To be considered for publication, send a proposal and 3 to 5 sample chapters. These chapters should be drawn from the part of your book that represents its most important contribution. Your proposal should be clearly typed and double spaced. It should include:

• a brief synopsis
• a description of your religious background, writing experience, and/or educational credentials
• a letter of recommendation from a published writer with whom you are acquainted (optional)
• your intended audience
• the purpose of your book
• an estimate of the book length
• a SASE (except with poetry submissions)

      If you do not send return postage, your material will be discarded and you will not receive a response to your submission. Please do not send proposals for unfinished manuscripts. Before submitting a proposal, it is recommended that you read at least one of our books in the category in which you are writing. Keep a copy of your manuscript, as we cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged submissions. Due to staff limitations, we cannot offer a critique of your manuscript.

Fiction
      We accept book-length fiction and short stories. A Christian message is not necessary, but it should reflect a Christian worldview, and have a point. No sex scenes. We are looking for a good story, not a good sermon. We are also looking for literary fiction more than popular fiction. We have not published much fiction but are presently looking for insightful, compelling writing. Both adult fiction and childrenšs fiction are welcome.

Nonfiction
      We are looking for well-documented nonfiction which addresses relevant social issues or ministry issues.

      Send fiction and nonfiction proposals to Submissions Editor.

Poetry
      We publish poetry which has a fresh perspective and uses inventive, non-cliche language. All forms of poetry are accepted, but no epic poetry. Our emphasis is on modern poetry styles.We are currently collecting material for an anthology. Send a sample of your poetry and we will request more if interested. We are not publishing individual poetry books or chapbooks at present.

Do not send a SASE with poetry.

Please send only copies of your work as it will not be returned. Letters of rejection will not be sent out for poetry submissions. We will only reply to works we wish to publish.

      Send poetry to Poetry Editor.

JUST SO YOU KNOW
      We are not looking for end-time books, recovery books, how-to manuals, tracts, coloring books, craft books, cookbooks, Sunday school curricula, or high school textbooks.
      

Tips
      Investigate a need in the book marketplace and target that need.
      Be well-informed and well-read.

Books we recommend reading:

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
Renni Browne and Dave King (ISBN 0-06-272046-5)
Buy it. Read it. Read it again. One of the best resources a writer could ever own, whether writing fiction or nonfiction.

The Elements of Style
William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White
Should be read by every writer every year!

The Chicago Manual of Style : The Essential Guide for Writers,Editors, and Publishers (14th Edition)
The book for getting a manuscript in tip-top shape for publication. Even at 921 pages, it is a lean, mean, editing machine.

Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (10th Edition)
Essential volume for getting it (or any other word) spelled right.

Creative Writing for People Who Can't Not Write
Kathryn Lindskoog
Inspiring work that will help get you on the right writing road.

Inside Religious Publishing: A Look Behind the Scenes
Leonard George Goss and Don M. Aycock (ISBN 0-310-35861-2)
Good overview of the Christian publishing world. Currently out of print.

Books: From Writer to Reader
Howard Greenfeld
An introduction to every step of book publishing. The technological chapters are dated, but the rest of the information is extremely helpful in understanding what it takes to publish a book. Out of print, and can be hard to find; check your local library.

Food for thought: Ask yourself why does this idea need to be in print for thousands of people to see? Could it be better served with say a website or a blog?

Then send Submissions to: