionary and ecstatic spiritual lineage, and they can also use it as a book of daily meditations. Small enough to fit in one's pocket or handbag, this is truly a user-friendly introduction to this venerable body of wisdom.