Posted by admin on Dec 9, 2009 in
News,
books,
publishers Make sure you check out Ambassador International’s sale. They’ve drastically lowered the price on five popular titles. Here are the details:
AND if you’re a fan of Christian Publishing on Facebook you’ll have access to a coupon code that will take EVEN MORE off your total during this awesome sale! So whether you need a gift for mom, dad, grandparents or kids, this sale will help you knock out some Christmas shopping without spending much money!
Tags: Ambassador International, book promotion, books, Christian books, selling books
Posted by admin on Jun 23, 2009 in
Authors,
News,
publishers 
On the latest episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8, the couple admitted they were splitting up. TLC announced that on June 22, the couple had filed for divorce, exactly ten years and ten days after they said “I do.” Christian publishing house Zondervan published two books by Kate Gosselin, Multiple Blessings and Eight Little Faces. A third book, Love is in the Mix, is schedule for release this fall. This is the description of Love is in the Mix:
If you enjoyed Multiple Blessings and Eight Little Faces, you won’t want to miss this inside look at one of America’s most famous close-knit families. Kate Gosselin shares recipes, traditions, photos, and more that will inspire you to make your family time more memorable and meaningful.
Christian publisher Zondervan, has received many negative comments about their involvement with the Gosselin family on the company’s blog. Many of the comments include requests to get the family help along with promises to never buy one of the Gosselin’s books. Others claim the company is deleting unflattering comments about Kate Gosselin and Zondervan.
The latest developments in the Gosselin’s marriage beg the question, what should Zondervan do? We have asked Zondervan for a statement, but so far we have not heard a response. What do you think?
Tags: author, Authors, book promotion, books, Christian book, Christian books, Christian publishing, Jon and Kate, Kate Gosselin, Zondervan
Posted by admin on Apr 22, 2009 in
Bestsellers,
books 
The #1 Bestseller in Christian Books
Here are the Christian bestsellers for April 2009 according to Publishers Weekly:
The Top 10 Fiction
1. The Shack.
William P. Young. Windblown.
2. Take One.
Karen Kingsbury. Zondervan.
3.Fireproof.
Eric Wilson. Thomas Nelson.
4. A Cousin’s Promise.
Wanda E. Brunstetter. Barbour.
5. Double Minds.
Terri Blackstock. Zondervan.
6. This Side of Heaven.
Karen Kingsbury. Hachette/Center Street.
7. Kiss.
Ted Dekker/Erin Healy. Thomas Nelson.
8. Blink of an Eye.
Ted Dekker. Thomas Nelson.
9. The Centurion’s Wife.
Davis Bunn/Janette Oke. Bethany House.
10. Against All Odds.
Irene Hannon. Revell.
Tags: Bestsellers, books, Christian book, Christian books, Christian writer, Religious books
Posted by admin on Mar 2, 2009 in
Marketing,
books NOTE: Don’t forget to leave your email address or contact info in your comment!!!
Christian Publishing Tips is excited to announce our SECOND Christian Book Giveaway! This time we are giving away two books published by Ambassador International. One winner will be among the first to receive a copy of the new release Welcome Home by Steve Lorch. This is a great book for anyone who is currently leading or interested in leading a small group. Here’s some additional information on Welcome Home:
Win a Copy of Welcome Home
Unlike anything you may have read before on the subject, Welcome Home is a uniquely practical and soundly theological guide to nearly every aspect of house churches and small groups. Whether you are an elder of a large congregation with hundreds of small groups, a house church pastor, a church planter, or anyone at all interested in home fellowships, this book is sure to be an encouraging help to your ministry.
By placing significant emphasis on developing leaders, Welcome Home maps out step-by-step ways to begin a house church ministry or to greatly improve existing small group programs. Drawing from solid, Biblical examples and over two decades of hands-on experience, “Welcome Home” sets a clear path for discipleship through home fellowships. The book also includes a CD containing various teaching outlines that may be printed freely for use as class materials.
The second winner will receive a copy of Our Lifeship: A Study in Proverbs for Women by Lynn Wallace. Lynn is an author and speaker who previously served as a missionary to Navajo Indians. You can read more about Lynn on her website. Here is a little more information about her book:
Win a Copy of Our Lifeship
Our life is a ship.
The helm steers the ship.
“Wise counsels” in Proverbs 1:5 comes from a word that speaks of the rope that guides the ship. Our Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, will enable us to guide our ship right as we stay in His Logbook, the Bible. In Our Lifeship several examples of Biblical characters and modern-day women are used. This book contains quotations from Proverbs and other Bible books. In the section, “Challenges Today’s Women Face,” the author interviewed several women over the phone to obtain ideas. This section brings it down to where we live. She closes each chapter with a challenge, “Give the Helm to Jesus.
This time, CPT is joining dozens of other book bloggers in giveaways through the Bookroom Reviews Book Giveaway Carnival. You can enter to win lots of other books this week, too! We will draw a winner on Saturday, March 7. The contest is open to anyone in the US. Just like last time you can enter up to THREE TIMES! Here’s how:
1. Leave a comment. Be sure to include your name and e-mail address so we can reach you if you’re the winner.
2. Include your twitter address in a comment and start following Christian Publishing Tips on Twitter (@ChristianPubTip). Make sure you send out a tweet about us and this contest. If you’re already following us just tweet about this giveaway.
3. Spread the word about this giveaway by linking to us. Leave us a comment with the link to your announcement. Make sure you include contact information in case you’re the winner.
Tags: Ambassador International, book giveaway, books, Christian books, contest, freebies, Lynn Wallace, Steve Lorch, win
Posted by admin on Mar 2, 2009 in
Authors,
Resources 
Searching for inspiration?
Do you ever find yourself blankly staring at your computer screen, longing for inspiration, feedback or help with your writing project? We’ve all been there. Here are some free online resources for authors. If you have others you like to use, please leave them in a comment below! We’d love to know what online resources you’re using.
Critiques
In case you’re wondering whether something you wrote is sensational or silly, try signing up for an account at FaithWriters.com. The free service allows you to post articles or works and request feedback on them. You can also network with other Christian writers in the forums.
Dictionary/Thesaurus
When we need help with spelling or coming up with new words we head to merriam-webster.com. It’s easy to use and extremely helpful.
Quick Research
If you need to do a little quick research try Enclyclopedia.com. The site includes data from 49 encyclopedias and 73 dictionaries and thesauruses. When you don’t want to take a trip to the library, this is a great site to check out. Refdesk.com is another one worth a visit. It brings a lot of websites and resources together in one place which makes searching easy for authors.
Miscellaneous Help
Need to figure out the best way to collect an outstanding payment? Wondering how to avoid scams? Check out WritersWeekly.com. It’s one of the most well-known freelance writing ezines in the world.
Design Inspiration
Needing a little inspiration for cover designs? Or maybe just motivation to keep working on that book? Head to BookCoverArchive.com and see books that look more like artwork. I don’t know about you but seeing a great cover is good motivation to finish writing.
Grammar
Have a grammar question? If your 10th grade English teacher isn’t available, try using online resources like Towson University’s Online Writing Support. They’ve even got a writing support hotline that allows you to submit your grammar question. Someone should respond within 24 hours.
Photo courtesy of Extra Ketchup
Tags: books, Christian author, Christian writer, dictionary, free resources, grammar, writing resources
Posted by admin on Feb 26, 2009 in
Bestsellers,
News,
books Here are the bestsellers in the Christian Marketplace according to Publishers Weekly.
Hardcover
1. Love and Respect.
Emerson Eggerichs. Thomas Nelson.
2. Uncommon.
Tony Dungy. Tyndale House.
3. What in the World Is Going On?
David Jeremiah. Thomas Nelson.
4. Have a New Kid by Friday.
Kevin Leman. Revell/Baker.
5. Total Money Makeover.
Dave Ramsey. Thomas Nelson.
6. Same Kind of Different as Me.
Ron Hall & Denver Moore. Thomas Nelson.
7. Kiss.
Ted Dekker & Erin Healy. Thomas Nelson.
8. 50 Days of Heaven.
Randy C. Alcorn. Tyndale House.
9. Jesus Calling.
Sarah Young. Thomas Nelson.
10. Cracking the Communication Code.
Emerson Eggerichs. Thomas Nelson.
Paperback
1. The Love Dare.
Stephen & Alex Kendrick. B&H.
2. The Shack.
William P. Young. Windblown.
3. The Five Love Languages.
Gary Chapman. Moody.
4. Fireproof Your Marriage—Participant’s Guide.
Jennifer Dion. Outreach.
5. Fireproof.
Eric Wilson. Thomas Nelson.
6. This Side of Heaven.
Karen Kingsbury. Center Street.
7. Crazy Love.
Francis Chan. David C. Cook.
8. My Utmost for His Highest.
Oswald Chambers & James Reimann. Barbour.
9. 90 Minutes in Heaven.
Don Piper. Baker.
10. Quiet Strength.
Tony Dungy. Tyndale House.
Tags: Authors, Bestsellers, books, christian bestsellers, Christian books, Thomas Nelson
Posted by admin on Feb 17, 2009 in
News,
books We all know there’s a lot of competition out there, but how much does the cover of a book impact a readers’ decision to purchase? According to the United Nations Educations Scientific and Cultural organization, the number of new books published in the US has more than doubled since 1996, with 172,000 new titles published in 2005. That means the cover plays even more importance in getting your book to stand out from the crowded shelves of competition. It’s fairly obvious that yes, people do judge a book by the cover. In fact Christian publisher Bethany House is asking you to judge a cover for a new book.
In an e-mail newsletter recently sent out by Bethany House, Internet Marketing Manager Jim Hart writes,
We at Bethany House Publishers appreciate our readers’ opinions about the books we publish. Occasionally, we seek your input about upcoming products. Currently, we are conducting a survey about possible covers for an upcoming book.
Readers are asked to choose between two possible covers of “Closer: Devotions to Draw Couples Together.”
Closer Cover Option 1
Closer Cover Option 2
The survey simply asks two questions about each title:
- Does this look like a book you would be willing to give as a gift?
- How likely would you be to pick this book up at a bookstore (shopping for yourself)?
Polling readers on possible book cover options seems like a great idea to involve them in the publishing process and give them an advanced look at an upcoming release.
If you would like to take part in Bethany House Publishers’ book cover survey visit the website. It only takes a couple of minutes and who knows– maybe your choice will be the winner.
Tags: Bethany House, book cover, books, Christian books, Christian publisher, cover design, publisher
Posted by admin on Feb 2, 2009 in
News,
books Christian publishers in the US are likely feeling impacted by the recession, but think about what it would be like to be a Christian publisher in a country like China. The Global Publishers Alliance (GPA), assists Christian publishers in developing countries to become self-sustaining so they can produce Christian books and resources in their own languages using cultural contexts. For the next two years, much of the funding from GPA will go towards training authors, publishers and distributors of Christian materials in China.
You can be a part of this amazing initiative by participating in the 17th Annual GPA Invitational Golf Tournament scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2009 in Dallas. The event is held in conjunction with the Christian Book Expo and costs $300. For more information on how you can get in the game, visit ECPA.org.
Tags: books, Christian Book Expo, Christian Publishers, GPA, publishing
Posted by admin on Jan 14, 2009 in
Authors,
Marketing 
Loosen up and be yourself!
Last year Christian publisher Ambassador International started e-mail marketing campaigns. The idea was to give our customers a more personal look at some of our authors with hopes that it would intrigue some of them to buy their books. We extended an invitation to our authors to write something about themselves and about their book. Our authors are incredible writers and can communicate God’s word beautifully– but we wondered if they would have a hard time getting personal with readers. So we created this list of tips to help authors write about their books in an engaging, personal way. Whether you’re writing a blog entry, sending out an e-mail or just telling people about your book, here are a few tips that will help you open up.
Write Like You Talk
Sure you’re an expert at grammar. You probably aced that class. But when it comes to letting people see the “real” you, make sure you write as simply and clearly as you speak. Even with the help of that word-a-day calendar we got for Christmas, you and I both use fairly simple words when we communicate verbally. Do the same when you’re writing. And always use first person.
Tell A Story
Did something happen to you recently that reminded you why you wrote your book? Were you encouraged or discouraged by an event that a lot of people might relate to? Try bringing together your personal life with your book and when people relate they’ll be more apt to want to read it.
Teach Something
People love learning new tidbits of information that they can bring up at the water cooler or share around the dinner table. Give them something to talk about. Use a shocking statistic or a crazy story to get them talking and soon they’ll be talking about your book.
Reveal Your Faults
We already know you’re not perfect. Nobody is, right? So don’t try to come across that way. Revealing a fault or something you’re struggling with makes you seem real to us and may intrigue us to read your book.
Make It Timely
Try tying a world event or a top news story into your book topic. Did you write about parenting? Find the big story of the day about something a mom in Chicago did. Is your book about finding peace with God? There’s plenty of stories about parts of the world fighting for peace. By tying your book to a current event it will seem more relevant.
Share Your Inspiration
Do you know how many people dream of writing a book? A lot. But you actually did it! Tell us why and how! What was your motivation and your inspiration? What kept you from giving up after page four? The topic of your book must mean a lot to you– now tell us why!
Photo courtesy of Nicolecolecole
Tags: Authors, book promotion, books, publishing, selling, writing
Posted by admin on Jan 12, 2009 in
Marketing,
News,
Uncategorized In honor of our launch, we have set up the Christian Book Giveaway! Here’s your chance to win prizes valued at over $60! You could add several new titles to your Christian book library just by entering. Here’s how you do that:
1. Leave a comment. Be sure to include your name and e-mail address so we can reach you if you’re the winner.
2. Include your twitter address in a comment and start following Christian Publishing Tips on Twitter (@ChristianPubTip). If you’re the winner we’ll notify you through Twitter.
3. Spread the word about this giveaway. Leave us a comment with the link to your announcement or tell us how you spread the word. Make sure you include contact information in case you’re the winner.
4. Do all of these and you’ll be entered three times! Do two of them and you’ll be entered twice! Do one and you’ll be entered… once! We will conduct the drawing on February 1.
So what do you win? The first place winner will get their choice of three of the following new releases from Ambassador International. (The runner-up will win two books of their choice from the selection below.)
Esther: Reflections of an Unexpected Life
A remnant of Jews living in a heathen country . . .
A young orphan being raised by her God-fearing cousin . . .
A self absorbed king in search of a new queen . . .
A Jewish woman rising to the throne of Persia . . .
A book of the Bible which makes no mention to the name of God . . .
Random? Surprising? Chance? Maybe at first glance, but upon closer study of Esther’s life, you’ll find that nothing is unexpected to the God who knows the beginning from the end.
Through easily applicable Biblical truths, interwoven with personal and heartfelt stories, Jennifer brings a contemporary relevance to Esther’s extraordinary story. Join Esther on her journey to the throne of Persia and beyond. You’ll not only discover what powerful deeds God was able to accomplish through the unexpected turns that her life took — you’ll discover what He desires to do in the unexpected turns in your life today!
Knowing God Through Prayer
Knowing God through Prayer—the Plan Jesus Gave is a study of the world’s most famous prayer, the Lord’s Prayer (also known as the Model Prayer or Our Father), based on the premise that Jesus would not have told us to pray a prayer that didn’t work, but that each line of the prayer was meant to bring about answered prayer and real communication with God. Real-life examples of answered prayer illustrate the practical truths found in Jesus’ words. A Prayer Guide is included to “jump-start” the reader’s prayer life.
Songs of the Vineyard
This little book of meditations on Isaiah is about history: past, present, and future. It is about people, Jews and Gentiles, and it is about God and our relationship to Him. It is a book of judgment and apocalyptic themes as well as care and restoration. It is a book of facts and principles that can be applied to our lives. It is my hope and prayer that it will stimulate your heart, mind, and soul to seek out the Word of God to have an even closer relationship with Christ.
Time-Out for Tired Moms
Mom, Are You Tired?
Tired of Laundry!
Tired of Multi-tasking!
Tired of Boys Belching in the Backseat of Your Mini-Van!
Have you ever sent your kids to their rooms for a Time-Out and wondered…When is it MY TURN?! Well, Today it is finally Your Turn to GO TO YOUR ROOM! Time-Out for Tired Moms is a devotional that gives you the break from the chaos of kids that you rightfully deserve. Eight distinctive Time-Out categories highlight creative ways you can incorporate time-out into the everydayness of Mothering. Daily Devotionals lighten your load while drawing you closer to God, the true refresher of a Mother’s soul!
So sit back and enjoy!
Today Mom, it is finally Your Turn to GO TO YOUR ROOM!
Three Men of Destiny
They were a gallant and fearless trio of men, hewn from the same genealogical and cultural stick that was rooted back across the Atlantic Ocean in lowland Scotland and in north-east Ireland (the province of Ulster) a century and more before they were born as first American citizens in what was then the outer ring of the Western frontier.
The families of all three, folk with antecedents in lowland Scotland, had taken the arduous and dangerous passage across the Atlantic from Ulster in the mid-18th century in the daunting quest for freedom and a new life and opportunity in the American colonies.
How truly remarkable it was that from this momentous trail-blazing emigration journey, that within a very short period of time, the Jackson, Houston and Crockett names were being carved with enormous pride across this great expanse of land that stretches from sea to shining sea in the United States of America.
Tags: books, Christian publishing, freebies, giveaway, prizes, win
